The inhabitants have adapted to a life of tranquillity and comfort as their country consistently ranks highly in various quality of life assessments. They are diligent workers, earn substantial incomes, and consequently, tend to spend quite a bit.

While taking a holiday in Norway can be pricey, the experience offers good value for the money spent.

Overview

Norway, like most nations in Scandinavia, is a monarchy. It is situated in the western section of the peninsula, but this is not its sole region. The Spitsbergen archipelago, various islands in the Arctic Ocean, along with one overseas possession — Bouvet Island in the South Atlantic Ocean — are also part of Norway.

Historical Background

Norway emerged as a modern nation on the global stage in 1905 following its independence from Sweden. The year 1899 is officially recognised as its founding year.

The majority of Norway’s history is closely tied to its neighbouring countries, Denmark and Sweden. This bond was so significant that Norway was part of the Kalmar Union, which united three Scandinavian kingdoms under Danish rule for several centuries. During this period, Norway was granted only a degree of autonomy rather than full independence. The Union lasted from 1397 until 1523, when it was dissolved following Sweden’s departure.

For the next 300 years, Norway remained a province of Denmark. At the dawn of the 19th century, it was incorporated into Sweden. This led to ongoing conflicts between the Swedish and Norwegian monarchs and their administrations as they vied for control.

The Swedish king dismissed the notion of separating the flags of Sweden and Norway on three separate occasions. Nevertheless, in May 1905, Norway finally realised its long-held aspiration: the Storting (Parliament) sanctioned a unilateral withdrawal from the Union.

The referendum held in August 1905 confirmed this long and tumultuous struggle for independence. Over 300,000 Norwegians voted in favour of establishing a new, sovereign nation, while only 161 individuals opposed it.

Although there were initial efforts to establish Norway as a republic, the monarchy persisted. Haakon VII from the House of Glücksburg ascended to the throne and ruled until 1957.

His son, Olav V, succeeded him. Since 1991, Harald V has occupied the position of King of Norway.

Geography and Climate

The Kingdom of Norway shares its borders with three nations — Sweden, Denmark, and the Russian Federation — as well as three seas — Norwegian, North, and Barents — and one ocean — Arctic.

The country’s landscape is predominantly characterised by mountains and fjords. Although there is a scarcity of arable land, the diligent efforts of farmers enable Norway to produce half of its food requirements, with the remainder being sourced from imports.

In one of the world’s most advanced nations, the primary source of revenue for the national budget is the extraction of gas and oil. Chemical engineering ranks second, followed by fishing and fish-processing industries. Norwegian canned fish is highly esteemed globally.

The climate is diverse, even though this northern nation may appear to be cold throughout the year.

In actuality, summers in Norway are typically warm, with daytime temperatures soaring to +25°C – +28°C and water temperatures reaching +19°C. Many people enjoy swimming, as Norwegians are not deterred by these temperatures.

Spring commences in March and concludes in May. The awakening of nature here is slower compared to other parts of Europe, yet the greenery is equally captivating. The barbecue season kicks off, which is a beloved pastime for Norwegians on weekends. Groups of people gather for picnics, enjoying food and a variety of drinks.

Winter in Norway is ideal for those who appreciate active leisure. Skiing and snowboarding trails, ice rinks, and mountaineering activities are available for enthusiasts from November to February, during which the weather is cold and snowy.

The geographical setting of this Scandinavian nation allows its residents to experience two remarkable natural phenomena simultaneously — the midnight sun and aurora polaris.

The midnight sun typically occurs from June to early August, with the northern part of Norway being the prime location to witness this phenomenon.

The second stunning and extraordinary spectacle is aurora polaris, visible in the transpolar regions of the country from late September to late March. This period features early twilight and late dawn, showcasing a true display of colours with breathtaking fireworks from nature.

Language, Population, and Currency

Norway has a population of 5.4 million and features one official language that has two variations. There are no cities with populations exceeding one million. The largest city is Oslo (673,000 inhabitants), followed by Bergen (approximately 300,000 inhabitants) and Trondheim (around 200,000 inhabitants).

The Norwegian language is divided into two variants: Bokmål (the official language) and Nynorsk (the contemporary form of Norwegian).

The official currency is the Norwegian krone.

Getting There

For travel to Norway from any Scandinavian nation, options include air travel, trains, ferries, and buses. However, the latter two methods can be quite lengthy, with train journeys potentially lasting up to 40 hours, including layovers, while bus trips may require a minimum of two days. The total travel time varies based on the country of origin. Numerous ferry services operate to Norway from adjacent nations, and various cruise lines dock at Norwegian ports, offering a selection of cruises.

Consequently, the most efficient method is to purchase a flight ticket, as this will save time and generally not be expensive. Direct flights are available from and to the USA as well as many European nations. Oslo Airport serves as the primary international gateway for the country.

Norway is a participant in the Schengen Agreement, meaning that individuals from non-Schengen nations must secure a visa. Nevertheless, there exists a list of countries that enjoy visa-free arrangements with Norway (consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration).

It is essential to frequently verify the entry regulations for Norway, as there may be regular updates due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Lodging Options

The frequently discussed issue of lodging in Norway can be easily addressed based on the purpose and length of the visit.

For a brief stay (5-10 days), a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse would be the most suitable choice for accommodation.

For individuals relocating to Norway for studies or work, it is generally more economical to lease an apartment or a house shared with others. In Norway, both the living standards and rental costs are relatively high.

Hotel rates are not particularly low here (starting from €60 per night). However, securing an apartment for just a few days is nearly impossible, making a hotel room the preferred lodging option.

• Citybox Oslo is a three-star establishment located in Oslo, established in 2013, offering modern rooms equipped with essential services. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi, showers, toilets, hairdryers, and air conditioning. Meals and beverages can be ordered at an extra cost.
• MOXY Bergen provides comfortable, well-appointed rooms featuring air conditioning and private bathrooms. It includes free parking, Wi-Fi, and a conference room. Guests can order food and drinks for an additional fee.
• Citybox Lite Kristiansand is a compact hotel with 55 rooms, catering to families, non-smoking visitors, and those with pets. It offers a standard range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi.
• FURU Hostel is a youth-oriented and pet-friendly hostel situated in Bøstad, right by the sea in a picturesque location. It provides basic rooms with minimal services, with shared toilets and showers. The hostel also offers free Wi-Fi and a vegan menu, with parking available for an extra charge.
• Dal Gjestegaard is a three-star family-friendly hotel in Skoppum, featuring a swimming pool on-site and all necessary amenities in the rooms, including free Wi-Fi.

It is important to note that all hotels in Norway offer complimentary access for individuals with disabilities. The lifts are spacious and comfortable, and there are wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms. These features facilitate comfortable travel.

Attractions to Explore

The blend of untamed nature and metropolitan marvels, along with the traditional lifestyle found in small towns and villages, juxtaposed with the cutting-edge capital, renders Norway diverse.

Oslo

Oslo refers not only to the capital of Norway but also to the surrounding region. The city serves as the hub for the nation’s primary institutions and is the residence of the royal family.

Oslo is a city with over a thousand years of history, established at the beginning of the 11th century. Until 1624, it was known as Aslo and Vichia (the capital of the Vikings). Subsequently, it was renamed Christiania, and in 1877, it underwent a minor alteration in its name to Kristiania (until 1924).

In 1925, Oslo reclaimed its previous name, which was slightly modified in accordance with Norwegian language conventions.

The rich history of Norway’s capital is deeply embedded in its urban architecture.

Akershus Fortress, with its formidable walls, once provided essential defence for the inhabitants during the many conflicts of the Middle Ages. No other fortress in Scandinavia could match its strength. Over the centuries, it was captured only once by an opposing force—the troops of Hitler in 1940.

Akershus has faced destruction multiple times but has been entirely rebuilt each time. As years went by, it transitioned into a royal prison and became a museum in the 1920s. Two decades after its restoration, following the complete refurbishment of Olav’s Hall, Akershus emerged as a venue for official events.

The fortress also serves as the final resting place for several Norwegian monarchs, including Haakon V, Sigurd I of Norway, King Olav V, Queen Maud, and Crown Princess Martha.

The open areas of the castle attract considerable interest, particularly the guided tours of the Fortress Museum and Norway’s Resistance Museum. The official royal residences and the cells of the former prison are frequently visited by tourists.

Karl Johans Gate is the main thoroughfare in Oslo, where the most significant buildings of the Norwegian capital are located. A walk of about an hour is sufficient to view the Royal Palace, the Parliament building, the National Theatre, and Oslo Cathedral.

Oslo City Hall, situated in the heart of the Norwegian capital for 70 years, hosts one of the most esteemed events globally—the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. The royal family is always present at this occasion.

The modern architecture of the building does not resemble the traditional European city halls. However, the significance of the event held there makes it a key attraction in Oslo.

The history of Scandinavia cannot be discussed without mentioning the Vikings, the brave explorers who navigated the North American coastline long before Christopher Columbus. Nonetheless, Columbus received all the accolades for the discovery.

The Viking Ship Museum, located on the Bygdøy peninsula, has been in operation since 1926. It showcases two ships and a prow used by the Vikings for burial purposes. The exhibits also feature items traditionally included in the burial ships for warriors, such as sledges, carts, tents, and beds.

The Oslofjord

Referred to as a fjord for some reason, this vast inlet with a coastline of a hundred kilometres extends from the southern part of Norway to the northern region, reaching the very capital of this Scandinavian nation.

In terms of Norwegian standards, the coastline of the Oslofjord is quite extensive. Approximately two million individuals reside in various communities across the internal islands, constituting nearly 50% of the nation’s total population. It is estimated that over one-third of Norwegians can reach the inlet’s coastline in about 45 minutes.

This area boasts the warmest climate in the country. Even during the peak of winter in February, the average temperature does not exceed -2°C. In the summer months, temperatures typically vary between +17°C and +19°C.

For good reason, the fjord is regarded as one of Norway’s most stunning natural attractions. The inlet is flanked by mountains that rise to 1,700 m, their peaks adorned with grey, perennial snow. Crystal-clear waterfalls cascade down these slopes.

Nevertheless, it is not solely the natural beauty that attracts visitors. There is a belief that the fjord offers the most spectacular views of the Norwegian capital. Taking a boat trip around the inlet promises an unforgettable experience. Typically, tours are organised directly at the port near the Grand Hotel, with tickets available at the marina.

The journey generally lasts three hours, and the ticket price often includes a warm dinner.

Cuisine

Norwegian food is straightforward, nutritious, and is currently regarded as a superfood. The typical diet of an average Norwegian family primarily consists of fish, meat, milk, fermented dairy items, various preparations of potatoes, and coffee.

They consume salmon, trout, cod, and herring, prepared in ways such as frying, roasting, salting, pickling, or even fermentation.

Rakfisk, which is fermented trout, is a notable dish. The fish is placed in a unique brine inside barrels, where it begins to ferment, developing a very distinctive odour. In Sweden, a similar dish is made using herring instead of trout, known as surströmming.

Whether it’s Norwegian rakfisk or Swedish surströmming, this type of food is typically for those seeking thrills or at least for culinary explorers.

The aroma that foreigners often describe as a foul smell, along with the unique fish flavour that cannot be masked by other foods, summarises this culinary experience. Interestingly, no one has suffered from food poisoning. The only issue is a peculiar aftertaste left in the mouth, necessitating thorough and prolonged teeth brushing after consumption. However, in the end, one can proudly declare: “Now I’ve seen it all.”

Another delicacy from Norway is lutefisk, which is a fillet of dried cod that has been soaked in lye for 3 days and subsequently preserved in water.

This intricate process transforms the fish into a jelly-like consistency that must be cooked, whether by frying, roasting, boiling, or microwaving. The result is something with a very strong and distinct aroma, yet a rather enjoyable taste. It is also considered an exotic dish, much like surströmming.

Lutefisk is typically accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes or peas, local cheeses (Brunost or goat cheese), Akvavit vodka, or beer. There seems to be no other way to enjoy it, as the experience is quite intense.

Regardless, this concludes the list of culinary adventures. Other dishes in Norwegian cuisine closely resemble standard European fare.

If you wish to sample meat, try game sourced from the dense Norwegian forests, often grilled over charcoal. It is generally served with a variety of sauces, frequently those made from berries. Norwegians excel at preparing mutton known as smalahove and lamb stew with vegetables called fårikål.

In Norway, coffee has not surpassed the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. The top drink here is milk, consumed by individuals multiple times daily from infancy to old age without any restrictions or lactose intolerance. Coffee ranks second.

In this harsh northern nation, people have a fondness for alcoholic beverages. There is a belief that no one can outdrink Norwegians, whose preferred drink is Akvavit, a vodka distilled from potatoes. Another variant is Linje Akvavit, which is aged in wooden barrels and sent on a lengthy journey to the Australian coast. It is believed that during this journey, the vodka develops a unique barrel aroma, which is why linje has gained its reputation.

Norway is a country that may not initially seem to align with common perceptions of a relaxing getaway. While you may not find opportunities to lounge on beaches or swim freely, the rugged beauty of this nation will resonate deeply within you.

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