The interaction of ultrafast laser pulses with surfaces on the nanoscale paves the way for various innovative technologies in spectroscopy, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, or medicine, to mention only a few. The basic mechanisms, however, are still the subject of intense research. We take a closer look at this topic from different viewpoints. The first aspect is the enhancement of the efficiency of physical or chemical processes by producing local field maxima and resonances at top-down or bottom-up structured surfaces. A further aspect is the dynamic change of optical properties by inducing free carriers and plasmons. Last but not least, permanent nanostructures can be obtained as a result of nano-feedback and self-organization. In high-energy laser physics, all three aspects play a role at once. Therefore, particular attention will be paid to this emerging field.