15 Incredible Things to do in NORWAY
My holiday inspiration comes from images and opinions mined from the internet and travel guides. Deep in research the January before, I came across a beautiful picture taken from a mountaintop, looking down the sides of a green valley into the grey-blue depths of a Norwegian fjord with a tiny cruise ship chugging along in the distance. It stopped me in my tracks. I then found the relevant chapter in Lonely Planet’s guide to The World and its opening gambit read:
“Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and the essence of its appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth.”
To me, this read like a dare! So, with guidebook in hand, the challenge was accepted, and we set off in August to find out if it really was. Here’s what we did.
1. CLIMBED PULPIT ROCK A huge stone monolith rising above the landscape - a hike to the top offers jaw-dropping and hair-raising views of the Lysefjorden below. Not quite brave enough to hang our legs over the edge, we sent the selfie stick out to capture the 2000-foot drop.
2. EXPLORED THE BRYGGEN WATERFRONT The old wharf at Bergen has been a place of trade for 1000 years. The creaking wooden maze of listed buildings is a fascinating place to explore and served as a stunning backdrop for a beer.
3. SHOT THE RAPIDS ON THE VOSS RIVER The little town synonymous with the posh Nordic mineral water has set itself up as the adventure capital of Western Norway with white-water rafting trips to suit all ages and abilities.
4. KAYAKED ON THE NAEROYFJORD As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the most dramatic fjords in the world - it's only 250 metres across at its narrowest point! Kayaking was the very best way to appreciate the water, nature and the colossal rock walls.
5. CYCLED THE FLAM RAILWAY Billed as the steepest standard gauge rail line in Europe, its track climbs 2,800 feet from the cruise port of Flam up into the nearby mountains. We took the train up and hired bikes at the top to free wheel down through the beautiful alpine countryside.
6. DROVE THROUGH THE LAERDAL TUNNEL This is the longest road tunnels in the world. Open year round, it provides a vital transport link when the Snow Road over the mountain above closes in Winter. It takes around 25 minutes to drive the 15 miles through and has dramatically lit caves that act as mental rest stops.
7. VISITED A STAVE CHURCH These intricate wooden churches were built in the 12th century to serve small rural communities all over Scandinavia. Only 30 or so remain in the world today, and 28 of them are in Norway. The fairy tale structure at Borgund is the world’s most replicated example.
8. ICE HIKED ON A GLACIER The Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in mainland Europe and Nigardsbreen - although remote - is its most accessible finger. We hired a private guide to show us the ropes (quite literally!).
9. RESTORED OUR SPIRITS AT A HISTORIC HOTEL You won’t find many chain hotels in Norway, but what they do have is a wealth of magnificent historic inns. We chose to rest up at The Alexandra in Loen and take advantage of the relaxing pool, great views and famous dinner buffet. Roast reindeer anyone?
10. RODE THE GEIRANGERFJORD FERRY Norway’s fjord geography demands lots and lots of ferries and the 2-hour journey from Hellesylt to Geiranger is cited as one of the world’s most beautiful.
11. TRAVELLED THE TROLL'S ROAD This infamous road between Valldalen and Andalsnes climbs 2,300 feet up the side of a mountain via 11 alarming hairpin bends.
12. PADDLED IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE Owing to the North Atlantic Current, the beaches on the North-West coast of Norway are as postcard-worthy as the Caribbean. You just can’t help kicking off your shoes and wading in - it’s a bit chilly mind, even in August!
13. STAYED IN A FISHERMAN'S CABIN Known as “rorbuer” and found all over Norway, many of these traditional red cabins have been converted into cosy accommodation. We chose one in the spectacular Lofoten Islands. The view across the fjord from our little deck was perfect with your morning coffee!
14. CHASED THE NORTHERN LIGHTS You don’t normally get to see the Aurora Borealis in August because the night sky never really gets dark enough - land of the midnight sun and all that! However, a chance encounter with a local enthusiast and we found ourselves heading out on a foolhardy adventure in the middle of the night. We were successful, but my pictures weren't up to much!
15. SAILED ALONGSIDE WHALES Ocean depths fall very steeply just a few miles off the Northern coast of Norway providing excellent opportunities to spot the world’s largest living creatures. It was cold, windy and rough when we headed out on our sea safari, but I’d happily do it all again to meet "Glen" the sperm whale.
You've probably guessed, but Norway did not disappoint. And after a 16-day visual overload, I really do agree with Lonely Planet’s extremely bold claim. And my initially reticent 13-year-old? He still rates it as his number one holiday... ever!
FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF:
We chose a relatively cheap flight to Stavanger, hired a car and drove North stopping at interesting hostels and lodges along the way. This allowed us ultimate flexibility in seeing and doing everything that Norway had to offer. The flipside being that the food in Norway isn't particularly memorable and cost of living is quite high - something you need to budget and prepare for.
The easiest way to get a taste of Norway is on a cruise. All the major operators have itineraries departing from Southampton incorporating a combination of the key ports - Stavanger, Bergen, Flam, Geiranger and Alesund. These cruises have the benefit of no flying, only having to unpack once and fantastic dining included the price.
In my view, the Hurtigruten offers the best of both worlds. They have a fleet of ships travelling up and down the full length of Norway's coastline, stopping daily at 34 ports between Bergen and the Russian Coast. You can choose a 1 to 12-day voyage, facilities and food are akin to a cruise ship and they offer 90 land-based excursions - everything from city tours, husky sledging and kayaking.