9 Best Places to Paddle Board in Norway

Discover the Nordic paradise.

Imagine paddling among fjords and under the midnight sun.

The best places to paddleboard in Norway are calling you.

Embark on a journey through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. Are you up for the adventure?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Norway
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Norway

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Sognefjord

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Balestrand or Gudvangen (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Glacial Fjord Water, Can be Windy in Afternoon
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seals, porpoises, fishes, sea eagles
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, watch out for boat traffic, respect wildlife and local regulations

Sognefjord is the largest and most famous fjord in Norway, carved by glacial activity over thousands of years. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding steep cliffs make it a truly breathtaking place to paddleboard.

Balestrand and Gudvangen are popular access points, providing stunning scenery along the fjord. Glide past waterfalls, marvel at the surrounding mountains, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Norway’s pristine nature.

#2 Lofoten Islands

Location Type: Oceanfront
Access Point: Unstad Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, influenced by ocean currents
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, whales
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Majestic mountains, pristine beaches
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in changing weather conditions, respect wildlife and local regulations

The Lofoten Islands are a unique destination for paddle boarding enthusiasts, located above the Arctic Circle. Unstad Beach offers a scenic spot to explore the surrounding coastline, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and white sand beaches.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as seals, whales, and seabirds, and marvel at the magnificent beauty of Norway’s Arctic region.

#3 Oslo Fjord

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Ingierstrand Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm fjord waters, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, fishes
????️️ Landmarks & Views: View of Oslo skyline, islands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect local regulations

Oslo Fjord offers a perfect urban paddle boarding experience. Launching from Ingierstrand Beach, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful Oslo skyline while enjoying the tranquility of the fjord’s calm waters.

Explore the nearby islands, watch for wildlife, and take in the blend of cityscapes and peaceful nature that the Oslo Fjord has to offer.

#4 Reinefjorden

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Reine Harbor (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm fjord waters, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fishes
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Majestic mountains, picturesque fishing villages
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in changing weather conditions, respect wildlife and local regulations

Reinefjorden is another must-see fjord for paddle boarders, surrounded by impressive mountains and idyllic fishing villages. Its calm waters and dramatic landscapes make it an unforgettable paddling destination.

Setting out from Reine Harbor, enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and the iconic image of Norway’s coastal charm.

#5 Geirangerfjord

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Geiranger (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm fjord waters, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fishes
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Seven Sisters and The Suitor Waterfalls, rocky cliffs
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in changing weather conditions, respect wildlife and local regulations

Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its azure-blue water, steep cliffs, and stunning waterfalls. The Seven Sisters and The Suitor Waterfalls are particularly iconic and serve as picturesque landmarks along your paddleboarding journey.

Launching from the village of Geiranger, enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience while surrounded by Norway’s jaw-dropping natural beauty.

#6 Aurlandsfjord

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Aurland (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm fjord waters, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fishes
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Stegastein viewpoint, quaint villages
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious in changing weather conditions, respect wildlife and local regulations

Aurlandsfjord, part of the larger Sognefjord system, offers paddleboarders calm waters, steep mountain sides, and charming villages nestled among the cliffs. Launching from the village of Aurland, explore this breathtaking fjord while admiring the surrounding landscapes.

Be sure to take a moment to soak in the view from the famous Stegastein viewpoint during your adventure.

#7 Jotunheimen National Park

Location Type: Mountain Lake
Access Point: Gjende Lake (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mountain lake waters, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Reindeer, various bird species
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding peaks, Jotunheimen mountain range
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions

Nestled within the stunning Jotunheimen National Park, Gjende Lake offers paddle boarders an incredible mountain lake setting. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Jotunheimen range, it is a tranquil escape in the heart of wild Norway.

Encounter native wildlife, marvel at the towering mountains, and enjoy the serene beauty of this remote destination.

#8 Rondane National Park

Location Type: Mountain Lake
Access Point: Rondvassbu (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mountain lake waters, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Elk, reindeer, various bird species
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Rondeslottet, Storronden, scenic alpine landscape
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions

Rondane National Park is a must-visit location for paddleboard enthusiasts seeking a remote mountain lake experience. Paddling through the alpine waters offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, including the noteworthy peaks of Rondeslottet and Storronden.

Take in the astounding natural beauty and possibly spot elusive wildlife such as elk or reindeer in this stunning area.

#9 Ørsta Fjord

Location Type: Fjord
Access Point: Ørsta Marina (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm fjord waters, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fishes
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding mountains, charming villages
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious in changing weather conditions, respect wildlife and local regulations

Ørsta Fjord, located along Norway’s western coast, offers a stunning backdrop for paddleboarding. Surrounded by rugged mountains and quaint villages, this fjord promises a serene and picturesque paddling experience.

Embarking from Ørsta Marina, enjoy the combination of natural beauty and traditional Norwegian charm this location has to offer.