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Norway is a land of stunning natural wonders and beautiful scenery where gorgeous fjords, mountainous areas, forests, and glaciers can be discovered. It is also a fascinating country to visit and explore the Sami for its Viking heritage. It is a shame that you would have to have a large budget to visit Norway, because living costs are extremely high, whether for housing, food, or transportation. The very virulent mosquitoes in summer, especially in the north of the country, are another disadvantage.
Norway has a highly efficient and accessible bus and train network. Ferries are also a good way to explore the lovely fjords.
Where is Norway?
In the west part of Scandinavia, Norway is in the far north of Europe.
When is Norway going to visit?
The best time to go is from May to September, particularly from June to August, if you are planning a trip to Norway . This is also the high tourist season and your accommodation needs to be booked in advance. Winter can be avoided, but in certain areas of the country temperatures will drop to -40°C and several hotels are closed if you wish to see Northern lights and skiing or sleigh dogs.
10 things to see and do on a journey to Norway must be seen here:
- OSLO, the Capital of Northern Europe.
You can have a drink at the waterfront, take a stroll along Karl-Johansgate Road, admire the Acershous Citadel, take a walk in Vigelandsparken Park in the summer or spend a day or a weekend in the Norwegian capital, with the various museums and galleries (the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Folklore Museum, the National Gallery, the Historisk Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum).
- CLIFF PREICESTOLS
This rocky platform overlooks the waters of Lysefjord, and offers a spectacular panorama of its 600 meters of high altitude, is also known as Pulpit Rock. You must schedule a 3-4 hours’ walk from and back to the Preikestolen refuge (about 6 km; carry good footwear and clothing). Be alert, no barriers to defense! In the evening you can stroll to observe the sunrise from the top to escape the crowd. Pulpit Rock can also be seen by boat from the fjord.
- BERGEN’S TOWN
Norway’s second-largest city, extremely touristy but the gateway to fjords and an excellent base for exploring the area. Plan a half-day to visit Bergen, walk through the old quay (Bryggen to walk along the narrow streets, and to enjoy its traditional wooden houses with their colorful façades. Don’t skip the cable car to enjoy the view from the top (then go back down) of Mount Fløyen. Also worth visiting is the museum of Hanseatisk. If you drive, there is a fee for entry to the city
- Go to the Bottom of the Cross
The best way to explore the Norwegian fjords is by boat to meet the cliffs and cascades of the steep walls as closely as possible. You can take the ferry from Bergen to Kirkenes (several departures, 12 days, with stops at places of interest).
The most spectacular location in Norway (not overlooking the Geiranger skywalk on the mountain top of Mount Dalsnibba, accessible by car or buses from the port of Geiranger – 2 hours A/R) is the World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord.
Nærøyfjord (Florom ferry to Gudvangen) and Hardangerfjord are other beautiful fjords which are not to be missed (visit to flowers in May).
- COMMUNICATION
A rather photogenic rocky language that can be reached by physical (particularly in the beginning), and a very long one (23km A/R). Having said that the walk is as lovely as the destination. Plan a 10-hour walking time, review the forecasts of the weather before leaving (ideally very early in the morning), be well prepared (warm clothing, boots, and hiking poles)…
- TAKE THE CHURCH WORD.
These wooden churches are called Stave church. Their exterior architecture is well decorated with medieval sculptures and is characteristic of Norway. They are easy to identify. Founded in the 13th century, Heddal Stavkirke is the country’s largest standing wooden church. It is situated near Notodden city. Do not skip the Stave church of Urnes, the oldest in history, and the Stave church of Borgund, one of the best-preserved, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Watch the Light of the North
In winter, all the sky overlooks the superb luminous northern lights. Solar flares are causing this phenomenon. To enjoy this unique experience, you will have to be far away from cities and lights! From February to April is the perfect time to see them.
There is just another common occurrence in summer, the midnight sun: the sun doesn’t go down and 24 hours a day! This phenomenon is the easiest to admire in the North Cape.
- THE SHOULDS
The largest glacier in continental Europe, including the Jostedalsbreen National Park, is accessible on a guided tour, with the Jostedalsbreen (or Josteal Glacier) glacier, amongst others.
Worth seeing the Glacier of Briksdals, easily reachable from Olden; and the Glacier of Nigardsbreen (a spectacled exploration ice cave!). At the bottom of this page, which includes the Kjenndal and Bøyabreen glaciers, and also the Bødalsbreen Glacier, you can see other glaciers on the Google Map.
- ISLANDS LOFTS
Lofoten is one of Norway’s most beautiful places and islands linked by bridges and tunnels and is known for its beauty and traditional fishing villages. For some days you can stay and enjoy great walks. Not to miss the Reinebring panorama and the Værøy island bird colony.
- BE WORKS
Killer whales, dolphins, humpback whales, sperm whales can be seen on boat trips. Departures from the fishing village of Stø are Tromsø, Tysfjord. Between October and February, the perfect time to see cetaceans. If it is not so cold that seeing animals motivates you, you can see cetaceans from the Port of Andenes in the summer on the Lofoten Islands. Attention, excursion prices are high. Be careful.
