Traveling allows you to expand your horizons, get a lot of new experiences. Therefore, many people go to other countries. Tour operators offer many interesting tours. However, it is much more interesting to choose a route yourself. This journey will be remembered for a long time. One of the most beautiful countries is Norway. It attracts tourists from all over the world. How to plan a trip to Norway will be discussed later.
General Country Information
If a person feels a craving for new impressions, emotions, and also craves adventures, he is simply obliged to plan a trip to Norway on his own. This country is known for its harsh, cold beauty. This is a special place on the planet where you should go at least once in your life. Such beauty cannot be seen anywhere else.
Before you plan your trip, you need to know certain information about this country. In Norway, a constitutional monarchy. The area of the country is 327 thousand km². The country borders on Finland, Sweden and Russia. The capital is the city of Oslo. This is a fairly expensive country. Therefore, a budget traveler will need to carefully consider not only his route, but also take into account all the subtleties of accommodation, food. The climate here is quite severe.
The country is located in the UTC +1 time zone. Phone code +47. The population is 95% Native Norwegians. Lutheranism is the predominant religion in the country . Norway is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Untouched nature is the pride of the Norwegians. The western coast of the country is indented with fjords, which fascinate with its wild, primitive beauty. Picturesque mountain landscapes, glaciers and other natural objects attract tourists. One of the best solutions is to travel around Norway by car. This will allow you to see all the treasures of the country.
Norwegians value the ecological cleanliness of their country. They care about their environment. Love for her is part of national identity. Large metropolitan areas and quiet fishing villages harmoniously complement the natural landscapes. This is a unique country. The crime rate here is one of the lowest on the planet. All residents clearly follow the established rules, therefore, tourists also put forward such requirements. It is not customary to litter, disturb the peace of people around. Respect for oneself, society and nature - these are the main features of the inhabitants of this beautiful country.
Considering travel reviews to Norway, it is worth noting that this adventure will definitely be remembered for a lifetime. Tourists may encounter certain difficulties, one must be prepared for this. However, no difficulties can stop real adventurers. Their efforts and patience are more than paid for by the impressions that fabulous, cold and so unusual Norway gives.
What is worth going to Norway for?
When planning your trip to Norway by car or other means of transportation around the country, you should consider the main attractions for which tourists come here. The severity of this region does not tolerate carelessness and improvisation. Norway, like a strict, silent teacher, reveals its secrets only to those who are ready to cast aside all the fuss. It is necessary to immerse yourself in this cold beauty, to penetrate it, opening your heart to a new one.
You can go on a trip to Finland and Norway. You can also plan a trip through Sweden. Each of these countries is distinguished by its own special disposition. Norway is not like any other place on the planet. It is worth descending by kayak or boat on the river, surrounded by picturesque fjords. Those who managed to visit here are advised to stay not in a large metropolis, but in a small village. This will allow you to walk around the surroundings, consider all the beauties of nature. The landscapes here are truly picturesque, as if in an old fairy tale. I can’t even believe that such fantastic corners of untouched nature exist in reality.
It is better to start the trip with walks along the city streets, for example, Bergen. It is extremely pleasant to sit in one of the cafes by the waterfront. A cup of hot, strong coffee will warm and give you unforgettable moments of happiness. Bergen is the most picturesque tourist city of this country.
Many tourists claim that traveling to Norway by car is the best solution. However, you can see the beauty of this land in another way. Rail routes run through unspoilt natural landscapes. Therefore, it is quite possible to plan your journey by train. It will be relatively inexpensive. The Norwegian railway often holds various promotions, makes discounts. This is a good solution for a budget tourist.
Guests of the country will be interested to get acquainted with the ancient culture of the Vikings, who once inhabited these lands. One of the most spectacular, stunning shows is the Northern Lights. You should definitely see the ice of the Arctic, observe whales and polar bears. It is worth ordering salmon, venison, and goat cheese.
Touristic Regions
When planning a trip to Norway, you need to decide what exactly I would like to see in this country. There are several tourist regions. Knowing the features of each of them, you can plan your route.
If a traveler wants to see the fjords, you must initially go to the west coast of Norway. Here, the wild beauty of natural landscapes, silence and tranquility will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, be alone with your thoughts, think about life. The most picturesque are the Geiranger Fjord, Luce Fjord, Sogne Fjord, and also the Hardanger Fjord. Also on the west coast you can see the historical railway, called Flam, go on foot or bike rides.
Mountain serpentine can be seen in the north-west of the country. These are beautiful fjords, glaciers. Popular in this region are trekking, kayaking, as well as surfing on the coast.
If you want to visit the beautiful city, which is an example of Norwegian measured life, you should go to Aalesund or Bergen. Here you can relax, spend time in a pleasant environment. These are well-groomed, beautiful cities with a special atmosphere. I really don’t want to leave from here.
Along with a trip to the fjords of Norway, it is worth visiting the Lofoten Islands. Here you can watch sea birds and animals, go fishing. This is a sea region, which is also a corner of unspoiled wildlife. Here you can see one of the most spectacular spectacles of nature - the Northern Lights.
Extreme sportsmen can go on a cruise to the islands that are beyond the Arctic Circle. The most beautiful landscapes of Arctic glaciers, polar bears will be a real discovery for adventurers.
You can get acquainted with the history of the country in cities such as Oslo, Trondheim. These are cities that more likely resemble pictures from the future. They are concentrated the largest number of residents of this country. These are fashionable, vibrant cities. Here you can find out closer the national cuisine of Norway, its traditions.
How to get there
Getting to Norway is pretty easy. Many planes fly here from many large cities. There are 50 airports in this country. The main one is in Oslo. Airports in Bergen, Mosse, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim, etc. also accept international flights. This allows you to easily reach even the most remote corners of the country. If the plane arrives in Oslo, it is most convenient to get to the city center on the Flyutog. This is an aeroexpress. He will deliver to the city center in just 20 minutes. You can also get here by bus or commuter train.
When planning a trip to Norway from St. Petersburg, you can go to the country by bus or train. The route may go through other countries. Most car travelers travel to Norway from Sweden. However, it is quite possible to get here from Russia or Finland. It will be much more interesting to visit several countries, except Norway. At the borders of all countries will need to go through customs inspection. Passing passport control, crossing Norway from the Russian border, will need to be between the cities of Storskog and Borisoglebsky.
Traveling to Norway by car through Finland passes along the E8 highway. In this case, the border can be crossed in Kilpisjärvi. The route passes through cities such as Vaasa, Turku, Oulu. Another popular route by which you can reach Norway by car is the E6. This is a European route, which involves crossing the border in the city of Svinesund. This option should be considered when planning a trip to Norway and Sweden. The E6 highway passes through cities such as Helsingborg, Malmo, Gothenburg. They are located in Sweden.
You can get to Norway by bus from Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland. There is also a train connection. It connects Norway with other countries of Scandinavia, Europe. Trains travel to this country mainly at night. Therefore, they are equipped with sleeping shelves. Service and comfort are high.
Water transport also goes to the country. Ferries go from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark.
Documents
When planning a trip from St. Petersburg to Norway or following a different route, you need to have a number of documents with you. In addition to a passport, you will need to apply for a visa. It can be long-term, short-term or transit. For traveling around the country, it is better to draw up the second version of documents. This is a Schengen visa, which is issued for travel.
Traveling to Finland, Sweden, Norway requires a standard visa. It is received by citizens of any country. To get it, you need to collect a number of documents. A questionnaire is filled out, which can be obtained at the visa center or downloaded online. Be sure to get a passport. You also need to prepare a photo of 3.5 x 4.5 cm. A prerequisite for obtaining a visa is proof of the financial security of the tourist. To find out the amount you need to have in your account, you need to multiply the number of days that you plan to spend in this country by 50 euros.
Provide data on financial solvency is necessary in a standard form. It is necessary to take an accounting certificate from work (details, salary and position are indicated). A bank statement or letter from the sponsor is given. The second option is suitable for those who do not have an adequate income for such a trip. In this case, a job certificate and account statement are not needed.
You also need to draw up an insurance policy in the amount of more than 30 thousand euros, make a copy of a regular passport (all pages, including blank pages). You should also provide copies of tickets or a document on their reservation.
To obtain a visa, you must write down the route of the trip in writing. Information on where the tourist will stay for the night is indicated here. You need to confirm this with a copy of the reservation at the hotel or hostel. If you plan to travel by car, prepare documents for the vehicle. You also need to draw up a "green card".
If a person has real estate in Norway, you must provide a copy of the ownership document. Relatives of citizens living in this country may present an invitation sent by their loved ones. For children, it is required to present a birth certificate, parental consent to travel (if the child travels without them or with only one parent).
Application forms are also filled out in English or Norwegian. You need to write clearly. Otherwise, the document will need to be redone.
Some nuances of paperwork
When planning a travel route in Norway, much attention should be paid to the design of documentation. You can apply for a visa at a travel agency, consulate or visa center. A standard fee will be required. He is 35 euros. However, you should be prepared for the fact that during the preparation of such documentation there will be additional costs. The cost of obtaining the necessary documents can be about 100 euros.
A visa is issued free of charge for students, relatives of Norwegian citizens, people with disabilities, scientists, diplomats.
For residents of the Murmansk, Arkhangelsk regions, obtaining documents is carried out according to a simplified scheme. In this case, it is not required to receive an invitation from citizens living in Norway. For people registered in these areas, it is possible to get a multivisa at the first submission of documents. This document is also called a "Pomeranian visa."
When planning a trip to Norway, you need to know the reasons why a visa refusal may come. First of all, it may be doubts about the financial viability of the tourist. Also, a visa is refused if the application form is incorrectly completed. You cannot make mistakes, write inaudible. The application form must be completed exclusively for obtaining a visa to Norway.
A visa is refused if non-exhaustive information is provided, if there are recorded cases of violation of the rules for using this document. Need to get an interview. A visa may be refused if the person is nervous during the conversation. Also, they can refuse to visit this country if there are refugee relatives.
Please note that it is impossible to cross the Norwegian border without a visa. This document is required.
When to plan a trip?
Many tourists are interested in the question of when it is better to plan a trip to this country. You can come here at any time of the year. The country is located in the northern latitudes. Its part is in the Arctic. However, its climate is milder than in other countries at the same latitude. The fact is that the Gulf Stream is close to Norway. A warm current makes the climate milder. However, the harsh climate requires special planning of a trip from Norway to a tourist. Video travels around the country, as well as photos will remind you of the unforgettable beauties of this mysterious area.
Since many tourists go to this country to see the Northern Lights, they go to the polar regions. This beautiful natural phenomenon can be observed all year round. Only the weather (for obvious reasons) should be clear. In most parts of the country, winters are cold, snowy and dark. The south and west coast at this time of the year becomes rainy. It is also cold and uncomfortable in winter.
October and November are especially rainy. Therefore, at this time of the year only true connoisseurs of wild, cold beauty of the Norwegian nature come here. The most comfortable in this country in the summer. At such a time, the air temperature can reach 20-25 ° C. However, the weather even at this time of the year can be very changeable. Be sure to take warm clothes with you. This is mandatory even in the summer.
It is best to go on a trip to Norway by car in the period from May to September. The climate at this time is the most comfortable. It will still be cold in the evening. However, during the day you can enjoy the natural beauty without fear of getting wet or freezing in a piercing wind.
It is worth considering that in July and August, Europeans are much more likely to go on vacation. Therefore, there will be more people on the fjords. If you want privacy, it is better to go here before the peak of the tourist season. May and September are ideal for travel.
Tourists reviews
Deciding to go on a trip to Norway yourself, you should take into account the reviews of people who have been here. They argue that visiting the country even without a special tour will be easy. Traveling by car or otherwise is safe, but quite expensive. This is especially true for trips by car.
You can move around the country on trains, buses, ferries, boats. Low-cost airlines also operate. The transport network is well developed. The schedule is carefully thought out. Therefore, all ferries, trains and buses arrive in tourist places at a time convenient for travelers.
Many visitors to this country prefer to travel around its territory by car. It can also be rented. Having your own vehicle makes the tourist mobile. He can go at any time along the planned route, see the desired beauty. However, the cost of such travel is considerable. The car can also be moved by ferry if necessary.
Tourists often stay in small hotels, hostels. The most popular accommodation format is bed reservation. The price includes breakfast. You can also stay in small wooden cottages.
Cost
Airplane ticket can be purchased in many major cities of our country. The cheapest way to hit the road is from St. Petersburg. You can move around the country in different ways. For example, a train ticket from the airport costs about 25 euros, unless you book it in advance. Therefore, this issue must be taken care of before the trip.
Traveling by rail to major tourist attractions costs 20-30 euros. Traveling around Norway by car is more expensive. You can rent a vehicle at a price of 40-45 euros per day. You will need to leave a deposit of about 2 thousand euros. Also, gasoline costs about 2-3 euros per liter. It is worth considering that in Norway there are more than 50 toll roads. This is an additional cost.
The cost of living in a hostel is about 25-40 euros. Remove the wooden cottage with private facilities on the street for the price of 150 euros. If conditions are required more comfortably, the cost is from 250 euros. You can live in a tent. But at the same time, certain rules must be observed (issued at the airport). If you put up a tent on a foreign land, the owner may require a certain fee for such an overnight stay.
Food is also quite expensive. You can drink a cup of coffee with a bun from 10 euros. The cheapest way to buy food is in grocery supermarkets. Lunch at the restaurant will cost a minimum of 50 euros. You can book a guided tour at a price of 30 to 150 euros.
Some tips
Traveling to Norway will give a lot of positive impressions. Go to this country is, despite its high cost. It is a safe, peaceful journey. The beauty of nature, developed tourist infrastructure will not go unnoticed by the traveler. Here you can not be afraid that a bag accidentally left somewhere will disappear without a trace with money and documents. All things will be returned to the owner.
To travel comfortably around the country, you will need basic knowledge of English. You can also communicate in German. Only the same tourists understand the Russian language here.
You should not litter, neglect the established rules, make a fire outside the campsite, etc. Such an action will definitely be followed by a fine. Also, trees cannot be cut, especially in the north. The penalty for such an action will be simply enormous.
Although Norway is considered an expensive country, tourists can always hope for discounts. They are arranged in grocery supermarkets, on the railway. You can buy a tourist card and travel for several days, without worrying about the cost of excursions, travel by public transport.
The water here is very clean. It can be drunk from the tap or typed from streams with you. There are many springs in the country. The water in them is healthy, clean and very tasty.
Having considered the features of traveling to Norway, you can plan your route correctly. Going to this country on your own, you can see many interesting, beautiful places. You should come here at least once in your life.