2016-11-10

Dreaming of a Norway vacation? We can’t blame you. This Scandinavian paradise keeps proving why it is the best place on earth.

It stole our hearts with its epic cultural and natural wonders at every bend. No wonder why travelers fly to Norway to see some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, skyscapes, and wildlife.

It’s hard to think of another place worthy of an urgent visit than Norway, especially now that cheap flights to Europe are easy to come by. You could even book stopover flights to Norway for free or for a small fee on the way to another European destination. Need more convincing?

Read on to find out the top five reasons it’s time to plan and take a Norway vacation.

1. Behold the majesty of Norway’s iconic fjords.

Carved out by the great forces of nature (glaciers) during the Ice Age, Norway’s fjords create a starkly beautiful landscape that you can find in most parts of the country. The largest and most popular of these fjords is the Sognefjord or Sognefjorden located in the western region. For awe-inspiring winding mountains, lush valleys, and lovely waterfalls, head off for a sightseeing boat trip to the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One cannot tire of seeing these fjords, which typically feature narrow ocean inlets, rocky islands, as well as steep cliffs and slopes. They will take your breath away and leave you with fantastic images that will stay with you forever.

2. Visit picturesque Nordic towns and villages.

Delightful little towns full of life and movement are a common sight in Norway. These villages are prettily situated along charming lakes, rich forests, and misty mountains. The locals seem to know each other. Keen to hear some intriguing Norwegian legends and mythologies? Befriend the town folks, and they might tell you about the goddess of spring, the god of storm, and the greatest of these Northern gods. Vågan, Flåm, and Bodø are just a few of Norway’s most scenic towns worth a visit. Small towns in Lofoten Islands, Norway, have white sandy beaches alongside soaring alpine mountains. It’s so idyllic you won’t want to leave.

3. Watch the Midnight Sun and bask in its golden glow.

Eternal sunshine, anyone? The midnight sun near the Arctic circle is a dramatic phenomenon that needs no superlatives. Those who seek adventure can hike up the mountain peaks like the Lyngen Alps and greet the mighty sun while above the sea of clouds. Meanwhile, travelers looking for a more sedate outdoor experience of this sunrise-and-sunset display can stay at any of the Vesterålen islands in Lofoten. Fly to Norway between May and July to enjoy up to 24 hours of sunshine at the Northern land. While it seems enough to catch a glimpse of this spectacle, you’ll thank yourself later for bringing a decent camera to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s definitely something you’ll want to share with your grandkids.

4. Chase the magical display of Aurora Borealis.

If seeing the Northern lights, the mesmerizing color painting of the Arctic sky, is on your bucket list, you’re in luck if you’re in Norway from late September to March. Science, art, or nature aficionados have been captivated by the Aurora Borealis for centuries. Here in Norway, this unbelievably beautiful scenery is part of the daily lives of locals. What an enviable treat for them! When you visit Norway, you might want to consider staying near Whale Island and film the Northern Lights display while the humpbacks are frolicking in the water. If you want to make sure you can really cross off this must-see attraction from your Norway travel to-do list, it’s a good idea to check a few cruise companies that offer sailing trips to the Arctic Circle. Many of them guarantee that you will catch the Northern Lights, if not, they let you join the tour again next year for free.

5. Take the most spectacular train journeys.

Thrilled or terrified by train rides? A train journey is the best way to cover the country’s epic scope and splendor. Norwegians are amazing engineers, carving paths, digging tunnels, and placing railroads at the most rugged, inhospitable parts of the planet. As you board one of Norway’s trains, you will quickly realize how this transport system dramatically shows off the country’s finest features. Stops at emblematic spots, cultural hotspots, and wonderful sights are part of the train schedule. Two of the favorite railways of Norway explorers are the Raumabanen Railway (a one-way scenic trip that runs for three hours) and the Bergen Railway (for the best scenery, travel during the midnight sun). Expect a nerve-rattling roller-coaster-like ride with astonishing views of the mountains and sloping terrains below.

Now that you have five reasons (and counting) to book flights to Norway, stay tuned for more helpful travel tips to the Northern wonderland. Have you been to Norway before? Feel free to share your travel experience and photos with us!

The post 5 Great Reasons Why You Should Plan a Trip to Norway appeared first on AlphaFlightGuru.

Show more