🌧️ Plan B for a stormy day: things to do in Norway when the sea is closed
The weather in Norway can be a bit unpredictable, and sometimes storms mean that fishermen and tourists have to stay on land. But that's no reason to be bored! Hey, I totally get it, we all want to have a great day out while also getting to know the local culture and nature, and I've got some super interesting and affordable activities that I think you'll love.
⚓️ I would absolutely love it if you could visit the lovely coastal shipping and maritime museums!
Why not learn about Norway's maritime traditions by visiting one of the local maritime museums?
- The Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Museum is a place like no other, and it's right here in the lovely town of Stokmarknes.
Come and discover the history of the legendary route along the entire coast, step inside historic ships and experience the atmosphere of great voyages.
- The lovely Lofoten Fishing Museum (Lofoten Fiskerimuseum, Kabelvog) is well worth a visit!
You'll get to learn all about the amazing fishing and fish processing traditions, try your hand at making dried cod, and get to know the fishermen of the Lofoten Islands.
- The lovely Polaria Museum (that's Polaria, Tromsø to you and me!)
Come and visit our amazing interactive museum, where you can see beautiful Arctic fish and seals and even walk inside an incredible icebreaker!
🐠 Hey, why not visit one of our lovely aquariums or marine exhibitions?
Come and lose yourself in the magical underwater world of the Norwegian Sea!
- The lovely Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium (Alesund)
Come and visit one of the largest aquariums in Scandinavia! Here, you can watch fish and sharks being fed and learn about marine flora and fauna.
- Why not pay a visit to the Bergen Aquarium?
Come and visit our lovely aquarium, where you'll find a whole variety of marine life, as well as our cute penguins and seals. It's a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy!
🍤Why not treat yourself to a gastronomic tour of the seafood tasting menu?
I totally get it, a stormy day is the perfect excuse to go and taste fresh Norwegian seafood!
Welcome to the lovely Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget)!
Why not try some fresh oysters, succulent crabs, sweet shrimp, smoked salmon and the famous fish soup?
If you're ever in the area, we'd be delighted to welcome you to our lovely little restaurants here on the Lofoten Islands (in Ballstad or Henningsvær).
Why not try some of the traditional dishes made from halibut, cod and local delicacies such as baccalau (stewed dried cod)?
If you're looking for some delicious seafood, you're in luck! Ålesund is home to some amazing sea farms and restaurants.
You're going to love our fresh mussels, scallops and oysters, which are all grown right here on site!
🥾 You'll be pleased to know there are some lovely easy hiking trails and walks along the fjords.
Even if the sea is closed to boats, there are some great hiking trails around the bases that will help you enjoy nature:
I would absolutely love to go hiking near the lovely village of Reine in the Lofoten.
If you're up for a bit of a hike, why not climb up to the Reinebringen viewpoint? It only takes an hour or two, and the views of the fjord and mountains are absolutely stunning!
Why not explore the beautiful Geiranger Fjord trail?
Why not take a stroll to the beautiful Seven Sisters waterfall or the stunning Ørnesvingen viewpoint? These places are both within easy reach, and you'll be there in just 1–2 hours.
I just wanted to let you know about this really lovely trail near Sognefjord.
Why not take a lovely stroll along the beautiful footpath in the area around the villages of Balestrand and Flåm?
🏛️ We have some lovely historical and cultural attractions for you to explore!
Come and discover the wonderful world of Norway's culture and history!
- The lovely Nusfjord Museum Village is in the beautiful Lofoten Islands.
Come and see what an authentic fishing village is like! Learn all about how Norwegian fishermen lived in the past and try some delicious local dishes.
- Welcome to the lovely Sunnmøre Museum in Ålesund!
Take a leisurely stroll among the old houses and ships and experience the atmosphere of the lives of local residents in centuries past.
🛍️ I would absolutely love to help you with your souvenir shopping, and I'm sure you'll have a great time at the local workshops!
Why not use your time to buy some unusual souvenirs?
- If you're looking for traditional products in Lofoten and Tromsø, then you've come to the right place! Here is a list of shops that sell traditional products:
You really must buy dried cod, local wool products, beautiful postcards and unique handmade souvenirs.
- And if you're interested in visiting the galleries and workshops in Ålesund and Bergen, we'd be delighted to help you arrange that too!
You'll find local glass, wood and leather products that would make the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
📚 We really hope you enjoy your stay at the base – it's a warm and cosy place, and we're here for you!
And don't forget that sometimes the best holiday is simply spending a cosy day at the base:
- Now, you just need to cook the fresh fish you caught the day before.
- Why not spend a lovely evening snuggled up by the fire with a good book or a few fishing stories from your friends?
- Why not unwind in a traditional Norwegian sauna or hot tub? If there's one available at the base, we'd be delighted to arrange this for you.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a stormy day in advance:
- Why not download those walking route maps and a list of nearby museums to your phone?
- It's always a good idea to check the opening hours of aquariums and restaurants near your base in advance.
- It's always a good idea to save the contact details of the base and tour operators so you can quickly check the weather and alternative leisure options.
A stormy day in Norway is no problem at all! It's actually a great opportunity to get to know the country even better. We know how important it is to make the most of your time, so we've put together a selection of interesting museums, delicious seafood, leisurely walks and cosy get-togethers at your base to help you spend your time usefully and enjoyably. We're sure you'll be able to set sail again the next day with renewed energy!