While most people go on vacation to relax and unwind, others prefer to escape from the daily grind by cranking up their adrenaline levels. The fjords of Norway have enough excitement potential to please even the most hardened adrenaline junkie.
River Rafting – Whether you are looking for an intense ride, testing the forces and currents of the river and working as a team against the elements, or a more family friendly trip through easier rapids, Norway can provide. River rafting requires physical stamina and high fitness levels, so participation in harder rides are limited to the experienced and physically fit. Even experienced rafters should research rivers thoroughly and ensure they take a local river guide. Rafting is a team activity, but even if you are travelling alone you can join an organised even. Organisers provide essential safety equipment such as helmets and life vests, but it is worth a visit to a quality outdoor retailer such as E Outdoors before you go for waterproof footwear designed for extreme sports, and clothing made of lightweight breathable fabrics.
Glacier Walking – Norway has a total of twenty glaciers and many of these can be walked. Glacier walking is not a typical trek and walking should always be done in groups. Only the very experienced should attempt a glacier walk that is not an official guided tour. Tours are typically walked on a rope and equipment such as ice picks and crampons are provided for safety. Glacier walking affords travellers some of the most spectacular views of Norway, as well as adrenaline inducing activity. The Sognefjord region, home of the Jostedal Ice cap – the largest glacier on the European mainland has several tour providers offering glacier walking from May through to September, some of which are suitable for children as young as six. Essential equipment, aside from that provided by tour organisers, include waterproof footwear and sunglasses to protect from the glare off the ice.
Base Jumping – Norway is one of the few places that base jumping is still legal and the cliffs around the fjords attracts jumpers from all over the word. Base jumping is the ultimate adrenaline rush but the safety issues cannot be more highly stressed. There are multiple rock faces in Norway that, although popular, are illegal due to high numbers of fatalities. Lysefjorden is perhaps the most famous BASE jump in Norway, with ‘pulpit rock’ being a popular tourist destination for even those not wishing to base jump from the cliff face.