La conformación orográfica de la Noruega (se trata de un país predominantemente montañoso), la latitud, el clima, la naturaleza, las tradiciones del pueblo lapón (los sami) la convierten en una de las tierras más espectaculares del viejo continente.
Norway: what to see and what to do
La Norway is a very suitable destination, to discover in all its aspects, ranging from the rugged west coast (a privilege to admire from the legendary Hurtigruten, the postal boat from Bergen, south coast, to Kirkenes, in the Arctic Ocean) to the more inland regions.
From lively cities like Oslo, the capital, Bergen or Trondheim to the rarefied atmospheres, almost suspended in time, of North Cape. Without, of course, neglecting a wonderful archipelago like the Lofoten Islands, where the sharp scent of cod hanging to dry and a succession of environments with pale colors set the tone.
Given the immense natural beauties of their country (which also includes the Svalbard Islands and the Jan Mayen Island), it is not surprising that Norwegians love outdoor life so much and that everyone, including tourists, is recognized the ancient “allemansretten”, the right to self-determination and free access to all natural areas.
When to go to Norway: recommended period
Norway is also a land for all seasons.
If you arrive in spring, you can admire the apple blossoms along the Hardangerfjord or along the beautiful cycling routes.
The summer is particularly evocative in the Arctic Circle, with the phenomenon of the midnight sun, with salmon fishing and sailing or kayak excursions among the islands.
The autumn offers abundant berries and mushrooms, a range of dazzling colors, and still some good opportunities for a trip among waterfalls and glaciers.
The winter is, finally, an experience like no other: we are in the homeland of telemark, the free-heel skiing technique; crazy snowmobile rides in the pristine tundras of Finnmark and a phenomenon that never stops fascinating like the northern lights.
Winter in Norway in the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands have much more to offer than the midnight sun and the charm of long summer days. Toward the end of the autumn period, the waters of the Tysfjord become populated by over 500 orcas, who, greedy for herring, follow these fish in their winter migration.
A handful of snowy islands and islets off the coast of northern Norway, pods of orcas, spectacular northern lights, and a thousand activities: here are the magical Lofoten even in winter!
The Lofoten Islands have much more to offer than the midnight sun and the charm of long summer days. Toward the end of the autumn period, the waters of the Tysfjord become populated by over 500 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, the rubber dinghy, or even in the water snorkeling, watching the orcas’ evolutions will be a breathtaking experience.
After this unique and exciting excursion, you can enjoy an excellent fish-based dinner in one of the many top-class restaurants of the Lofoten Islands and stay overnight in the typical “rorbu,” fishermen’s cabins transformed into accommodations, directly on the water. Winter in the Lofoten is never so harsh: the sea does not freeze thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, but the mountains are covered by a white blanket of snow. The polar night lasts only a few weeks, but the dark sky is lit up, on cold and clear winter nights, by the colorful flashes of the northern lights.
Summer holidays in Norway in Telemark
In addition to a beautiful and sunny summer, Telemark county has much to offer: from vibrant summer life along the picturesque coasts to fascinating discoveries of traditional culture and the majestic nature of the inland.
The white towns and fishing villages follow one another continuously along the coast, usually well sheltered by a myriad of small islands. The convenient coves and protected harbors have been so important for ships and fishing boats that they have become notable centers of trade and culture along the coast. In summer, the market squares of the towns abound with cultivated fruit and wild berries, vegetables, and the ever-present fresh fish—unless you prefer to catch it yourself.
Many of the white wooden houses are linked to very interesting stories: some were the homes of famous figures, others have become museums, and yet others cozy restaurants. In summer, the towns host festivals and traditional cultural events that create a lively atmosphere for both residents and tourists.
If you move inland from the coast, you will find green valleys and mountains, fish-rich lakes, silent forests, and a variety of possible excursions on the peaks and along the plateaus. Morgedal in Telemark is known as the “cradle” of skiing. From the nearby coast, you can undertake a long journey 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 preservation and the faithful way it has been restored. Fishing, shipowners, the timber trade, and intense exchange with the rest of Europe have contributed to making Southern Norway a prosperous, well-organized, and hospitable region.
Midnight Sun
If in Italy the midnight sun might seem like a printing error or a marketing stunt, for the inhabitants of Northern Europe it is not at all.
The skeptical visitor has the chance to discover, besides this phenomenon, wonderful landscapes and natural beauties. In Norway, it is also possible to stay in a Lighthouse or look for holes on a golf course. Spending a few days in Norway is like fulfilling a wish.
The landscapes, the people, the events, the unique homes, the villages far from the big centers, make this country one of the preferred destinations for the demanding tourist. North Cape, for example, is a place that retains a very special charm to the point of attracting many Italian travelers.
A completely original feature of this country is the possibility to stay in a Lighthouse. In Norway, there are over 19 lighthouses available for those who want to remain in close contact with nature. Staying in a lighthouse is a unique experience especially for those who need absolute relaxation, for couples in love, or for souls seeking 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 particularly suited to the free spirit of the traveler. But Norway also has more to offer. Sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, can choose one of the over one hundred clubs dedicated to this sport.
In Oslo there are ten golf courses. Here is the Oslo Golfklubb, a historic Norwegian club founded eighty years ago. Those in Bergen can choose the Meland Golfklubb. On the Lofoten Islands, in a special setting, there is another golf course and at North Cape is the northernmost golf course in Europe.
For a fairy tale vacation, you have to board one of the cruise ships that sail along the fjords. In summer, a stop in the Geiranger fjord is not to be missed, rightly called the most beautiful fjord in Norway. Here there are vertical walls over a thousand seven hundred meters high from the sea below. And then the waterfalls of Fiaren, Brudesloret and the Seven Sisters make the journey to these places “the most beautiful in the world.” A cruise in Norway is ideal in the summer months. Just book.
Country profile of Norway
- Country: Norway
- Area: 385,199 km²
- Capital: Oslo
- Population: 4.7 million inhabitants
- Language: Norwegian
- Religion: the majority belong to the Protestant church, Evangelical Lutheran confession
- Form of government: Constitutional monarchy
- Main cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Lillehammer
Information about Norway
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (8.3380 euro)
- International dialing code: +47
- International vehicle registration: N
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: ID card or passport
- Vaccination required: No
- Electric current: 220 volts 50 hertz
- Unit of measurement: metric system
- Time zones: same as Italy
- Fixed date holidays: January 1: New Year’s Day; March-April: Easter Monday; March-April: Easter; May 1: Labor Day; May 17: National Day; 40 days after Easter: Ascension; 50 days after Easter: Pentecost; December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
- Climate: In summer, the climate is generally quite mild considering the latitude, especially in the southern and inland parts, but variable. Along the coast, rain or wind is more common. In winter, the climate is very harsh, 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 is often clear. Due to the northern latitude, snowfall is abundant from mid-November to April even at low altitudes
- Average temperatures: around -12° in winter and around 19° in summer
- 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 others. Trains from all destinations: Deutsche Bahn, also with Trenitalia, Artesia, etc.
- Airports: Oslo, Bergen, Torp and others in various cities
