Norway

Your Norway questions, answered:
(Click through the links for more detail)

What can you tell me about visiting Svalbard?
Lots! It has its own FAQ page, here.

When should I go?
Any time of year, but the seasons do have a big impact on your experience (especially north of the Arctic Circle).
Late Spring – Early Summer for long days, lush green landscapes and hiking.
Winter for snow, ice and the Northern Lights.

What are some “must see” things in Norway?
It’s a huge country so this is hard to answer. Things I particularly loved were:

• Bergen in general, one of the most beautiful cities in the world
• Bygdøy island, aka “Museum Island”, in Oslo
• Trondheim and its wharves
• The Lofotens in general (ideally by ship), just stunning
• Tromsø, again one of my favourite cities int he world

How should I get around?
Trains are a great and economical option in Norway, and the sleeper trains between Bergen > Oslo, and Trondheim > Bodø are both ones I’d recommend. Cheaper than a night in a hotel plus you wake up in your next town – what’s not to like?

Another Norwegian institution is the Hurtigruten line, cruise ships which sail the length of the Norwegian coast. Even a one or two-night trip on these (necessary if you want to get to Tromsø without flying) is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the fjords, and the Lofoten islands.

Where should I stay?
Anywhere you like! As I say, Norway is a vast and varied country.

A few general tips however: if you’re planning on touring the country, though, proximity to a good railway link will be a big help. It also makes sense to be near the coast as the fjords are Norway’s signature landscape.

What should I do in Oslo?
Much to the disgust of my Norwegian friends, I don’t actually like Oslo all that much. I do like Bygdøy, the museum island a ferry-ride away, however, so I’d suggest that. Especial things not to miss there include the Fram Museum, the Holocaust Center, and the pretty epic open-air Norsk Folkemuseum with traditional houses and even a stave church. In Oslo itself I’d recommend the Nobel Peace Center, and we liked Aker Brygge the most of the “city proper”.

The best of Norway is outside of the capital, for me.

Isn’t Norway expensive?
Yes, I’d say for me it seems the most expensive of the Nordics (besides places like Greenland where everything is comparatively pricey). Taking steps to reduce cost in Scandinavia includes things like:

• Not drinking, or at least not drinking to excess
• Taking sleeper trains as a form of accommodation and travel
• Booking Airbnbs or other low-cost accommodation rather than hotels
• Going out for lunch and looking for “lunch specials” or buffets, rather than going out for dinner
• Sometimes visiting supermarkets and bakeries rather than cafes and restaurants
• Visiting natural, free or state-subsidised attractions rather than pricey tourist traps
• Buying souvenirs from regular or thrift shops rather than pricey souvenir shops

Do I need to speak Norwegian?
As a tourist, it’s very unlikely you’ll meet anyone who doesn’t speak good English.

Can you tell me about Stavanger/Hammerfest/Skiing/Hytte?
Nope, never done them. Keen to, and when I do I’ll update the website.

Who are you?
I’m Stu. Hi!

Why did you start his website?
Basically got tired of trotting out the same tips time after time to different friends, colleagues and acquaintances who all knew me as someone who’d been to Iceland multiple times and wanted to “know before they go”.

How do I thank you for these tips?
You could always buy me a cup of coffee

How do I contact you?
Like this

Coming Soon…

What are some great day-trips to take in Norway?

How do I see the Northern Lights?

What are some “hidden gems” in Norway?

What’s this I hear about Norwegian Hytte culture?

What should I skip?