A Travel Guide to Norway -

Overview –

Occupying the western half of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is a country in Northern Europe. Formally recognized as the Kingdom of Norway, this Nordic country shares a long eastern border with Sweden. It is bordered by Finland and Russia in the northeast and the Skagerrak Strait in the south. The arctic island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard are also part of Norway. Other dependencies and territories include Bouvet Island, Peter 1 Island and Queen Maud Island. Approximately half of the country’s population reside near Oslo, the largest city and capital of Norway.

Climate –

Norway has a diverse climate owing to its high latitude and extensive geographic location with great variations between north, south, coast and inland. However, all populated regions of the Norwegian mainland experience a maritime temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. As such the best time to visit the country starts from May and lasts till October. The warmest month is July when you can experience the fabulous Midnight sun. It is also the ideal time for exploring outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and cycling. The shoulder seasons are May-June and September-October depicting spring and fall respectively. You can plan budget vacations and expect great travel deals during these months.

Things To Do –

Explore Oslo, the capital –

Oslo being the capital city will surely be in your itinerary as the base of your Norway adventure. It is a fascinating city with many cultural attractions that will simply bewitch you. Admire the magnificent architecture of Oslo Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian royal family. Located right at the harbour, the spectacular Oslo Opera House resembling a glacier is the centre of the largest performing art institution in the country, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. If you are lucky enough, you might just catch a live performance here.

Walk around the Vigeland Sculptor Park, displaying the lifetime works of Norway’s acclaimed sculptor, Gustav Vigeland and get amazed at his bizarre creations. For museum-hoppers, the Viking Ship Museum displaying some of the most well-preserved Viking ships, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Munch Museum are some other equally deserving spots vying for your appreciation.

Another amazing tourist attraction that you will really enjoy is the magnificent Akershus Castle constructed during the late 13th century. This ancient fortress ls a fascinating piece of architecture portraying Norwegian military design. Here you will find a unique display of antiques and artifacts along with some stores and museums.

Visit Lillehammer, Trondheim and Bergen –

For winter sport enthusiasts, visiting Lillehammer next to the picturesque Lake Mjosa is a must. Try skiing, skating, curling or hiking along more than 480 kms of scenic Nordic trails. The 1994 Winter Olympics were hosted here and you should tour the Norwegian Olympic Museum as well as the Lysgaard Baken Ski Jumping Arena, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. Other attractions here are Malhaugen Park which is Noway’s largest open-air museum consisting of 100 buildings including churches, workshops and farmhouses belonging to the 18th century. A notable highlight here that you will adore is the Peer Gynt Cottage on which Ibsen’s famous play is supposedly based.

Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city and was even the capital for a while. As you stroll along the charming neighbourhood of Bakklandet district with its cobblestone streets, art galleries and quaint cafes on the eastern side of the Nidelva River, you can capture plenty of picture-postcard images for your social media profiles.

Bergen is another important city where the chief attractions that you should not miss include Bryggen – the wharf area which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with its vibrant cottages located right on the harbour. Another highlight of the city is the Floibanen funicular ride up to the summit of Mont Floyen at 400 metres from where you get enchanting views of the city.

Discover the Norwegian Fjords –

Norway has more than a thousand fjords forming the huge Fjord Norway Network. Among them the stunning Geirangerfjord along with the Naeroyfjord deservingly won UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2005. Geirangerfjord stretches across miles of tranquil water, majestic mountains and enthralling waterfalls like the popular Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. You can opt for the ford cruise linking the colourful village of Geiranger and the pretty coastal town of Alesund which will take about three hours. For some iconic shots of the Geirangerfjord and its valley, scale the Dalsnibba peak standing at an altitude of 4905 feet. Alternately the Flydalsjuvet rock outcropping or the Ornesvingen viewpoint on the Eagle Road also offer dramatic landscape photography opportunities. Watersports lovers will enjoy kayaking in Geirangerford and you may catch sight of some dolphins.

 Visit Tromso and the Lofoten Islands for the Northern Lights -

Tromso is considered as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. As you embark on a tour of the Norwegian Arctic Circle, it naturally becomes a halting point. For some incredible panoramic views of Tromso you should ride the Fjellheisen cable car which will reach you to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen at 420 metres in just about 4 minutes. Located at the centre of the ‘Aurora Zone’, Tromse boasts as one of the best places in Europe to chase the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. As per Norse mythology, the Northern Lights are reflections of the Valkyries’ weapons and armour which cast a magical flickering light across the land. Tourists come to Tromso from all over the world during winter between October and late March to see the ethereal northern lights. This breathtaking light show of green, pink and violet hues across the night sky will remain etched in your memory forever. The icing on the cake is that you can chase them on a horse, a snowmobile or even a husky sled.

Several other popular attractions that you should not miss here include the Polar Museum that is a research base for polar region studies and the Tromso Arctic- Alpine Botanic Garden that is home to the region’s traditional medicinal plants. While in Tromso, you may also like to visit the Arctic Cathedral, a magnificent building designed by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovic which dates back to 1965. It is actually a parish church and not a cathedral. The exterior made of mainly concrete looks like large ice blocks and in 1972 a sparkling glass mosaic built by Victor Sparre was added to the eastern side. The façade is made of glass and has a huge crucifix. During winter the outside of the Arctic Cathedral is illuminated which makes it all the more striking.

Located 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands have a dramatic landscape with rugged mountains, colourful fishing villages and magnificent fjords, Adrenalin junkies will love to indulge in climbing, fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking and Arctic surfing here. Astrophotographers should definitely try to make it here as this is another fantastic destination for capturing the Aurora Borealis. And the weather is milder throughout the year. Explore cod fishing or spend a night at a red rorbu, a typical fisherman’s cabin. One of the prettiest seaports in Lofoten is Henningsvaer which has recently become quite popular thanks to drone photography of its fantastic soccer field. You should also not miss Vestvagoy, the most populous place of the Lofoten archipelago. Capture some gorgeous sunset or sunrise photos at the Haukland Beach.

Enjoy Mountain Hiking at Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga –

Every year thousands of mountain-lovers hike to the rock formation of Prekeistolen or Pulpit Rock as it is more popularly known. Towering 604 metres over the azure waters of Lysefjord, it offers gorgeous views of the surroundings and it is a comparatively easy hiking trail which is accessible from Stavanger. It is worthwhile to note that Pulpit Rock won the nomination for being one of the world’s most mesmerizing viewpoints by both BBC and Lonely Planet.

Another equally popular but somewhat strenuous hike is the one to Trolltunga situated at 1,100 metres above sea level. Here the cliff juts out about 700 metres above the northern side of Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It is quite worthwhile to spend nearly half a day hiking this trail ending at the Troll’s tongue, a narrow sliver of rock which is ideal for some creative photography.

Go for a Fantastic Road Trip –

Hailed as the world’s most beautiful drive, the Atlantic Road is the ‘Norwegian Construction of the Century’. The coastal route stretches across 5 miles past quaint fishing villages between the islets and skerries of Averoy and the Romsdal peninsula and you have to drive over numerous bridges and causeways. Stop for amazing photos along the way as you come upon the city of Kristiansund, covering three islands in the North Atlantic.

Another superb mountain pass, the Trollstigen or Troll Ladder is a 6 km section of Road 63 between Andalsnes and Valldel. As you zigzag through 11 hairpin turns get stunning views especially from the viewing platform. The cascading waters of the Stigfossen waterfall is indeed a sight to behold.

Enjoy a Marvelous Train Ride –

A comprehensive rail network makes a train journey a really enjoyable experience in Norway as you discover the country’s stunning natural beauty. The tracks cover more than 200 miles of mountainous countryside crossing around 775 tunnels and 3000 bridges. Also starting from Oslo, the Bergen Railway running through the Hardangervidda mountain plateau is another beautiful route.

Regarded as one of the most wonderful train journeys in the world, the Flam Railway departs from the extreme end of Aurlandsfjord and reaches Myrdal located high above. This 12-mile route is also among the world’s steepest railway tracks. Other lovely routes include the Dovre Railway which starts from Oslo to reach Trondheim via the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. In the midway you can stop at ski resorts at Lillehammer or explore hiking trails in the Dovrefjell mountains or Jotunheimen and Rondane national parks.

Its sideline the Rauma Railway running between Dombas and Andalsnes will take you past awe-inspiring fjords, verdant forests and imposing mountains. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will be able to visualize scenes as you travel along this route where some parts of the movie ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ were shot.

Eating Out –

Norway is believed to be one of the best countries to live in and as such is teeming with restaurants offering world cuisine to the discerning food connoisseur. Here we choose some of our hot favourites for a hearty meal.

With three Michelin stars, Maemo offers a culinary experience that is worth every penny. You need to book your table in advance here as you enjoy a sumptuous meal in the glass and steel dining room with dreamy Nordic mythology photos.

Indian food lovers should try visiting Mother India which serves authentic Indian delicacies. Top notch service here will leave you impressed.

If you prefer seafood, then Enhjorningen meaning the Unicorn is a great destination offering fresh fish and a wide range of exquisite seafood. Its scenic location in Bergen is an added attraction.

Halling-Stune is a traditional restaurant that is a popular choice for more than 25 years. Savour dishes like grilled grouse breast, reindeer fillet with game sauce or lamb sausage in butter sauce.

Brutus is not a typical Norwegian restaurant. However, the magical ambience with excellent service and a wide-ranging tasting menu ensures that guest feel like returning time and again. Their wine list is also quite tempting.

For fitness enthusiasts Skippergata is a great destination. You will be spoilt for choices as you gorge on their salads and sandwiches. Delectable gluten-free cookies, cakes and rolls are also available here.

Gapahuken Restaurant has a fabulous view that will surely fascinate you. Delicacies like salmon, halibut, red king crab and reindeer will tantalize your tastebuds here.

Egget is a bistro in Stavanger that serves Asian inspired flavorsome food. Enjoy wild trout, kimchi, braised ribs or Asian slaws here at slightly higher prices.

Shopping –

For shopaholics, Norway offers an extraordinary blend of traditional Nordic style and contemporary fashion. Popular shopping destinations are Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger where you can find superior quality sustainable handicrafts like fjord-inspired artwork or elegant furniture. Vibrant woolen knitwear is also something that you may like to splurge on. Visit international designer wear showrooms in and around Oslo. Or you can bargain for local brands at the other cities that focus on minimalism and functionality highlighting the essence of that region. For some memorable souvenir shopping you can opt for cute trolls, local silver jewellery or some food delicacies like fenalar (traditional dried and salted leg of lamb), prize-winning mountain cheeses, local liquor and sausages. VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds are available across more than 4000 shopping outlets in Norway so that gives you another reason to loosen your purse strings here. 

Transport –

Airport –

Norway has 98 internationally certified airports. Among these 48 airports facilitate public flights. 45 are government-owned and operated by Avinor. There is also a heliport. Oslo Lufthavn Airport is the main international airport of Norway, located at a distance of 50 km from Oslo at Gardermoen. For flying into Oslo, you can also opt for Torp Sandefjord Airport which is located at a distance of 110 km from Oslo.

Getting Around –

Norway has a pretty extensive and efficient public transportation system which makes travelling in the country a delightful experience for tourists. Tickets for all trips are easily available online or through an app. You can use national public transport planner EnTur for buying them at discount rates. There is a reliable though slightly expensive rail network operated by government owned railway company Vy that links major cities like Kristiansand in the south to Bodo above the Arctic Circle. You can avail tramways in Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. The only rapid transit system is in Oslo, called the Oslo T-Bane, while the only funicular is in Bergen. There is a local bus service in every city including express coaches running throughout the nation. Even remote villages along the fjords are linked. Today, Norway has the world’s highest number of registered plug-in electric vehicles per capita and Oslo is recognized as the EV capital of the world.