Travel allows you to expand your horizons, get a lot of new experiences. Therefore, many people go to other countries. Tour operators offer many interesting tours. However, it is much more interesting to choose the route yourself. This trip will be remembered for a long time. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries. It attracts tourists from all over the world. How to plan a trip to Norway will be discussed below.
General information about the country
If a person feels craving for new experiences, emotions, and also thirsts for adventure, he simply must plan a trip to Norway on his own. This country is known for its harsh, cold beauty. This is a special place on the planet, where you should go at least once in your life. Such beauty cannot be seen anywhere else.
Beforeplanning your trip, you need to find out certain information about this country. Norway has a constitutional monarchy. The area of the country is 327 thousand km². The country borders on Finland, Sweden and Russia. The capital is the city of Oslo. It is quite an expensive country. Therefore, a budget traveler will need to carefully consider not only his route, but also take into account all the subtleties of accommodation and food. The climate here is quite harsh.
The country is located in the UTC +1 time zone. Phone code +47. The population consists of 95% of the native Norwegians. Lutheranism is the predominant religion in the country. Norway is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Untouched nature is the pride of the Norwegians. The western coast of the country is indented by fjords, which fascinate with their wild, primeval beauty. Picturesque mountain landscapes, glaciers and other natural objects attract tourists. One of the best solutions is to travel around Norway by car. This will allow you to see all the treasures of the country.
Norwegians value the environmental cleanliness of their country very much. They care about the environment around them. Love for her is part of the national identity. Large cities and quiet fishing villages harmoniously complement the natural landscapes. This is a unique country. The crime rate here is one of the lowest on the planet. All residents strictly follow the established rules, therefore, similar requirements are put forward for tourists. Here it is not customary to litter, disturb the peace of the people around. self respect,society and nature - these are the main features of the inhabitants of this beautiful country.
Considering reviews of travel to Norway, it is worth noting that this adventure will definitely be remembered for a lifetime. Tourists may encounter certain difficulties, you need to be prepared for this. However, no difficulties can stop real adventurers. Their efforts and patience are more than paid off by the impressions that the fabulous, cold and so extraordinary Norway gives.
Why should you go to Norway?
When planning your trip to Norway by car or other means of transportation around the country, you should consider the main attractions for which tourists come here. The severity of this region does not tolerate carelessness and improvisation. Norway, like a strict, silent teacher, reveals its secrets only to those who are ready to cast aside all the fuss. You need to immerse yourself in this cold beauty, feel it, opening your heart to the new.
You can go on a trip to Finland and Norway. You can also plan a trip through Sweden. Each of these countries has its own special character. Norway is like no other place on the planet. Here it is worth going down in a kayak or boat along the river, surrounded by picturesque fjords. Those who managed to visit here are advised to stay not in a large metropolis, but in a small village. This will allow you to walk around the neighborhood, to consider all the beauties of nature. The landscapes here are truly picturesque, as if in an old fairy tale. I can't even believe thatsuch fantastic corners of untouched nature exist in reality.
Traveling is better to start with walking along the city streets, for example, Bergen. It is extremely pleasant to sit in one of the cafes near the embankment. A cup of hot, strong coffee will warm you and give you unforgettable moments of happiness. Bergen is the most picturesque tourist city in this country.
Many tourists claim that traveling to Norway by car is the best solution. However, you can see the beauty of this land in another way. Railway routes run through untouched natural landscapes. Therefore, it is quite possible to plan your journey by train. It will be relatively inexpensive. The Norwegian Railway often holds various promotions and discounts. This is a good solution for a budget traveler.
Guests of the country will be interested to get acquainted with the ancient culture of the Vikings, who once inhabited these lands. One of the most spectacular, stunning spectacles is the Northern Lights. You should definitely see the Arctic ice, watch whales and polar bears. It is worth ordering salmon, venison, goat cheese dishes.
Tourist regions
When making a travel plan for Norway, you need to decide what exactly you would like to see in this country. There are several tourist regions here. Knowing the features of each of them, you can plan your route.
If a traveler wants to see the fjords, you must first go to the west coast of Norway. Here, the wild beauty of natural landscapes, silence and tranquility will allow you to escape from the noiseand the bustle of the big city, to be alone with your thoughts, to think about life. The most picturesque are the Geirangerfjord, the Lysefjord, the Sognefjord, and the Hardangerfjord. Also on the west coast you can see the historic railway called Flåm, go hiking or cycling.
Mountain serpentine can be seen in the north-west of the country. These are the most beautiful fjords, glaciers. Trekking, kayaking and sea surfing are popular in this region.
If you want to visit the beautiful city, which is an example of the Norwegian measured life, you should go to Ålesund or Bergen. Here you can relax, spend time in a pleasant environment. These are well-groomed, beautiful cities with a special atmosphere. I really don't want to leave here.
Along with a trip to the fjords of Norway, it is worth visiting the Lofoten Islands. Here you can watch sea birds and animals, go fishing. This is a maritime region, which is also a corner of untouched wildlife. Here you can see one of the most spectacular spectacles of nature - the Northern Lights.
Three-seekers can go on a cruise to the islands that are beyond the Arctic Circle. The most beautiful landscapes of the Arctic glaciers, polar bears will be a real discovery for adventure seekers.
You can get acquainted with the history of the country in cities such as Oslo, Trondheim. These are cities that are more like pictures from the future. They contain the largest number of inhabitants of thiscountries. These are trendy, dynamic cities. Here you can learn more about the national cuisine of Norway, its traditions.
How to get there?
Getting into Norway is pretty easy. Airplanes fly here from many major cities. In total, there are 50 airports in this country. The main one is in Oslo. Airports in Bergen, Moss, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim, etc. also accept international flights. This allows you to easily reach even the most remote corners of the country. If the plane arrives in Oslo, it is most convenient to get to the city center on the Flutog. This is Aeroexpress. It will take you to the city center in just 20 minutes. You can also get here by bus or commuter train.
When planning a trip to Norway from St. Petersburg, you can go to the country by bus or train. The route can also pass through other countries. Most travelers by car come to Norway from Sweden. However, it is quite possible to get here from Russia or Finland. It will be much more interesting to visit several countries besides Norway. At the borders of all countries, you will need to go through customs inspection. You will need to go through passport control, crossing Norway from the Russian border, between the cities of Storskog and Borisoglebsky.
Travel to Norway by car through Finland passes along the E8 highway. In this case, the border can be crossed at Kilpisjärvi. The route passes through such cities as Vaasa, Turku, Oulu. Another popular route that can be reached by car to Norway isE6. This is a European route that involves crossing the border in the city of Svinesund. This option should be considered when planning a trip to Norway and Sweden. The E6 highway passes through cities such as Helsingborg, Malmö, Gothenburg. They are in Sweden.
Norway can be reached by bus from Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland. There is also a rail link. It connects Norway with other Scandinavian and European countries. Trains travel to this country mainly at night. Therefore, they are equipped with sleeping shelves. Service and comfort are high here.
The country also has water transport. Ferries go from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Denmark.
Documents
When planning a trip from St. Petersburg to Norway or following a different route, you need to have a number of documents with you. In addition to a passport, you will need to apply for a visa. It can be long-term, short-term or transit. For traveling around the country, it is better to issue the second version of the documents. This is a Schengen visa, which is issued for travel.
Traveling to Finland, Sweden, Norway requires a standard visa. It is available to citizens of any country. To get it, you will need to collect a number of documents. A questionnaire is filled out, which can be obtained at the visa center or downloaded on the Web. It is required to obtain a passport. You also need to prepare a photo of 3.5 x 4.5 cm. A prerequisite for obtaining a visa is proof of the financial security of the tourist. To find out the amount you need to have in the account, you need to multiply the numberday, which is planned to be spent in this country, by 50 euros.
You need to provide data on financial solvency in a standard form. You should take an accounting certificate from work (indicate details, salary and position). A bank statement or a letter from the sponsor is given. The second option is suitable for those who do not have sufficient income for such a trip. In this case, a certificate of employment and an account statement are not needed.
You also need to issue an insurance policy in the amount of more than 30 thousand euros, make a copy of an ordinary passport (all pages, including blank ones). You should also provide copies of tickets or a document confirming their booking.
To obtain a visa, you need to describe the itinerary of the trip in writing. Information is indicated here, where the tourist will stay for the night. You need to confirm this with a copy of the reservation at the hotel or hostel. If you plan to travel by car, prepare documents for the vehicle. You also need to apply for a "green card".
If a person has real estate in Norway, you must provide a copy of the document of ownership. Relatives of citizens living in this country can present an invitation sent by their relatives. Children are required to present a birth certificate, parental consent to travel (if the child travels without them or with only one parent).
Questionnaires are also filled in English or Norwegian. You need to write legibly. Otherwise, the document will need to be redone.
Somenuances of paperwork
When planning a travel route in Norway, great attention should be paid to paperwork. You can apply for a visa at a travel agency, consulate or visa center. You will need to pay a standard fee. It is 35 euros. However, you should be prepared for the fact that additional costs will appear during the preparation of such documentation. The cost of obtaining the necessary documents can be around 100 euros.
Visas are issued free of charge for students, relatives of Norwegian citizens, disabled people, scientists, diplomats.
For residents of the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, obtaining documents is carried out according to a simplified scheme. In this case, it is not required to receive an invitation from citizens residing in Norway. For people registered in these areas, it is possible to obtain a multi-visa upon first submission of documents. This document is also called a "Pomor visa".
When planning a trip to Norway, you need to know the reasons why a visa may be refused. First of all, it may be doubts about the financial viability of the tourist. Also in obtaining a visa is denied if the questionnaire is filled incorrectly. You can not make mistakes, write illegibly. The application form must be completed exclusively for obtaining a visa to Norway.
In obtaining a visa is denied in case of providing non-exhaustive information, in the presence of recorded cases of violation of the rules for using this document. You need to pass an interview. A visa may be denied if a person is nervous during the conversation. Also refuse tovisiting this country may be in the presence of refugee relatives.
It should be noted that it is impossible to cross the Norwegian border without a visa. This document is required.
When to plan your trip?
Many tourists are interested in the question of when is the best time to plan a trip to this country. You can come here at any time of the year. The country is located in northern latitudes. Part of it is in the Arctic. However, its climate is milder than in other countries at the same latitude. The fact is that the Gulf Stream is close to Norway. The warm current makes the climate milder. However, the harsh climate requires the tourist to plan his trip to Norway in a special way. Video travel around the country, as well as photos will remind you of the unforgettable beauty of this mysterious area.
Since many tourists go to this country to see the Northern Lights, they go to the polar regions. This beautiful natural phenomenon can be observed all year round. Only the weather (for obvious reasons) should be clear. In most of the country, winters are cold, snowy and dark. The south and west coasts get rainy at this time of the year. It is also cold and uncomfortable here in winter.
October and November are especially rainy. Therefore, at this time of the year, only true connoisseurs of the wild, cold beauty of Norwegian nature come here. Most comfortable in this country in the summer. At this time, the air temperature can reach 20-25 ° C. However, the weather even at this time of the year can be very changeable. Be sure to bring warmthings. This is a must even in summer.
The best time to travel around Norway by car is between May and September. The climate at this time is the most comfortable. It will still be cold in the evening. However, during the day it will be possible to enjoy the natural beauties without fear of getting wet or freezing in the piercing wind.
It is worth considering that in July and August, Europeans are much more likely to go on vacation. Therefore, there will be more people on the fjords. If you want privacy, it is better to go here before the peak of the tourist season. May and September are ideal for travel.
Reviews of tourists
When deciding to go on a trip to Norway on your own, you should take into account the reviews of people who have been here. They claim that visiting the country even without a special tour will be easy. Traveling by car or otherwise is safe, but quite expensive. This is especially true when traveling by private car.
You can move around the country by trains, buses, ferries, boats. Budget airlines also operate. The transport network is well developed. The schedule is carefully thought out. Therefore, all ferries, trains and buses arrive at tourist places at a convenient time for travelers.
Many visitors to this country prefer to travel around its territory by car. It can also be rented. Having your own vehicle makes the tourist mobile. He can at any time go along the planned route, seedesired beauty. However, the cost of such travel is considerable. The car can also be moved by ferry if necessary.
Tourists often stay in small hotels, hostels. The most popular form of accommodation is bed reservation. Breakfast is included in the stay. You can also stay in small wooden cottages.
Cost
A plane ticket can be purchased in many major cities of our country. The cheapest way to go is from St. Petersburg. There are many ways to move around the country. For example, a ticket from the airport by train costs about 25 euros if you do not book it in advance. Therefore, this issue needs to be taken care of even before the trip.
Traveling by rail to the main tourist attractions costs 20-30 euros. Traveling in Norway by car is more expensive. You can rent a vehicle at a price of 40-45 euros per day. You will need to leave a deposit of about 2 thousand euros. Also, gasoline costs about 2-3 euros per liter. It is worth considering that there are more than 50 toll roads in Norway. This is an additional cost.
The cost of living in a hostel is about 25-40 euros. You can rent a wooden cottage with outdoor amenities for a price of 150 euros. If more comfortable conditions are required, the cost is from 250 euros. You can live in a tent. But at the same time, certain rules must be observed (issued at the airport). If you put up a tent on someone else's land, the owner may require a certain fee for such an overnight stay.
Food is also worthquite expensive. You can drink a cup of coffee with a bun from 10 euros. The cheapest way to buy food is in grocery supermarkets. Lunch at a restaurant will cost at least 50 euros. You can order a sightseeing tour at a price of 30 to 150 euros.
A few tips
Traveling to Norway will give a lot of positive impressions. Going to this country is worth it, despite its high cost. This is a safe, peaceful journey. The beauty of nature, developed tourist infrastructure will not go unnoticed by the traveler. Here you can not be afraid that a bag accidentally left somewhere will disappear without a trace with money and documents. All items will be returned to the owner.
To comfortably travel around the country, you will need a basic knowledge of English. You can also communicate in German. The Russian language here is understood only by the same tourists.
Do not litter, disregard the established rules, light a fire outside the campsite, etc. Such an action will definitely be followed by a fine. Also, you can not cut down trees, especially in the north. The pen alty for doing so would be enormous.
Although Norway is considered an expensive country, tourists can always hope for discounts. They are arranged in grocery supermarkets, on the railway. You can purchase a tourist card and travel for several days without worrying about the cost of excursions or public transport.
The water here is very clean. You can drink it from the tap or take it with you from the streams. There are many springs in the country. Their water is he althy, clean and very tasty.
Having considered the features of travel inNorway, you can plan your route correctly. Going to this country on your own, you can see many interesting, beautiful places. You should come here at least once in your life.
