NORWAY

TRAVEL IN NORWAY

Norway is a unique travel destination thanks to rugged landscapes and sophisticated cities, meaning a tour of Norway has ‘did I just see that?’ experiences waiting around every corner.

Like what? How about a cruise through Norway’s longest and most spectacular fjord, Sognefjord. You could also visit Voss, Norway’s adventure capital, or the incredible Boyabreen glacier near Skei. Prefer the bustle of the city? Take an Oslo food tour, marvel at Nidarosdomen cathedral or admire the colourful wooden buildings of Bergen's historic Bryggen area.

FAST FACTS
Language: Norwegian, Lule Sami, Northern Sami, Southern Sami
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Norway.
Dialing Code: +47
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

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Cruise the Norwegian fjords

Norway's fjords are the country's greatest natural wonders, and a Norwegian cruise is the ultimate way to experience them. Hop aboard in Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, and marvel as you float gently past a landscape of mountains, valleys, glaciers and sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea.
Take a hike!

Norway is home to some of Europe's most spectacular and unique landscapes. One of the highlights is Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Norway. As you tramp across this magnificent and unspoiled wilderness, keep your eyes peeled for migrating herds of reindeer, as well as more reclusive wildlife like the arctic fox and the snowy owl.
Ride the Lillehammer bobsleigh

Live out your Winter Olympic fantasies with a ride on this, Scandinavia's only bobsleigh course. Located just outside Lillehammer, it offers various options to cater for all levels of daring, but be warned - with speeds of up to 75mph and forces of up to 5G, the 4-man taxibob option is not for the fainthearted!
Soak up the atmosphere at Aker Brygge

This revamped shipyard is now an Oslo cultural hub, and a favourite hangout for locals and tourists alike. Admire the views as you stroll along the scenic seafront promenade, browsing the shops or stopping to sample some local delights at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Pulpit Rock

Known to the locals as Preikestolen, this prominent cliff with its distinctive flat top is one of the most essential Norway sights. Dare to peer over the edge and you'll see a knee-wobblingly sheer drop of over 600m into the deep blue waters of Lysefjord. Tackle that two-hour hike in to be rewarded with the mother of all selfie opportunities.

Things to do in Norway

From the impossibly beautiful frozen tundra of Norway’s Arctic north to the sophistication of Oslo, Norway has plenty to offer. To help you get to grips with it, we've put together a Norway travel top 5.

Norwegian Wood Festival
Held in the beautiful green surroundings of Frognerbadet park in Oslo, Norwegian Wood Festival brings a varied lineup of international stars to the Norwegian capital each June. What's not to like about a music festival whose maiden voyage featured Johnny Cash on the bill?
Northern Lights Festival
Founded in 1988, Tromsø's most popular festival offers a line up of world-class opera, jazz and chamber music, as well as full-scale symphony orchestras and dance performances.

For more information on Northern Lights Festival, click here.
Ekstremsportveko
Known to the locals as 'Veko', Norway's leading festival of extreme sports is held annually in Voss. Come and gawp as competitors from across the world of extreme sports go head to head in disciplines such as BASE-jumping parachuting, kite surfing and mountain biking.

For more information on Ekstremsportveko, click here.
Inferno Festival
If you like your music hard and heavy, then this is for you. Norway's leading festival of heavy metal, Inferno festival takes place annually, spread over three venues in Oslo city center. Expect a brutal lineup of the biggest stars from the world of extreme metal.

For more information on Inferno festival, click here.
Norwegian Constitution Day
Norway's national day is celebrated on May 17th each year, when the entire country hits the bricks for one massive party. Food, drink and high spirits are the order of the day, though Norwegian traditional dress is optional. It's an inclusive affair and foreigners are always welcome - grab a flag and join the festivities!

For more information on Norway National day, click here.

Top 5 Festivals in Norway

Whether it's culture, music or sports that takes your fancy, Norway has a festival to fit the bill. Here's our selection of the best Norway festivals.

Munch Museet
Oslo
The Munch Museet opened in 1963 and is dedicated to the works of Norway's favourite son, Edvard Munch. Here you can see two of the existing four versions of his iconic masterpiece, The Scream, a proper Norway travel 2015 must-do.

For more information on the Munch Museum, click here.
Viking Ship Museum
There are a horde of interesting Viking artifacts on display here, but most people come to see the magnificent Oseberg Ship, a well preserved whole Viking vessel thought to date from the 8th century AD.

For more information on the Viking Ship Museum, click here.
Stavanger Museum
Founded in 1877, Stavanger Museum is an umbrella term for several museums scattered throughout the city. The most famous is undoubtedly Breidablikk villa, the best-preserved mansion house in the country.

For more information on the Stavanger Museum, click here.
Norsk Folkemuseum
Norsk Folkemuseum is home to the world's oldest open-air museum, making it one of the most interesting museums Oslo has to offer. Chief amongst its attractions is a collection of over 150 old buildings relocated from around the country, one of the biggest displays of its kind in Europe.

For more information on the Norsk Folkemuseum, click here.
Vigeland Museum
Set amidst the lush greenery of Oslo's Frogner Park, Vigeland Museum is home to over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and iron by the acclaimed Norwegian master Gustav Vigeland, including Angry Boy, his best known work.

For more information on the Vigeland Museum, click here.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Norway

There are a huge number of galleries and museums to choose from in Norway, including the country’s famed open-air museums. Struggling to decide which to see? Read on for our pick of the best.

Fårikål
Norway's national dish is a succulent stew of lamb, simmered low and slow with cabbage with peppercorns. Served with a side of potatoes, it's proper rib-sticking stuff for the coldest of days.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Dovrehallen, Storgata 22, Oslo}
Krumkake
This wafer thin rolled cake is one of Norway's best-loved desserts. Served filled with cream and dusted with sugar, it's definitely one for all the sweet-tooths out there!

_{Best eaten at}
_{Vaaland Dampbakeri & Conditori, Muségata 46, Stavanger}
Smalahove
This traditional western Norwegian delicacy is not for the weak of stomach. It consists of a cured sheep's head, boiled and served halved with potatoes and mashed rutabaga (a turnip-like root vegetable).

_{Best eaten at}
_{Smalahovetunet Voss, Strandavegen 789, Skulestadmo}
Lutefisk
This Norwegian dish is made from tørrfisk, wind-dried white fish that has been reconstituted in water over a period of several days. It's then steamed or baked and served with potatoes, mashed peas and bacon, and though the gelatinous texture is unusual it's considered a national delicacy. Your only option is to get stuck right in.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Børson Spiseri, Gunnar Bergs 2, Svolvaer}
Kjøttboller
These delicious Norwegian meatballs are made of minced beef flavoured with spices. Served with mashed potato, mushy peas and plenty of gravy or cream sauce, they're a real Norway food must-try.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Naboen, Sigurds gate 4, Bergen}

Food in Norway

Thanks to its long, harsh winters, traditional food in Norway is based around preserved items, including its most famous of exports, smoked salmon. If it moves and breathes, you can bet the Norwegians have salted it, pickled it, dried it or fermented it.

Fresh fish and meat are also big players here, particularly game such as reindeer and moose. The humble loaf also makes up a large part of the typical Norwegian diet, with many delicious and wholesome varieties of bread on offer.

Check out our selection of must-try Norwegian dishes to get you primed for Norway.

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