If you are an avid traveler you’re probably tired of hearing about the cliche destinations all the time. For most people, Europe just means France, Italy and maybe even Greece. But there’s so much more to explore on the continent that these popular destinations, which don’t get me wrong, are still great. But for someone looking for something less Touristy and different from what you would see in a typical European city, Norway could be your gateway in Scandinavia, offering a little bit of both of these district cultures. Besides, beautiful cities and lovely buildings Norway has a unique nature and is guaranteed to leave you wanting to explore even more. Here we’ve combined all the fun activities, sightseeing and interesting facts about Norway.
Happiest people on Earth
Something you may not have known is that Norway is actually one of the happiest countries on earth. The Norwegian government has the approach that prioritizes the citizen in every category. One of the most talked-about examples is Norway’s approach to online gaming, where citizens are, for example, free to use free spins promotions in Norway as they please, but the venues have to follow strict regulations. It even ranked as the happiest country in the world in 2017 based on factors such as caring, freedom, health, income and good governance. People in Norway often face harsh weather, which if you’re just going there to visit won’t bother you much, but when you have to lie there it can be kind of tough. Despite this Norwegians know how to cultivate happiness and how to create a cozy atmosphere for themselves, which is why they have always ranked high in such ratings.
Fjords
But that’s definitely not all there is to Norway. The Scandinavian country has an abundance of Fjords. They are everywhere in Norway. Maybe you haven’t heard about fjords yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. Fjords were created when the ice from the last Ice Age cut through the tall mountains. It is breath-taking, to say the least, and it’s one of the top attractions in Norway. There are over 1000 fjords around the country, 10 of which are frequented regularly by cruise ships. So you should have no trouble exploring fjords wither by yourself or through a cruise.
Northern Lights
Even though we said Norway is not just about nature, we have to talk about the Northern Lights. You can schedule your visit to Norway in accordance with the northern lights forecast and you will get to see one of the most fascinating things in the world. The Best time to see the northern lights would be from late September to late March. There are plenty of small towns you can stay at while you go exploring for the perfect spot to observe this fantastic phenomenon. You should always keep in mind though that the dancing lights are unpredictable. You should plan for as many outsing as you can where you can just drive around looking for a perfect spot and then wait for the aurora borealis to show up. You can bring snacks and drinks with you and make it a memorable night with your friends, even if you don’t get to see the northern lights at all.
According to National Geographic. The perfect place for this in Norway is Tromsø.
Tourist friendly cities and people
One of the perks of traveling to Norway is that almost everyone there speaks English and you will be able to avoid awkward interactions with people who don’t speak your language while you don’t speak theirs. Norway is one of those rare countries where tourists are actually welcome. People will greet you with a smile and are more than happy to help out, of course when the tourists are polite.
If exploring fjords and looking for northern lights doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, don’t be too quick to discard Norway. The country has one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, most of which you’ve probably heard of. Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromso, and Stavanger are all worth visiting. You will encounter charming architecture and cultural venues. And you should not forget to explore Norway’s street cafe scene. Even in the cities, you will be able to see some fjords and enjoy nature without leaving the comfort of city life.
Sustainable Destination-The Lofoten Islands
Lastly, we’re going to talk about the Lofoten Islands. There aren’t a lot of places in the world where you can enjoy a view like this. The Lofoten Islands are draped across the waters of the Norwegian Sea, above the Arctic Circle. This place is also unique because it remains largely untouched by contemporary civilization. It’s an opportunity to experience rare wilderness and untrammeled landscape of mountains, fjords, squawking seabird colonies, and long beaches. Another interesting thing about Lofoten island is that it is about to be certified as a Sustainable Destination meaning that it is one of the very few places that actually works to reduce the negative impact of tourism.
Visiting Norway is a different experience altogether when compared to the classic touristy trips across Europe. You’re less likely to get into any “tourist traps” and you will get to experience that nature in its most natural, While also enjoying a city lifestyle is multiple bigger towns across the country. Norway has a lot of experiences that you won’t get anywhere, including its unique nature, approach to life and people in general. So don’t hesitate to book a flight to Norway when you’re thinking about your next holiday destination.
