Norway is said to be the happiest country in the world. The northern lights, arctic winters and stunning scenery are what springs to mind when we think about the Scandinavian country. Its citizens are more than used to living with cold temperatures, especially in winter, but they never let the weather get in the way of living life to its fullest.
What do you like so much about Norway?
The Northern Lights: They’re so frequent that tour groups almost always guarantee you’ll see this extraordinary natural phenomenon that occurs when the solar wind is stronger than normal and particles charged with electricity from the sun pass through the atmosphere, emitting loops of green, blue, yellow, red, and orange light in the sky. The adventure of crossing the Arctic Circle alone in search of the northern lights makes the trip worthwhile in itself.
The fjords: Geiranger Fjord is one of Norway’s most visited and iconic tourist sites and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Fjords very often reach quite far inland with huge cliffs on both sides of the water. Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway, sinking an incredible1308m below sea level. Boats regularly pass through the fjord giving you the perfect opportunity to experience it up close.
The capital: Oslo
Oslo is a compact, quiet, modern city that’s been named European Green Capital for 2019 with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. The city is full of interesting things to see and visit with guided walking tours, museums a plenty (make sure t and the ski museum) and great shops to satisfy all shopaholics. It’s worth buying the ‘Oslo Pass’ (about €43) that gives you free entrance to more than 30 museums and places of interest as well as public transport.
Snow, lots of snow
Snow lovers are sure to have a whale of a time in Norway. The country is covered with thick layers of snow most of the year except during the summer months.The Oslo Winter Park is only 30 km from Oslo city centre and has 18 slopes with 11 lifts, some of up to 381 meters. Open from November to April.
