Norway is a wildly beautiful country of snow-capped mountains and deep glacier-carved fjords. The astounding scenery of the southwestern fjordland and the mysterious Northern Lights of the Arctic are the main draw cards for tourists, but there are many incentives to visit this sparsely inhabited country. It offers remote wildernesses and outdoor activities, fairylike forests, historic towns and charming fishing villages, friendly people, and the lure of the Arctic Circle. It also boasts some of the most scenic bus trips, boat cruises and train rides in the world.
'The Land of the Midnight Sun', with its long summer days, is not only for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but offers a rich cultural heritage from the Vikings, the traditional nomadic Sami people of the remote northern regions, and world-renowned artists such as Edvard Munch. Principle cities of interest are Oslo, the pretty capital; the historic trading port of Bergen, gateway to the Fjordlands; and hilly Tromsø, within the Arctic Circle, the centre of the Northern Lights activity. They are pleasant, low-key cities that offer a good range of museums, historical sights and unique architecture.
Norway's greatest impact on history was during the Viking Age, when the sleek Viking ships crossed the Atlantic, and Europe was subjected to numerous raids. Traditionally Norwegians are explorers, and their influence is evident in the world-shaping history of the Vikings, and seen in the more recent personalities like polar explorer Roald Amundsen, and the legendary Pacific crossing of Thor Heyerdahl on his wooden raft, the Kon-Tiki. Today Norwegians hold onto many of their cultural traditions, most notably the art of storytelling that takes place around the fireside to while away the long winter hours. Trolls figure prominently in their folklore, some friendly and helpful, while others are naughty characters that conveniently serve as a source of blame for all of life's troubles.
Norway is one of the best adventure-tourism destinations in the world, with an intriguing folk culture to match its dramatic landscapes. It is an expensive country to visit but provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly reward the investment.
Norway is a famously good destination for outdoor adventure tourism, with fantastic skiing, cycling, hiking, climbing, river rafting and even scuba diving opportunities. The spectacular scenery is also popularly enjoyed on cruises and train rides, with much of the tourist activity centering on the famous and extensive network of fjords. Sognefjord is the largest of the fjords and lures many tourists to Norway with its dramatic vistas and the natural and cultural wealth along its banks. Many visitors start their fjord explorations in Bergen, but Tromso also offers some glorious fjord cruises.
Tromso is the gateway to the Acrtic and the main attractions in the north are the phenomena of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, which keep travellers arriving year round. Tromso, like all the main cities in Norway, also boasts some good museums, as well as the unique Arctic Cathedral.
Oslo, the capital, is a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city, surrounded by glorious countryside and promising many sightseeing opportunities for rainy days. The heritage of the Vikings and the great Norwegian explorers can be found in Oslo, as well as some of the country's best art galleries. Other popular urban destinations in Norway include Stavanger and Trondheim, and of course Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, which boasts the historic neighbourhood of Bryggen.
Oslo
Oslo is probably most famous for being hemmed in by its main attractions, the natural glory of the fjord and stretching woodlands that offer so many scenic spots and outdoor activities for the fit and adventurous. However, it is also an artistic, cosmopolitan city which offers numerous cultural and historical sightseeing opportunities. Many of Oslo's best cultural attractions can be found on the Bygdoy Peninsula, including the incredible Viking Ships Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Fram Polar Ship Museum, which jointly leave travellers in no doubt as to the seafaring and explorative laurels of Norway. The Oscarshall Castle, Bygdoy Royal Estate and Norwegian Museum of Cultural History can also be found on the picturesque peninsula. Other must-see attractions in Oslo include the National Gallery, which houses Edvard Munch's iconic painting The Scream, and Vigeland Park, which is the city's most visited tourist attraction.
Fjordland
Fjordland is Norway's most important tourist destination with its breathtaking scenery of high mountains, spectacular fjords and glaciers. These are the alluring images of Norway, a wild and rugged landscape and deep, peaceful waters.
Carved by glacial ice in river valleys, the fjords are diverse in character, each with individual qualities and attractions as they wind their way inland, some with lush green fields alongside and others with steep mountains plunging straight down into the deep water. Geirangerfjorden is a tiny S-shaped fjord with magnificent waterfalls, sheer, rugged sides and striking scenery. Sognefjord is the best known of the fjords, the longest and deepest, with several charming villages such as Balestrand and Flåm, and old stave churches along its shores. Surrounded by towering mountains is the narrowest and most impressive branch of the Sognefjord, the beautiful Nærøyfjord. To the north lies the Nordfjord, dominated by the vast ice plateau of the Jostedalsbreen glacier that trickles down into the surrounding valleys, giving the water its distinctive blue-green colour.
Stavanger
Situated on the southwest coast, Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city, and its petroleum capital. A modern city, with excellent public transport, it also boasts the area known as 'Gamle Stavanger', a cobble-stoned old suburb full of 18th-century wooden houses, where many local artists have taken up residence. The old quarter spreads out from the harbour and the waterfront is also a hub of activity for travellers, bustling at night with crowds of locals and visitors, particularly during summer. Stavanger is a fun mix of old and new, a cosmopolitan port city with a charming historic atmosphere.
Tromso
The greatest tourist attractions in Tromso are the stunning arctic fjords, and the extreme weather and light displays: the seemingly mystical Northern Lights in winter; and the Midnight Sun in the summer months. Tromso is one of the most popular gateways into the Arctic landscape in Scandinavia and cruises along the coastline, or traditional snow activities like dog-sledding are popularly arranged from the city.
There is, however, some worthwhile sightseeing in Tromso for those who have some time to kill before setting off on outdoor adventures. Great museums in Tromso include the Tromso Museum, particularly renowned for its exhibition on the history and culture of the Sami people; the Polar Museum, where travellers can learn about the Arctic expeditions and explorers, among other things; the Perspektivet Museum, which exhibits art in a historic mansion; and the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, which houses contemporary Norwegian art, including some work by Edvard Munch. Those travelling with kids in Tromso should check out Polaria, for interactive exhibitions on the Arctic environment. Another must is a visit to the unique Arctic Cathedral, but visitors should note that the church is often only open for two hours a day, so visits should be carefully planned.
Trondheim
The oldest of Norway's major cities, Trondheim has a youthful feel, dominated by the 25,000 students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Traditionally a religious centre and trading hub for northern Europe, Trondheim is now well over a thousand years old.
Trondheim is home to some important historic landmarks, including the Nidaros Cathedral, the biggest church in northern Europe and the only Gothic cathedral in Norway. There are many traditional wooden houses in pretty areas including Bakklandet and Ilsvikøra, and other wooden buildings can be viewed from the Old Town Bridge. There are historical military sites at the fortress island of Munkholmen and DORA 1, a former German submarine base. Trondheim also has several good-quality museums, including those dedicated to musical instruments and local culture and history.
Bergen
'Norway in a nutshell', the slogan adopted by one of the fjord tour operators, sums up exactly what one can expect from a holiday in Bergen, the quaint medieval Norwegian port city that retains many of the features of its heyday as a major player as a Hanseatic League trading centre. The old quarter of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of history and the must-see part of the city. A stroll from one end of Bryggen to the other takes under half an hour, but there are some great museums along this stretch, including the Bryggens Museum and the Hanseatic Museum, both of which provide insight into the lives and living conditions of the merchants who established the neighbourhood in medieval times. Other worthwhile attractions in the city include it's oldest surviving building, St Mary's Church, and the Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum, for lovers of classical music. All travellers should take advantage of the cable cars which ascend Mount Ulriken and Mount Floyen, to admire views of the city, which has a beautiful setting. Apart from its historic significance, many travel to Bergen for its many music festivals, so it is worth checking what's on during your travels.
General weather conditions: Despite its northerly location, the coastal climate in Norway is temperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream flowing along its coast. Summer, between late June and early August, brings long, hot days with temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C), and sea temperatures a comfortable 64°F (18°C). Even in the north, summer temperatures rise to 77°F (25°C) or more. However, summer weather can be changeable in Norway and the summer months can be wet. In winter much of Norway is snow-clad with very low temperatures in the north and the low-lying inland regions of the south. Temperatures can drop below -40°F (-40°C). In contrast, the coast enjoys mild winters, although gales and rain are common.
Best time to visit: In spring, between May and mid-June Norway is at its prettiest, with everything coming to life and blossoming and snow melt swelling the waterfalls.
All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least the period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Health
There are no real health risks associated with travel to Norway and the standard of healthcare is high throughout the country. A reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
Language
Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.
Money
The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK), divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards. Use of credit cards is widespread, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club the most common. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.
Emergencies
Emergencies: 112 (Police); 113 (Ambulance); 110 (Fire).
Tourist Office
Norwegian Tourist Office (Norges Turistrad), Oslo: +47 2414 4600 or www.visitnorway.com
Safety
Norway is a safe country in which to travel; however, travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft.
Customs
Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public transport in Norway, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or financial achievements and frown on those who do.
Tipping
A 10 to 15 percent service charge is added to most hotel and restaurant bills and a further tip is only necessary if exceptional service has been received; waiters often receive an extra five to 10 percent tip. Taxi fares can be rounded up to the krone.
