Independent travel to Norway. Traveling to Norway: choosing a route, independent trip plan, approximate cost, necessary documents, reviews and tips from tourists
Traveling allows you to expand your horizons and gain a lot of new experiences. Therefore, many people go to other countries. Tour operators offer many interesting tours. However, it is much more interesting to choose the route yourself. will be remembered for a long time. One of the most beautiful countries is Norway. It attracts tourists from all over the world. How to plan will be discussed further.
General information about the country
If a person feels a craving for new impressions, emotions, and also craves adventure, he simply must plan a trip to Norway on his own. This country is known for its rugged, cold beauty. This is a special place on the planet, where you should go at least once in your life. Such beauty cannot be seen anywhere else.
Before planning your trip, you need to know some information about this country. Norway has a constitutional monarchy. The area of the country is 327 thousand km². The country borders Finland, Sweden and Russia. The capital is the city of Oslo. This is a fairly expensive country. Therefore, a budget traveler will need to carefully consider not only his route, but also take into account all the details of accommodation and food. The climate here is quite harsh.
The country is located in the UTC +1 time zone. Telephone code +47. The population is 95% native Norwegian. Lutheranism is the predominant religion in the country and is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Untouched nature is the pride of Norwegians. The western coast of the country is indented by fjords, which fascinate with their wild, primitive beauty. Picturesque mountain landscapes, glaciers and other natural objects attract tourists. One of the best solutions would be to travel around Norway by car. This will allow you to see all the treasures of the country.
Norwegians value the environmental cleanliness of their country very much. They care about the nature around them. Love for her is part of national identity. Large cities and quiet fishing villages harmoniously complement the natural landscapes. This is a unique country. The crime rate here is one of the lowest on the planet. All residents strictly follow the established rules, and therefore similar requirements are put forward for tourists. It is not customary here to litter or disturb the peace of people around you. Respect for oneself, society and nature are the main features of the inhabitants of this beautiful country.
Looking at reviews of travel to Norway, it is worth noting that this adventure will definitely be remembered for a lifetime. Tourists may encounter certain difficulties; they need to be prepared for this. However, no difficulties can stop real adventurers. Their efforts and patience more than pay off with the impressions that fabulous, cold and so extraordinary Norway gives.
Why is it worth going to Norway?
When planning your trip to Norway by car or other means of traveling around the country, you should consider the main attractions for which tourists come here. The severity of this region does not tolerate carelessness and improvisation. Norway, like a strict, silent teacher, reveals its secrets only to those who are ready to put aside all the fuss. You need to plunge headlong into this cold beauty, penetrate it, opening your heart to something new.
You can go on a trip to Finland and Norway. You can also plan a trip through Sweden. Each of these countries has its own special character. Norway is like no other place on the planet. It's worth taking a kayak or boat down the river, surrounded by picturesque fjords. Those who have visited here are advised to stay not in a large metropolis, but in a small village. This will allow you to walk around the surrounding area and see all the beauties of nature. The landscapes here are truly picturesque, like something out of an old fairy tale. I can’t even believe that such fantastic corners of untouched nature exist in reality.
It’s better to start your trip by walking along the city streets, for example, in Bergen. It is extremely pleasant to sit in one of the cafes near the embankment. A cup of hot, strong coffee will warm you up and give you unforgettable moments of happiness. Bergen is the most picturesque tourist city in this country.
Many tourists claim that traveling to Norway by car is the best solution. However, you can see the beauty of this land in another way. The railway routes run through pristine natural landscapes. Therefore, it is quite possible to plan your journey by train. It will be relatively inexpensive. The Norwegian Railway often holds various promotions and discounts. This is a good solution for a budget tourist.
Guests of the country will be interested in getting to know ancient culture Vikings who once inhabited these lands. One of the most spectacular, stunning spectacles is the Northern Lights. You should definitely see the ice of the Arctic, watch whales and polar bears. It is worth ordering salmon and venison dishes and trying goat cheese.
Tourist regions
When planning a trip to Norway, you need to decide what exactly you would like to see in this country. There are several tourist regions here. Knowing the features of each of them, you can plan your route.
If a traveler wants to see the fjords, he must first go to the west coast of Norway. Here, the wild beauty of natural landscapes, peace and quiet will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, be alone with your thoughts, and think about life. The most picturesque are the Hardangerfjord. Also on the west coast you can see the historical railway, called Flåm, or go hiking or cycling.
Mountain serpentine can be seen in the north-west of the country. These are the most beautiful fjords and glaciers. Trekking, kayaking, and surfing on the sea coast are popular in this region.
If you want to visit a beautiful city, which is a model of Norwegian slow life, you should go to Ålesund or Bergen. Here you can relax and spend time in a pleasant environment. These are well-groomed, beautiful cities with a special atmosphere. You really don't want to leave here.
Along with traveling through the fjords of Norway, it is worth visiting the Lofoten Islands. Here you can watch seabirds and animals, and go fishing. This is a seaside region that is also a corner of untouched wilderness. Here you can see one of the most spectacular spectacles of nature - the Northern Lights.
Extreme sports enthusiasts can go on a cruise to the islands located beyond the Arctic Circle. The most beautiful landscapes of Arctic glaciers and polar bears will be a real discovery for adventure seekers.
You can get to know the history of the country better in cities such as Oslo and Trondheim. These are cities that are more like pictures from the future. They contain the largest number of residents of this country. These are fashionable, dynamic cities. Find out more here national cuisine Norway, its traditions.
How to get there?
Getting to Norway is quite easy. Airplanes fly here from many major cities. There are a total of 50 airports in this country. The main one is in Oslo. International flights Airports in Bergen, Moss, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim, etc. are also accepted. This allows you to easily reach even the most remote corners of the country. If the plane arrives in Oslo, the most convenient way to get to the city center is by Flutoga. This is Aeroexpress. It will deliver to the city center in just 20 minutes. You can also get here by bus or commuter train.
When planning a trip to Norway from St. Petersburg, you can travel to the country by bus or train. The route may also pass through other countries. Most travelers by car enter Norway from Sweden. However, it is quite possible to get here from Russia or Finland. Visiting several countries other than Norway will be much more interesting. At the borders of all countries you will need to undergo customs inspection. Go through passport control when crossing into Norway from the side Russian border, it will be necessary between the cities of Storskog and Borisoglebsky.
Traveling to Norway by car through Finland takes the E8 highway. In this case, the border can be crossed in Kilpisjärvi. The route passes through cities such as Vaasa, Turku, Oulu. Another popular route along which you can get to Norway by car is E6. This is a European route that involves crossing the border in the city of Svinesund. This option should be considered when planning a trip to Norway and Sweden. The E6 highway passes through cities such as Helsingborg, Malmo, and Gothenburg. They are located in Sweden.
You can get to Norway by bus from Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. There is also a train connection. It connects Norway with other countries of Scandinavia and Europe. Trains travel to this country mainly at night. Therefore, they are equipped with sleeping shelves. The service and comfort here are high.
The country is also accessible by water transport. Ferries come from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark.
Documentation
When planning a trip from St. Petersburg to Norway or following a different route, you need to have a number of documents with you. In addition to your passport, you will need to apply for a visa. It can be long-term, short-term or transit. To travel around the country, it is better to issue the second version of documents. This is a Schengen visa, which is issued for travel.
Travel to Finland, Sweden, Norway requires a standard visa. Citizens of any country receive it. To obtain it, you will need to collect a number of documents. Fill out a form, which can be obtained from visa center or download on the Internet. You are required to obtain a passport. You also need to prepare a photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm. A prerequisite for obtaining a visa is proof of the tourist’s financial security. To find out the amount you need to have in your account, you need to multiply the number of days you plan to spend in this country by 50 euros.
Data on financial solvency must be provided using a standard form. You should take an accounting certificate from work (details, salary and position are indicated). A bank statement or letter from the sponsor is provided. The second option is suitable for those who do not have sufficient income for such a trip. In this case, a certificate from work and an account statement are not needed.
You also need to take out an insurance policy in the amount of more than 30 thousand euros, make a copy of a regular passport (all pages, including blank ones). You must also provide copies of tickets or proof of booking.
To obtain a visa, you need to outline your travel itinerary in writing. Here you can find information about where the tourist will stay for the night. You need to confirm this with a copy of your hotel or hostel reservation. If you plan to travel by car, prepare documents for the vehicle. You also need to obtain a green card.
If a person has real estate in Norway, a copy of the ownership document must be provided. Relatives of citizens living in this country can present an invitation sent by their loved ones. For children, it is required to present a birth certificate, parental consent for travel (if the child is traveling without them or with only one parent).
Applications can also be completed in English or Norwegian. You need to write legibly. Otherwise, the document will need to be redone.
Some nuances of document preparation
When planning a travel route in Norway, great attention should be paid to completing documentation. You can apply for a visa at a travel agency, consulate or visa center. You will be required to pay a standard fee. It is 35 euros. However, you should be prepared for the fact that additional costs will arise during the preparation of such documentation. The cost of obtaining the necessary documents can be about 100 euros.
Visas are issued free of charge for students, relatives of Norwegian citizens, disabled people, scientists, and diplomats.
For residents of the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, documents are obtained according to a simplified procedure. In this case, it is not necessary to receive an invitation from citizens living in Norway. For people registered in these areas, it is possible to obtain a multiple visa upon first submission. This document is also called a “Pomeranian visa”.
When planning a trip to Norway, you need to know the reasons why a visa may be refused. First of all, these may be doubts about the financial viability of the tourist. Also, obtaining a visa is denied if the application form is filled out incorrectly. You must not make mistakes or write illegibly. The form must be completed solely to obtain a visa to Norway.
A visa will be refused if incomplete information is provided, or if there are documented cases of violation of the rules for using this document. You need to pass an interview. A visa may be denied if a person is nervous during the conversation. They may also be denied entry to this country if they have refugee relatives.
Please note that you cannot cross the Norwegian border without a visa. This document is mandatory.
When to plan your trip?
Many tourists are interested in the question of when is the best time to plan a trip to this country. You can come here at any time of the year. The country is located in northern latitudes. Part of it is located in the Arctic. However, its climate is milder than in other countries at the same latitude. The fact is that the Gulf Stream comes close to Norway. Warm currents make the climate milder. However, the harsh climate requires tourists to specially plan their trip to Norway. Videos of travel around the country, as well as photos, will remind you of the unforgettable beauty of this mysterious area.
Since many tourists travel to this country to see the Northern Lights, they travel to the polar regions. This is the most beautiful a natural phenomenon can be seen all year round. Only the weather (for obvious reasons) should be clear. On larger territory Winter countries are cold, snowy and dark. The south and west coasts get rainy at this time of year. It is also cold and uncomfortable here in winter.
October and November are especially rainy. Therefore, at this time of year only true connoisseurs of the wild, cold beauty of Norwegian nature come here. The most comfortable time in this country is in the summer. At such times, the air temperature can reach 20-25 °C. However, the weather even at this time of year can be very changeable. Be sure to take warm clothes with you. This is a must even in the summer.
The best time to travel around Norway by car is from May to September. The climate at this time is the most comfortable. It will still be cold in the evening. However, during the day you can enjoy the natural beauty without fear of getting wet or freezing in the piercing wind.
It is worth considering that in July and August, Europeans go on vacation much more often. Therefore there will be more people on the fjords. If you want privacy, it is better to go here before the peak tourist season. May and September are ideal for travel.
When the dream of seeing the country of Vikings, trolls and fjords first arose, I don’t even remember now, but it’s certainly a long time ago. And the way to it was opened by low-cost flights from Poland, which made the flight affordable even for budget tourists. Norway captivates with its naturalness, naturalness - of everything around and the Norwegians themselves. The gaze there always stops at colors that are pleasing to the eye: nothing “sharply poisonous-bright,” everything is harmonious.
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Nature is the main attraction of Norway
If you are planning a trip to, then you can bypass it in your route, since the must-see in this Scandinavian country is nature, first of all, the fjords. To fully experience their grandeur and uniqueness, it is worth going to the city area and Stavanger - the center of the country's oil production. The rocky outcrops of Trolltunga (“Troll’s Tongue”) and Preikestolen (“Pulpit”) and the Kjeragbolten stone will give you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Picturesque mountains, forests with fabulous flowers, streams, rivers - this is all about Norway.
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On the flight to Bergen I saw a beautiful landscape: fjords, mountains and fisheries in a grayish sea. The population of a country of 5 million (Kyiv alone has such a population) is scattered across small, cozy cities such as Bergen, Stavanger, Ålesund, and Oslo among them looks like a metropolis with a mass interesting places for urban recreation and museums.
Troll Country
May 17 is celebrated in Norway. On this day, Norwegians wear traditional clothes, which are often passed down from generation to generation, and stroll through the city streets.
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The roots of Norwegian culture can be found in the Viking traditions, the medieval “age of greatness” and sagas, and folklore is rich in legends about trolls. One gets the impression that Norwegians, young and old, know everything about trolls, down to the smallest details, and at times they even believe in their existence. Troll figurines carved from wood are a favorite folk craft item. The local mountains and rocks are said to be trolls turned to stone, for example: Trolltinds, Trollhalm, Trollheim, Jotunheim and many others.
What can you save on?
First of all, I advise you to plan your trip in advance, at least 2-3 months in advance, this will give you the opportunity to buy tickets at a good price. Good offers for flights to different parts of Norway from Poland are offered by both, from Riga and the Norwegian low-cost airline from different countries EU. Budget tourists may not be able to afford accommodation in Norway; in this case, it is better to use couchsurfing. This is an international community of travelers where you can stay for free for a few days.
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With the Oslopass city tourist card for 1-3 days, you can visit the most significant museums and historical sites of the city for free, and most importantly, use public transport (metro, buses, ferries) for free. This small tourist card will have a positive impact on your budget, since the price of one metro ride is about €5-6.
What should you try?
In this “fish” country, you need to try fresh, just cooked fish - salmon. Also popular here are herring, cod, sardines, and mackerel. Connoisseurs of gastronomic tourism will certainly find many unexpected dishes, including lamb's head (Smalahove) or fermented trout (Rakfisk). If such delicacies are not to your taste, then I advise you to try sweet brown Brunost cheese, it is eaten with bread and often added with berry sauce, cold fish sandwiches (Smorrebrod), Christmas waffle cookies (Krumkake).
Despite the lack of large quantity vegetables, Norwegian cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world, it’s not for nothing that the people of Scandinavia are famous for their longevity and good health.
Where to go and what to see?
One of the most favorite vacation spots among Norwegians and guests of the city of Oslo is the sculptural Vigelandsparken park. The first thing that comes to mind is that Freud would cry! But, having observed the Norwegians for some time, I noted their easy attitude towards everything natural, including the naked body. Probably, this can be found as an explanation for their predominantly atheistic nature and immeasurable love for nature.
The beauty is not inferior in popularity Opera- The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet Theater, which is located in a modern architectural masterpiece building.
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If we talk about museums, here are the most interesting ones in Oslo:
- Norwegian Ethnographic Open Air Museum. Only here you can plunge into Viking times, walk along the streets of the 20th century and visit a medieval house. The spirit of the Norwegians lives here, and in every millimeter you feel the love for nature, which is something we should also learn from.
The birthplace of the Vikings, Norway invites you to enjoy the harsh northern romance: take a cruise through the fjords, stand under the northern lights and walk around melancholy Oslo. National parks, Troll Road and excellent fishing - all about Norway: tours, hotels and prices.
- Last minute tours to Norway
- Tours for May Worldwide
A land of fjords, ice and auroras, Norway is perhaps the most “heroic” country on the entire globe. Only Vikings and Valkyries are born here, for whom nothing matters: cold, impenetrable forests, harsh northern nature. In addition, the Norwegians have a downright manic desire for dangerous (and subsequently glorious) enterprises. Fridtjof Nansen, for example, at the young age of 27, having left his native country on skis, covered almost all of Greenland on his own two feet, after which he led an expedition to the North Pole and discovered a bunch of territories along the way. And the no less famous Thor Heyerdahl not only lived as a Robinson for a whole year on an uninhabited island in the Marquesas archipelago, but after that he swam Pacific Ocean from South America to Polynesia (no more, no less than 8,000 km!) - and this on a primitive sail-powered raft. The secret of success that Norway shares with its citizens, we think, was most accurately voiced by Heyerdahl himself. "Boundaries?" - he said. “I heard they existed, but I’ve never seen them.”
For tourists, the country is interesting for its picturesque fjords and the most comfortable capital of Northern Europe, Oslo, excellent ski resorts and polar exoticism, tasty and satisfying cuisine (where salmon is the king of everything), interesting museums and a great excursion guide.
Regions and resorts of Norway
Time difference from Moscow
− 1 hour in winter −2 hours
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- from Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate
In coastal areas there is a temperate maritime climate (in the far north - subarctic). In inland areas, especially in mountainous areas, the climate is continental - hotter in summer and colder in winter. January temperatures range from +2 °C in the southwest to −12 °C in the north, July temperatures range from +15 °C to +6 °C, respectively, although sometimes the air warms up to +25 °C even in the north.
Visa and customs
Norway is one of the member countries of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of Russia and the CIS require a visa and insurance.
A traveler who violates customs rules will most likely lose not only his current visa, but also the opportunity to legally enter Norway for a very long period.
The import and export of foreign currency is not limited; amounts over NOK 25,000 must be declared. It is strictly prohibited to import meat and dairy products, as well as fresh vegetables, into the country. Up to 2 liters of beer, up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks (up to 60° strength) and up to 1 liter of wine (up to 22°) are imported duty free - or up to 2 liters of wine if strong alcoholic drinks are not imported; as well as up to 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco; household items and things - within the limits of personal needs; food products - up to 10 kg; motor gasoline - no more than 200 liters (including no more than 10 liters in a canister). The import of low-alcohol drinks and tobacco products is permitted to persons over 18 years of age, and strong drinks - 20 years of age. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Any weapons, living plants, or car radar detectors are prohibited. The import of medications for personal use is permitted, subject to confirmation (prescription) from the attending physician. You cannot export explosives, ammunition, weapons or drugs. Objects cultural heritage must be accompanied by special certificates.
Attention to fishermen: the norm for exporting fish or fish products outside Norway is 20 kg per person. This applies only to those who fished at fishing bases that have passed the appropriate certification and record their daily catch. For everyone else, the norm is half as much - 10 kg.
Tax free
Norway is one of the countries that uses the Tax free system: tourists who make purchases in specially designated stores for amounts from 315 NOK can return up to 19% of their value. To do this, you will need to ask for a receipt at the checkout, which will indicate the exact cost of the goods, the amount of VAT and the buyer’s passport details. Some stores return Tax free right on the spot, in other cases you need to present the receipt along with your passport and unpacked items at customs (no later than a month from the date of purchase), get a stamp, and then go to the Cash Refund point at the airport to issue funds.
- What documents are needed to travel to Norway with a child?
How to get to Norway
Norway has several international airports: Oslo, Bergen, Kirkenes and Svalbard. The largest air hub, Gardermoen, is based in the capital. Aeroflot regularly flies here from Moscow: departure from Sheremetyevo, flight duration is 2 hours 40 minutes. Air Baltic is lucky with a transfer in Riga: travel time is from 4 hours 40 minutes, flights 5-6 times a day. The cheapest way to get from St. Petersburg to Oslo is with Air Baltic (from 5.5 hours of flight via Riga), the fastest is with Scandinavian Airlines (from 3 hours 40 minutes via Stockholm).
You can fly from Moscow to Bergen only with transfers: Aeroflot and Scandinavian Airlines fly through Oslo (from 4 hours 30 minutes). It’s cheaper with two connections: Air Baltic and Scandinavian Airlines have routes through the Latvian and Norwegian capitals (from 7 hours on the road). The same Scandinavian Airlines deliver from St. Petersburg (25.5 hours via Stockholm), as well as British Airlines (22.5 hours via London) and KLM (6.5 hours via Amsterdam).
The cheapest tickets to Kirkenes are from Air Baltic and Scandinavian Airlines (from 20.5 hours in the air), from St. Petersburg (40 hours), connections in Riga and Oslo.
In Spitsbergen, passengers are received by the airport in the town of Longyearbyen: from the Russian capital the same tandem of carriers carries here with the same transfers and 10 hours (with one connection - much more expensive, 10 hours via Oslo), from St. Petersburg - Scandinavian Airlines and 9 hours with two transfers.
Search for flights to Norway
Transport
Norway's railway network consists of 9 main routes connecting almost all major cities. The trains are comfortable, with power sockets and free Wi-Fi (however, to use it, you will have to create a profile on the Norwegian website railways(in English.)). Tickets come in two categories: standard, refundable, and Minipris - non-refundable, but cheaper. You can purchase them online, from vending machines at stations or on the trains themselves with a surcharge of about 40 NOK.
A trip from Oslo to Bergen will cost 650-915 NOK, to Trondheim - 600-965 NOK.
The largest bus operator is Nor-Way Busexpress (office site in English), there are also budget and luxury carriers. Most buses are equipped with dry closets, air conditioning and other amenities. The estimated cost of a trip from the capital to Flåm is 520 NOK.
In the western part of Norway, cut up and down by deep-sea fjords, the most convenient and fastest way to travel is by water. Most ferries, high-speed boats and catamarans operate frequently and there are no waiting problems. Ferries are paid in cash only, credit cards are not accepted.
Public transport within cities
Most Norwegian cities have buses and trams, and the capital and surrounding areas are covered by a network of bus lines, metro (T-bane), trams and ferries. A one-time ticket for any type of transport in Oslo costs from 35 NOK (for all zones - 123 NOK) and is valid for an hour after composting (carriage of a bicycle is paid separately). A daily pass is 105 NOK for one zone (237 NOK for all), a monthly pass is 736/1876 NOK, respectively.
Taxis are quite expensive and only operate within the city. Credit cards accepted. All cars are radio-equipped, so you can order them from any phone, as well as catch them in special parking lots or right on the street. Landing costs from 40 NOK, each km of the way - from 10 NOK.
Rent a Car
Shopping and shops
Norwegians have a thing for quality and environmental friendliness; they are willing to pay serious money for everything that meets their high standards. Therefore, shopping in the country is not a budget pleasure, but the things bought here will definitely not disappoint. There are no outlets or stocks, but there are many small boutiques with clothes and shoes produced using eco-friendly technologies.
You can replenish your wardrobe, for example, in the Grünerløkka quarter in Oslo: boots made from recycled rubber or a bamboo blouse - fashionable, practical and environmentally friendly.
We recommend paying attention to hand-knitted sweaters with recognizable patterns, although they cost a lot: from 800 NOK. If your budget allows, you can go for high-quality furs or tanned goat and deer skins. Silver jewelry is also good: local jewelry traditions go back several thousand years. The most popular souvenirs are troll figurines, miniature Viking ships, tin and glass dishes, porcelain, ceramics, wooden products with rosemaling floral paintings. Gifts for gourmets - Brunost cheese (you can buy a special cheese knife for it), smoked fish and strong alcohol "Ligne-aquavit" infused with potatoes.
In winter and summer, during the sales season, discounts reach 50-70%.
Large stores in big cities are open from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, on Thursdays - until 19:00-20:00, on Saturdays - until a maximum of 16:00. Most supermarkets, kiosks, shopping centers and private shops are open until late.
Traveling around Norway
Cuisine and restaurants of Norway
For thousands of years, the harsh northern climate has forced Norwegians to eat a nourishing and high-calorie diet. The traditions are still preserved today: the main dishes on the local table are fish and meat prepared according to simple recipes, as well as milk, bread, cereals and a minimum of sauces to preserve the natural taste of the products. In Norway, they love seafood: soups, pates, pies and hot dishes are made from herring, salmon, trout and halibut, although they are not added to desserts.
The main delicacies are shrimp, whale meat, elk and venison.
The most interesting of traditional dishes- cod “lutefisk” soaked in alkali and water, fermented trout “rakfisk”, lamb with potatoes and cabbage “forikol”, smoked or fried salmon “lask”. For meat eaters with strong nerves, we recommend the stewed lamb head “smalakhove”. Brunost goat cheese has a unique taste, reminiscent of salted condensed milk. Norwegians almost never eat pork; the only vegetables they cook are potatoes - the most popular side dish and the main component of dry flatbreads “lefse”, which are used instead of bread. For starters, you should try the signature fish soup, for a snack - a cold sandwich “smørrebrød”, for dessert - waffle cookies “krumcake”.
You can have a snack in fast food for 50-100 NOK, lunch in a cafe - for 100-150 NOK, dinner in a restaurant - from 200-300 NOK per person.
The most common catering in Norway are fish restaurants and home-made pastry shops that bake all kinds of buns and pies. Fast food chains are closing en masse: conscientious Norwegians are giving up fast food. There are many bars where you can taste local beers, strong aquavit or warming gleck. Coffee shops, as well as establishments serving European and Japanese cuisine, are popular. The capital's Aker Brygge area has many first-class restaurants, and fishermen serve freshly caught shrimp and fish straight from their boats.
The country’s calling card, its main wealth and tourist magnet. But man also creates objects to match: formidable fortresses, laconic palaces and unusual ones, Lysefjord 
Excursion “Norway in miniature”
Full day trip along the route Oslo - Myrdal - Flåm - Sognefjord - Bergen. The road from Oslo to Bergen crosses national park"Hardangervirda", the largest highland plateau in Europe. The Myrdal station is located at almost a kilometer altitude, from here begins an exciting excursion along the Flåm railway: its length is 20 km, and the height difference is 865 m. To overcome such challenges in such a short distance, the road was laid in a spiral passing through 20 tunnels . The entire journey takes 50 minutes: the train goes slowly, stopping in the most beautiful places.
Upon arrival in Flåm, a town on the fjord, tourists can explore on foot and have lunch. The finale of the trip is a cruise on an “express ship” (catamaran) from Flåm to Bergen along the Sognefjord.
Holidays and Events
The brightest holiday in Norway is Christmas: on December 24, Christmas Eve, loved ones get together, give each other gifts, watch Christmas broadcasts, go to church and, of course, prepare a gala dinner. On December 25, you won’t see passers-by on the streets: everyone stays at home with family and friends. On December 26, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated with wild parties and - again! - gifts.
The evening of December 31st is lit up with New Year's fireworks, the feasts continue, and the kids receive sweets from the gnome Ylennisen - he's almost like Santa Claus, only he rides around on a goat.
On February 21, they honor the august birthday boy - the current King Harold. At the end of winter, before Lent, Maslenitsa is celebrated: on “fat” Sunday, Monday and Tuesday they overeat with meat, lard, dairy products and other hearty foods. The main spring holiday is Easter, the symbol of which is a yellow chicken. On May 1, Labor Day, many people prefer relaxed outdoor picnics to parades and demonstrations. May 8 is the Day of Liberation from Fascism, which at sunset turns into Women's Night - the triumph of feminists.
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Kingdom of Norway(Norwegian Kongeriket Norge, derived from the Old Norse Norðrvegr - “way to the north”) is located in northern Europe in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Water Barents Sea(in the northeast), the Norwegian Sea (in the west) and the North Sea (in the southwest) wash the country. Neighbors on the border are Sweden (east), Finland and Russia (northeast).
Thanks to geographical location and the length of Norway, every region of this green northern country original and unique. If in the west you can contemplate numerous fjords, then the central part of the country stands out for its medieval monuments and ancient buildings, the northern part for such an unusual phenomenon as the midnight sun (white nights), the southern part for coastal resorts and warm summers for Norway, and the eastern part for good opportunities for active outdoor recreation - fishing in numerous rivers and lakes, hiking through forests and valleys, camping. Let's take a closer look at what the kingdom of Norway has to offer to us travelers.
The west coast has a rather majestic landscape - a land of fjords, mountains rising from the waters, and waterfalls falling from cliffs. Kristiansund and Ålesund are famous for the richness of their waters, cod and herring are especially good there; Molde is known for its beautiful roses and jazz festivals, but the name Bergen already speaks for itself (see the “Cities” section above). At the same time, they pass through the mountains winding roads Eagle Path and Troll Trail.
Geirangerfjord included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most visited, there are two of the most famous waterfalls - Seven Sisters and Wedding Veil. The magnificence of this fjord amazes once and for all - steep cliffs with snow-capped peaks and harsh nature, powerful streams of mountain waterfalls flowing into the waters of the fjord - this is unforgettable!
Sognefjord is the second longest fjord in the world and the longest fjord in Norway - 204 km, and its depth is 1308 m. Cutting deep into the coast, it divides further into two branches - Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, with the latter listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is here that you can enjoy completely unique views of the fjord and mountains from above - at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level there is Stegastein observation deck, adjacent to the Aurlandsvagen mountain road. The Flåm railway or cruise ship will take you to these magical places.
The beauty of the mountains Ljusefjord will not leave anyone indifferent. The most interesting and spectacular things here are Kjeragbolten and Preikestolen. Kjeragbolten- a huge round stone stuck in a crevice between two rocks at an altitude of 1084 meters; many tourists like to take pictures on it. Preikestolen Rock is also a famous landmark of these places - it hangs over the fjord at an altitude of 604 meters on an almost completely flat high-mountain plateau.
The central region displays a fine example of medieval architecture – Nidaros Cathedral- the largest building of its era in Scandinavia with monumental sculptures and elegant stained glass windows. Old wooden buildings Trondheim(the third largest city and the first capital of Norway) is also of interest to visitors to the central part, and to the east of it is the mining town of Reros - an ancient town with mines, an ancient church and many wooden buildings included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the northern part, the traveler will see the harsh wild nature; in the summer you can watch wonderful white nights, and in the winter - the magical northern lights.
Or visit the most extreme point Europe - Cape Nordkapp and feel the breath North Pole, and if desired, plunge into the stormy nightlife- welcome to the city of Tromsø (it is called Northern Paris).
In this part of the country it is impossible to ignore Lofoten Islands, famous for its beautiful untouched nature. There is the world's largest deep-sea coral reef and one of the most dangerous whirlpools in the world (Malström), about a quarter of all seabirds in the country live there, ancient caves contain rock paintings of primitive people (Kolhellaren cave in Refsvik), settlements built as far back as 5th century and a complex of buildings erected in the 19th century (Nusfjord village). With all its diversity, Lofoten is a place of peace and tranquility. And their individuality is given by both the red fishing houses themselves against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, and the ropes stretched between the buildings with fish hanging on them. After all, dried cod is one of the symbols of these places.
Southern Norway is a region where picturesque villages with cute houses blend harmoniously into the austere landscape of the rocky coastline.
The largest city in the region is Kristiansand, next to which there are several islands - Flekkerey, Oxey and Gronningen - their beautiful nature and the views attract tourists every summer. Towns such as Lillesand, Tvedesand, Brekkeste, Gamle and Ny Hellesund, scattered along the coastal cliffs among flowering gardens, also add their charm to the region. Here is also the village of Lynger, the best preserved small settlement in Europe.
In the county (Norwegian province) of Telemark you will find the place where skiing began - Morgedal, and nearby is the Telemark Canal.
The idea of a trip to Norway appeared after long meetings and conversations on the topic of choosing a country for honeymoon. I didn’t want the heat, I didn’t want the beach and the entertainment that goes with it, I didn’t want to go on excursions all day long in crowded buses, even more so. I wanted to walk a lot together, enjoy the natural beauty, sunsets and sunrises and at the same time admire foreign cities and villages. That is why the choice fell on Norway - where the mixture of fjords, forests, mountains and cities spread out on them is breathtaking!
They immediately refused the services of tour operators for several reasons: these comrades are too unreliable, judging by the first lines of the news - once; an individual trip was planned, with freedom of movement and without accompanying assorted compatriots - two. But an individual tour is oh so expensive, especially for three weeks. As a result, our homemade tour turned out to be half the price of a similar tour offered by travel agencies.
So, the country was chosen, at the family council the honorable duty of route planner was assigned to me, and... I sat down to study the map, websites, online guides. I will definitely provide useful links at the end of the first part, so as not to interrupt the flow of the story.
I wanted to combine the two types rest - active, with hiking in the mountains, kayaking, and passively contemplative: sailing on boats, leisurely walks, relaxed excursions, a glass of wine in the evenings, etc. In addition, it is quite obvious that staying in one or two cities for a long time is inadvisable, so it was planned to “embrace the immensity” - to see as much as possible, within reasonable limits, of course.
So, the route.
To begin with, I discarded the polar territory, leaving it for next time, and focused on the southern cities. A few hours later, the following route emerged - Oslo (2 days) - Bergen (7 days) - Village on the Sognefjord (3 days) - Geiranger (5 days) - Oslo (1 day). And I started with the easiest and most enjoyable thing - booking hotels. That was my fault. We need to start with planning travel around the country, that is, how, what (and how much) to move from point A to point B... Because, for example, in our case it turned out that we had one hour for the road from Geiranger to Oslo and in general Getting to Geiranger from our location on the Sognefjord is long, tedious and problematic. Therefore, after a day of searching, the route had to be modified, and it acquired the following, more convenient form: Oslo (2 days) - Bergen (7 days) - Sognefjord (3 days) - cruise on the liner HURTIGRUTEN (1 day) - Ålesund (3 days) - Oslo (1 day).
The main means of traveling around the country was chosen by plane to reduce time. I can’t say that they cut a lot, but still. Tickets were purchased Oslo-Bergen and Ålesund-Oslo. From Bergen to the village of Aurland (Sognefjord) and back we went by bus, and we calmly sailed to Ålesund on a liner. At the moment, I am planning our next route to China and, based on my experience, I have chosen the night train as my main means of transportation around the country. Don't spend money on a hotel - once; do not waste precious time on the road - two.
I looked for air tickets (both international and within Norway) through Yandex.air tickets, which led me to the website trip.ru. In principle, there are no complaints, inexpensive, without hidden fees and charges. By the way, they have a good customer support service, I entered my email address incorrectly, the tickets were sent half an hour after I wrote about it. Now I use skyscanner and then go to the airline's website and book directly.
I actively used Google maps to create routes to hotels. It’s a cool thing - you set two points and a detailed route is laid out with a map and a description of which street to turn to and when. It was very useful on the first day.
Hotels.
The hotels we booked were as follows: in Oslo – Oslo Hotel Xpress, in Bergen – P-Hotels, in Aurland – Vangsgaarden, in Ålesund – Alesund hostel. The ship had a cabin booked without a window. All hotels, except the last one, were of approximately the same level, I would rate them three stars. Quite decent, considering that all these hotels are located in the center and they had the most inexpensive offers. In Oslo there were no breakfasts, in Bergen they were hung in bags on the door handle, in Aurland and Ålesund there was a buffet, although without hot dishes. In Oslo and Bergen, there were tea and coffee sets with hot water on the ground floor - a very convenient service.
My second mistake was booking a hostel in Ålesund. It would be better if we spent another three to five thousand rubles, but would live in a hotel with a warm bathroom, normal renovation and an elevator. I don’t even want to talk about this place, I don’t recommend it to anyone, and I’ll be smarter in the future.
I booked the hotels through Booking; I don’t intend to repeat my experience. Now I will use this site only for searching, and book directly on hotel pages.
Links.
www.visitnorway.ru, then visitoslo.com, visitbergen.com, and so on for almost every city.)) Maps, basic information, where to go, where to eat, etc.
www.nsb.no – website of the Norwegian railways, a very clear interface, there is an English version. Pay attention to the “minipris” column - sometimes there you can “catch” a ticket with a really great discount, however, it will no longer be possible to cancel such a ticket.
www.nor-way.no - website of the bus company. There is a schedule, ticket prices, etc. Switches to English.
www.flamsbana.no is the website of the city of Flåm with its famous Flåm Railway, but you can also book various interesting excursions and cruises in this region. I don’t recommend choosing the city of Flåm as a base - it’s just a tourist transit point, I don’t know if there is at least one resident there, except for workers of hotels, restaurants and shops. There are large cities on the Sognefjord, such as Sogndal, Voss, and there are picturesque villages, such as Aurland, Gudvangen, Laerdal... We chose Aurland.
www.hurtigruten.com – website of the cruise company Hurtigruten. You can book a full cruise, or from port to port. When ordering a cruise of 4 days or more, the price includes full-board, i.e. three meals a day, which greatly saves food costs. The prices in the ship restaurant are wow, it’s good that I thought to pay for lunch (i.e. dinner) when booking. Breakfast is included in the price of any route, even the shortest.