Welcome to Norway!
The country of fjords, northern lights, and vikings
Norway might just be my favourite country in the world. It has everything from incredible nature and breathtaking scenery, to cute towns full of cafés smelling like cinnamon buns. Okay, yes, I might be a little biased because I moved to Trondheim for my Master degree. I fell in love with Norway and Norwegian culture and I’m sure you will, too, once you set foot into this amazing country.
Velkommen til Norge
Norway Quick Facts
Country
Language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Electricity: 50hz/220-240 Volts and Plug Type C/F
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
Highlights
Swim With Killer Whales in Northern Norway
Oslo – 24 Hours off the beaten path
Røros Christmas Market
During my time of living in Norway, I was lucky enough to be able to see a lot of the country!
About Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country known for its incredible landscapes, rich culture, and high quality of life. Located in northern Europe, it shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and has a coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean. The country is famous for its fjords, mountains, and the breathtaking Northern Lights that people travel from all over to see. And trust me, it’s well worth it!
Even though it has a smaller population, Norway has a strong economy driven by oil, gas, and renewable energy. It’s also known for its progressive social policies that focus on things like education, healthcare, and sustainability. Norway really blends old traditions with modern life, something you can feel in its festivals, architecture, and lifestyle.
Norway is the perfect spot if you’re into stunning nature and outdoor fun. From the famous fjords like Geirangerfjord to the incredible mountain views, the scenery here will for sure leave you speechless. Whether you’re up for hiking, skiing, or chasing the Northern Lights, there’s always something amazing to do. Cities like Oslo mix modern vibes with tons of history, Bergen is all about cozy, colorful buildings by the water, and Trondheim is seriously underrated with its charming old town. If you want to get away from it all, head to the Lofoten Islands or Tromsø for some peace and quiet. With a bunch of cool coastal towns, beautiful villages, and endless outdoor adventures, Norway is a place you won’t forget.
The best time to travel to Norway
The best time to visit Norway really depends on what you’re looking for! The summer months (May to September) offer long days, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. The Scandi summer is in full swing, locals are hanging around the fjords or climbing some mountains, and the whole country is full of life. Also, this is definitely the perfect time to head north and experience the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle!
If you want to see the Northern Lights, or enjoy other arctic experiences, the winter months (October to March) are ideal. October is perfect for city trips to Trondheim, Oslo, or Bergen, that now see less visitors but are still spectacular with autumn foliage. If you want to experience real coziness, opt for December and discover just how great Christmas can be. If you’re outdoorsy, there are so many amazing things you can do in Norwegian winter. Head to Tromsø, the gate to the Arctic, check out Lofoten islands, go skiing in some of the most amazing mountain ranges.Just keep in mind, the weather can be unpredictable, so always pack accordingly!
How to get around Norway
Renting a Car
Norway is honestly best explored by car, especially if you want to visit remote villages or scenic spots in the countryside. The roads are extremely well-maintained, and driving through the mountains and along the coastline is an unforgettable experience. Just be prepared for some narrow roads and winding turns, especially in older towns. Make sure to check out the driving conditions in winter, as they may be too icy to drive every now and then!
Public Transportation
Norway also has an excellent public transportation system. The trains are efficient and scenic, perfect for traveling between cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. For those looking to visit the islands or explore the fjords, ferries and boats are great options. They’ll take you to some of the most remote and beautiful spots Norway has to offer! Check out vy.no, the government-owned transport group, for trains and connections throughout the whole country.
Norway’s Top Sights
Trondheim
Of course, I explored my temporary home Trondheim extensively. It’s the third largest city in Norway and is home to the biggest university of the country (NTNU, where I did my Master). Except for the students and the cruise ship guests, Trondheim has a very relaxed vibe. There are many cute cafés selling cinnamon buns, nice second-hand shops, and plenty of natural sights to see.
Oslo
I only made it to Oslo for 24 hours as a stopover on my way back to Trondheim. It’s Norway capital and biggest city, and it really feels like it. Oslo is by no means huge but in comparison to the other cities in Norway, it’s definitely metropolitan. I skipped all main tourist attractions to experience Oslo more as a local. My friends who grew up there gave me a whole list of places I should check out and they did not disappoint!
Tromsø
Tromsø is located in Northern Norway and has the nickname “Gateway to the Arctic”. It’s the best place to visit if you want to see the Northern Lights, go Husky sledding, pet reindeer, and watch (or even swim with) whales. Here you can experience the Midnight Sun in summer and Polar Night in winter which are both incredible.
Bergen
To escape from my exams, I took a short weekend trip to Bergen. In many ways, it was very similar to Trondheim. The same colourful houses in the harbour, the fjord, the hills in the background, a student city. Bergen, however, really shines with its nature in the surrounding area and the numerous outdoor activity possibilities.
Countryside
Next to the cities, Norway offers some incredible natural phenomena, as well as cute small countryside towns. I went to Dovrefjell National Park on a Musk Oxen Safari and (tried) camping at the Fjords. During Christmas, I took a trip to small town Røros where they have the most amazing Christmas market in the world (and that’s coming from a German).
