Norway Car Rental

Guide of Norway

Geography

Located in the north and west of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is a Scandinavian nation. Most of Norway is surrounded by water, including the Skagerrak strait, the North Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean (Norwegian Sea), and the Barents Sea to the north and south, respectively. Land borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia are all within a few miles of the country's northeastern region. In addition to having one of the world's longest and most mountainous coasts, Norway is home to around 50,000 islands. The Scandinavian Mountains dominate huge swaths of the country, making it one of Europe's most mountainous nations.

Climate in Norway

Norway has a substantially warmer climate than other places with the same latitude as it, such as Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia, thanks to the Gulf Stream's temperate waters. In the winter, the coldest locations tend to be in the interior or in the north. It's ideal to go to Norway in the spring or autumn, when the weather is great, and there aren't as many visitors. The peak season is between mid-June and the beginning of August.

Culture

Norway is a modern country, yet it has kept many of its traditions. Troll-themed stories and folklore are still popular. On Grunnlovsdagen (Constitution Day), also known as Syttende Mai (May 17), traditional costumes and singing are worn. Others include Sankhansaften (Midsummer’s Eve), Olsok (St. Olaf’s Day), and Jul (Christmas), the latter of which is honored with family feasts whose menu varies by location but is typically defined by the presence of seven types of cake.

Things To Do in Norway

Explore Oslo, the capital

Oslo, the capital city, should undoubtedly be on your itinerary as the starting point for your Norway experience. It is a wonderful city with a plethora of cultural attractions. Admire the majestic architecture of the Norwegian royal family's official house, Oslo Royal Palace. The beautiful Oslo Opera House, which resembles a glacier and is located directly on the harbor, is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the country's greatest performing arts organization. If you're fortunate, you may be able to catch a live performance here. Explore The Vigeland Sculptor Park, which displays the lifetime works of Norway's famed sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, and be surprised by his odd creations. For museum-goers, the Viking Ship Museum, which houses some of the best-preserved Viking ships, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Munch Museum are all worthy stops. Another fantastic tourist destination that you will love is the beautiful Akershus Castle, which was built in the late 13th century. This old fortification is an intriguing piece of architecture that depicts Norwegian military design. Here you will discover a one-of-a-kind collection of antiques and relics, as well as various shops and museums.

Visit Lillehammer, Trondheim and Bergen

Lillehammer, located close to the scenic Lake Mjosa, is a must-see for winter sports fans. Skiing, skating, curling, and hiking are all options along the more than 480 kilometers of gorgeous Nordic routes. The 1994 Winter Olympics were held here, and you should visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum as well as the Lysgaard Baken Ski Jumping Arena, which served as the location for the opening and closing ceremonies. Other attractions include Malhaugen Park, Norway's biggest open-air museum, which has 100 structures from the 18th century, including churches, workshops, and farmhouses. The Peer Gynt Cottage, which is purportedly based on Ibsen's renowned play, is a remarkable attraction.

Trondheim is Norway's third-largest city and was formerly the country's capital. As you travel around the picturesque Bakklandet neighborhood on the eastern bank of the Nidelva River, with its cobblestone lanes, art galleries, and small cafés, you may snap picture-postcard photographs for your social media accounts.

Bergen is another major city where the main sights that you should not miss include Bryggen - the wharf district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its lively cottages built directly on the water. Another attraction of the city is the Floibanen funicular trip up to the peak of Mont Floyen at 400 meters, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Discover the Norwegian fjords

Norway boasts over a thousand fjords that make up the massive Fjord Norway Network. Among these, the beautiful Geirangerfjord and the Naeroyfjord were duly designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. Geirangerfjord spans kilometers of calm water, gorgeous mountains, and fascinating waterfalls such as the famed Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil. You may enjoy a three-hour ford boat between the colorful hamlet of Geiranger with the charming seaside resort of Alesund. Scale the Dalsnibba mountain, which stands at 4905 feet, for some famous vistas of the Geirangerfjord and surrounding valley. Alternatively, the Flydalsjuvet rock outcropping and the Ornesvingen overlook on the Eagle Road provide spectacular landscape photography options. Watersports enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking at Geirangerfjord, where they may see dolphins.

Chase the Northern Lights at Tromso or the Lofoten Islands

Tromso is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." It naturally becomes a stopping place on a tour of the Norwegian Arctic Circle. The Fjellheisen cable car will take you to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen at 420 meters in approximately four minutes and will provide you with some spectacular panoramic views of Tromso. Tromso, located in the heart of the 'Aurora Zone,' is one of the best spots in Europe to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, according to Norse mythology, are reflections of the Valkyries' swords and armor that create a magical flickering light throughout the country. Tourists from all over the globe flock to Tromso throughout the winter months of October to late March to see the mystical northern lights. This spectacular light display of green, pink, and violet colors over the night sky will live on in your mind for the rest of your life. The fact that you can follow them on a horse, a snowmobile, or even a husky sledge is the frosting on the cake. Other prominent attractions in Tromso include the Polar Museum, which serves as a research site for polar area studies, and the Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, which houses the region's traditional medicinal plants. While in Tromso, you should also pay a visit to the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning structure created by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig in 1965. It is not a cathedral, but rather a parish church. The facade, which is mostly formed of concrete, resembles enormous ice blocks, and a shimmering glass mosaic designed by Victor Sparre was added to the eastern side in 1972. The front is composed of glass and has a massive crucifix. During the winter, the exterior of the Arctic Cathedral is lit, making it even more impressive.

The Lofoten Islands, located 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle, boast a dramatic terrain with rocky mountains, colorful fishing settlements, and stunning fjords. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy climbing, fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking, and Arctic surfing here. Astrophotographers should attempt to make it here since it is yet another wonderful location for shooting the Aurora Borealis. Furthermore, the temperature is warmer throughout the year. Spend a night in a red rorbu, a traditional fisherman's cottage, or go cod fishing. Henningsvaer, one of the most beautiful seaports in Lofoten, has lately gained popularity due to drone photography of its wonderful soccer field. You should also not miss Vestvagoy, the Lofoten archipelago's most populated town. Take some stunning sunset or dawn shots at Haukland Beach.

Go hiking at Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga

Every year, hundreds of mountaineers walk to Prekeistolen or Pulpit Rock as it is more well known. It towers 604 meters above the turquoise waters of Lysefjord and provides stunning views of the surroundings. It is a very simple hiking path accessible from Stavanger. It's worth noting that Pulpit Rock was nominated by both the BBC and Lonely Planet as one of the world's most captivating perspectives.

Another popular but slightly challenging climb is to Trolltunga, which is about 1,100 meters above sea level. The cliff juts out roughly 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet's northern shore. It is well worth spending almost half a day ascending this path, which ends with the Troll's tongue, a thin sliver of rock excellent for some imaginative photography.

Road trip across this magnificent country!

The Atlantic Road has been dubbed the "World's Most Beautiful Drive" and has been dubbed the "Norwegian Construction of the Century." The coastal road spans over 5 miles between the islands and skerries of Averoy and the Romsdal peninsula, passing through beautiful fishing communities and across several bridges and causeways. Stop for breathtaking views as you approach the city of Kristiansund, which spans three North Atlantic islands.

The Trollstigen, also known as the Troll Ladder, is a 6 km part of Road 63 that connects Andalsnes and Valldel. You'll enjoy stunning vistas as you zigzag over 11 hairpin curves, particularly from the observation platform. The Stigfossen waterfall's falling waters are quite breathtaking.

Enjoy a marvelous train ride

A well-developed rail network makes train travel in Norway a very enjoyable experience as you appreciate the country's spectacular natural splendor. More than 200 miles of steep terrain are traversed by the rails, which include 775 tunnels and 3000 bridges. Another magnificent route that begins in Oslo is the Bergen Railway, which runs across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

The Flam Railway, regarded as one of the most beautiful rail excursions in the world, departs at the far end of Aurlandsfjord and travels high above the valley to Myrdal. This 12-mile circuit is also one of the steepest railway lines in the world. Another beautiful route is the Dovre Railway, which runs from Oslo to Trondheim through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. In the middle, you may visit Lillehammer's ski resorts or explore hiking paths in the Dovrefjell mountains, Jotunheimen, and Rondane national parks.

Its offshoot, the Rauma Railway, which runs between Dombas and Andalsnes, will take you through breathtaking fjords, lush woods, and towering mountains. Harry Potter enthusiasts will be excited to know that the sixth film, the “Half Blood Prince,” was shot here.

Eating Out in Norway

Norway is often regarded as one of the greatest places to live, and as such, it is brimming with restaurants serving foreign cuisine to the discriminating culinary enthusiast. Here are a few of our favorites for a hearty meal. Maemo, with three Michelin stars, provides a gastronomic experience that is well worth the price. You must reserve a table in advance to enjoy a wonderful lunch in the glass and steel dining area decorated with mystical Nordic mythology photographs. Indian cuisine enthusiasts can explore Mother India, which serves authentic Indian dishes. You will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent service provided here. If you enjoy seafood, Enhjorningen, which translates to "Unicorn," is a fantastic place that offers fresh fish and a broad variety of fine seafood. Its picturesque setting in Bergen is an extra bonus. Hallingstuene is a classic restaurant that has been a favorite for over 25 years. Enjoy grilled grouse breast, reindeer filet with game sauce, or lamb sausage in butter sauce.

Brutus is not your average Norwegian eatery. However, the enchanting atmosphere, along with superb service and a diverse tasting menu, guarantees that guests will want to return time and time again. Their wine selection is also quite enticing. Skippergata is a wonderful option for exercise enthusiasts. As you enjoy their salads and sandwiches, you will be spoiled for choice. There are also gluten-free cookies, cakes, and rolls available. Gapahuken Restaurant offers a spectacular view that will captivate you. Salmon, halibut, red king crab, and reindeer are among the delicacies available here. Egget is a Stavanger restaurant that delivers flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine. Enjoy their wild trout, kimchi, braised ribs, or Asian slaws.

Transport

Airport

Norway has 98 international airports. Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) is Norway's primary international airport, situated 50 kilometers from Oslo in Gardermoen. Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF), approximately 110 kilometers from Oslo, is another option for flying into Oslo.

Getting Around Norway

Norway has a rather broad and efficient public transportation system, which makes visiting the nation a pleasant experience for visitors. Tickets for all journeys are simply obtained online or through an app. You may get them at a discount by using the national public transportation planner EnTur. The government-owned railway corporation Vy operates a dependable, but relatively costly, rail network that connects important towns such as Kristiansand in the south to Bodo above the Arctic Circle. Trams are available in Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen. The sole fast transport system is the Oslo T-Bane, and the only funicular is in Bergen. Every city has a local bus service, and express coaches travel across the country. Even the most distant settlements along the fjords are connected. An interesting fact about Norway is that it has the largest number of registered plug-in electric cars per capita in the world, and Oslo is known as the world's EV capital.

Many tourists to Norway choose to rent a vehicle since it provides a level of comfort, flexibility, and convenience that can't be matched by public transportation. The roads in Norway are not only well-maintained, but the scenery along the route is breathtaking, with many of them offering vistas of spectacular fjords. Consider renting a minivan if you're traveling in a big group. A one-way rental allows you to pick up your car in one place (say, Oslo) and drop it off in another (say, Trondheim). There is no need for you to drive back and forth.