Norway: what to do and what to see in the Northern Country

Norway is one of the countries in the Great North of Europe. The one that occupies the westernmost side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Bathed by the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea and the Skagerak, it has a land border that it shares with Sweden, Finland and Russia.

Landscape-of-Norway-©Photo-Erik-Jørgensen-Visitnorway.com
Landscape-of-Norway-©Photo-Erik-Jørgensen-Visitnorway.com

The orographic conformation of the Norway (it is a predominantly mountainous country), the latitude, the climate, the nature, the traditions of the Lapp people (the Sami) make it one of the most spectacular lands of the old continent.

Norway: what to see and what to do

La Norway it is a very suitable destination, to be discovered in all its aspects, ranging from the very jagged west coast (a privilege to admire it from the legendary Hurtigruten, the mail boat from Bergen, south coast, a Kirkenes, in the Arctic Ocean) to the more internal regions.

From vibrant cities like Oslo, the capital, Bergen o Trondheim to the rarefied atmospheres, almost suspended in time, of North Cape. Without, of course, neglecting a wonderful archipelago, such as the Lofoten Islands, where the biting scent of cod hung to dry and a succession of livid-colored environments dictate the law.

Given the immense natural beauty of their country (which also includes the Svalbard islands andJan Mayen Island), it is no wonder that Norwegians love the outdoors so much and that everyone, including tourists, is recognized for the ancient “allemansretten”, the right to self-determination and free access to all natural areas.

When to go to Norway: recommended period

La Norway it is also one land for all seasons.

If you get to spring, you can admire the apple tree blossoms along thehardangerfjord or along the beautiful cycle paths.

THEsummer it is particularly suggestive to Arctic Circle, with the phenomenon of midnight Sun, with salmon fishing and sailing or hiking excursions kayak between the islands.

THEautunno it offers berries and mushrooms in abundance, a range of dazzling colors and still some good opportunities for a trip between waterfalls and glaciers.

THEwinter it is, finally, an experience that has no equal: we are in the homeland of telemark, the free heel skiing technique; of crazy snowmobile rides in the pristine tundras of Finnmark and of a phenomenon that never ceases to fascinate like the Northern Lights.

Winter in Norway at the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands have much more to offer than the midnight sun and the charm of long summer days. Towards the end of the autumn period, the waters of Tysfjord are populated with over 500 specimens of orcas, who, greedy for herring, follow these fish in their winter migration.

A handful of snow-capped islands and islets off the coast of Northern Norway, pods of killer whales, spectacular Northern Lights and a thousand activities: here is Lofoten, which is magical even in winter!
The Lofoten Islands have much more to offer than the midnight sun and the charm of long summer days. Towards the end of the autumn period, the waters of Tysfjord are populated with over 500 specimens of orcas, who, greedy for herring, follow these fish in their winter migration. It is a must to take part in a photographic safari: from the boat, from the dinghy or even in the water while snorkelling, seeing the evolutions of the orcas will be a breathtaking experience.

After this unique and exciting excursion, you can enjoy an excellent fish dinner in one of the numerous first-class restaurants on the Lofoten Islands and stay overnight in the typical "rorbu", fishermen's houses transformed into accommodation, directly on the water. Winter in Lofoten is never so harsh: the sea does not freeze thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, but the mountains are covered in a white blanket of snow. The polar night lasts only a few weeks, but the dark sky is illuminated, on cold and clear winter nights, by flashes of colored light from the Northern Lights.

Summer holidays in Norway in Telemark

In addition to a beautiful and sunny summer, the county of Telemark has much to offer: from lively summer life along the picturesque coasts, to fascinating discoveries of traditional culture and majestic nature in the hinterland.

The white towns and fishing villages follow one another uninterruptedly along the coast, usually well sheltered by a myriad of small islands. The convenient inlets and protected harbors were so important to ships and fishing boats that they became notable centers of commerce and culture along the coast. In summer the market squares of the towns abound with cultivated fruit and berries, vegetables and the inevitable fresh fish, unless you prefer to catch it yourself.

Very interesting stories are linked to many of the white wooden houses: some were the homes of famous people, others have become museums, still others welcoming restaurants. In summer the towns host traditional cultural festivals and events which create a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists.
If you move inland from the coast, green valleys and mountains, lakes full of fish, silent forests and a variety of possible excursions to the peaks and along the plateaus await you. Morgedal in Telemark is known as the "cradle" of skiing. From the nearby coast you can undertake a long navigation inland along the Telemark canal on the old Victoria boat: this canal has been awarded an important recognition by Europa Nostra due to its state of conservation and the faithful way in which it is been restored. Fishing, shipowners, the wood trade and an intense exchange with the rest of Europe contributed to making Southern Norway a wealthy, well-organized and hospitable region.

Midnight Sun

If in Italy the midnight sun may seem like a printing error or a publicity stunt, for the inhabitants of Northern Europe it is not at all.

The skeptical visitor has the opportunity to discover, in addition to this phenomenon, wonderful landscapes and natural beauty. In Norway you can also stay in a lighthouse or look for holes on a golf course. Spend a few days in Norway It's like granting a wish.

The landscapes, the people, the events, the particular homes, the villages far from the big centers, make this country one of the mete favorites of the demanding tourist. North Cape, for example, is a place that retains a very particular charm to the point of attracting many Italian travellers.

A completely original feature of this country is the possibility of staying in a Faro. In Norway there are over 19 lighthouses available to those who want to stay in close contact with nature. Staying in a lighthouse is equivalent to a singular experience, especially for those in need of absolute relaxation, for couples in love or for those looking for a bit of solitude.

The fjords, the sea, the islands, the forests, the villages with wooden houses painted white and red, have a unique charm that is particularly suited to the free soul of the traveller. But Norway also offers something else. Sports enthusiasts, and golf enthusiasts in particular, can choose one of over one hundred clubs dedicated to this sport.

Ad Oslo there are ten golf courses. Here is theOslo Golf club, historic Norwegian club founded eighty years ago. Who is located at Bergen can choose the Meland Golfclub. On the Lofoten Islands, in a particular scenario, there is another golf course and a North Cape the northernmost golf course in Europe is located.

For a fairytale holiday you need to get on one of the cruise ships that coast the fjords. In summer, a stop in the fjord is not to be missed Geiranger, not wrongly defined as the most beautiful fjord in Norway. Here there are vertical walls that are over one thousand seven hundred meters high from the sea below. And then the waterfalls of Fiaren, of brudesloret and Seven Sisters they make traveling to these places “the most beautiful in the world”. A cruise to Norway is ideal in the summer months. All that remains is to book.

Diving from a dock. Near Fugløya ©Photo Kristin Folsland Olsen - Visitnorway.comDiving from a dock. Near Fugløya ©Photo Kristin Folsland Olsen - Visitnorway.com

Norway's profile

  • Country: Norway
  • Area: 385.199 km²
  • Capital: Oslo
  • Population: 4,7 million inhabitants
  • Language: Norwegian
  • Religion: the majority belongs to the Protestant church, an Evangelical-Lutheran confession
  • State order: Constitutional monarchy
  • Major cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Lillehammer

Information about Norway

  • Currency: Norwegian Krone (8,3380 euros)
  • Country code: +47
  • International license plate: N
  • Driving lane: right
  • Entry documents: Identity Card or Passport
  • Vaccination required: NN
  • Electric current: 220 volts 50 hertz
  • Unit of measure: metric system
  • Time Zones: as in Italy
  • Fixed date holidays: January 1: New Year; March-April: Easter Monday; March-April: Easter; May 1st: Labor Day; May 17: National Day; 40 days after Easter: Ascension; 50 days after Easter: Pentecost; December 25: Christmas; 26: Boxing Day
  • Climate: In summer the climate is generally rather mild considering the latitude, particularly in the south of the country and in the internal part, but variable. Along the coast it is easier to find rain or wind. In winter the climate is very harsh and cold. The cold but dry air gives a boost of vigor and is more pleasant than in many other parts of the world; the sky, then, is often clear. Given the northern latitude, snow cover is abundant from mid-November to April even at low altitude
  • Average temperatures: in winter it reaches around -12° and in summer around 19°
  •  Transportation: national airlines SAS Braathens, Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS and Widerøe; all airlines have direct flights to Norway: Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Germanwings, KLM, Lufthansa and SN Brussels Airlines, Sterling, Ryanair and many more. Trains from all destinations: Deutsche Bahn, also with Trenitalia, Artesia, etc.
  • Airports: Oslo, Bergen, Torp and other cities

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