How to plan the right journey to Norway

From its mountainous nationwide parks to its scenic rail journeys, Norway has so many highlights, it’s laborious to know methods to start planning an itinerary. Thankfully, although, it is a nation the place easy pleasures can be found wherever you find yourself and no matter your funds, from bracing dips within the crystal-clear waters of a coastal fjord to in a single day stays in a distant forest hut. Knowing methods to get round and the way greatest to profit from your cash are two necessities for unlocking all of the nation has to supply — learn on to find these and extra ideas for creating your good journey.

How do I get there?

Norway’s essential worldwide airport, Oslo Gardermoen, has direct flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh on carriers together with Norwegian, British Airways and SAS. You may fly direct to Bergen and Stavanger from the UK.

Norway is related to the remainder of Europe by practice, with in a single day companies between Oslo and Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg. You may arrive by ferry, with ports in Denmark, Sweden and Germany connecting to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, Larvik and Stavanger.

What’s the easiest way to get round?

If it’s flexibility you’re after — to not point out some critically scenic drives — then a rental automobile is the way in which to go, with all the standard rent corporations discovered right here. Trains are one other good approach to get round, with environment friendly service, snug carriages and enchanting surroundings on routes just like the Flåm line, which reaches the Aurlandsfjord in southern Norway. It’s one of many steepest rail journeys on the earth. There’s a good passenger ferry service alongside the coast, with ports at most coastal cities and islands; verify routes on the official Vegvesen web site. The iconic Hurtigruten Coastal Express was based in 1893 to move folks and cargo alongside the coast and nonetheless operates at the moment, with 34 stops between Bergen and Kirkenes.

How can I get monetary savings?

Norway is an costly vacation spot by international requirements, however there are all the time methods to save lots of a number of kroner. The common rule of travelling in off- and shoulder seasons applies right here, as do Norway-specific ideas, like staying in campsites and cabins. Most museums and cultural points of interest cost entry, however outside actions like climbing, biking and tenting are free, and this is likely one of the greatest locations on the earth to take pleasure in them. Eating at eating places tends to be dear, however procuring at farm retailers or supermarkets and cooking up a storm at a campsite kitchen is tasty, enjoyable and fulfilling.

When ought to I am going?

For heat days and hikes beneath the midnight solar, go to between June and August; common temperatures within the south in July are 15-22C; within the north 8-15C. For Northern Lights and cross-country snowboarding, come between October and April. Temperatures within the south in December are 0-3C; within the north between -15 and -5C. The shoulder months of May and September are gentle, with highs of round 16C within the south and 10C within the north.

How can I get within the temper for my journey?

To whet your urge for food for Oslo’s cultural life, watch Oscar-nominated Sentimental Value (2025), starring Stellan Skarsgård. For a enjoyable mythological yomp by the Norwegian panorama, try Troll (2022). Coming-of-age novel The Ice Palace (1963; Tarjei Vesaas) superbly evokes wintry Norwegian landscapes, whereas Henrik Ibsen’s traditional theatre piece, A Doll’s House (1879), is a must-read for literary travellers for its portrayal of a Nineteenth-century marriage.

Who may help?

Audley Travel’s Highlights of Norway journey takes in Oslo, the Flåm Railway, boat excursions on Unesco-listed Nærøyfjord, the historic waterfront of Bergen and extra over seven days. It prices from £4,795 per individual, together with flights, actions and lodging.