Travel to Norway

Walking amongst Norway's fjords offers visitors some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in the world, from steep mountainsides to immense waterfalls. We take a look at some of the best places to go hiking in Norway for fantastic views of the fjords.

Bergen

Cruise ships often start their journey of Norway's fjords from this bustling ferry port. Huddled amongst towering mountains, the town is famous for its Fish Market which not only sells raw oysters but also holiday souvenirs and vegetables. Next to the Fish Market you will see Dyvekegangen which is the narrowest street in Norway at just 99cm wide. Walking in Norway's narrowest street may not seem a particularly enjoyable prospect, especially for the claustrophobic amongst you. However the Dyvekegangen is home to the popular Dyveke's wine cellar a Victorianesque building which is definitely worth the stroll.

Also located in the centre of Bergen is the Witch Stone, where 350 suspected witches were burnt at the stake from 1550 to 1700. Equally gruesome is the dungeon at the Rosencrantz Tower which was used from 1400 to 1800.

Voss

The town of Voss is one of the best locations for hiking in Norway, with an abundance of lakes and mountains. It is also the gateway to the breathtaking Sognefjord, which makes it one of the best places to spend a couple of days before continuing on to visit this natural wonder. Whilst the town of Voss may be incredibly scenic for walking in Norway it is also the ideal place to take part in a number of adventure sports. Skiing, waters ports and paragliding are all common in this area and the extreme sports festival, Ekstremsportveko, takes places every year in June.

When all the sports that the region has to offer have worn you out, it's time to take a break from walking in Norway and board the scenic railway which stretches from Bergen to Flam. The railway cuts into the side to the mountain and descends 865m in 13 miles to the shores of Aurlandsfjord. Aurlandsfjord can be experienced from boat and kayak and the mountains are the perfect place for walking in Norway's scenic landscapes.

Sognefjord

Sognefjord is Norway's most dramatic fjord and the area is sure to be the highlight of your hiking holiday in Norway. The fjord is not only the largest in Norway, but also the second largest in the world, extending more than 200km inland to the national parks of Jotenheimen and Jostedalsbreen. Both parks are equally attractive, and both merit a visit whilst on your walking holiday in Norway. Jotunheimen, 'the Home of the Giants', contains Norway's highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, and all the country's peaks above 2300m.

Meanwhile Jostedalsbreen's craggy mountain peaks and verdant grass make the park ideal for hiking but the area is equally attractive by boat as it boasts the largest glacier within mainland Europe. If the glaciers are something that particularly fascinate you whilst on your walking holiday in Norway then you may even want to join a glacier walking tour and enjoy a thrilling walk with an experienced guide on the blue glacier ice.

Speaking of Norway, people can naturally bring the world famous novel "The Forest in Norway" to mind. There are many mountains in Norway. All kinds of villages are seated among the mountains. Between the villages are just the forests which are far away or nearby as if they are waiting for something. The forests of birches and firs which are both thin and thick are neither secretive like the virgin forest in image nor profound like the description by the authors.

In Norway, you can see the forest everywhere. The Norwegian like the forest very much. It is ruled by law that people must plant a young tree in the time limit after felling a tree no matter it is public-owned or privately owned. The Norwegian go to the forest is like our going to the square in weekends. People go to the forest to have a walk, go fishing deep in the forest and pick the mushrooms and wild fruit or only to do mountain climbing. I hear that there is usually a small log cabin deep in the forest. Beside the doorway is a mail box. People can live here for nights only after putting the money into the box. People would tidy the room and put some wild flowers in the drawing room for welcoming the next guest when they leave.

Whether the music of the Beatles or the word of Haruki Murakami, both make people the forest in Norway mysterious and beautiful which is beyond description. The forest in the novel of Haruki Murakami is mysterious, endless and is filled with the atmosphere of lost and coldness. In the true world, seventy-five percentage of the land are forest and greenbelt in the capital city of Oslo which is only with a population of five hundred thousand. Here is a typical place where the Nordic get along very well with the nature.

It is said that the original meaning of Oslo is "the valley of God" while another meaning is” plain of the foot of mountain". Oslo leans close to the circuitous firth of Oslo. Being viewed from a high place, it is surrounded tightly by the sea and the forest. The forest is endless. You can not see an end. Only one third of the entire city land is developed for construction. Most of the area remains in the nature status. For more information about traveling; please have a look at http://www.affordablecruisestours.com.

Norway is the northernmost country of the world to have open waters. The reason behind this is the strong trade wind forced across Atlantic Ocean by the American continent. The second potential reason is the warm currents flowing towards north and the Norwegian Sea from the equator. The climate of Norway is full of surprises and differences can be experienced all around the year. These surprises are widely seen in the northern part of Norway because the northern part of Norway in located on the edge of global temperate zone. 

The lowest temperature recorded in northern Norway was minus 51o degrees and that was in Karasjohka-Karasjok. The average annual temperature ranges from around eight degrees in western coasts to below freezing point on the mountains. Months of January, February and March are the coldest months whereas time between June and August is considered the warmest time in inland areas. The coastal and the mountain areas get their warmest part of the year in later months.

The climate and the weather conditions of Norway are very unique from that of rest of Scandinavian countries. The mountains present in the mainland of Norway saves from precipitation to big areas of eastern inland of Norway. This is why; Norway has more of a continental type of climate than what is expected from it because of its immediacy to the coastline. As far as rainfall is concerned, it is also very unevenly distributed all over Norway. Some of the parts in the east of the mountain receive less than 300 millimeters annually. Most of the rain is filched by the west coast of Norway. 

Some areas in this part receive more than 3000 millimeters of annual rainfall. Most of the rainfall takes places between July and August. The most prominent agricultural areas receive rainfall between 500 and 1000 millimeters. There is a very interesting way to calculate rainy season in Norway. There are 100 rainy days in inland Norway and around 200 raining days in coastal parts.

The winds flowing in Norway are very strong and its direction is also very awkward. This force in wind also varies hugely from place to place mainly because of fast moving pressure fronts. The wind flowing along with mountains and the coasts is often very strong.

But despite of all this, Norway is worth seeing 365 days a year. Norway is one of the few countries of the world that has different attractions in different seasons. Whether you decide to visit Norway in summer, winter, autumn or spring, there is so much to do and so much to see. Norway is not bounded to a particular season for organizing outdoor activities. During summer, you can take shelter of sea in southern Norway and water areas for outdoor activities and can also enjoy skiing in some parts of the mountains.

Hiking on mountains while summer season is the experience one cannot forget. Autumn season comes and compels nature to showcase its sparkling colors and preserved beauty. Air tends to get even cleaner and everything looks refreshed in this time of the year. The period between the summer and the winter is the opportunity to take part in new and surprising outdoor activities. Such outdoor activities contain skiing combined with canoeing trip and much more.

Norway, the land of midnight sun always been one of the most fascinating regions on earth that magnetically attracts millions of people to visit Norway every year due to its natural and charismatic appeal. It only takes a quick glance on the map of the Noway to know what are the main attractions of the place. Norway is a place which is breathtakingly beautiful. Nothing can prepare you for the very first moment when you see the overwhelming views of the Norway Locations.

Norwagians call their country "Norge" which means the way to north. A fantastic place to experience the midnight sun is Nothern Norway. The place lies above the arctic circle. It is a noted fact that in Northern Norway between June and July, the sun never disappears from the sky, shines all night long. Days are endless during this time span due to this exceptional natural phenomena. But there would be no daylight from 15 to 29 december. Norway is a brilliant place to found mountain ranges too. Forested or rocky slopes and moutains are being seperated by deep valleys. There are huge icefields and glaciers high in the moutains.

Apart from the midnight sun, Norway is extremely famous for its Fjords. Fjords can be found all over the world. When someone explores the beauty of the Norway even via. online Norway video sources, fjords usually enjoys equal share of popularity on the various websites. Fjords in the Norway are slowly carved by the glaciers due to the hard rock mountains of the coastal regions. Most of the visitors only be able to see the vessels ranging between sightseeing crafts to some of the luxury cruise ships. One of the most popular fjords in the Norway are as follows : -

Songefjord – Most popular among all fjords. It is situation only 70 kms north of Bergen contains awesome fjordscapes. Its the all time tourist favorites due to narrow features.

Geirangerfjord – A minority of Norwagians consider this fjord, the most beautiful and attractive one. It possess many tall cascading and tall waterfalls.

Hardangerfjord – Fjord of grazing slopes, low lying farms and beautiful orchards. It is situated at the south of Bergin.

Living in Norway could be one of the most pleasant experiences of anyone's lifetime. With high level of standards and world class lifestyle. These properties make Norway and beautiful and satisfactory place to live in. Norway's economy is one of the strongest economies in the world. Norwegians are well educated and developed people. "

The land of the midnight sun" offers an elegant and gracefull encounter with the nature. Norway is a true example of natural beauty, bestowed upon us by the "MOTHER NATURE"

Nature lovers always try to visit norway so often. You an check out the various website ove the internet for midnight sun resources. Also http://www.norwaytv.com can be visited to explore the Norway culture more precisely.

The Kingdom of Norway is a country in the western area of the Scandinavian Peninsula; it is bordered by Russia, Finland and Sweden. The country is well known for its coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean and its awesome fjords. The Kingdom of Norway also includes Artic territories Jan Mayen and Svalbard; these are two islands in the Artic Ocean.

The coastline is broken by fjords and many islands; to the West and the South, the country is bordered by the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, Skagerak and the Barents Sea, on the Northern coasts. The country is dominated by high terrains and mountains; the country is really beautiful due to its large variety of natural features, caused by spectacular glaciers. Deep grooves cut into the coast flooded by the sea following the end of the ice age, the fjords, are a spectacular Norwegian attraction.

The Gulf Stream has a benefic influence on Norway weather; there are warmer temperatures, especially along the coast than expected at northern latitudes. The mainland has four seasons; the winter is cold and less humid than the coast. The northern part has a sub artic climate; Svalbard as an arctic climate. Some people call Norway The Land of Midnight Sun because in the summer the sun may never descend beneath the horizon.

The Norwegian language has two forms: Nynorsk ad Bokmal. 90% of the Norwegian people speak Bokmal. Nynorsk and Bokmal are Germanic; Sami language is Finno-Ugric. Norwegian literature is very old, very rich and its value is huge. Henrik Ibsen who wrote a famous play, Dolls House is famous all over the world.

Norwegian cities are classified as urban and rural; each municipality has a number. Oslo is the capital and was founded in 1000. 90% of people of Norway are part of the state Church of Norway. Religious services, such as baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial, have strong cultural standing in Norway. Somalian, Arab, Turkish and Pakistani communities belong to Islam. The ancestral Norway inhabitants, the Vikings, followed pantheist / polytheist religions many centuries ago.

Norway attracts tourists by virtue of its spectacular landscapes that extend from the Artic Circle. Ski resorts, fjord intended coastline, mountains, woods and lakes are really attractive and picturesque. Oslo with its castles, cathedrals, churches, museums, the awesome landscape and original architecture, is Norways beautiful capital. Norway has a great cultural heritage, the result of its sparse population, climate and relative isolation from Europe. Norway has rich castles and palaces, long fjords, beautiful lakes and huge woods. The architecture is original, unique, based on the Norway ethnological heritage.

The Viking museum in Northern Norway, at Lofotr, the Viking ship Museum in Oslo, are presenting the Vikings way of life; the Norwegian Resistance Museum in Oslo and the Museum of reconstruction in Hammerfest are presenting objects and events related to World War II. The National Gallery in Oslo, the Munch Museum and the Henie Onstad Art Centre are a beautiful expression of the growing cultural public interest in Norway.

Geilo in Norway stands 800 metres high, and has one of the highest ski lifts in the world, stretching 3,887 feet. Geilo is positioned three and a half hours from the capital city, whilst having good road and rail links to the village. Set amidst amazing scenery just off the banks of Fjord, Geilo is at the heart of Norways Winter Wonderland. Maintaining its reputation as an excellent family resort, Geilo has seen visitors from Europe and beyond since early 1900s. Geilo remains unspoilt, with true Norwegian character firmly intact.

With more than just skiing facilities Geilo is home to the 4 star Highland Hotel, as well as numerous lodging houses, and the famous Holms Ski Bar. Although primarily a ski resort Geilo also offers sleigh rides, wildlife adventure tours, ski orienteering, tobogganing, snow shoe walking, dog-sledging, kite-skiing, night-skiing, snowboarding, freestyle snowboarding and much more.

Geilo has also increased its reputation amongst Snowboarders in recent years beating off Lillehammer, Voss and Hemsedal in its bid to host the Norwegian Snowboarding Championship. With four sides of mountain each dedicated to snowboarding and skiing, Geilo is now able to call itself Norways first skiing location to offer 5 runs dedicated to snowboarding. With 110 runs in total, Geilo has 14% expert allowing experienced skiers to enjoy themselves on the slopes, whilst maintaining the rest of its facilities for intermediates and beginners that account for a larger number of their yearly visitors.

Geilo also offers exceptional value for money with weekly family packages starting from $1000 including accommodation, bed and breakfast. The element that stands out the most about Geilo is the way it caters for families, family diners, and especially their Christmas bonanza which includes Santa visiting the slopes with his reindeer on Christmas day, and the time leading up to christmas. Geilo never fails to be fully booked for Christmas, with so many families choosing to bring their children along to experience Christmas within this winter wonderland.

Although Geilo offers amazing family packages, it would be unfair to say that Geilo is limited to family vacations. Geilo has hosted very serious world sporting events, as well as being the training ground of the national snowboarding and skiing teams. Geilo is available from August/September all the way through to late March and is also considering investing in Avalanche Technology which generates snow from water to provide 24/365 skiing.

If you have never been to Geilo then I would recommend that you give it a go, although the family image may put certain people off visiting the slope I would suggest that checking it out is the best thing to do. From their website it is clear to see that consistent snowfall, and a good variation in the difficulty of runs, Geilo is a facility that can genuinely cater for everyone; from beginner to professional.

It has many great options for accommodation, and with good travel links as well their really is no excuse for not hoping on a plane and going to Geilo today. With thousands of people on the slopes, from different countries and different backgrounds Geilo is suitable for families and teenagers alike. With individual price plans starting from $350 a week, and well-known DJs playing at local club venues Geilo is also becoming very popular amongst those teenagers who would have previously seen Ibiza as the only place to be seen on holiday.