Fjords and Vikings: The highlights of Norway
Norway strikes images into the mind of Vikings, wild landscapes, breathtaking fjords and snow capped mountain peaks. While it’s possible to spend months exploring all this Nordic country has to offer, here are some must see highlights.
Oslo
Most journeys to the Scandinavian country will begin in the stunning capital city of Oslo. Need a great coffee? Make your way to Tim Wendelboe in the hipster neighborhood of Grünerløkka. This tiny specialty espresso bar roasts their coffee in house and is incredibly popular with the locals. After satisfying your caffeine cravings, a leisurely stroll through the streets of Grünerløkka will see you passing street art, specialty beer bars, cute cafes and some of the trendiest restaurants Oslo has to offer.
The classic tourist sights are well worth visiting: Oslo's Opera House, Viking Ship Museum, Polar Ship Fram museum and the incredible Vigeland Sculpture Park can all be experienced in a day. To get a taste of something a little off the beaten track, make your way to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park. This large public park features contemporary sculptures from some of the biggest names in contemporary art, as well as some of the best panoramic views over the city.
Highlights include a location specific Skyspace from American artist James Turrell (tucked within an old water reservoir) as well as pieces from Salvador Dali, Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst, Sean Henry, Louise Bourgeois and Marina Abramovic. None of these pieces are kept within a gallery, so it’s up to visitors to make their own discoveries as they hike along the various forest paths.
Voss and Flåm
Getting from Oslo to Bergen is very simple, with multiple flights, trains and busses available. For the most scenic and exciting journey, we suggest taking the historic Flåm Railway Line, which crosses between deep ravines, through mountains and overlooks some wild and remote parts of the country. Arriving in Voss allows for a beautiful Fjord cruise that slowly travels between some of the remote settlements and farms hidden beneath the huge, stony mountains. Norway in a Nutshell is the most popular, and simple way of booking this famous journey.
Bergen
Mountains and water surround Norway’s second largest city. The best way to get the lay of the land is to take a very steep funicular tram carriage up Mount Floyen. On a clear day you will have a picturesque view overlooking the city and surrounding mountains. The cobblestone streets and wooden houses surrounding Bryggen Harbour make for a perfect lunch or dinner spot at some of the many cafes, bars and restaurants – many of which also display pieces by local artists.
Stavanger
Stavanger in the south of Norway is best known as the gateway to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and the Lysefjord. This popular hike through lush forests and up craggy mountains is fine for most fitness levels and abilities and will take only a few hours to reach the summit and spectacular Pulpit Rock. Norway has maintained the natural beauty of this landscape by not installing any safety rails between you and the very long drop into the Lysefjord below, so it’s up to you if you feel brave enough to dangle your feet from the sheet edge.
Stavanger is a small town, perfect for resting up before a hike. The colorful street Øvre Holmegate is brimming with hipster cafes, cool barbershops and classy bars. If you explore any of the nearby alleyways you will probably find some remnants of the curated street art festival, NuArt. This annual festival invites artists from across the globe to paint or install interesting large-scale artworks across the city. Some of the best pieces are in Tou Scene, a “total art factory underdevelopment”. Tou Scene is a former brewery that was abandoned for a few decades before artists and musicians reclaimed the space, transforming it into a center for art, festivals and even a bar.
Our hot tip is to always allow plenty of time (and space on your cameras memory cards) when you go hiking, as everything looks picture perfect. No matter where you go in Norway, you will be surrounded by culture, great food and some of the most amazing nature on earth. Takk Norway!
Tomas Zagoda is an Australian based media producer, filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. Follow him on Instagram @TomasZagoda to keep up with his latest adventures.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and are meant as travel inspiration only. They do not reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance. You should always read the Policy Documents available from your travel insurance provider to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions of your policy and to ensure any activities you undertake are covered by your policy.