Norway: Places That Define Its Glorious History

by William Taylor

Norway is a beautiful country which offers a wide range of experiences; there is almost certainly something to interest you regardless of what you enjoy. There are a huge number of museums and a huge range of cultural and historic activities to indulge in. The country is one of the most prosperous in the world as well as having some of the most spectacular landscapes.

Rail Routes

One of the best ways to travel around Norway and enjoy the stunning scenery is to use the reliable train service. Despite the huge number of mountains the rail system manages to cover the entire country; with the aid of seven hundred and seventy five tunnels and over three thousand bridges! The best place to start is Oslo as you can reach almost any destination from there.

Hurtigruten

This is a ferry service which runs every day of the year and covers the farthest parts of this beautiful country. You can catch a ship from Bergen and enjoy a twelve day voyage which stops at dozens of fascinating places en route. If you love adventure you can use the ferry service like a bus and hop on and off at each of the ports to explore.

Geirangerfjord

Norway is well known for its fjords, huge expanses of water surrounded by snow capped mountains and grassy fjords. It is a picture perfect setting and something that must be seen at least once in your lifetime. One of the best views is from the top of Dalsnibba which stands at 4,905 feet and offers spectacular views of the world below.

The Arctic Circle

Part of Norway is inside the Arctic Circle and this means there are two impressive sights to witness. The first is in the summer months where the sun never sets; it is a bizarre and slightly surreal sensation! In the winter months the opposite is true, the sun never really rises, and the best days have a dull hue casting shadows across the land. This is also the best chance you will have of seeing the Northern Lights; the sky will transform into a myriad of different colors. It is, to say the least, entrancing.

National Day

This is a national festival and is as important to the Norwegians as Independence Day is to the Americans. It marks the day the country gained its independence from Denmark. There are celebrations, concerts, festivals and fireworks across the country. The atmosphere is electric! May 17 is Norway’s National Day. And if you’re planning a visit during this time of the year, then you’ll be happy to know that the weather is quite pleasant too.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a year round tourist destination. It is located at the south of the Gudbrandsdal valley and consists of a museum which includes one hundred historic houses, Peer Gyants Cottage and, most importantly, some of the best ski slopes in the world. The 1994 Olympics were held in Lillehammer and there are literally hundreds of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding or even skating.

Atlantic Ocean Road

This stretch of coastal road is just five miles long but it is an essential link between hundreds of small islands. It is a mecca for those who love the sea, whether fishing, diving or just looking. The views are fantastic and there are plenty of fascinating villages to visit on the way.

Jotunheimen

The Jotunheimen area of Norway is home to the highest mountains in Norway. It covers 1,351square miles and is also home to a wide range of wild animals. Reindeer are one of the most popular and common sights around the vast lakes and glaciers in this region.

Guided sightseeing trip in Lillehammer area

If You Go:

Norway is not a cheap country to travel around in but it is worth saving the money to make this special trip. The scenery and the experiences this country offers will be remembered by you for a lifetime! Get to know more about Norway’s fascinating people and historical background by exploring the museums. The best and most impressive are in Oslo. The Viking Ship Museum for example, will reveal a lot of fascinating details about the country’s past. Make sure to check it out, and turn your Scandinavian adventure into a memorable experience.

Self-Guided Norway roundtrip: Oslo to Oslo

About the author:
William Taylor is a traveling freak from his teenage and has traveled many destinations around the world. He also loves writing about his traveling experiences and sharing about the places he has explored. He writes for www.baltictravelcompany.com, which specializes in Baltic holidays, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Nordics.

Photo Credits:
Reine Norway by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Hurtigruten ferry by Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / CC BY
Arctic fjord by Conor Sheridan on Unsplash