If you plan on visiting Norway, chances are that you’ve learned about the coastlines, the fjords, and the beautiful nature of this wonderful country. The Northern part of Norway is home to the Northern Lights, amazing landscapes, and charming cities and towns. There are a few things you must know before traveling there, and this article gathers a few tips to explore this particular region of Norway.
Beware, Northern Norway Is Far From Oslo
Norway is a very long country. To join the Northern part of the country from Oslo, you need more than 4 days of traveling! If you enter Norway via Oslo airport, be prepared to take a certain amount of buses and planes that will land you at your destination. Planning a trip to Norway means that you will have to travel a lot in extreme weather. Better be prepared for that!
Lofoten Islands Are A Sailing Paradise
Norway is filled with port towns with a rich heritage of sailing culture, and the best place to sail is the Lofoten Islands. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to sail along these very beautiful coastlines and enjoy the dry wind and pure water. Be ready to explore inhabited islands and meet abundant wildlife if you choose to sail around the Lofoten Islands.
Don’t Be Disappointed If You Don’t See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a unique weather phenomenon that takes place in Arctic regions of the world. It’s a mix of coloured lights in the sky, and it is only visible during certain times of the year. Some tourists assume that they will see the Northern Lights anytime they get there, but that’s simply not true.
Your best chance to see the Northern is around the end of March and the end of September. If you don’t see the Northern Lights during your stay, don’t get frustrated and wait for the clouds to go away.
Get Ready For Things To Get Expensive
Norway has a reputation for being an expensive place, and the cost of things can be brutal for people traveling on a budget. For starters, please don’t bring your precious euros as the local money is the Norwegian Krone. The price of life is a bit higher there so it’s less easy to go out for food. Our advice is to cook at your hotel if you need to watch your budget.
It’s also important to note that Norwegians are more or less shifting towards a cashless society, which makes it practical to pay with your phone or credit card.
Rent A Car From The Locals Instead Of The Renting Companies
As we said before, Norway is a country with very long distances, and one would be wise to rent a car to go from one place to another, as being reliant on buses can be expensive and tricky. If you think that renting a car in Norway is too pricey for you, you can choose to download a car-sharing app, and you will almost cut your budget in half.