Norway's soaring fjords, refreshing coastal breeze, inventive architecture in cities and landscapes are both cinematic and enchanting. And with such a large geographic area, as well as seasonal and remote beauty within the country, it will require thoughtful preparation in order to make the most out of your first visit.
However, through good planning and a few tips on travelling to Norway, you can make your first trip easy to accomplish and create intimate experiences.
Firstly, consider the season. Norway changes dramatically from season to season. The long days of summer allow you to take fjord cruises, drive along picturesque roads, etc., while snow-covered forests, winter activities such as skiing or dog sledding and the Northern Lights are what winter is about.
Spring and fall are generally overlooked but are great times for less crowded travel with a softer light (for photography) and a more relaxed cultural environment. A season will dictate the type of activities available and the availability of accommodations.
When designing your route in Norway, you should keep in mind that although Norway appears small on a map, distances between cities can often play tricks on the eye. Travel times are impacted by the nature of mountain highways, ferry crossings and conditions of the weather.
Rather than trying to see all of Norway in one trip, focus your travels on one or two areas of the country such as Oslo and the fjords or Northern Norway and the Arctic Coast. Touring at a slower pace allows you to have a richer travel experience than one where you are racing from city to city, and it will greatly reduce any instances of travel fatigue, which is one travel tip for Norway that is often overlooked.
While Norway’s scenic landscapes will be able to capture your attention, you will also get to experience many unique cultural experiences while visiting Oslo as well as Bergen's Old Town Harbour and the food scene in Trondheim.
No itinerary would be complete without including a combination of activities such as outdoor adventures, museums, local restaurants and walking through neighbourhoods.
Many of Norway’s most memorable travel experiences like boutique hotels along the fjords, scenic train rides and exclusive restaurants can have limited availability. This is why it is very important to book all of your activities as far in advance as possible, especially during high-traffic months.
For those who enjoy travelling in private, have flexible schedules and desire to have smooth logistics while travelling through Norway, there are private tours operators in Norway like the Norwegian Travel Concierge, who offer a level of sophistication and refinement over standard group travel tours.
Thoughtful packing is also very important. Norway is well known for having unpredictable and changing weather patterns. Layers are important year round so you have the right clothing no matter what the weather brings; you will also need good shoes to walk around both the city and nature.
Respect for nature is also important. We'll show you that Norwegians have a strong connection to nature; this is called "Friluftsliv", or "living in the open air". You must follow marked trails, leave without any evidence of your stay and take time to enjoy the tranquil and natural rhythms of being outdoors.
Respecting nature and others will not only preserve the natural habitat but will enrich your experience.
The difference between an enjoyable and an amazing or spectacular vacation for a first-time traveller is all in the details.
At Norwegian Travel Concierge we take care of all those details for you. From custom made itineraries to discreet private tours of Norway, every trip has been customised for what you want to see and do, your itinerary and your method of travelling, giving you the freedom to enjoy Norway with confidence, comfort and quiet luxury.