5 incredible experiences to have in Norway in 2023

Hamaren Activity Park in Fyresdal will be opening a new must-visit attraction in June. The Treetop Walkway will be a 1km long wooden boardwalk, hovering more than 15 metres off the ground. Walkers, or wheelchair users, can follow the raised path to the top of Klokkarhamaren – a hill with an elevation of more than 33 metres. At the summit, the boardwalk ends with a large circular viewing platform that looks across stunning Fyresdal. This new walkway will become part of the park’s 2.4km accessible hiking trail, connecting people with the beautiful outdoors of pine forests and lakes.

It’s been 130 years since Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express started traversing the shorelines of Norway. Its first voyage was in 1893, and this signature 12-day cruise is still loved today, travelling from Bergen, up past the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes and back. Docking in small villages to larger cities, the Original Coastal Express allows passengers to experience authentic Norway. To celebrate the anniversary of this historic voyage, Hurtigruten is launching two new cruises: The North Cape Express and The Svalbard Express.

To experience the midnight sun deep within the Arctic Circle, The Svalbard Express is the cruise to choose. Alternatively, the North Cape Express is a winter voyage for those wanting to see the aurora borealis. For the first time ever, this cruise will sail to and from Oslo. Both new cruises stop off at 16 carefully selected destinations en route, and if you book one of these cruises before 30 April 2023, you may get a special anniversary offer. 

Can you think of anywhere better than a European Region of Gastronomy to host one of the largest cheese competitions in the world? From 26 to 28 October 2023, more than 4,000 cheeses will be tasted and tested by 250 judges in the city Trondheim. They will attempt to whittle it down to a shortlist of less than 100 cheeses, before selecting the bronze, silver and gold award winners. Recent years have seen Norway's local cheeses win gold and silver medals. 

Beyond the cheese, Trondheim is the place to be for foodie travellers in Norway. March saw its first Norway Seafood Festival, while its permanent restaurants pride themselves on farm-to-fork dining, celebrating the local producers of the area.

Another landmark new opening is expected later in the year. In a historical mining area, just 4km from the city of Hauge, the Jøssingfjord Vitenmuseum is set to be a science museum of great national and international importance. It will explore the unique geology of the Dalane – its surrounding area – and aims to teach visitors about the rare rock type found here, and help them gain knowledge on natural science, technology and history. The museum aims to have all its exhibitions open by the end of 2023, but will also be partially open in July and August. 

For those who want a nature escape, The Bolder in Lysefjord has added three new StarLodges to its portfolio. Hovering above the fjord, these ‘sanctuaries’ are built to have a minimal impact on the environment. The stylish accomodation has panoramic windows, letting in the wondrous mountain and fjord views.

Another striking new stay is the Elva Hotel in Voss, opening in June. This intimate hotel combines unique architecture, food culture and Norway's great outdoors into one. With 16 rooms in the hotel’s main building, and five annexed cottages, every window promises jaw dropping scenery. What’s more, Voss is fondly known as the Adrenaline Capital of Norway, ideal for those seeking extreme activities.

For those who’d rather stay in the city, the design hotel Sommerro – opened in 2022 – is extending its stay options this April. It will open the doors to Villa Ikognito, a separate building opposite Sommerro that was once a private residence. This spacious 11-suite property was first built in 1870 and reports to offer a ‘home-from-home’ experience.  

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