Norway’s defining feature is undoubtedly its coastline, which runs for an estimated 21,000 kilometres (without accounting for Svalbard!), extending from sunny Oslo in the south to the Arctic outposts of Tromso and Bodo in the north. Buffeted by the North Sea, it is a harsh but beautiful coastline, notable for its deep fjords and sheer cliff faces. Marine life flourishes in its waters, which are warmed by the gulf stream current, and which host such spectacles as the herring and orca migration during the months of Oct-Jan.
Away from Norway’s coastline, there is also much to be discovered inland. With dense forests of pine, verdant wetlands, glacial valleys and majestic mountain peaks, Norway’s interior presents beautiful and varied landscapes that can be explored in myriad ways, from snowshoeing expeditions and reindeer sledding in the Arctic north, to fabulous trekking and mountain biking terrain within easy reach of Oslo and Bergen.
The counterpoint to Norway’s natural splendour is its towns and cities – bright, open and displaying that Scandinavian flair for design, several of Norway’s cities rank amongst the most beautiful in Europe. These include the fjord cities of Alesund, Bergen and Stavanger, which combine striking architecture with spectacular settings amid the fjords and mountains that define Norway’s coastline.
A short flight from mainland Norway, the northern island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago is the stepping off point for Arctic expeditions and activities such as dog sledding, snow-mobiling, polar safaris and sea cruises (please see our separate page on Spitsbergen).
NORWAY AT A GLANCE
Norway is a year-round destination, though travel in Norway takes on a very different character in winter compared to summer. June to August offer long daylight hours and a mild climate, while October to April provide opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights and participating in a host of winter-based adventure activities, such as dog sledding.
Norway’s major cities are found along its coastline, and a popular means of exploring the country is by cruise boat, sailing from Oslo via the Lofoten Islands to Tromso, with many jumping off points en route allowing for diverse itinerary combinations.
Norway is one of Europe’s great wildlife destinations. Species that can be sighted in Norway include sperm whales, dolphins, colonies of seal, otter, polar bear, brown bear, arctic fox, red fox, reindeer, wolves and lynx.
Over 500 species of bird have been recorded in Norway. The white-throated dipper is Norway’s national bird and is present throughout the country. The Varanger Peninsula in northernmost Norway is one of Europe’s top birding destinations.
The Gol Plateau, in southern Norway, is rich in Alpine flora and fauna, and easily accessible from both Oslo and Bergen.
