Norway, a country in northern Europe, is located on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The majority of the people in the country reside in Oslo, the country’s capital, and the area immediately south of it. Two-thirds of Norway comprises mountains and some 50,000 islands dotted along its severely indented coastline, off deep glacial fjords.
The coast of Norway was first inhabited by Indo-European peoples in antiquity, who built a permanent settlement not far from the current capital of Oslo approximately 6,000 years ago. Due to climatic extremes and challenging terrain, the country’s interior received less settling, and today, most of the population lives in coastal areas like Bergen and Trondheim.
In the summer, northern regions of the Arctic Circle and southern regions of the Antarctic Circle see a phenomenon known as the midnight sun.
In the Arctic or Antarctic summer, the midnight sun is the sun that is above the horizon. Simply put, it refers to the sun rising at midnight. On the other hand, during a certain time of the winter, the sun never rises in northernmost areas of Norway. Visit this page for more information on the countries and areas in the world where the sun never rises during the winter including Norway.
Before visiting Norway, Know these facts
Do you long to travel to Norway someday? Maybe you’ve already made travel plans and purchased a plane ticket. Here are a few things you should be aware of before visiting Norway, regardless of where you are.
Norway is Scandinavian.
Norwegians think their country is the world’s center, and everyone knows who they are. The truth is that Norway isn’t as big as we think, and many people don’t know it’s a country.
Norway, a Scandinavian country with 5.2 million people, has been rated a top place to live and visit.
Polar Bears Do Not Walk The Streets.
The idea that polar bears roam the streets of Norway is a prevalent one. Thankfully, this is not the case. In actuality, continental Norway is devoid of wild polar bears.
You would be astonished to learn how advanced Norway is—it is a very civilized nation. Even now, automobiles are cruising through the streets!
But there are more Polar Bears than people in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located halfway between Norway’s mainland and the North Pole. Still, encounters between locals and polar bears are quite uncommon.
The currency of Norway is the NOK (Norwegian Krone)
The Norwegian Krone is the unit of money used in Norway. So, if all you have is Euro, it will get you a little further. As a result of the recent weakening of the Norwegian Krone, traveling to Norway shortly will be more affordable than just one year ago.
English Is Widely Spoken In Norway
No knowledge of Norwegian? No issue! Most Norwegians are English speakers. While some people find it difficult to engage in a full conversation, most people can understand you and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
So, don’t be hesitant to introduce yourself to a stranger!
It is Safe to Travel to Norway
Norway is regarded as one of the safest countries in the world. Even in large cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger, the crime rate is remarkably low.
Like in any other urban area, there are some precautions you should take, but nothing to be particularly concerned about. It’s usually safe to go out alone at night, and crime is unlikely to happen to you.
The bulk of crimes in Norway are burglaries of homes and offices.. Keep a closer eye on your wallet when you’re in a crowd because some pickpocketing organizations go through the busiest tourist spots during the summer (still, the possibility of anything happening is low).
Autumn, Winter, and Spring
The four distinct seasons of Norway are winter, spring, summer, and autumn. When planning a trip to Norway, make sure to keep this in mind. A few sights are only open during a specified time of year, and some hikes are impassable in the winter. Determine the best time of year to visit a particular destination if that is your main goal.
The weather varies significantly between seasons, which is another item to keep in mind. When traveling to Norway, always pack extra clothing because it gets chilly there! It’s wise to check the weather forecast regularly.
The fact that Norway is utilizing less and less currency should be acknowledged. A credit card, cabs, and hot dogs can be purchased for almost anything! Therefore, forgetting to carry cash is not a crisis.
The Benefits of Visiting Norway
Norway is a large country with welcoming citizens and a lot to offer. Every type of traveler may find something to enjoy in Norway, from skiing and polar bears to gorgeous fjords and mountains.
The low rates of crime
Norway has extremely low crime rates, making it a safe place to live and visit. Although you should always be on guard and bad luck can happen anywhere, the low crime rates in this region greatly reduce tension.
There is flexibility to go around.
A public rights statute known as the Allemannsrett, or “all men’s rights,” grants everyone access to and passage through all uncultivated land. You can’t wander into a private garden in Oslo, but you should be able to spend the night on a deserted field to give you some perspective. Additionally, you can camp out or hike across several of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The stunning fjords
Norway is covered in fjords made when the last Ice Age’s ice carved through the high mountains. Unless you want to only stay near the eastern border, it is almost impossible to visit and not see a fjord. Many demands are to be discovered by camping, kayaking, sailing, or other outdoor activities.
