Attractions
Glacier hike
The Jostedalsbreen with its 28 outlet glaciers is the largest glacier on mainland Europe and the focal point of the Jostedalsbreen National Park (Internet: www.jostedal.com ). You can experience the glacier up close on a guided hiking tour. In the summer months there are also kayak tours where you can see the glacier from the water. Jostedalsbreen National Park has plenty of other adrenaline-pumping activities, such as rafting.
Saltstraumen
A special spectacle can be experienced several times a day at Saltstraumen, about 30 km north of the city of Bodø. The strongest tidal current in the world, around 400 million m³ of water flow through the strait at up to 40 km/h as the tides change. Saltstraumen is a popular destination for anglers.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Norway. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Shopping
Overview
»Norwegian sweaters«, printed fabrics, woven fabrics, wood carvings, silver jewelry and items made of enamel, pewter, glass and porcelain. VAT refund forms are available in 2,500 shops that have a sign saying Tax-free for Tourists. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00/18.00, Sat 09.00-13.00/15.00. Once a week, usually on Thursday evenings, the shops are open later (until 8 p.m.).
Nightlife
Introduction
The daily newspapers provide information about all events. Theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and discotheques are available in all major towns.
Culinary
Overview
Breakfast in Norway is often very extensive, you help yourself to the cold buffet. Many restaurants also offer a Koldtbord (cold buffet) at lunchtime. Lush sandwiches with meat, fish, cheese and salads are also eaten with pleasure. Particular specialties are ptarmigan (roast venison in cream sauce with wild cranberries), multer (cloudberries), lutefisk and all kinds of herring dishes. Drinks: aquavit (clear schnapps) is a popular drink, but alcoholic drinks are generally expensive. In the restaurants mostly beer and wine is served. Liquor can only be purchased at state liquor stores. The serving times are strictly observed. Only wine or beer is served on Sundays.
Accommodation
Hotels
Are of a high standard. The minimum requirements include B. a reception, a dining room and at least 30 rooms with bath or shower. Many hotels are family businesses. The overnight price for children often assumes that the child sleeps in an extra bed in the parents’ room. Full board is available at reduced prices for those who stay in a hotel for at least 3 to 5 days. Additional discounts are available with various hotel passes. The Fjord Pass (for 2 adults, with special prices for children under 15) is accepted at 250 hotels between May 1st and September 30th, with discounts of around 20% possible. The Nordic Passepartout is valid in all Scandinavian countries and is accepted in 50 Norwegian hotels during the summer months and at weekends. Every 5th night is free.The Scandinavian Bonus Pass (for 2 adults, with special prices for children up to 15 years) is accepted at 45 Norwegian hotels during the summer months and weekends in winter. It offers between 15-50% discount and is also accepted in many hotels in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. The Scanrail Pass is also accepted. The Scandinavian Hotel Express is a travel club that offers members a 50% discount in certain hotels. Around half of all hotels are members of the hotel association: Norsk Hotell og Restaurantforbund, PO Box 5465, Majorstua, NO-0305 Oslo (tel: 23 08 86 20. Internet: www.rbl.no). Categories:
Camping
There are over 1400 official campsites in Norway, and the Tourist Board publishes a list of all campsites. There are one to five star campsites. In Norway, you can camp outside of campsites (except at rest areas on country roads), but campfires in fields or in forest areas are strictly forbidden from April 15 to September 15. If you want to camp in fields or meadows, ask the farmer for permission. Further information and a handbook are available from the Norwegian Automobile Club NAF (address see Reiseverkehr-National). Categories: 1-5 stars; Prices depending on category.
Other accommodation options
There are around 100 youth hostels, some of which are open all year round. Others are dormitories on school and university campuses and can only be used during the summer months. Sleeping bags can be rented. Groups must book in advance. All ages are welcome, but preference is given to members of the Norwegian Youth Hostel Association or similar organizations from other countries. A membership card can be purchased at any hostel. More information from the Tourist Office (Camping/JH brochure) or at the following address: Norske Vandrerhjem, Postboks 53 Grefsen, NO-0409 Oslo (tel: (023) 12 45 10. Internet: www.vandrehjem.no). vacation may help on the farm (but does not have to). Contact the tourist office or regional information points for details. The tour operator Trollsykling offers farm holidays, a brochure in German is available from: Trollsykling A/S, PO Box 373, Elvegaten 19, NO-2602 Lillehammer (tel: (61) 289 970. Internet: www.norske-bygdeopplevelser. no).
Culture
Religion
Evangelical Lutheran State Church (85.7%); other Protestant, Catholic and Muslim minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Punctuality is very important. Casual clothing is accepted everywhere. Lunch, the main meal, is often eaten late in the afternoon (sometimes as late as 5 p.m.). Norwegians, however, still accept dinner invitations. Smoking: Smoking is banned throughout Norway in all public places such as public transport, restaurants, bars and hotels. Tipping: Hotel, restaurant and bar bills already include service and VAT. However, if you are satisfied with the service, an additional tip of 5% is customary. In the taxi, the fare is rounded up.
Climate
Best travel time
The Gulf Stream and air currents of the North Atlantic ensure a moderate maritime climate on the coasts. In general, the southern lowlands have warmer summers and colder winters than the coastal areas. Continental climate inland and high mountain climate in the mountains.
Rain falls throughout the year, with heavy snowfall in winter. Near the Arctic Circle, there is constant daylight at midsummer and constant twilight during the winter months. The most popular travel time is during the summer months.
Country data
Phone prefix
+47
Area (sq km)
385186
Population
5,421,241 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
14
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
No
Main emergency number
113
