Norway: Modern cities & rugged landscapes
Norway wasn’t in my travel plan for 2022. The decision to visit was made at the last minute to meet up with some old friends in Oslo. So, I came to the country with few preconceived ideas and having done little to no planning. But sometimes that’s the best way to do it!
Norway is a total gem of country. Think mountains, fjords, rivers and forests. Its beauty is overwhelming and it’s safe and fun too. The people are outdoorsy and patriotic. It’s challenging to narrow down all the ways I love Norway, but in no particular order, here’s my top six favourite things:
The saunas. Sure, you’ve been in a sauna before. But have you been in a sauna and then jumped into cold arctic fjord? This turned out to be my #1 favourite activity in Norway. I recommend Badstuforenig (Oslo), Trevarefabrikken (Henningsvaer) and Heit (Bergen).
The Oslo/Bergen train. Seven hours has never passed so quickly as it did gazing out the window on this journey. Through tunnels and over bridges you’ll be in awe of Norway’s dramatic mountains, waterfalls, lakes, villages and forests.
Craft beer. I’ve been in a bit of beer rut lately. Given the astronomical cost of beer in Norway it was perhaps not the best place to break out of that rut — but the variety and sheer number of nano and micro breweries in Scandinavia made it impossible to resist! My favs include:
Lervig (Stavanger, Norway). Try Supersonic — it’s a 5/5.
Amundsen (Oslo, Norway). Try Raspberry & Lime Lush especially if you’re into sour beers.
Cervisiasm (Oslo, Norway). Try Enough to Make a Mango Sour … delish!
Food halls. Think of them as sophisticated food courts. They’re free standing halls (not in a mall or stadium) with a great variety of higher-quality food where you can also enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail with your meal. Great for a group of friends with different cravings or dietary needs — or even just one person if you want to try dishes from a few different stalls. Try Mathallen and Vippa in Oslo — Salt is smaller but fun too.
Witches. Well, “witches.” An estimated 277 to 350 people - mostly women - were executed in Norway during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries for the crime of witchcraft. If you enjoy dark history, Bergen has plenty on offer. You’ll find a “Witches Stone” erected in remembrance of the victims of judicial murder. A much larger memorial can be found in Vardo where 91 people were killed after they were convicted of summoning a storm that killed most of their village’s fishermen. If the topic interests you, check out the novel ‘The Mercies’ by Kieran Millwood Hargrave.
Natural beauty. There’s epic scenery around every corner in Norway. No matter how you like to explore — walking, hiking, driving, cycling and swimming — you’ll be stopping every few meters to take photos or just gawk in appreciation.
Tell me this isn’t the perfect sauna? (Trevarefabrikken in Henningsvaer)
Know before you go:
Cash is virtually obsolete. I spent 20 nights in Norway and never once did I use or see cash. This is the place to tap. Need to use the public bathroom? Tap your credit card. Pay for parking? There’s an app for that. Order food? Use the QR code at your table to order and pay.
English is everywhere. Some countries you expect to find English in city attractions, airports and touristy restaurants. But here everyone from the bus driver to the grocery clerk all speak English. I was told a big reason for this is an emphasis on the language in school. But also because movies and TV aren’t dubbed into Norwegian which motivates folks to learn English too.
Restrictive liquor laws. Most Canadian provinces aren’t known for their lax liquor laws, but in comparison to Norway we’re living in beer and wine free for all. For anything stronger than a beer in Norway, you must go to a state owned Vinmopolet. They’re open very limited hours (closing at 6 p.m. on most days; 4 p.m. on Saturdays; closed Sundays). There’s also restrictions on how producers can advertise — which is basically not at all. I noticed this first on Norwegian brewery Lervig’s Instagram account — it reads “This profile is only for international beer lovers due to Norwegian regulations.” A local bartender confirmed they aren’t messing around!
Norwegians are fit. If they recommend an “easy” hike, check a third party source like the All Trails app or chat with another tourist to get the actual scoop. If a local says a hike takes two hours, better plan for three!
It’s safe and people are trusting. Hanging out at local pubs in Bergen and Lofoten it was common to see locals leave their wallets, computers and keys unattended. After being on the road for so many months, it’s really nice to be in a place that’s so chill.
Midnight sun. I visited in August so I didn’t experience Norway’s midnight sun. But if you’re planning for a trip in June and July, remember the sun doesn’t set!
Norway is the type of place that’d be easy to call home. For me it’s the Scandinavian values, stunning scenery and chill vibes. I would be lying if I said I didn’t do some light Googling about how to make it my home!
xx Rachel
The roof of Oslo’s Opera House is a beautiful place to watch sunsets.
Gotta celebrate the little wins … or in this case climbing to the Devil’s Gate in Lofoten!
Rørvikstranda beach
Bergen’s just a little bit charming!