Nordic Voyager, Oslo (2024)

23/06/2024

Jotunheimen, literally translated into English as "Home of the Giants", is a national park in Norway and a genuine paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, the national park is home to Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind, the two highest mountains in Northern Europe. :)

If you prefer not to venture into summiting Galdhøpiggen while overcoming the glacier, there is an easier hike through Besseggen Ridge — one of the most popular hikes in Norway, by the way. ;) Overall, Jotunheimen offers a plethora of activities for adventurers and hikers.

And what is your favorite hike in Norway so far? Let us know in the comments below! ;)

23/06/2024

With a population of just 112 people, Undredal sits on the shore of Aurlandsfjorden. In fact, if you have ever cruised UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, it’s most likely that you have sailed past this remote picturesque village.;)

This fjord village is renowned for its goat farms and cheese-making traditions. In fact, Undredal’s goat population is five times larger than that of humans! So, one of the first and foremost things you must do here is to visit a goat farm and taste their locally produced cheese. If you are curious about cheese-making techniques, don’t skip a visit to Eldhuset, a historic building that was used for making food a long time ago.

Another prominent point of interest here is the Undredal Stave Church, the smallest stave church in Scandinavia that was established as early as 1147 (though restored in 1722). If you would like to get a phenomenal perspective on this village, have a relaxed, short walk to the Hjødna viewpoint.

After all, Undredal’s isolated location makes it a perfect destination for hiking. There are at least a couple of decent hikes. Set out on an easy hike to Stigen Farm on the picturesque out-and-back trail along the fjord, with little elevation gain. If you are in favor of something more challenging, hike to Hovdungo mountain in Aurland and enjoy mind-blowing panoramic views! :)

18/06/2024

Located in the Oldedalen Valley (near Stryn and Olden), Oldevatnet Lake is a mesmerizing lake known for its clear, green water. This lake is truly popular among kayakers, but there are plenty of other things to do as well. ;)

Hiking: There are many hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.

Boating: You can take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the scenery.

Camping: There are several campsites around the lake.

After all, the water to this lake runs down from Briksdal Glacier (pictured in the photo), one of the most easily accessible glaciers in the country. So, don't miss your chance to take a trip to that magnificent glacier as well. ;)

15/06/2024

With towering, rugged mountains, seemingly endless coastlines, and stunning fjords, there are plenty of scenic and beautiful locations in Norway. However, photos of the village of Loen and the lake Lovatnet can often be spotted on the internet. Nicknamed "the Instagram village," Loen is a village in Vestland country that lies on the shore of Nordfjord.

For all visitors, there are plenty of activities to do in this region! If you are a fan of mountaineering, there are quite a few via Ferrata routes, with the one to the top of Mount Hoven being the most popular among them. You may also rent bicycles or embark on a kayaking tour. If you prefer fishing, there are boats for rent as well!

After all, this beautiful, picturesque village is an ideal place for just enjoying the tranquility and scenery of this place. Organizing a picnic in such a wonderful place is definitely a good idea! ;)

08/06/2024

The Flåm Railway, or Flåmsbana, is a fantastic train journey that takes you across some of the most picturesque areas in Norway. This scenic train ride has become famous worldwide and appears to be one of the most popular activities for tourists in this country.

For a long time, Flåm and the surrounding areas have been inaccessible by rail transport. Difficult landscapes and terrain made it tricky to construct the railways and connect Bergen and Oslo by rail. But at the turn of the 20th century, the Bergen railway (and Flåmsbana as a part of it) had been opened.

But even when it became customary to have this type of railway, the Norwegians decided to cherish their railway history and achievements. The old trains that had carried passengers from Flåm to Myrdal, a highland train station, were refurbished and adapted for visitors and tourists, and thus Flåmsbana was created.

Today, Flåmsbana is oftentimes labeled to be the “most scenic railway ride in the world.” And yes, the views are beautiful, the nature is astonishing, and the trains are well-preserved and painted nicely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to avoid getting disappointed. Yes, this is an extremely popular attraction among tourists. Yes, you will be among the crowds of tourists and the train is likely to be packed. Yes, it is very expensive (though, as almost anything else in Norway). Yes, you need to book well in advance.

The journey lies through the ravines between the mountains (pictured), which are covered by greenery and adorned with tall waterfalls. The green, beautiful valleys and the authentic Norwegian nature will impress anyone looking at it from the window of this vintage train carriage.

31/05/2024

This football pitch in Henningsvær is considered one of the world's most scenic stadiums. ;) Located in the Lofoten archipelago, Henningsvær is one of Norway's most visited fishing villages.

And have you already had a chance to visit Lofoten? ;) And if so, which towns and villages have you visited? Let us know in the comments!

26/05/2024

Senja, Norway's second-largest island, tends to be an incredibly underrated destination in the country. If you are up for an off-the-beaten-path trip in Norway, consider visiting this beautiful place!

There are quite a few things to do in Senja:

1. Senja National Tourist Route. One of the country's 18 National Tourist Routes, this trekking route makes up for a fantastic adventure in nature. Enjoy a picnic in the wild, take in the beautiful scenery, or visit Norway's famous fishing villages!
2. Look out for spots with scenic views. Some of the most popular places include Tungeneset and Bergsbotn.
3. Embark on a midnight sun cruise. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, this may be the one that will definitely impress you! Midnight fjord cruises are extremely popular in Senja in summer.
4. Take your time on the island's stunning beaches. The weather on this island in summer is far from being exceptionally warm. However, you can just take a break and take in the beautiful views of nature from the island's stunning beaches! In particular, one would recommend visiting Ersfjord Beach.

22/05/2024

Fjærland is a picturesque small town located on the shore of Fjærlandsfjorden, a branch of Sognefjorden up north. Having just 300 residents, this village is a particularly popular destination for cruise passengers. Nestled between a deep fjord on one side and soaring mountains on the other, Fjærland offers wonderful opportunities for utopian, tranquil recreation. :)

This region is renowned for its glaciers, which lie in the Jostedalsbreen National Park. From Fjærland, you can set out on a hiking adventure to Bøyabreen or Supphellebreen, branches of continental Europe’s largest glacier – Jostedalsbreen. During the summer season, you can book a guided hiking tour to Supphelle glacier. If you are fascinated by these monstrous ice formations, you can learn more about glaciers at the local Norsk Bremuseum.

It’s obvious that Fjærland is quite a small village. So, if you are looking for other things to do here, you may consider driving to the 13th-century Borgund Stave Church (it takes around 2 hours) or visit Astruptunet, a museum dedicated to Norwegian artist Nicolai Astrup (a 10-minute drive from the village’s center).

Since Fjærland is not far from Jostedalsbreen National Park, we highly advise you to venture hiking there.;)

12/05/2024

Lofoten is a genuine destination of your dreams, which can also boast many top-notch beaches. :) Here is a very concise guide to Lofoten's beaches. ;)

Haukland. Located in the middle of Lofoten, Haukland was selected as Norway's most beautiful beach. It is ideal for families since you can park your car/van right next to the beach.

Kvalvika. These two beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, but the experience is well worth it! Kvalvika lies entirely within the Lofotodden National Park and appears to be one of the most popular destinations in this archipelago. From here, you can start a hike to Ryten, the most popular hike on Lofoten.

Unstad. This beach is ideal for surfing, and it, in fact, attracts surfers from all over the world. The waves are decent, and the climate is mild thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. So, even though the temperature rarely gets higher than 15 degrees Celcius in summer, this beach is a perfect spot for surfing in winter.

Bunes. This beach is the most remote one on this list. So, if you don't mind making your way to a beach by foot, get your lunch with you and embark on a picturesque hike to the Bunes beach.

Ramberg. This beach with white sand is located on the north side of the island Flakstadøy and offers perfect vistas for Instagram aficionados. Besides, here you can expect easy access from the road.

And have you already visited Lofoten? If yes, what beach did like you the most? ;) Let us know in the comments below! :)

04/05/2024

One may call the town of Åndalsnes in Norway a genuine magnet for climbers and mountain enthusiasts. :) Before you embark on hiking adventures in the mountains, consider visiting the local Norwegian Mountaineering Centre, which is an architectural masterpiece on its own. In order to easily enjoy the fantastic scenery this amazing town has to offer, take a ride in a Romsdalen Gondola to the mountain Nesaksla. There, you can take in stunning views while dining out at the Eggen Restaurant, located straight on the mountain’s summit.

From Åndalsnes, travelers usually set out on the challenging yet spectacular Romsdalseggen Ridge hike. If you are looking for a slightly easier but not less breathtaking hike, head to Rampestreken and enjoy an out-of-this-world view of the valley (though the hike is still considered challenging for inexperienced hikers).

There are also two other notable places, and the names of both of them include the word “troll.” The first one is Trollstigen (where you can get in a few hours of hiking from this town), a curvy road that has become one of Norway’s famous landmarks. The roaring Stigfossen waterfall that runs down next to this road is another point of interest.

Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, is a range of mountains that can boast of having the highest vertical rock face in Europe, which rise more than 1,100 above from the valley floor. Though, keep in mind that there have been no climbing activities for years. Climbing Trollveggen is dangerous because sometimes huge sections of the wall simply collapse, posing a serious risk to the climbers.

After all, Raumabanen, or the Rauma Rail Line, offers a genuinely scenic train journey that will likely leave you speechless afterward. Moreover, parts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were filmed on this line, in the area between Dombås and Lesja. ;)

28/04/2024

Located just 10 kilometers from Bodø, Saltstraumen appears to be one of the world's strongest tidal currents. Here, a small channel connects the outer Saltfjorden to the vast Skjerstad Fjord that separates the islands of Straumøya and Knaplundsøya.

Scientists believe this phenomenon has existed for about two to three thousand years! Today, this area is extremely popular among fishermen, who value the spots here for the abundance of cod, saithe, halibut, rose fish, and wolfish. :)

Saltstraumen is a unique natural phenomenon, and a growing number of tourists come to visit this place. :) If your trip to Norway includes a stay in Bodø, you must not miss seeing this beauty. :)

20/04/2024

Innerdalen is considered by many as Norway's most beautiful mountain valley. Established as Norway's first natural reserve back in 1967, this valley lies completely within the Trollheimen mountain range. Many climbers come here to try scaling Store Trolla and Skarfjellet mountains.

But if you are an ordinary traveler, don't miss this chance to hike in this vast realm of greenness dominated by the intimidating Innerdalstårnet that towers over the valley. This is one of the best destinations to enjoy the captivating beauty of untouched Norwegian nature. ;)

12/04/2024

If you have traveled around Norway, perhaps you could have noticed houses that feature grass on their roofs and wondered why the Norwegians do this. Well, the answer is quite simple. ;)

This is a relatively easy and eco-friendly way to keep the house warm during the winter season and cool during the summer months. And on top of being eco-conscious and reducing carbon emissions, you would also have to pay noticeably cheaper utility bills. ;)

And what do you think about this method? Let us know what you think in the comments below! :)

07/04/2024

Norway is a leading country in regards to salmon farming, accounting for more than 50% of the world's salmon production. On this page, you can see what an ordinary salmon farm in Norway looks like. ;)

If you want to learn about how salmon is farmed in Norway and the lasting local fishing traditions, consider booking a guided fjord tour to one of the salmon farms. This exciting experience combines a pleasant fjord cruise with an informative and educational tour, which explains why many travelers tend to try it. :)

30/03/2024

Svolvaer is the capital of Lofoten and the gateway to this beautiful archipelago, serving as the entry and exit point (and yes, this city has an airport).

Compared to other settlements in Lofoten, Svolvaer, with a population of over 4,700 inhabitants, is quite a large town. And while this town is not as picturesque as Lofoten’s gems – Reine and Henningsvær, there are plenty of things to do in Svolvaer. First of all, have a walk in the downtown and visit Svolvaer’s impressive art galleries. Then, you can have a relaxed walk to the Svinøya island and observe red rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) that have been ideally preserved.

And, of course, you can have a lot of fun on your visit to Svolvaer. For instance, don’t hesitate to drop by the Magic Ice Bar and appreciate the sophisticated ice sculptures while sipping a drink from the ice glass. Or set out on a guided tour to the local Lofotpils Brewery and try their outstanding craft beer.

After all, try yourself at solving puzzles and riddles at the thematic Lofoten Escape Room. Or you can relax in the newest attraction in Svolvaer: the floating fjord sauna. Naturally, there are interesting activities that travelers prefer to try here, and taking the Trollfjord cruise from Svolvaer is an absolute must.

And have you had a chance to visit the Lofoten archipelago? ;) If so, which towns and villages have you visited? Let us know in the comments below! :)

23/03/2024

Lofoten, apart from being the favorite destination for many travelers, is also known for its rich fishing traditions and history. Fishermen then hang the catch — typically cod and salmon — on wooden racks, such as the ones you can see in this photo. ;) The length of time it takes for the fish to dry depends on its size and weather conditions, but it usually averages 16 weeks. :)

And have you had a chance to try Lofoten's famous dry fish? Let us know in the comments below! :)

15/03/2024

Trollfjord is deservedly recognized as one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. Although it is just 3 kilometers long, it lies in the most dramatic and picturesque setting. :)
If you are visiting Lofoten or Vesterålen, make sure to book a Trollfjord cruise. ;)

Fun fact: both Lofoten and Vesterålen claim that this fjord is a part of their regions.
After the release of the movie Downsizing (2017), it was reported that some scenes featuring Trollfjord were filmed in Lofoten. This upset the residents of Vesterålen, who think that this natural treasure belongs to them as well.
In fact, both parties are right: the fjord is located on Austvågøya Island (Lofoten) but also lies within the limits of the Hadsel Municipality (Vesterålen).

29/02/2024

Regardless of whether it is a summer or a winter season, Kvalvika Beach tends to be among the most beautiful places in the entire archipelago of Lofoten. :) You can reach this picturesque place only on foot and, if the weather allows, stay camping for a night. ;)

If you would like to add some other activities, you may combine a visit to this beach with a hike to Reinebringen — the most popular and most picturesque hike in Lofoten. :)

25/02/2024

Storsandnes Beach (pictured) is one of the most picturesque beaches in Lofoten. :) If you travel to Lofoten in winter, come here for an unforgettable northern lights show. 😍☺️

22/02/2024

One may call Norway "the land of the fjords" deservedly. This Scandinavian country has undoubtedly been blessed with fabulous nature, which is the reason why so many travelers come to Norway every year. There are over 1,700 fjords in this country, but which are the ones you shouldn't miss? Let's find out ;)

Nærøyfjord. Having inspired Disney's Frozen and being listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, this is one of the most impressive attractions in Norway. The National Geographic Society ranked this fjord (together with Geirangerfjord) the world's number one natural heritage site. Besides, the famous "Norway in a nutshell" trip includes a cruise across this stunning fjord.

Geirangerfjord. Another UNESCO-listed fjord in this list. Geiranger, nestled between towering mountains with snowy peaks, offers dramatic views and an unforgettable experience. And two farms, Knivsflå and Skageflå, that are located at an altitude of a few hundred meters will absolutely blow your mind!

Lysefjord. It's not just about this "fjord of light" (it is the literal translation) that is worth seeing. You shouldn't miss out on hiking to the famous Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), which offers breathtaking views over this light-blue fjord.

Hardangerfjord. This picturesque fjord is also nestled between the mountains. But one hike is definitely worth your attention: you can hike to Trolltunga and get a stunning photo on the cliff over this fjord. The hike isn't easy, but the rewards are very well worth it. ;)

And which fjords have you had a chance to see? ;) Share your experience with us in the comments below! ;)

28/01/2024

There are plenty of reasons to travel to Lofoten. It is home to the world’s largest deep-water coral reef. It is an ancient Viking archaeological site. It is also the world’s northernmost populated region with northern lights. But on top of all this, Lofoten has a long-standing history of fishing.

For hundreds of years, Lofoten has been the center of the Norwegian cod fishing industry. So, visiting Lofoten and not going on a fishing adventure can be likened to a sin. If you have it in plans to try fishing here, here are the best seasons for that:

The traditional lofotfisket season runs from February to April, and skrei (cod) is the primary catch then.

There is also a short salmon season that runs from June through September.

24/01/2024

Uttakleiv is another popular beach among travelers in the archipelago of Lofoten. :) Located on the north side of Vestvågøy island, this beautiful island attracts visitors all year round. Don't hesitate to make a visit to this beach in winter, when you can enjoy an amazing light show during the sunset. :)

If you happen to visit it during the summer season, no worries. It also makes for a perfect destination for enjoying the midnight sun near the campfire. ;) Just nearby, there is another picturesque beach - Haukland Beach, and you can trek there within an hour (the distance is 4 km).

21/01/2024

Lofoten is Norway's most popular travel destination, and the fishing villages of Reine and Henningsvær do, indeed, attract a lot of tourists. But if you are seeking a somewhat more remote and off-the-beaten-track place, consider arriving in this beautiful fishing village of Sørvågen. :)

The village has merely 698 residents and lies on the way from Reine to the village of Å. Here, you can enjoy picturesque sceneries and visit several tourist attractions. One of them is a local department of the Norwegian Telecom Museum, where you can learn about how this settlement became only the second place in Europe where the first wireless telegraph systems were installed. ;)

And what villages and towns would you like to visit in Lofoten? ;) Let us know in the comments below! :)

13/01/2024

Cross-country skiing is, perhaps, Norway’s favorite sport, and it is barely possible to imagine Norwegians without their favorite sports activity. There is a saying that “every Norwegian is born with skis on his/her feet.” Here, we will present you with the top 5 most popular locations for cross-country skiing in Norway. ;)

Raudalen Alpinsenteret (Valdres, Oppland). All experts agree on the fact that this resort, located not far from Lillehammer, is deservedly one of the best spots for cross-country skiing in Norway. The total length of cross-country trails is 320 kilometers. Besides, you can also take one of the few trails that lead to the Jotunheimen National Park, which offers breathtaking views.

Gaustablikk – Rjukan (Telemark). Even though the length of the trails does not exceed the modest 120 kilometers, trails across the high plateau are gorgeous for cross-country skiing. During your ski journey across the plateau, you will be able to relish the majestic views of Mount Gaustatoppen.

Beitostølen Skisenter (Valdres, Oppland). Together with Raudalen, Beitostølen Skisenter appears to be among the best resorts for cross-country skiing, given the total length of trails exceeding 320 kilometers. The World Cup Arena for cross-country skiing is not only the best arena in Norway but also one of the best in Europe.

Hovden (Setesdal, Aust-Agder). Setesdal, a valley in the Aust-Agder county, is home to one of the top trails for cross-country skiing. Considering that the trail starts right from the village and runs across the ski resort, it appears a complete paradise for skiers from all over the country.

Kvitfjell (Lillehammer, Oppland). This resort is, perhaps, the best in the country and is suitable for all types of skiing. Yet, Kvitfjell offers wonderful opportunities for cross-country skiing, given the length of the trail amounting to the astonishing 600 kilometers! The trail starts at Kvitfjell, runs through Kvitfjell Vest, and ends at Gålå.

05/01/2024

Norway is a country that is particularly known for the enthusiasm of its citizens about winter sports. Indeed, Norwegian people can’t live without having one or two winter sports as their hobbies. Let's explore what are the popular winter sports in this Scandinavian country ;)

Cross-country skiing. When it comes to the question of the most popular winter sport in Norway, cross-country skiing beats anything. Cross-country skiing is an inherent part of the Norwegian culture, and even such a famous Norwegian like Fridtjof Nansen is a renowned skier, whose sculpture stands in front of the Holmenkollen Ski Museum.

Alpine/downhill skiing. Alpine skiing – which is generally more popular than cross-country skiing in many countries – lags behind cross-country skiing in Norway. However, Norway can boast to have really top-notch facilities and resorts for downhill skiing, making it one of the best destinations in Europe for this purpose.

Ski jumping. This is just another ski discipline on this list, and the famous Holmenkollbakken, a ski jump at Holmenkollen, a resort within Oslo, is a bright symbol of this sport in Norway. Other popular high ski jumps in Norway include the ones at Vikersund (the highest), Lillehammer, Notodden, Rena, and Trondheim.

Biathlon. In recent years, more and more sportsmen and ordinary Norwegians tend to train for biathlon, which is popularized on Norwegian TV.

Snowboarding. This is the sport that captivates the minds of young Norwegians and can compete even with skiing in terms of popularity. Besides, there are plenty of facilities for snowboarders in Norway!

Curling. This sport is barely more popular anywhere than in Norway. Though… Canada?! The Winter Olympics tend to spark even more interest in this sport in the country.

Ice hockey. The Norwegian National Team can boast extremely good results in numerous championships. Besides, this discipline is popular among kids in schools. There are plenty of places with adequate facilities for this kind of sport in the country.