Travelling Norway: travel guide and advice

5 reasons to travel to Norway

Although people go to Norway more for its landscapes than for its cities, the landscapes are far from the only reason the country is worth a visit.

Discovering the breath-taking landscapes

Enjoying unique experiences

Immersing yourself in the Norwegian culture

Getting to know the Norwegian people

Revitalising yourself

Is this the destination for you?

Why go on a trip to Norway? What are the indisputable advantages of this unusual destination? What things might upset you or make you not want to go there?

You should go if

You like nature. Norway is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with landscapes, depending on the region, of islands (Lofoten Islands), fjords (the west coast) or mountains and plains (the north).
You dream about Lappland. This enormous, more or less undefined region, extends from Norway to Russia, via Sweden and Finland. It's a mysterious and attractive land which never ceases to fascinate.
You love extreme seasons. In winter you can see the northern lights and in summer the midnight sun. In the north of the country night is almost non-existent in summer!
You like open-air sports: fishing, rafting, trekking (on skis, on foot, on sled), cruises... Norway is paradise for sporty types.
You love atypical destinations, like Svalbard, Spitsbergen, North Cape, Kirkenes... In Norway the cold is king. If you love winter, you will be in heaven.
You want to know more about the Sami, the only indigenous people in Scandinavia, nomad reindeer herders who live in Lappland.
You like wild camping. The right to roam is a basic right in Norway. Which means that you can camp (nearly) everywhere in the country!

You shouldn't go if

You are travelling on a limited budget. Norway is a very expensive place and the prices can shock (£6.50 for a pint in a pub, for example).
You like enormous cities with lots of life. Norway is not exactly a place where you go to visit the towns (although Oslo and the other towns are very pleasant places).
You don't like animals. There are lots in Norway - bears, elks, whales, dolphins, eagles - altogether a very varied animal life which will please everyone, big or small.
You only speak English. The vast majority of the population are bilingual and speak English very well but it's still possible you may have a few communication problems.
You're looking for a lazy holiday. The only way to explore Norway is to move, on foot, by boat or in a car.

Norway Travel Guide

Best time to visit Norway

5 reasons to travel to Norway

Is this the destination for you?

You should go if

You shouldn't go if