|
Norway occupies the western part of the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe. It is bordered by the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea in the west, Russia, Finland and Sweden in the east,
A third of the country lies above the Arctic Circle and in the summer there are prolonged periods when there is daylight for 24 hours. Hence the name ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun.' However from late November to late January there's darkness in the north as the sun never rises above the horizon. At this time daylight hours are very short in the rest of the country.
Oslo is the capital city and the financial centre. The Edvard Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum (Vikinskiphuset) are popular with tourists. Bergen is a lively port and is also a natural gateway to the fjords.
By far the most famous of Norway's geological natural wonders are the fjords in the southwest. These are deep indents cut into the land, flooded by the sea after the last ice age.
Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier is a 7 hour drive from Oslo. Here you can ski, fish, rock climb and go on glacier hikes.
Norway is also a popular summer destination as the weather can be hot, and there are many fine beaches.
The country has several international airports and is well connected to the rest of Europe. Catching he train from Denmark and Sweden is another option. Internally there are domestic airlines, and as distances between places are great this should be considered. There are also good roads, trains and bus services.
Despite its northerly location, Norway has a surprising temperate climate.
An Introduction to Norway
Norway seems to have more than its fair share of natural beauty and amazing natural phenomena. Known for its spectacularly beautiful fjords; the steep sided, snow-capped mountains are reflected in the calm, icy waters broken only by the odd seal or the wake of a fishing boat. Glaciers and waterfalls all compete to dazzle and impress visitors.
Known as the land of the midnight sun, summer day are literally endless, with dusk around 2am swiftly followed by dawn at 4am. Conversely, winter days and nights are one, with the sun barely appearing over the horizon. However the chance of seeing the aurora borealis makes all this worthwhile. The neon colors of the dancing light patterns are quite unnatural and leave you understanding why this country believes so strongly in trolls, spirits and the underworld. Norway also has some amazing thermal springs, just to prove that beneath all that permafrost there really is a raging furnace of molten magma.
Norway is an easy place to visit. Although Norwegian is the official language, many Norwegians speak English fluently. Norway’s vast natural resources have enabled it to remain strongly independent. Norway is not a member of the European Union and has retained the Kroner as its currency. Norway surprisingly is the fourth largest oil exporter in the world, as well as having huge natural gas reserves, fish, timber and minerals. Norway has an enviable sovereign wealth fund and is well able to offer a high standard of living and a comfortable retirement for its citizens. Visitors will find the cost of living in Norway higher than the UK or the USA. Visas are not generally required for visits of up to 3 months
With just 4.8 million residents, Norway is sparsely populated. Known as the Wild West of Europe, Norway is a delightful place to visit and offers great opportunity for snow sports, cultural experiences, amazing wildlife, historic stave churches, cruises on the fjords and access to the Arctic Circle. Norway should be top of any serious traveler’s wishlist.
Accommodation in Norway
As you would expect of any civilized European country, Norway has a range of accommodation to suit any visitor. Camp sites and hostels are available for the low-budget independent traveler, whilst farm B&B, cottages for rent and hotels of all standards will welcome visitors with open arms.
Camping and caravanning
The Norwegian ‘Right of Access’ does mean visitors can camp anywhere they please in open countryside. This is the cheapest option (free!) but there are no modern conveniences.
Many camping and caravan sites in Norway are graded from one to five stars to give you an idea of amenities, and price. Most sites are well equipped with lots clearly marked for tents and caravans. Often situated with beautiful views, the best sites will offer a minimarket, a laundry, a TV room, a children’s play area and an indoor swimming pool.
Hotels
Hotels range from Contemporary Designer all-glass affairs in the city, to quaint country houses converted into boutique hotels. Hotels are also offered on a theme, such as the Ice Hotel, which is carved out of ice, complete with ice beds, ice sculptures and an ice bar. Spa hotels offer a range of pampering treatments.
Generally hotel prices in Norway are cheaper than other European countries. Cheaper rates are offered at weekends. There are several chains of hotels including Choice, Rica Hotels, Thon Hotels, Radisson and Best Western.
Bed and Breakfast
This low cost option for a comfortable room and a hearty breakfast is the best way to meet the locals! Advertised as a ‘pension’ or ‘husrom’ you can be sure of excellent accommodation in great locations.
Farms also offer rooms, including family rooms. The added pleasures of helping with the farm routine and assisting with the animals is a great thrill and a unique opportunity for children of all ages.
Cottages and Cabins
Renting a cottage or cabin overlooking a fjord captures what Norway is all about. Rentals are usually for a week or longer, but offer plenty of space, self-catering facilities and they often come complete with a small boat and fishing tackle. Cottages come in all sizes and prices but generally work out cheaper than comparable hotels.
Hostels
Hostels have come a long way in the last ten years and now offer private rooms as well as dormitory accommodation. Internet services, nighttime security, kitchen facilities and bedding are usually included in the low prices. Some hostels now cater to upmarket ‘Flashpackers’ and offer a cooked breakfast and some guided tours.
Expect to pay upwards of 100 kroner (US$15) for a dormitory bunk and 300 kroner (US$45) for a double room. The two main hostel chains in Norway are Hostelling International and VIP Backpackers Resorts International.
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords
The best way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Norway’s rugged coast is by boat. As you sail along the fjords, you will see traditional fishing villages, almost cut off from civilization by land, yet easily accessible by boat. At each port of call there is an opportunity to take trips inland to experience the culture and history of this unspoilt country. Explore the further reaches of the Arctic Circle, a sparsely populated wonderland of glaciers and waterfalls.
Naturally cruise itineraries center on the coastal village communities. Cruising from Kirkenes to Stavanger you will visit some of Norway’s most lovely sights. Stop awhile in Tromso, north of the Arctic Circle with its great museums and wildlife. Bergen is known for its fish market, its prettily colored wharf, and the colorful shops which line the harbor. The town is a warren of old cobbled streets and gorgeous small shops all with a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Oslo is featured less on cruise itineraries as it is not on the high mountain, fjord-riddled west coast of Norway that most people want to see. Although the area around Oslo is less dramatic, it is still hilly and forested and has many cultural museums, theatres and shops to enjoy.
Norway’s cruise season lasts from March through December and a Christmas cruise can be particularly delightful. The summer months have long hours of daylight – remember this is the Land of the Midnight Sun, particularly as you travel further north.
Mail Boat Cruises
Following the routes of the old coastal mail boats, small steamers are the best way to experience the northern fjords and isolated communities. Bergen Line’s mail boat service continues between Bergen and Kirkenes, which is well above the Arctic Circle. This is known as the ‘Hurtigruten’ or fast route as the steamer was once the fastest way to reach these villages.
The modern vessels are somewhat larger than their predecessors but they still deliver mail and carry essential cargo supplies and even vehicles to small communities. The locals use the mail boats as hop-on hop-off transport between the towns too.
Optional Scenic Train Ride
For those who leave a cruise in Bergen, the wonderful High Altitude Railway offers a wonderful scenic 7-hour journey to Oslo, past yet more wonderful natural sights.
Major Towns and Cities in Norway
Visitors to Norway will not be surprised to find that most of the major cities and towns in Norway are situated by the coast. Most of the population live in the milder southern part of the country. The sea was traditionally the source of food and transport, and the mountainous interior was difficult to navigate. Here are the main ports of call around Norway:
Oslo
Norway’s capital, Oslo, is one of the largest capital cities in the world. It covers 175 square miles. Oslo sits in less mountainous terrain than the rugged west coast and it is reached along the 70-mile long Oslofjord from the North Sea. Oslo is a modern city with touches of ancient medieval history. There are many parks, museums, historic churches and shops to enjoy but it is an expensive city for dining. It is surrounded by forests making it very pretty. Look for the Akerhus Castle built in 1300, and the Royal Palace and beautiful gardens too. The Viking Ship Museum has three preserved 9th century burial ships and many other interesting Viking artifacts.
Bergen
The pretty town of Bergen is situated on the south west coast of Norway on the Byfjorden among the Seven Mountains. The pretty wooden houses and four-storey high shops line the Hanseatic era wharf which leads into the quaint cobbled streets of the old town. Shopping ranges from individual antique shops to the Lagunen Storsenter in the district of Fana. Bergen is popular with cruise ships and tourists who enjoy the magnificent scenery around the area. It hosts many festivals and cultural celebrations during the year, all accompanied by the many local brass bands.
Trondheim
Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city with over 152,000 residents. As an old town of wooden buildings, it was burnt to the ground countless times over history. Trondheim is much further north than Bergen, but still on the westerly rugged fjord coast. It has an excellent natural harbor which is well protected from the North Sea storms and was the former site of much ship building. The Downtown area has some charming specialty shops and it is a delightful place to explore. The Nidarosdomen Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace are worth a visit, along with many museums. Tourists will encounter plenty of wildlife in and around Trondheim including otters, deer, moose (elk), whales and foxes.
Tromso
Tromso lies north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in the Nordic countries to do so. It is known as the Gateway to the Arctic as it is often the starting point for Arctic exploration. It is famous for its cathedral, brewery and the world’s most northerly university. Although a church was built here in 1252, Tromso was founded much later, in 1794 and was the center for Polar sea fishing. Visitors enjoy the culture of the city, the many festivals which take place here and the football. Tromso has no less than three Premier League Football teams. It is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis and enjoys the Midnight Sun from mid May to the end of July.
Natural Phenomena in Norway
Norway offers breathtaking natural scenery and the opportunity to experience some unique natural phenomena. Where else can you ski on a glacier, dine in a world class restaurant and party till dawn without it ever going dark? Whether you plan to travel by train, boat, hiking or driving, Norway is a continuous photographic opportunity. Make sure you enjoy at least some of the following natural features.
Glaciers in Norway
More than 2600 km2 of Norway is covered by spectacular glaciers. Glaciers are not only a scenic attraction but also a natural laboratory. Glaciers indicate climate change, and preserve unique geological and animal remains. As they move slowly downwards, glaciers and their melt water rivers still shape the landscape as they have for millennia.
Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in Norway and appears to have blue ice. It has more than 50 branch glaciers including the Briksdalsbreen and the Nigardsbreen glaciers which are all part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can ski on the glaciers, or take a guided glacier walk. You will have to wear crampons and be tied with ropes to the rest of the team for safety. There is always a danger from avalanches, deep snow covered crevasses and calving, when huge chunks of ice break away.
Thermal Springs in Norway
The Troll and Jotun hot springs at Svalbard are the most northerly hot springs to be found on land anywhere on earth. The hot springs are produced by geothermally heated water emerging from deep within the earth’s crust. The Jotun hot springs record a temperature of 24.5C and the Troll is even hotter at 28.3C. Hot springs are popular places for bathing and the high levels of minerals are said to have healing properties.
Waterfalls in Norway
This mountainous country has many fantastic waterfalls which flow all year round from the glaciers to the fjords. The Seven Sisters waterfall is the most famous and can be found in the Geiranger Fjord while the Langfoss is the tallest waterfall. Langfoss cascades 612m down to the Akra Fjord, but it is threatened by plans for a hydroelectric scheme, so visit it while you still can!
The massive Voringsfossen waterfall is found further inland and is one of the most popular places to visit as there are multiple waterfalls here. You can view them from the upper and the lower lookouts or take the exposed walkway along the cliff overlooking the falls. Driving along the road also gives you some gorgeous views of the falls from the overlooks.
Land of the Midnight Sun
In Bod, just to the North of the Arctic Circle, the natural phenomena called the Midnight Sun can be experienced. The midnight sun lasts from June 7 to July 8 when there is no darkness; just dusk followed by dawn. In the winter, from December 15-29 there is actually no daylight, then the days slowly begin to extend.
If you venture further north, the sun can be seen at midnight for a longer period, from mid May to the end of July. Complete darkness extends from mid November to late January.
Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis are created when electrons collide with air particles in the earth’s magnetic field. The resulting flash of colored light can be vivid purple, red, green or orange and all shades in between. The lights dance and move across the sky, taking on weird shapes and forms before vanishing. This is a spectacular natural phenomenon that is well worth witnessing. The aurora borealis are best seen from September to April, during the early evening or on a clear night.
Norwegian Myths and Folklore
Norway, in keeping with the other Scandinavian countries is steeped with legend and folklore. A large percentage of Norwegians believe in Trolls; ugly beings said to inhabit the forests and roam the mountains. They inhabit shadows and dark places and if exposed to sunlight will turn to stone. Trolls come in all shapes and sizes and have four fingers and four toes, long bushy tails and crooked noses. Beware when crossing bridges or visiting caves – you may disturb a troll who is easily angered! Trolls are known for harassing Billy goats, and loathe the sound of church bells.
Elves are also believed to live in the forests, emerging at night and leaving rings of grass to mark the sites of their dancing and merrymaking. Elves have powerful magical powers, so you definitely do not want to upset them, even accidentally.
There is also a huge sea monster that lives in Lake Mjosa, Norway’s largest lake, along with mermaids that many fishermen swear they have encountered!
Odin is the chief God in Norwegian mythology. He lives in the walled city of Valhalla and is attended in battle by nine Valkyries or female warriors. Odin appears often in Norwegian folk tales, so look out for him and listen tongue-in-cheek to the tales which many Norwegians believe are quite true.
The Weather and Climate in Norway
Think of Norway and you probably think of glaciers and snow-capped mountains, beautiful fjords with icy waters, lots of forests and untamed wildlife. Whatever you imagine, you will probably label Norway as pretty cold. The best months to visit Norway for a vacation are from May to September for the best weather. These are also the driest months with around 3 inches (7.5cm) of rainfall on the coast each month during the summer.
Norway is part of Scandinavia and its most northerly land reaches well inside the Arctic Circle. Due to the Gulf Stream and the prevailing westerly winds, Norway experiences warmer temperatures than you might imagine. It also has plenty of rain. Norway’s climate spans all the way from an Arctic climate in the north to a maritime climate in the south and west. The warmest part of the country is around Oslo which sits in the lowlands to the south east of the country. Oslo has warm sunny summers with average temperatures of 71F (22C). However winter temperatures from November to March still remain well below freezing.
On the south west coast, Bergen has average winter temperatures of around freezing but summers also are more temperate, with average highs reaching just 65F (18C).
Even north of the Arctic Circle, the snow does get to melt in places. In the summer, temperatures in Trondheim average 60F (16C) but from October to April it can be cold and dark. These sub-arctic conditions see the ground almost permanently frozen for many months at a time although the ocean does keep Norway’s winters less severe. Further north sees true arctic conditions with permanent snow and ice all year round.
Things to do in Norway
Surfing
Despite the cold seas, Norway has a number of recommended surf spots for enthusiasts. Saltstein outside Oslo, and several locations around Stavanger including Heelestol, Bore, Neve Havn and Orre Beach are some of the best known surfing beaches. You can even surf near Trondheim at Flowrider.
Watch the Aurora Borealis
Watch the spectacular light show of the aurora borealis as electrons and particles collide in the earth’s magnetic field. Colored lights dance across the night sky in vivid reds, orange, green and violet. Best seen in the early evening between September and April.
Walking and Hiking
One of the most popular areas for a walking holiday is Gala with gentle hills and wonderful scenery. Easily accessed by road, train or bus from Oslo, it is about 3 hours journey to Vinstra, where a taxi will take you the final 17km up the mountain. Walk around Lake Svintjern or Lake Jetningen and see where Peer Gynt is performed near Valsfjell. Areas around Bergen are also very popular with walkers.
Cruising the Fjords
A popular way to enjoy the spectacular Norwegian scenery is from a cruise boat, calling in at a number of ports along the way. If big cruise ships are not your idea of heaven, consider joining the smaller coastal steamers, also known “postal boats” which calls at 34 small ports between Bergen and Finnmark delivering mail and supplies as well as carrying passengers.
Visit a Stave Church
These uniquely designed wooden churches date back to the 12th century and are an inherent part of Norwegian history. The stave church at Borgund is one of the best preserved and has a soapstone font and several runic inscriptions on the walls.
Museums
Every major city in Norway celebrates is Viking history with some fascinating museums. Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo or the Kon-Tiki Museum which is a tribute to Thor Heyerdahl sailing his wooden raft ship from Peru to Polynesia.
Bergen has an art museum and a Maritime Museum amongst many other interesting attractions. The most popular museum is the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo or try the Stiklestad National Culture Centre at Verdal and learn about St Olav.
Viking ship in Oslo
Three Viking burial ships dating back to the 9th century were discovered in royal burials grounds on farmland near Oslofjord. They were marvelously preserved in the blue clay that surrounded them. These historic Viking longboats are accompanied by some of the artifacts buried with them.
Wildlife Watching
In the southern part of Norway, you will see many sea birds. Foxes, deer, moose (elk) and wolverines are also common as you travel further north. Once you reach the High Arctic circle, expect to see polar bears, whales and walrus.
Snow Sports
Norway is a great place for skiing, snow trekking, snowboarding and other winter sports. Skiing is popular around Valsfjell, just outside Oslo. Hemsedal Valley is Norway’s premier ski and snowboarding destination with guaranteed snow. Lillehammer hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics and offers great skiing and a charming mountain village for après-ski socializing.
Cave Paintings
Explore the Kollhellaren Caves at Revsvika which have some wonderful cave paintings estimated to be 3000 years old.
High Altitude Railways
One of the most scenic railway routes runs from Oslo to Bergen. This seven hour train journey is described as the world’s best train ride passing though some amazing natural sights. You can also extend the ride by taking the 20km ride on the Flam Railway to the tiny village of Flam on Aurlandsfjord.
Whatever you choose to do in Norway you will be surrounded by magnificent scenery and wonderful unspoilt nature. Enjoy it all.
|
