The Best Outdoor Activities in Norway and Swedish Lapland

Experience the Arctic Through Nature, Adventure and Authentic Encounters

For travellers who believe that the best journeys happen outdoors, few destinations rival the wild beauty of Norway and Swedish Lapland. From frozen lakes and snow-covered forests to dramatic fjords and remote Arctic coastlines, this corner of Northern Europe offers year-round opportunities to connect with nature through unforgettable experiences.

Whether you dream of driving a snowmobile across frozen landscapes, paddling beneath towering mountains, meeting Norway’s iconic fjord horses or gliding through the Arctic wilderness behind a team of enthusiastic huskies, Scandinavia delivers adventure in its purest form.

At High Point Holidays, we believe that travel is about more than simply seeing a destination. It is about experiencing it. These outdoor adventures allow you to discover Northern Europe in a way that is active, immersive and deeply connected to the surrounding environment.

Snowmobiling Across the Frozen Landscapes of Swedish Lapland

Winter transforms the archipelago and forests of Swedish Lapland into an extraordinary playground for adventure seekers.

One of the most exciting ways to explore this pristine wilderness is by snowmobile. Guided excursions take you across frozen lakes, through silent woodland trails and into landscapes that remain inaccessible for much of the year.

After a full briefing and safety introduction, you’ll set off into the Arctic wilderness equipped with insulated winter clothing, boots, gloves and helmet. Along the route, your guide shares insights into local nature and life in the far north while leading you through spectacular snowy scenery.

For those looking to spend more time outdoors, longer tours often include a traditional lunch and allow you to venture even deeper into the Lapland wilderness.

The combination of speed, freedom and vast open spaces makes snowmobiling one of the most thrilling winter experiences in Scandinavia.

Snowshoeing Through the Arctic Wilderness

Not everyone dreams of skiing across snowy landscapes. Fortunately, snowshoeing offers an accessible alternative that allows visitors of all ages to experience winter in Swedish Lapland.

With nothing more than a steady walking pace, you can venture across frozen lakes, explore untouched forests and discover remote corners of the boreal wilderness.

The beauty of snowshoeing lies in its simplicity. There is no previous experience required, making it one of the best winter activities for families, couples and first-time visitors to the Arctic.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll gain access to peaceful trails away from the crowds while learning about the region’s wildlife, ecosystems and Sami heritage.

On clear winter evenings, snowshoe excursions can also provide remarkable opportunities to search for the Northern Lights far from artificial light.

Horse Riding in Norway’s Most Spectacular Landscapes

Few experiences allow you to connect with Norway’s natural environment quite like exploring from horseback.

The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world’s oldest horse breeds and has played an important role in Norwegian life for centuries. Known for its calm temperament, strength and sure-footed nature, it is perfectly adapted to the country’s varied terrain.

Riding experiences are available throughout Norway and suit everyone from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Depending on the region and season, you may find yourself riding through lush valleys, ancient forests, along white sandy beaches or beneath dramatic mountain peaks. During summer, some excursions take place under the magical glow of the Midnight Sun, while autumn and winter rides can be accompanied by the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis.

Many local stables also offer opportunities to learn about horse care, creating a deeper and more authentic connection with both the animals and Norwegian rural traditions.

Kayaking Through Norway’s Fjords and Coastal Landscapes

Few places in the world are better suited to kayaking than Norway.

With thousands of kilometres of coastline, countless islands and some of Europe’s most spectacular fjords, the country offers endless possibilities for paddling adventures.

Discover Southern Norway’s Coastal Paradise

Southern Norway is ideal for relaxed kayaking experiences. Sheltered waterways, charming fishing villages and scenic archipelagos create an environment that feels both peaceful and welcoming.

Paddling through narrow channels, passing colourful harbours and exploring hidden coves offers a completely different perspective on Norway’s coastline.

Explore the Legendary Norwegian Fjords

For many travellers, the fjords are the ultimate Norwegian kayaking destination.

Gliding across calm waters surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains is an experience that is difficult to put into words.

World-famous fjords such as Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord provide outstanding scenery, while guided excursions ensure safe exploration of these dramatic environments.

Some adventures even combine kayaking with glacier landscapes, allowing you to paddle on striking turquoise waters close to ancient ice formations.

Paddle Beneath Arctic Mountains in Northern Norway

Northern Norway offers a wilder and more remote kayaking experience.

Destinations such as Lofoten, Senja and Vesterålen combine rugged peaks, secluded beaches and traditional fishing villages to create some of Europe’s most photogenic paddling routes.

The Arctic light adds another dimension to the experience. In winter, soft pastel colours illuminate the mountains, while summer brings endless daylight under the Midnight Sun.

One of the most memorable winter activities in Lofoten is kayaking on Reinefjorden, where calm waters, dramatic scenery and remarkable tranquillity create a truly unique Arctic adventure.

Dog Sledding: An Iconic Arctic Experience

Few activities are more closely associated with the Arctic than dog sledding.

The excitement begins long before the sled starts moving. Energetic huskies greet visitors with wagging tails and boundless enthusiasm, eager to do what they love most: run.

Whether you choose to ride as a passenger or learn to steer your own sled, dog sledding offers an extraordinary way to travel through snowy landscapes.

As your team glides across frozen terrain, you’ll experience a sense of freedom and connection with nature that few other activities can match.

Depending on the destination, journeys can range from short introductory excursions to multi-day wilderness expeditions.

In some of the Arctic’s most remote regions, including Svalbard, dog sledding remains an important method of travel and provides access to landscapes unreachable by conventional vehicles.

On clear nights, the experience becomes even more magical when the Northern Lights appear overhead, illuminating the snow-covered wilderness.

Hiking: Discover Norway on Foot

Norwegians have a deep connection with the outdoors, and hiking is at the heart of that culture.

From coastal walking trails and forest paths to dramatic mountain routes, Norway offers extraordinary opportunities for walkers of all abilities.

The country’s varied landscapes mean that every region delivers something different. Some routes lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the fjords, while others guide travellers through valleys, national parks and untamed wilderness.

For keen hikers seeking an active holiday, Norway’s most iconic trails provide unforgettable challenges. Meanwhile, gentler walks allow families and casual walkers to enjoy the country’s remarkable scenery at a more relaxed pace.

Whichever route you choose, hiking remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience Norway’s natural beauty while travelling responsibly and sustainably.

Why Choose an Active Outdoor Holiday in Scandinavia?

An active holiday in Norway or Swedish Lapland is about much more than adventure.

It is about slowing down, breathing fresh Arctic air and connecting with landscapes that remain among Europe’s most pristine.

From snowmobiling across frozen lakes and searching for the Northern Lights on snowshoes to kayaking through fjords and riding alongside spectacular coastlines, these experiences place you at the heart of nature.

They embody our philosophy of “Where Experience is Everything”, allowing travellers to discover Scandinavia not as spectators, but as active participants in the journey.

Because the most memorable moments are rarely viewed through a window. They are experienced outdoors.