Norway is consistently ranked among the world's most satisfied populations and a great place to live, but this country can be a fascinating place to visit too. If you've never visited Norway or Scandinavia before, there are many reasons to consider taking your next holiday here - from its beautiful coastal scenery to its trendy city centres.
Norway's coastal sights are among its top attractions, and there are many places where you can take a boat ride to see its towering cliffs and emerald waters, and maybe even catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The Geirangerfjord is one such destination, recognised as a World Heritage Site as well as one of the world's most popular ferry trips, due to the mix of scenery and agriculture still flourishing in this charming rural location. Ferries in Norway are much more than just a means of getting from A to B, with routes such as that of the Hurtigruten coastal ferry taking in isolated fjords and villages on their journey along the country's extensive coast.
Another natural sight Norway is famous for is the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. Norway offers some of the world's best locations to witness this enchanting solar phenomenon, with group tours being an affordable and convenient way to experience the lights for yourself. If you're keen to try your hand at more arctic experiences, dog sledding can be highly enjoyable and is one of the best ways to reach destinations inaccessible by road.
Norway isn't only notable for its wilderness though, and many of the country's best experiences lie in the heart of civilisation, in cities such as Bergen. One of Europe's most attractive cities, Bergen has been unspoilt by modernity while remaining a cosmopolitan metropolis. Heading to its waterfront reveals a very different side of the city in the wooden village of Bryggen, another World Heritage Site.
Oslo is another captivating city, and the first port of call for many people arriving by plane and staying at a Gardermoen Airport hotel. If you're continuing your journey out of Oslo, one of the best routes is by train, along the picturesque Oslo-Bergen Railway that takes in some of the country's diverse terrain, skimming fjords and dense forests. Spending some time exploring these forest wildernesses could lead to you coming across wooden stave churches, which inspired numerous fairy tales of trolls and other mythical creatures.
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
