Madlugger Travel Guide: Norway

Norway sits in Scandinavia and is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes with 1650 miles of dramatic coastline, stunning natural wonders, and cosmopolitan cities sitting alongside traditional towns. This blog covers only a small snippet of the adventures you could have in Norway.

When to visit Norway

There is no bad time to visit Norway, however depending on what attractions and experiences you are after, the weather may impact your trip. Norwegians embrace all types of weather so wind and rain will not stop them getting outside into nature. There is a popular saying in Norway:

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." 

Summer 

Summer is the most popular time to visit for the best weather, long daylight hours and generally cheaper accommodation prices and more being open.  The fjords and the Lofoten Islands will look at their best, but they will also be at their busiest.  This is also the best time for hiking and cycling with snow on trails being minimal.

Winter

Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights. While the aurora borealis happens year-round, Norway’s long winter nights provide the perfect conditions in which to see them. In general, coastal areas have relatively mild and wet winters (but with snow in the mountains), while the inland regions have cold winters with plenty of snow. 

 

Where to stay in Norway

Norway has a full range of accommodation options from luxury five-star hotels to simple remote cabins. There are also plenty of official campsites all over the country. In Norway the ‘Right to Roam’ is in place under the law, to ensure everyone can experience nature even in privately owned areas. However, while enjoying this right everyone must leave no litter and respect nature

Getting around Norway

Norway’s transport network is very extensive and efficient. Most public transport journeys can be booked and paid for via easy-to-use apps. 

Ferries and boats – ferries take foot passengers, vehicles and bicycles and can shorten miles travelled around the coast. Payment is normally made to the operator on the boat. There are also many cruise boats offering spectacular voyages through the fjords. 

Rail – There is a reliable network linking the major cities (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Bodo). Fares can be expensive and popular routes may need booking in advance during the summer. 

Buses – Cheaper than trains and may be the only option for visiting more rural areas.

Car Hire – an expensive option but gives you the most flexibility. Norwegian drivers are very courteous, and roads well maintained (you won’t see a pothole), but don’t underestimate journey times when travelling on narrow windy roads around fjords and waiting for ferries. On top of fuel costs there are also tolls to pay for major routes including tunnels (these can be paid via an app).  

 Must-see attractions in Norway

Norway is a very long country so for a normal two-week holiday it is best to target certain regions to explore.

Oslo – The capital city has been given a major boost in recent years to rival its neighbours’ capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen. There is something for everyone here with world class museums and galleries, a regenerated waterfront, parks and funky neighbourhoods.  Top attractions include: The Oslo Opera House, Munch Museum, The Nobel Peace Centre, Radhuset and Vigelandsparken.

Lofoten Islands – Picture perfect islands in the North with stunning peaks, traditional fishing villages, and fjords. Can be reached by ferry from the quirky coastal town of Bodo, the European Capital of Culture for 2024. Twenty-one miles south-east of here see the Saltstraumen, one of the world’s strongest tidal currents (maelstrom) where the water is forced through a narrow strait creating vast whirlpools.

Drive the Atlantic Road – Known as the world’s most beautiful drive it connects the mainland with a series of islands with breathtaking engineering. You may recognise it from the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’.

Stavanger – Norway’s third largest city situated in the south-west, with old wooden houses and Michelin starred restaurants.  Also famous for its street art and food festivals. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn about how the discovery of oil changed Norway forever and has made it one of the richest countries in the world.  

Two of the most popular Norwegian day hikes can be done from Stavanger:

Kjeragbolten – A 10km hike to a famous rock that hangs in a crevice in the mountain 1084m above Lysefjord. A good head for heights is required to stand on the boulder for an Instagramer’s must have shot.

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) – An 8km round hike to a plateau 604m above Lysefjord with stunning views.

Culinary Delights 

Norway may not be high on people’s radar as a foodie destination, but in recent years with their reputation for using high quality organic ingredients and an ever-increasing number of Michelin starred restaurants opening, Norway has firmly established itself on the International food map.

 Foods to try include:

• Norwegian brown cheese – it has a bit of a sweet flavour and is often put with pancakes or waffles.
• Torrfisk (or stockfish) is dried matured Lofoten Artcic cod
• Fresh seafood including salmon, shrimps and king crab
• Smorrebrod (open sandwiches) topped with seafood, cured meats and vegetables.
• Good hearty stews of reindeer and elk  
• Fika – a Scandinavian custom of taking a break with a cup of coffee and a pastry, usually enjoyed with friends, family or work colleagues. 

Must-know practical tips

- The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the official currency. 

- Norway is a virtually cashless society.  Use of currency cards works well everywhere. 

- Whilst everyone thinks of Norway as being one of the most expensive places to visit in Europe, the exchange rate against the British Pound is the best it has been for many years, making it a good time to visit.

- Norwegian is the official spoken language in Norway, but the majority of Norwegians are able to converse in English. 

Fun Facts:

• While Norway’s oil and gas industry has made it one of the richest countries in the world, none of it is used to power the country's homes, with 98% of domestic power being drawn from hydro-electric plants.
• As from 1st January 2025 Norwegians will only be able to buy electric vehicles. Taxis are already all electric as are most ferries. 
• There are 400,000 lakes in Norway and 1,190 fjords
• Norway was the first country in the world to enact a law punishing discrimination against its LGBT citizens. 
• Every Christmas Norway gives the United Kingdom a Christmas Tree as a thanks for helping them out during WW2. 
• The Laerdal road tunnel that connects Oslo with Bergen is the longest in the world at 15.23 miles long cutting through an impassable mountain range.

Thank you to our Madlugger Liz for writing this amazing blog!

What’s your favourite spot in Norway? Share it with us below in the comments.