Did you hear the name of the country of the Land of the Sun? No worry if you don’t know. Now we are going to share with you that Europe’s popular travel destination Norway is called the land of the sun. It is a great place to experience the wonders of nature, and that experience just keeps getting better. Starting in 2024, there will be more opportunities to take in the country’s beauty and grace—and, in true Norwegian style, these travel adventures are kind to the earth, too. From this article, you will discover some irresistible reasons why you should travel to Norway and also get ideas about 10 cities that should be visited when traveling to Norway”.
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Why You Should Travel to Norway?
Norway is a fascinating destination with its famous fjords, Viking legends, rich cultural heritage, and quaint fishing villages. From north to south, it is a nature lover’s paradise boasting numerous trendy cities to explore.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or want to cuddle up under a natural light in a glass igloo, Norway won’t disappoint.
While visiting this Scandinavian nation you can stroll through its majestic capital city and cruise the miles of coastline. Or drive through mountain roads and hike one or more of its nearly 300 mountain peaks. All this, and more, awaits you on a holiday in Norway.
What else do you want? Thanks to the variety of landscapes, natural phenomena, activities, and ways to get around, Norway makes a great destination all year round.
In summer, the extended daylight hours of the midnight sun are perfect for cruises and road trips. Come in winter and be rewarded with ideal conditions for seeing the northern lights and fluffy snow instead of going dog-sledding.
Walking Around
Norway is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe and also claims the continent’s longest coastline. Then you can imagine why this Scandinavian destination offers incredible excursions by land and sea. There are many ways to explore the different places you want to see.
Travel independently by train and cruise to Norway’s iconic sights on the Nutshell® route between Oslo and Bergen. Here you will combine overland travel, through forests and along steep mountain roads, with fjord cruises.
To see more of Norway from the sea, a coastal cruise offers a relaxing way to enjoy the country’s famous scenery. Board a ship that will take you south from Bergen to Kirkenes inside the Arctic Circle. You will have the opportunity to stop at historic port towns and shore excursions along the way.
Or maybe a road trip is your way of exploring. Take the wheel and you can experience Norway’s scenic coastal highways and zig-zagging mountain roads on an unforgettable journey.
In the capital city, Oslo, you can rely on a comprehensive public transport system consisting of buses, trams, trains, metro (T-Ben) and boats. Tickets and passes can be purchased at various locations in the city, including the information center Oslo-Gardermoen Airport and Trafikenten, located just outside Oslo Central Station.
We also recommend purchasing an Oslo Pass, which includes free travel on the public transport system in addition to discounts on entry to museums and attractions.
Note: Norway’s people are widely spoken in English, so you should have no problem getting around. Learn more about the Norwegian language to learn some useful words before your stay.
Weather and when to visit
There isn’t a bad time to visit Norway, and Nordic Visitor offers tours all year round so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
It all depends on what you want to do and see most when you travel to Norway. Do you like hiking and kayaking? Are you interested in maximizing daylight for driving and sightseeing?
Then May to September is the best time for you to travel. These months enjoy the warmest weather of the year, the longest daylight, and the best driving conditions. Some roads may be closed in winter, so our self-drive tours in Norway are only available during the summer season.
Enjoy Midnight Sun
Are you interested in experiencing the phenomenon called the midnight sun, where the sun never sets below the horizon? Then come late June, or early July, and make sure to head north, as it is the strongest in the Arctic Circle. Don’t forget to bring your sleeping mask!
May to August when you can go on a small guided group tour.
Do you like winter scenery?
November to March is a great time to vacation in the northern part of the country. Because during these months you will have the best chance to see the northern lights of Norway.
In northern Norway, you will experience the polar night in late December, or early January. Unlike the midnight sun, it occurs when the sun does not rise above the horizon. This allows you to see the northern lights with more darkness.
Here, for dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter sports you’ll also find ideal snow conditions.
In addition, October and April are considered the shoulder seasons in Norway, when accommodations are more available and fewer visitors arrive. It means that you will have more attraction towards yourself. You can see some beautiful fall colors throughout October.
What You should pack for your Norway trip?
As in other northern European countries, it is best to be prepared for any weather in Norway. This means that whatever the season, you need a warm jumper or fleece, a waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes or boots for all types of terrain.
Top things to see and do
There are countless things to see around Norway, from natural sights to historical attractions. Here are some suggestions for you:
- With its museums and royal residences, Oslo is a grand capital city
- Fjords like Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord
- Troms, with its arctic cathedral, is known as the “Paris of the North”
- Bergen, the western city, is also called the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
- Ålesund and the coastal cities of Trondheim
- Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil Falls on the hillside
- The picturesque Lofoten Islands and its charming fishing villages
- Arctic Coastline and Northern Cape
- Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga Rock Formations
- Svalbard’s frozen landscape and polar bears
Norway offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. To make the most of your trip, fill your days with the excursions and adventures listed below.
Food and Culture
- Try traditional Norwegian dishes like salmon and goat cheese
- Learn about Norway’s Viking heritage at the Historical Museum
- Admire modern art in the Sculpture Park and International Gallery
- Enjoy the nightlife in trendy Oslo and try their local brews
- Experience the Sami culture of northern Norway
- Nature and adventure
- Don’t forget to Lace-up your boots for a hike through nature
- Take a fjord cruise to see waterfalls and wildlife
- Kayak along the pristine waters to take in the gorgeous landscape
- The best place to see the Northern Lights is in the Arctic Circle
- Hurtigruten’s rugged coastline is a great place to cruise
- Try dog sledding or jumping on a reindeer sleigh
See Norway’s Peaks While Skiing
With Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day tours, either at the time of your booking or at the location during your stay. Your dedicated travel consultant will be able to advise you on available activities, timings, what to do on your itinerary, and more.
If you want to include more activities on your Norway holiday, we recommend booking a package that includes more time for each overnight stay (for example, with two or more nights in the same accommodation).
10 cities that Should be visited when traveling to Norway
Discover the heart of Norway by exploring these 10 captivating cities that beckon with a tapestry of history, natural wonders, and cultural richness. Our journey begins in the enchanting city of Bergen, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of centuries gone by.
1. Bergen:
It will not be wrong to call this city Wooden City. Most of the architecture in this city is made of wood. Indeed, this place is different from all other places in the world. It has the famous Seven Hills assembly with 60 historic buildings. Along with fresh seafood, you will find several museums and photo studios here.
2. Lofoten:
This beautiful island is called a masterpiece of nature. This is because this archipelago is a naturally formed long narrow island with one end connected to the mainland. Around it is the sea. It has quite a reputation for fishing. So this city can be quite a favorite place for those who love fishing. The experience of going once to the sea and once to the land from this narrow island is bound to overwhelm you.
3. Tromso:
Have you heard of the Arctic? It means polar region. Tromsø has all the beauty of the polar regions. The region is famous for its city of Tromsavaya. Although it has an urban feel, it has the same arctic beauty. The Polar Center and Polar Museum can be found here. It also has a wire lift facility. These all will help you to have a wonderful adventurous time.
4. Oslo:
Oslo is the capital of Norway. The city is famous for some of the best food and restaurants. The city is famous for its nightlife. Music is organized in various places for entertainment. You can also enjoy this city tour by cycling or walking. In Oslo, you will find the Viking Museum. Wooden boats and tools used by Viking explorers dating back to about 1,200 years ago are preserved here. The museum houses Vikings’ clothing, tools utensils, and various items found in their tombs that will take you back in time.
5. Geirangerfjord:
Geirangerfjord is one of the wonders of nature that will attract you differently. It is 15 km long and surrounded by high and dense green hills. There are various waterfalls here. The height of the peaks here is more than 1000 meters. You can go hiking but it is quite risky. The beautiful villages and mountains like the pictures will surely attract you.
6. Flam
As a child, many people have seen the scene of a beautiful train in various view cards. Flam is as beautiful as the imagination. Flam is a small village in Orlandsfjord, Norway. Pham means imaginary beautiful. So enjoy the beauty of this village and visit Flam by train.
7. Svalbard:
It is called the Kingdom of the Polar Bear. You know that it is one of the most beautiful animals in the world. Go to Svalbard to meet polar bears. You can see polar bears, whales, seals, arctic foxes, deer, etc. in this place in Norway. But they need a tour guide to see them. Tour guides in this country are very friendly. An interesting fact about this place is that it is forbidden to bury dead bodies there. Because the temperature here is so low that dead bodies do not decompose. If you visit Longyearbyan city here, you can bring such interesting information.
8. Trondheim:
Among the various songs of Bollywood, you will see a row of houses of different colors as far as the eye can see. Trondheim is one such place. This city is famous for its rows of colorful houses. The city is also the origin of the live music cafes you see today. The view of this city will give you a romantic atmosphere. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around to taste the traditional local cuisine of Trøndelag province.
9. Stavanger
This city is known as the city of natural height. This coastal city has supplied Norway with fuel for almost 50 years. This city is well known for hiking. However, you can find buildings of various colors here. There are two well-named plateaus, Lyfjord and Prykestolen. You can visit them with time.
10. North Cape
This is a unique beautiful place. If you could see the sun in the middle of the night, what kind of surprise would you think? It’s three o’clock in the morning in the house, but the sun shines in the sky! Yes, that is possible in Norway’s Nordekop. The sun never sets here from May 18 to July 29. What is more interesting is that it is about 1000 feet above the Arctic Ocean. As a result, if you can climb here, then you will get the experience of climbing to the top of the world. More than 2 lakh pilgrims visit here every year. It is a hub in Europe where international roads meet.
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Conclusion
Norway beckons with a symphony of natural wonders, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Whether exploring vibrant cities hiking through pristine landscapes, savoring traditional dishes, or immersing in Viking history, every moment in Norway is a celebration. With its top 10 must-visit places offering a diverse tapestry of experiences, Norway invites you on a brief yet enchanting odyssey, leaving an indelible mark of beauty and adventure. Why is it so late to travel to this country of great beauty? Quickly get ready for Norway. Pack your bags and let Norway weave its magic into your travel story. Best wishes to you.
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