Why to visit Norway

SPECIALITIES OF NORWAY

• The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – A natural light display that illuminates the winter sky with dancing colors of green, purple, and blue, particularly visible in locations like Tromso and the Lofoten Islands.
• Midnight Sun – During summer months above the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets, creating 24 hours of continuous daylight.
• Allemannsretten (Freedom to Roam) – A unique right enshrined in law allowing everyone to access and enjoy nature freely, even on private property.

ICONIC SITES OF NORWAY

• Geirangerfjord – A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the famous Seven Sisters waterfall.
• Oslo Opera House – A contemporary architectural masterpiece with a walkable roof.
• Bryggen in Bergen – Historic colorful wooden houses from the Hanseatic period, also a UNESCO site.
• Trolltunga – A dramatic rock formation extending horizontally over Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) – A steep cliff rising 604 meters above Lysefjorden.
• Viking Ship Museum – Housing perfectly preserved Viking vessels and artifacts.
• Flam Railway – One of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN CUISINES

Seafood Specialties:

• Fresh Norwegian salmon
• Lutefisk (dried whitefish treated with lye)
• Rakfisk (fermented trout)
• King crab from the Barents Sea

Traditional Dishes:

• Pinnekjott (salted and dried lamb ribs)
• Kjottkaker (Norwegian meatballs)
• Brunost (brown cheese)
• Lefse (soft flatbread)

LANDSCAPES OF NORWAY

• Fjords – Deep sea inlets carved by glaciers, flanked by steep cliffs
• Mountains – The Scandinavian Mountains running through the country
• Coastal Areas – Over 25,000 kilometers of coastline including countless islands
• Arctic Tundra – Particularly in the northern regions
• Forests – Vast boreal forests covering much of the inland areas
• Glaciers – Including Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe’s largest glacier

BEST SEASON TO VISIT NORWAY

Summer (June to August): Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities

• Midnight sun experiences
• Comfortable temperatures
• Best time for fjord cruises

Winter (December to February): Perfect for Northern Lights viewing

• Winter sports and activities
• Christmas markets and festivities
• Unique arctic experiences

WHY TO VISIT NORWAY

• Natural Phenomena – Unique experiences like the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
• Outdoor Activities – World-class hiking, skiing, and fishing opportunities
• Cultural Heritage – Rich Viking history and contemporary Scandinavian culture
• Safety and Accessibility – One of the safest countries with excellent infrastructure
• Clean Environment – Pristine nature and commitment to sustainability
• High Standard of Living – Excellent public services and facilities

WHEN TO VISIT NORWAY (MONTH-BY-MONTH HIGHLIGHTS)

• December-February: Northern Lights and winter sports
• March-April: Spring skiing and longer days
• May: Spring blooms and National Day celebrations
• June-August: Midnight sun and optimal hiking conditions
• September-October: Fall colors and fewer tourists
• November: Early winter activities and beginning of Northern Lights season

FLORA AND FAUNA TO EXPLORE

Flora:

• Arctic wildflowers
• Mountain birch forests
• Alpine plants
• Coastal vegetation
• Berry-producing plants (cloudberries, lingonberries)

Fauna:

• Arctic wildlife (polar bears in Svalbard)
• Moose and reindeer
• Arctic foxes
• Various whale species
• Sea eagles
• Atlantic puffins

BEST OF NORWAY (TOP EXPERIENCES)

• Fjord Cruising – Experiencing the majestic fjords up close
• Northern Lights Viewing – Particularly in Tromso
• Hiking Notable Trails – Including Trolltunga and Preikestolen

Cultural Experiences:

• Viking heritage sites
• Sami culture in the north
• Traditional stave churches

Urban Exploration:

• Oslo’s museums and architecture
• Bergen’s historic waterfront
• Trondheim’s medieval cathedral

Adventure Activities:

• Dog sledding
• Glacier walking
• Kayaking in the fjords
• Arctic fishing

Scenic Railways:

• Bergen Railway
• Flam Railway
• Nordland Railway

Island Hopping:

• Lofoten Islands
• Vesteralen
• Svalbard archipelago