Norway is known for its countless fjords, its rugged mountains and steep cliffs, as well as the deep forests. The connection to nature is deeply rooted in the Norwegians. If you go on a road trip through Norway, depending on the season, you can have 20 ° C in the valley within a day and be on a pass skiing two hours later. A country with breathtaking landscapes which, with its progressive thinking in terms of environmental protection, tries to preserve this unique nature for a long time to come.According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Norway is one the 10 countries starting with letter N.
10TH PLACE: HOLMENKOLLEN
Norwegians love skiing. The fact that you are already on skis at the age of 5 is more the rule than the exception. No wonder that the Scandinavian nation is among the top ranks in all types of skiing. You can experience this up close on Holmenkollen, the 370 meter high mountain on the outskirts of Oslo. Sports enthusiasts train cross-country skiing and biathlon up here. The highlight for visitors, however, is the Holmenkollbakken ski jump. It is considered the oldest ski jump in the world and has been expanded several times. The first hill record from 1892 was just 21 meters. A lot has happened in the sport since then. You can find out more in the associated ski museum. If you are looking for a little more thrill, you can drive up to the ski jump tower and experience the same view that a ski jumper has before his jump – only
9TH PLACE: TROMSØ
Tromsø is the northernmost “larger” city in Norway. If you cross the Arctic Circle you have to drive another 500 kilometers to get to know this beautiful town. Because of its location, the city has become the polar and arctic center of the country. Many scientific studies about the polar region and climate change take place here; Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen started their expedition to the North Pole in Tromsø; the northernmost university in the world teaches here, among other things, Arctic Adventure Tourism and Northern Studies; the northernmost cathedral in the world is in Tromsø. The Arctic Cathedral in particular is known beyond the country’s borders and has a striking triangular and modern design. The city’s landmark is home to the largest stained glass mosaic in Europe. However, one should carefully consider
8TH PLACE: FLÅM RAILWAY
The single-track railway line between Myrdal and Flåm is considered to be one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world. It is also considered to be one of the steepest railway lines, overcoming a height of over 850 meters within 20 kilometers. On the approximately one-hour drive, the picturesque landscapes pass by at a relaxed speed of 40 km / h. You can see mountain slopes, rivers and waterfalls, drive through 20 tunnels and cross a bridge. The difference in altitude on the route means you can have sunshine and t-shirt weather in the valley, while there can be snow and even frozen waterfalls on the mountain. The Flåmsbana, as it is called in Norwegian, runs several times a day in both directions throughout the year. Therefore, they can also be used wonderfully for day trips.
7TH PLACE: BERGEN
The second largest city in Norway is located in the southwest of the country directly on the coast and in the middle of countless fjords. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, hence the name of the city. The small local mountain Fløyen is a popular destination. The Fløibanen is a funicular that connects the lower town with the 320 meter high mountain plateau. From up here you have a wonderful view of the city and the harbor. After enjoying the view, you can take the train back or take a leisurely walk down the mountain until you get back to the city center. Not far from there is the famous fish market and the even more famous Bryggen ensemble of houses. The latter is a collection of wooden houses that, after several city fires, were faithfully modeled on the 12th century.
6TH PLACE: GEIRANGERFJORD
If you think of Norway as crystal-clear fjords that meander past steep rock faces and waterfalls, a detour to the Geirangerfjord is a must. It is around 20 kilometers long and meanders in an S-shape from Hellesylt to Geiranger. Anyone traveling by car or motorcycle should drive over the Trollstigen pass, which was opened in 1936. A very winding and breathtaking road along the green mountain slopes. There is snow on the mountain tops almost all year round. The UNESCO World Heritage Site can also be explored by boat or viewed high up from the Geiranger Skywalk “Dalsnibba”, which opened in 2016.
5TH PLACE: LOFOTEN
Lofoten is a region in the north-west of the country, which consists of around 80 islands, most of which are connected by bridges and tunnels. The Lofoten Islands are known for the small fishing villages with the red wooden houses, some of which stand on stilts in the water, for the steep mountains and the rugged coasts. There is an interactive Viking museum on one of the islands or you can visit the largest town, Svolvær. The square frames on which the stockfish are dried are typical of the Lofoten Islands. These islands are so magical that it is difficult to describe their beauty. The white-tailed eagles feel right at home here and often do their rounds visibly. Due to the northern location, northern lights (aurora borealis) can often be observed here in the winter months.
4TH PLACE: SPITZBERGEN
And it goes up even further north! Svalbard is an archipelago that belongs to Norway, but is subject to an international unification treaty. Here, near the main town of Longyearbyen, is the international plant seed bank, in which millions of seeds of various types of plants and cereals from all over the world have been stored since 2008 so that they can be sown again in an emergency. In the past, Svalbard was better known for coal mining. Remnants of this flourishing period can still be seen in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. Today, Svalbard has the northernmost bank, northernmost brewery and northernmost post office in the world. The archipelago has only 3 small towns that are not even connected by roads. Air traffic to the mainland is only available to Tromsø. The main means of transport is the ski scooter. You rarely see a polar bear here. But be careful: the largest land predator on earth should be avoided. In general, you should only stay outside of the villages in the company of a professional guide.
3RD PLACE: OSLO
The capital of Norway offers a mixture of interesting sights, charming architecture and Scandinavian zest for life. The Royal Palace is in the center of the city. You can feel the closeness to the people simply by the fact that everyone is allowed to picnic and relax in the directly adjacent park. There is no huge safety distance to the palace here. The changing of the guard takes place every day at 1:30 p.m. Other highlights of the city are the opera, the Viking Ship Museum and Akershus Fortress. The Frogner Park with over 200 sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland is a particular eye-catcher. The figures in the so-called Vigeland Sculpture Park show people with different emotions and in all age groups. The Norwegian sculptor was particularly fond of depicting the family cohesion and their disputes. The most famous figure is the defiant head, who stands directly on a bridge railing. It shows a little boy pounding with anger. Another famous statue is the monolith, which unites 120 figures at a height of 17 meters. Entry to the park is free.
2ND PLACE: PULPIT ROCK
Even if the name may not be known to everyone, you have certainly seen a picture of it before. The Pulpit Rock is the highest steep face in Europe and offers its visitors an unforgettable view from above as well as from below. If you want to climb the cliff, you need stamina, because it takes around two to three hours to get to the Pulpit Rock plateau. For this you are rewarded with an incomparable view. Those who prefer it more relaxed can take a boat trip on the Lysefjord. Because you sail right past the Pulpit Rock and can see the huge and towering cliffs very well.
1ST PLACE: NORTH CAPE
The North Cape is a destination, for many even a lifelong dream. Over 500 kilometers above the Arctic Circle and around 2000 kilometers from the North Pole. Stand once at the northernmost point of mainland Europe. At least this is the common misconception that in reality the North Cape is on the island of Magerøya. However, it is the northernmost point that can be reached by road across mainland Europe. The globe is the most popular photo subject. There is the North Cape Hall, where you can buy souvenirs, enjoy delicious waffles and watch a film about the North Cape. The midnight sun experience is particularly impressive. The sun doesn’t set on the North Cape for two and a half months.