NORWAY

10 Things to know before traveling to Norway

Norway is famous for its stunning natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, picturesque fjords and Northern Lights. It is no longer a secret insider destination in Europe and has enjoyed increasing interest and is one of the most popular destinations in Scandinavia. However, before you pack your bags and head off to this Nordic paradise, there are some crucial things you should know.

I have compiled a list of 10 things to know about Norway before going there, from basic tips regarding weather and clothes to a few insider tips based on my own experience as a Norwegian myself.

ONE:

Take advantage of the outdoors: Close your eyes and imagine Norway. What do you see? My guess is that one of the first things will likely be a calm fjord, surrounded by green, luscious mountains and a waterfall raining into it. You will not find a bustling city like Paris, Barcelona or Rome in Norway because that‘s just not us. Norway‘s natural beauty is its biggest attraction and if you really want to see the country take advantage of the many hiking trails, ski slopes, and other outdoor activities available. Whether you go during summer or winter there will be plenty to do. Don‘t get me wrong, the cities are still beautiful and worth a visit but don‘t plan to spend too much time there.

TWO:

Rent a car to explore the country: If you want to explore Norway properly, you will either need to come with a car or rent one upon arrival. Norway does have a good public transportation system but renting a vehicle will give you the opportunity and freedom to explore at your own pace and visit more remote locations. Please keep in mind that gas is quite expensive though. I will go more into detail about prices at a later point.

THREE:

Don‘t underestimate the size of Norway and driving time: Norway is about 80% of California (with only 5 million citizens, compared to 37 million in CA). Although it might not look like that on a map it is a vast country with many winding roads, so driving will take you longer than you‘ll expect. The highest speed allowed to go in Norway is 80 km/h which is about 50 miles per hour and due to the windy roads you will likely have to go much slower most of the time. You may even need to cross fjords with boats, for a fee, to get to your destination. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to another and study the map properly if you wish to avoid fjord taxis, toll stations, etc.

FOUR:

Take scenic driving routes: Norway is home to some of the most beautiful scenic driving routes in the world. The Atlantic Road, the Trollstigen Mountain Road, and the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route are just a few examples. Driving on these roads can be a memorable experience but you might have to go out of your way to get on these roads. The government has actually put together a National Scenic Route Map of the 18 most scenic routes for you to drive on, so you don‘t spend the majority of your trip driving through tunnels and gray highways.

FIVE:

Consider local seasons and weather when planning your trip: Some roads, attractions and hiking trails are closed during the winter months (October to March) due to weather conditions. Depending on when you visit, you may experience almost constant daylight or near darkness. This can take some getting used to or interfere with plans, so be prepared. This also means that you need to dress for the weather. Norway can be ice cold and even chilly during the summer months (although most of the time summers are quite mild). Make sure to pack warm clothing, including a good jacket, gloves, and a hat.

SIX:

(You cannot see the Northern Lights all year long: While a lot of tourists visit Norway to see the Northern LIghts, they can only be seen during the winter months (October to March) when the nights are dark enough. Also keep in mind that you are more likely to see them in the North of the country but it‘s so worth it! (Photo of Northern Lights on the coast of Helgeland by @isakbrun)

SEVEN:

Be prepared for high prices: Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world, which means literally everything will most likely be more expensive than in your home country. This counts for everything from food to accommodations. If you plan to only eat out the entire time you are there, it will most likely hurt your wallet a little (think: 50$ per pizza at a restaurant). Cooking at home or in a little cabin will be much cheaper and cozier. One of the most marked up prices are for alcohol. If you plan to drink while you‘re in Norway, be prepared to make your credit card glow. Alcohol is heavily taxed, so even a can of beer will cost you quite a bit. Aquavit (a famous Norwegian liquor) is overrated anyway.

EIGHT:

Norway is not known for its cuisine: Although Norway does have a unique culinary scene, with dishes like „rakfisk“ or „lutefisk“ that you will not find anywhere else, they will not be the best thing you‘ve ever had in your life. This might be more of a personal opinion and there are a lot of great local dishes (such as my grandmother's moose stew) but I love Norway for its nature not for its food. My personal favorites, if I had to pick, would be grilled Hot Dogs, heart-shaped waffles, and „softis“ with sprinkles (soft serve ice cream). (Yummy softis with sprinkles)

NINE:

Try wild camping to save money: There is a law called „allemannsretten“, which gives everyone the right to camp on most public land. This can be a great way to save money on accommodations, but will however be a little more of an adventure. However, most public parking spots in Norway will at least have a bathroom nearby. (This could be you; Photo from @norway)

TEN:

Be respectful of our culture and nature: In return for welcoming you to our country we ask for nothing but respect for us, our history, and nature. Take the time to learn about our traditions, language and customs in order to make an effort to be respectful. Most Norwegians do speak English but don‘t assume so from the get go. Most importantly, be sure to follow "Leave No Trace" principles, such as packing out all trash and avoiding disturbing wildlife in nature. Stick to marked trails when hiking, and avoid making campfires in areas where it's not allowed. By being respectful of the culture and nature in Norway, you'll not only have a better experience, but you'll also be helping to preserve the country's unique heritage and natural beauty.(Heddal Stave Church).