Norway: view of Balestrand and Sognefjord


Fjords are perhaps the main attraction of the country. The entire coastline of the country is cut with narrow and deep bays described even in the ancient Norse sagas. The most popular among tourists are Yayrangerford, Lyuseford, Sognefjord, Hardangerford, Stavangerford, Shkoldenford, Glomford, Geirangerfjord and others, many of which are framed by cascading waterfalls from the cliffs and the small picturesque fishing villages. A boat tour on the fjords is the most fascinating journey, which only can be found in this country. Many local Norwegian tour operators specialize in fjord cruises and the selection is often overwhelming.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is known as 'the field of God'. It is an industrial, commercial and port center of Norway, but at the same time one of the smallest (with the population of about 600 thousand people) and environmentally friendly capitals in Europe. Located on the shores of the vast fjord, formed by the three 'arms' of the ancient glacial valleys, it is a picturesque city in itself. The city center is a nice mixture of old and new architecture with an abundance of museums, parks and monuments.

The old Hanseatic city of Bergen is one of the most picturesque places in the country, and the number of sights found here is much greater than of those in the capital. The city has become famous due to its Hanseatic Bryggen, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage, the Bergenhyus fortress, Rosenkrantz Tower, and the old fish market at Torget. The city’s Aquarium is one of the best in Europe, and its Bergen Museum of Art hosts a fine collection of paintings by Munch, Miro and Picasso. Hundreds of 'gingerbread cottages' with tiled roofs contribute to the beauty of the city. Bergen is the starting point of many excursions around the 'Land of Trolls' leading to the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord, the beautiful Hardangerford, and the waterfalls in the Geirangerfjord region.

Norway is the country of “white nights” (in summer) and majestic landscapes. Thanks to the warm currents, the climate is not as cold as one would expect from such northern latitudes, so the flora and fauna of these places is simply unique.

The northernmost region, Finnmark, is a country of fishermen and miners. The main attractions here include the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape, and the tourist center located here, the National Research Centre, the chapels of King Oscar and St. George in Kirkenes and splendid salmon rivers – the Alta River and the Tan.

The archipelago of Spitsbergen (Svalbard) deserves special attention. About half of its territory is given over to nature reserves, which are home to unique polar animal species and the largest bird colonies in the world.

Tromso is a country of islands and one of the world's leading centers for the study of the environment. Here is the northernmost university in the world and a number of interesting cultural sites, such as the Hologaland Theater, Ishavskatedralen made of glass and steel, the Polaria Museum etc. The city has many places of entertainment and seafood restaurants, small theaters and cafes. An abundance of small settlements along the banks of the nearby fjords give this place a special charm.

Go ahead and approach one of travel agents for Norway and ask for a nice week long trip to explore this beautiful country.