What can you do in Norway in winter if you don't ski?
Snow, ice and Arctic activities for visitors who do not ski.
Short answer
Without skis you can still go dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating or sledging in a Norwegian winter, or join a northern lights or whale safari in the north. Most cities and towns have outdoor skating rinks, many ski resorts have sledge slopes, and saunas with a dip in the fjord are spreading across the country.
Why
- Visit Norway notes that outdoor skating rinks are found in most cities and towns, and that many ski resorts have sledge slopes.
- Whale safaris above the Arctic Circle look for humpbacks and orcas, and Visit Tromsø gives the whale watching season as November to January.
- Visit Norway gives the northern lights season as late August to late March, and Northern Norway is dark from the afternoon until late morning.
Details
Fatbiking is offered in Geilo, Lillehammer, Trysil and Nesbyen in Eastern Norway and in Alta in Northern Norway. In Finnmark you can ride a reindeer sleigh, and in the Dovrefjell mountains you can join a musk ox safari. Kicksleds can be rented at many tourist offices and rental centres, and Geilo and Hurdal even hold kicksledding championships.
Tip
Do not walk or ice fish on frozen lakes, rivers or fjords until a guide or local has confirmed that the ice is safe.
What may differ
What you can do depends on the region: whale safaris and reindeer sleigh rides are found in the north, while coastal areas have relatively mild and wet winters with snow mainly in the mountains.
People also ask
- What can you do in winter in Norway without skiing?
Sources
- Visit Norway: Fun things to do without skisChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Northern lightsChecked at:
- Visit TromsøChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Seasons and climateChecked at:
Information checked on 15 October 2026.
Winter holidays and ice hotels in NorwayRelated questions
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What does 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing' mean in Norway?
The saying means that bad weather is no reason to stay indoors, because the right clothes let you enjoy being outside in rain, wind or cold.
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Do I need sunscreen in Norway?
Yes, you need sunscreen in Norway, especially in spring and summer, on snow in the mountains and on the water, where reflection makes UV radiation stronger.
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Do I need ice grips (brodder) on my shoes in a Norwegian winter?
Ice grips, called brodder in Norwegian, are worth packing for a winter trip, because temperatures around freezing often leave pavements and paths icy.
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What shoes should I bring to Norway?
Bring sturdy shoes that handle rain and rough paths, and in winter warm boots with room for wool socks and a good grip on ice.