Norditours

17/06/2023

06/03/2023

Oslo

11/05/2022

Stavanger, a city in western Norway that many travelers know for its cozy streets packed with white wooden houses, is widely regarded as the oil capital of Norway. Oil near Stavanger was discovered back in 1969, and today this oil field (named Ekofisk) remains one of the largest oil fields in the North Sea. Even though Stavanger cannot be considered a large town by European measures, it is the 4th-largest city in the country of around 5 million people.

This picturesque photo shows typical white timber houses in this town. In fact, it is believed that there are more than 8,000 timber buildings in Stavanger, making it a city with the largest collection of wooden structures in Europe. Exactly this makes you feel — regardless of where you go in the city — like you are in a small town.

If are in Stavanger for the first time, immediately head to Gamle Stavanger (the city's old town) and enjoy a walk in this cozy district that features a plethora of white houses.

18/04/2022

If you are travelling from Oslo to Bergen (or vice versa), you may plan a route that runs through the Lærdal Tunnel, not less of a noteworthy tourist site than an infrastructure object.

The Lærdal Tunnel stretches 24.5 kilometres between Aurland and Laerdal on the highway that connects Norway's two biggest cities. The construction of this project started in 1995 and was completed by 2000, with the cost totalling $113.1 million.

At the present time, this infrastructure object is important for a ferry-free connection between the country's biggest cities. The statistics is telling: around 1,000 vehicles cross this tunnel every day.

14/04/2022

Oslo can be deservedly called the City of Museums, and it would be extraordinarily difficult to pick only one museum for a visit. But Fram, museum that houses the famous vessel of the same name, is definitely a must place for a visit for anyone who values adventures and history. ;)
Here, we are going to list 5 most interesting facts about the Fram vessel and its museum :)

Fact 1: Fram is the only vessel that has reached both the North Pole and the South Pole. The ship reached the North Pole during the 1893-1896 Arctic Expedition led by Fridtjof Nansen. Roald Amundsen with his team was the first one to reach the South Pole in 1911.

Fact 2: Fram vessel was the first ship ever to reach the South Pole. That happened back in 1911, as we have already mentioned. Roald Amundsen, known for his fierce, dictator-like personality, even allowed his crew to withdraw from the expedition (if they expressed such a wish) – so extreme were conditions during the expedition.

Fact 3: The vessel’s unique shape allowed it to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic safer. This form made it possible for the vessel to survive the pressure from the frozen ice by actually pushing the ship up, instead of being crushed by the frozen ice.

Fact 4: The ship was of no use during the 1920s. Using this ship for ordinary commercial activities was too expensive. So, during the period between 1912 and 1920 the vessel was in decay. Later on, however, several people, including Otto Sverdrup, who had previously led an expedition on Fram, made efforts to preserve it. All this resulted in the creation of the Fram Museum, where the vessel was installed in 1935.

Fact 5: The museum also houses another famous vessel, named Gjøa. This ship was used by Roald Amundsem to traverse the Northwest Passage, before he actually embarked on his expedition to the South Pole.

10/04/2022

Whenever you visit Oslo, don’t forget to walk through the historic area of Kvadraturen. Named after the old town’s rectangular pattern, this area literally abounds with historic buildings and art objects.

At the heart of Kvadraturen, you will find Christiania torv, the old town’s central square (pictured on the photo). Immediately, your attraction will be drawn to the hand sculpture pointing to the ground. According to the legend, the Danish-Norwegian King Christian IV pointed to this spot and proclaimed: “The new town will lie here.”

After a huge fire devastated Oslo in 1624, the King ordered to rebuild the city, which then must have been located closer to the fjord. The process of rebuilding started from Kvadraturen, and the new city was named Christiania, after the King.

Today, the area still abounds with history. While strolling the streets, don’t miss to see the first town hall of Oslo or Café Engebret, the city’s oldest restaurant.

06/04/2022

The Oslo Cathedral is situated in the heart of Oslo and, as such, is a major tourist landmark. Located directly opposite the Parliament building, the locals refer to it simply as Dom, or "the church".

This cathedral was constructed between 1697 and 1730 and has gone through extensive restoration work in recent years. Besides, the redesign saw an increase in capacity from 2,000 people up to 3,200. It is supposed that Jørgen Wiggers designed the Dom, though it hasn’t been historically confirmed yet.

03/04/2022

The Kon-Tiki Museum is located in Oslo's Bygdøy peninsula, standing in the shadow of the neighboring Fram museum. But this place is a must-visit one for every genuine thrill-seeker, as the museum has a mind-blowing story about one extreme adventure to tell.

This museum is a home to the Kon-Tiki raft, which Thor Heyerdahl, a famous Norwegian explorer and adventurer, used on his expedition to cross the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands.

Heyerdahl had a theory that humans from South America could have arrived in Polynesia during pre-Columbian times, but it was discarded and rejected by scientists and historians. So, he found no other way to prove his theory than to go on an extreme voyage and cross the Pacific on a modest raft.

The museum doesn't only tell this story, but contains many memorable artifacts from that expedition. And, be sure, that you will feel that adventurer's vibe the very moment you step in the building!

30/03/2022

Svalbard, which is oftentimes referred to as Spitsbergen or Spitzbergen, is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located somewhat betwixt the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole.

Fun fact: it is likely you don’t need a visa to enter Svalbard (even if you needed one to enter Norway). But, considering that the chances are that you are going to fly to Svalbard from Norway, you need a visa to enter the country in the first place.

This archipelago is a place that has been a magnet for tourists during the last decades. Even though the numbers do not seem that impressive (compared with the rest of Norway), tourism is the industry this territory heavily relies on.

Due to the fact that polar bears are quite widespread on this archipelago, many areas are off-the-limits to the tourists and unarmed locals alike. However, the locals can (and, in many cases, must) carry a rifle for self-protection in most areas of Svalbard. As a tourist, you can visit such areas if you are accompanied by an armed guide.

Despite all of these difficulties and the archipelago’s severe climate, whale safaris and an opportunity to witness Svalbard’s unique fauna are something that attracts many visitors every year. Besides, this place is an absolutely paradise for escapists. ;)

24/03/2022

Are you pondering about what to bring from your trip to Norway? ;) Here, we have prepared a list of some typical yet authentic souvenirs you may purchase in this fabulous Scandinavian country. ;)

Vikings. This can be anything really. From small fridge magnets with the pictures of Vikings to the huge, detailed models of Viking ships. In Norway, you can find the traces of the Viking culture in small details all over the place, so why not to bring some thematic souvenirs from the Viking land?

Trolls. These mysterious mountain creatures take different forms in the Nordic mythology. And so they do in souvenirs: they can be fridge magnets, figurines, or simply troll-themed T-shirts.

Norwegian Sweaters. Another thing Norway is much famous for is its knitwear, which ranges from wool to yarn. If you want an authentic Norwegian souvenir that will keep you warm in cold winter, look out for beautiful Norwegian sweaters!

Solje Jewellery. This traditional Norwegian jewelry pieces represent the sun in the Norwegian culture and is typically worn with bunad, traditional Norwegian clothing. There are plenty of shops where you can purchase this jewelry, and it usually features a gold or silver medal and a setting of sterling silver.

Food. You might think of seafood and fish, and you will not be wrong. But in addition to the impressive choices in fish and seafood, there are more exquisite options. Don’t miss out on buying the Norwegian reindeer sausages (which are a local delicacy).

And what do you usually bring along from your trips? What are your favorite options? Share them with us in the comments below! :)

20/03/2022

Trains are not just a means of transportation in Norway, but something that evokes a sense of national pride in an ordinary Norwegian citizen. The country’s terrain made it quite difficult to create certain railway routes, such as the famous Bergen Line. Besides, traveling in Norway by train is quite a convenient and comfortable way to explore the country! :)

There are quite a few famous railway lines in Norway, and each of them deserves your attention. The Nordland Line is a 729-kilometer long route that connects Trondheim and Bodo and tends to be the longest railway line in the country. On this train journey, you will experience a variety of landscapes and sceneries: from the impressively high mountain ranges to tiny inland towns and beautiful stretches of the northern coast.

If you are traveling from Bergen, don’t hesitate to book a trip that runs through the Bergen Line (which we have already mentioned above). From Oslo, you can book a train ticket for the Dovre Line train journey, which connects the Norwegian capital to Trondheim and which runs through some of the country’s most impressive national parks.

Of course, The Flåm Line (or Flåmsbana) is regarded as the country’s most famous train ride and is oftentimes labeled as “the world’s most scenic ride.” And we will talk in detail about this train line in one of the following posts. ;)

17/03/2022

Trolls are among the number of creatures that we known since the very childhood. Whether you have seen them in the cartoons or read fantasy books, these mythical creatures are well-known by you. But do you know that they play an important role in the Norwegian folklore?

In fact, the origins of the word “troll” remains pretty much unknown, except of the fact that it came from the proto-Germanic word “trullan,” which means “unknown origin.” The meaning of the word can vary from giant and werewolf to demon and fiend.

Generally, there are two types of trolls in the pop culture. The first type of trolls is the mountain and forest trolls, who are rather large, dumb beasts that eat smaller creatures (such as hobbits in the Lord of the Rings) yet that also have a deep connection with the nature.

The other type is the cave trolls, who live completely underground and are of a smaller size than humans. Even though they are depicted as friendly to the humans in the pop culture (like the trolls who assist Queen Elsa in Frozen), they deceive and perplex humans in the Norse mythology.

14/03/2022

Norway is a fantastic country, which has been blessed by stunning, sometimes even unbelievable nature. Of course, there are many places where you can enjoy the pristine Norwegian nature, but Stegastein viewpoint, in our opinion, is a site you shouldn’t miss seeing ;)

Hanging straight from the mountains, 650 meters above the fjord, Stegastein offers spectacular views of the mountains, fjords, and the villages lying nearby. :)

How to get here:
– Drive to Stegastein from Flåm (E16 road towards Aurland)
– Take a ferry from Flåm to Aurland kai and then hike
– Take a bus no. 144 from Flåm and drop off at Hopen

11/03/2022

Ilen Church (pictured on the photo) is a parish church and one of the highlights of Trondheim, Norway. This Neo-Gothic church was built in a Cruciform style by a Trondheim-based architect Eugene Sissenére. Even though the church initially could accommodate 900 people, later that number was decreased to 550.

08/03/2022

Many of us have seen picturesque photos of beautiful little – oftentimes red – huts in scenic places of Norway, just like the one pictured here. These huts are called rorbu (rorbuer). Rorbu is a type of seasonal hut, typically used by fishermen and usually located in fishing villages.

Such huts are constructed on land, but one end of the hut is built on poles in water, so this would provide easy access to the fishing vessels. Such houses are widespread all over the Northern and Western Norway. But if you are looking to rent a rorbu, we advise you to look for a location anywhere between Lofoten and Finnmark. ;)

04/03/2022

Holmenkollen is definitely not on the list of the most popular attractions of the Norwegian capital. However, if you are staying in Oslo for at least a couple of days, don’t miss a chance to catch a metro train to this special neighborhood.

Holmekollen is an area of Oslo that is most famous for its large ski jumping hill, known as Holmenkollbakken (pictured on the photo). The ski jump was opened in 1892 for the first time and underwent a major renovation in 1928. This jump is believed to be the world’s oldest ski jump and, notably, it has been upgraded 19 times throughout its history. In 1952, Holmenkollen even hosted the winter Olympic Games.

Today, it is worth to visit this place not only because of the ski jump, but because of the stunning view of the city you would get from the Holmenkollen tower viewpoint! As you will access the complex, you will pass through the ski museum – a statue to Fridtjof Nansen, a famous Norwegian polymath and humanitarian (who also was an avid skier), stands near the entrance to the museum.

The Holmenkollen Ski Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts dedicated to this sport. If you have an Oslo city pass, a metro ride and access to the entire Holmenkollen complex (including the tower viewpoint and ski museum) are free.

01/03/2022

There are plenty of stereotypes about Norway, and sweaters are one of those things that are closely associated with this Scandinavian country. The history of knitting sweaters in this country goes way back to the 15th century. Traditionally, women in Norwegian villages made jumpers from local wool and used plant-based dyes to add colours.

Nowadays, Norwegian sweaters with brighter colours are the most popular ones, even though one can find the traditional black-and-white sweaters on sale as well. In fact, there are two names for Norwegian sweaters: Setesdalsgenser (i.e. “Setesdal sweater”, named after the valley where the sweaters are believed to have originated) and lusekofte (which means “lice jacket”).

At the present time, Norwegian sweaters are among the most popular yet most expensive souvenirs you can bring from Norway. Such high prices are caused by the fact that the original Norwegian sweaters are hand-made. So, if you are looking for a memorable and warm souvenir from this fabulous Scandinavian country, watch out for the traditional lusekofte. ;)

26/02/2022

Around half of the 80,000 Sami people live all over Northern Norway (the others reside in northern Sweden, Finland, and Russia), a unique culture that features languages, customs, traditions, and craftwork techniques that are distinctively different from the rest of the country.

There are 9 different (but quite similar) Sami languages, but only half of the Sami population speaks at least one of these languages. Lavvu (pictured on the photo) are a traditional way of housing in the Sami culture, and something people usually associate this ethnic group with.

As the numbers of tourists visiting Norway, Sweden, Finland — especially their northern regions — grew in recent decades, the Sami culture has experienced a genuine renaissance. Today, travelers can enjoy the traditional Sami activities, such as dog sledding and reindeer safaris (reindeed herding has been essential for Sami people for centuries).

22/02/2022

Ice hotels are an exciting trend in Scandinavia, and thousands of visitors get a memorable experience of staying in such extraordinary (and freezing cold) hotels all over the region every year.
Such hotels are built each year with the idea of being completely dismantled by the springtime, so as to not interfere with the natural environment. There is a plethora of different options for sleeping arrangements, varying from individual igloos to family cabins, in which up to twelve people can sleep. Usually, an ice hotel also includes an ice bar and a restaurant, where you can order warming drinks and delicious foods.
Note: the hallway of a Tromsø Ice Dom is pictured on the photo above.

19/02/2022

Cross-country skiing is, perhaps, Norway’s favorite sport, and it is barely possible to imagine Norwegians without their favorite sport activity. There is a saying that “every Norwegian is born with skis on his/her feet.”

The tradition of cross-country skiing is deeply embedded in the Norwegian culture. That is to say nothing that Norway is represented by a large number of top-tier athletes in this sport.

An interesting fact: Fridtjof Nansen, one of the best known Norwegians in the world and just a legendary personality, was not merely an explorer and humanitarian, but also a skier – a statue dedicated to him was erected at Holmenkollen, a popular ski resort in Oslo that held the 1994 Winter Olympics.

16/02/2022

Lofoten Islands are an amazing place to travel to in Norway. ;) In winter season, you can embark on an aurora borealis safari, go skiing or snowmobiling. The number of activities you can undertake in summer is even greater: from trekking and mountain climbing to cycling, fishing, and surfing!

This photo depicts Fredvang Bridges, which connect the Lofoten fishing village of Fredvang, Moskenesøya island, to the neighboring Flakstadøya island.

13/02/2022

Winter is the best season for Northern Lights safari, an exciting and captivating activity you may undertake in northern Norway or the Lofoten Archipelago. But aurora borealis is rather unpredictable, and these tips will help you to hunt for the Northern Lights ;)

Tip #1: Use the Aurora Forecast tool for see in which areas aurora borealis will most probably appear.

Tip #2: Keep in mind that the two periods are somewhat “ideal” for the Northern Lights safari: September-October and February-March.

Tip #3: Dress warmly and appropriately when preparing to go for an aurora borealis hunt.

Tip #4: It doesn’t have to be cold in order for you to see the Northern Lights. It must rather be dark. That’s why those two periods (September-October and February-March) are best for this type of safaris.

Tip #5: The weather in the Arctic Circle is notoriously unpredictable. So, even though you may have a clear sky before the Northern Lights come out, that situation might change quickly and you won’t be able to see aurora borealis on that night.

10/02/2022

The Oslo National Gallery has been one of the main art attractions in Oslo for decades. Primarily known for exhibiting the works of the famous Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, the National Gallery was a place where visitors could spend half a day walking and enjoying the masterpieces exhibited here.

Since 2019, however, the National Gallery has been closed. The Norwegian government plans to open the New National Museum, which will be located next to the Oslo City Hall. The opening date is yet to be announced, but it is believed to happen sometime in spring 2022.

07/02/2022

The Borgund Stave Church is – expectedly – located in the town of Borgund, which is about 60 kilometers from Lillehammer. The stave church was built sometime between 1130 and 1150 CE. It's a beautiful little church that has been well preserved over time and it stands as one of the oldest stave churches still intact to date.

Constructed in the traditional Viking style of a wooden frame with posts and beams joined together by pegged mortise-and-tenon joints, this stave church was built on the site of an earlier pagan building. Besides, it is one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture and features beautiful ornamentation, such as detailed carvings all around its exterior walls.

And have you witnessed this historic and cultural treasure yourself? ;) Let us know in the comments! :)

06/02/2022

The Sami National Day is celebrated today, on February 6. The history of this holiday started 105 years ago, when the first Sami Assembly was held in Trondheim, Norway, and it gathered Sami people who lived in Norway and Sweden. In 1992, the 15th Sami Conference in Helsinki adopted a resolution, according to which the Sami National Day should be celebrated on February 6.

We would like to congratulate our Sami friends with the their National Day! The Sami culture is unique and occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of many people. Congratulations on this special day, the people of Sàpmi! :)

03/02/2022

Today, Aker Brygge is a popular venue for locals and a fantastic place to hang out for tourists. Here are the 5 facts you should know about this harbor ;)

Fact #1: In the 1900s, Aker Brygge was a poor neighborhood for port workers. On the places of today’s trendy boutiques and chic restaurants, there were only small, dirty pubs that offered cheap beer.

Fact #2: The construction of the City Hall has vastly contributed to the transformation of this area. The decision to build the Oslo City Hall in this neighborhood was taken with an idea to change the fortune of this neighborhood, and, as we can see today, it was a right one. Since the 1960s, developers and famous brands started investing money in this neighborhood.

Fact #3: This is the best place to try seafood in Oslo. Where else would you taste fish and seafood if not in Oslo’s biggest port? There are markets, relatively cheap seafood restaurants, and high-end establishments – choose what suits you best!

Fact #4: This is the most expensive neighborhood in the city. Currently, there is, perhaps, no other area in the city where the real estate prices are as high as in Aker Brygge.

Fact #5: There is some weird art. Really. The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is located on Aker Brygge. And if you don’t understand the concepts and trends of modern art, you might get surprised here. Very surprised.

30/01/2022

Tjuvholmen is a modern neighborhood, located at the brink of Aker Brygge, on the shore of Oslofjord. Today, Tjuvholmen is one of the most expensive areas to live in Oslo. Tourists love this place because of the fashionable boutiques, trendy galleries, and posh restaurants, while locals often come here to sunbath and swim.

While walking around Tjuvholmen and enjoying its modern architecture, you may eventually reach Astrup Fearnley Museum. This museum of contemporary art is housed in a genius, mind-blowing architectural masterpiece by Renzo Piano. Astrup Fearnley Museum exhibits a large collection of the American artifacts from the 80s, but it is the museum’s impressive – and sometimes terrifyingly odd – collection of modern art you should absolutely see!

Have you had a chance to promenade in Tjuvholmen? :) Or, perhaps, you have seen an exhibition in Astrup Fearnley Museum? Let us know in the comments below! ;)

26/01/2022

Many people think that, when it comes to museums, Oslo pales in comparison to some European capitals, such as Paris or Madrid. But Oslo has a lot to offer to the visitors, and the Viking Ship Museum is a genuine cultural treasure one must absolutely visit.

Today, this museum is best known for having Oseberg ship, which was found in 1904-1905 and is believed to date around year 800, on display. But among other things, you can witness the Gokstad ship and Tune ship as well – their state is not as ideal as that of Oseberg, but these are real treasures, too.

In fact, the idea to create a special museum that would house artifacts dating back to the Viking Age that were found at the end turn of the 20th century was put forward by Gabriel Gustafson, a Swedish-Norwegian archeologist. In 1926, construction of the hall for the Oseberg ship was completed and it immediately was placed there.

During this time, the museum has been expanded several times. Back in 2000, however, there was a proposal to create a new museum in Bjorvika and move the artifacts there – it was met with strong criticism. Many experts and scientists argued that such a move would inflict serious damage on the artifacts.

And have you ever visited the present-day Viking Ship Museum in Bygdoy?