Norway Tourism

An adventurer’s playground, a photographer’s dream and a culture vulture’s delight, Norway wears all its garbs with élan. This Scandinavian piece of heaven-on-earth is graced with an abundance of stunning natural beauty. With its Midnight Sun and Northern Lights, Norway’s splendour is bestowed with a bit of magic. Norway’s official travel guide sums it up perfectly, ‘Nature by day, culture by night’.

Norway has an amazing outdoors culture where long treks and camping are norms rather than exceptions. Here, camping is a family event and hiking the challenging Besseggen Ridge is considered a rite of passage, regardless of your age. Norway demands to be explored, whether you do it on foot, on a bicycle or the train, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re out and about, stuffing your bag of memories full of unforgettable sights and unique experiences.

Even a simple train ride in Norway is a thing of beauty. It’s a small wonder then that the Vikings decided to make this their home. And Norwegians are proud of their culture. Traditions are treasured and are a part of daily life. Apart from its museums, the country showcases its love for the arts through theatre and a multitude of cultural festivals.

Let us now take a quick tour through Norway’s tourism and try to discover the roots of its appeal that lures many to its shores year after year.

Highlights Of Norway

The Norwegian concept of ‘Kos' is the exact essence of Norway’s tourism. In its traditional sense, Kos conveys a sense of ultimate comfort, a hot fireplace and plenty of food and drink. But it covers everything from a warm family gathering to even a cup of hot coffee enjoyed with a freshly baked cinnamon bun.

Norway’s tourism showcases the country’s love for music through concerts and festivals which happen throughout the year. And with many concerts being performed against the backdrop of the country’s beautiful fjords, the venues are as spectacular at the music. Norway’s art galleries and museums are full of artistic treasures. But art is not just limited to these buildings. Norway has flourishing street art scene with larger-than-life murals adorning the buildings across the country.

Norwegian tourism also gives you a taste of exhilarating adventure at some of its most iconic geological formations. Take a walk on Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) and stand on the Kjeragbolten, a giant boulder suspended 1000 meters above the ground. But those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, can head to the Priekestolen (Preacher’s Rock) for base jumping.

Adventure Activities in Norway

Adventure is the heart of Norway’s idea of fun. While there are many challenging treks around the country, the Besseggen Ridge commands a special respect. The 9-hour-long trek will test your stamina and resolve but will reward you with some spectacular imagery along the way.

One more trek that tests your determination is the one that takes you to Nigardsbreen Ice Cave inside the Jostedal glacier. A surreal world awaits you inside as the diffused light bounces off in all directions.

A visit to the Arctic Circle is one of the coolest things you can while in Norway. As most of the country sits inside the circle it is easy to get there. You will get the best views of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights from here.

If you’re looking forward to the wind streaming through your hair, the Lyngen Alps will fulfil your wish with some of the best skiing in Norway. Apart from skiing you can also try your hand at rock climbing or head out on an exciting snow safari.

The Steindalsfossen Waterfall is a luscious cascade on the Fosselva river, about 2 km east of Norheinsund. You can walk behind the 50-metre-high waterfall for a behind-the-scenes look.

Shopping in Norway

One way to remember your Norwegian sojourn is to carry home souvenirs. While Norway has its share of malls and shopping centres, the little bazars and flea markets will surely throw up some truly memorable bargains. The Bryggerkka Flea Market will offer you souvenirs ranging from Viking drinking bowls to troll figurines.

The Farmer’s market in Valkyrie Plass will sell you the freshest vegetables while the Viking Market showcases and sells traditional Viking crafts. You will find a variety of crafts made out of wood, ceramic, textiles, glass, leather, wicker and paper. If you’re looking for a more familiar and comfortable shopping experience, head to one of the malls or shopping centres.

The malls here offer almost all popular brands from around the world. But the real bargains are out there on the streets.

Cuisine Of Norway

The food in Norway is a tribute to its Viking roots, with simple recipes and hearty portions. Seafood is a staple of the cuisine, and other than taste, the emphasis is on freshness. Game meat is also a major part of the diet here. And it is here that you will find Norway’s favourite brown cheese. It is an acquired taste.

You must try the local delicacies such as pickled herring, potato lefse, salmon and fermented freshwater trout fillets. The Kjøttkaker is a simple dish made in almost all homes across Norway. Almost looking like a pancake, the Svele is a popular afternoon snack served with sweet syrup or butter.

If you’re itching to try caviar, Norway packages it conveniently, within a tube! All you have to do is squeeze it out like toothpaste. Norwegian food is a combination of bold flavours and some interesting ingredients. While you can always get familiar food, do not shy away from trying the local cuisine.

Interesting Facts About Norway

• Norway has the world’s longest road tunnel which is 24.5 km long.
• Norway is the home of the Nobel Prize and the awards are presented in Oslo every year.
• There’s a village called Hell in Norway, with a population of around 1000 people.
• Norway introduced the salmon in Japanese Sushi during the 1980’s.
• In Norway people’s income and wealth records are a part of public domain.
• There are two variants of Norwegian language, Bokmål and Nynorsk.
• Skiing was invented in Norway in the late 19th century.
• Norway has Europe’s largest population of wild reindeer.
• 98% of Norway’s domestic electricity is generated by hydroelectric plants
• No one really knows how long Norway’s coastline is.
  
  

Location Of Norway

Norway occupies the western and the northern-most parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is a part of Scandinavian group of countries that sit near the Arctic Circle. It shares its border with Sweden, Finland and Russia on land. On the seaward side, it is bordered by the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea and Skagerrak.

Best Time to Visit Norway

With clearly defined seasons, Norway experiences seasonal weather conditions throughout the year. The warm summer season (June-August) is the best time to visit Norway to enjoy the best it has to offer. The shoulder months of Spring (May-June) and Autumn (September-October) are also good months to visit Norway, away from the touristy crowds. Winter (November-April) is not a good time to be in Norway as the cold takes over everything and most tourist attractions are closed.

How to Reach Norway

Flying is the fastest way to reach Norway from India. Though there are no direct flights between the two countries, flights operate fairly regularly. The other, albeit slower way to reach Norway is by boat. If you’re leaving from India, you can book a berth on one of the luxury cruise liners. Norway receives international ferries from its neighbours and surrounding countries.

Norway enjoys four distinct seasons with varying weather conditions. Depending on what you want on your holiday, the best time to visit Norway will be different for different people. Allow us help you plan your perfect Arctic holiday. Drop in at the nearest Thomas Cook branch or book you holiday online from the comfort of your home.