Beginner's Guide to Norway

Norway Vacations - Day 2 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:55:40 +0000

Recreational diving in Northern Europe is often ice cold, so a dry suit is necessary. In Norway all wrecks older than 100 years are legally protected, you may dive on them but not tough anything.

Selections of the Norwegian coast are world famous for their beautiful underwater nature. Diving is possible year round because of the Gulf Stream, which gives the coastal regions relatively mild climates. Scuba diving centers and clubs can be found in most places along the coast. Especially along the coast of the More region and in North Norway, there are areas where underwater adventure is yours for the asking. Underwater hunting is permitted with knifes, spears or harpoons. Wolf fish and monkfish make tasty catches, but it is not permitted to take lobster. In general, diving is permitted anywhere in Norway. The only exceptions are the military installations or fish farms.

Norway Vacations - Day 3 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:56:12 +0000

Being the mountain nation that Norway is, it possesses caves and canyons that invite exploration. Canyoning has especially become a popular activity in Norway. You will hike along a river canyon, rappel down to the river, or more simply, jump into it, and be carried along on nature’s own water slide.

Caving treks can be ventured into on your own or in organized groups, but for safety reasons, canyoning is always recommended to be in groups. County at Oyfjellgrotta Cave in Mosjoen and Saetergrotta Cave in Mo.

Norway Vacations - Day 4 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:56:43 +0000

Morgedal in Telemark is the cradle of skiing. Winter in Norway is a veritable paradise for skiers and snow-lovers. You will find marked cross-country ski trails throughout the country and the majority is floodlit after dark. Nevertheless, skiing does not necessary have to be at the top of your list. There’s something for everyone in Norway. Dogsledding, sleigh rides, sledging and snow scooter safaris are just some of the fun activities available.

Norway Vacations - Day 5 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:57:12 +0000

Considering its small population, the number of golf courses in Norway is impressive. Golf is a sport that few people probably associate with Norway. Golf is a growing game that is hampered by Norway’s weather conditions. Norwegian golfers can only play about six months of the year. If you are looking for a unique golf experience, there are occasional golf competitions on ice or snow.

Norway Vacations - Day 6 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:57:40 +0000

Today it’s easier than ever to see whales, if you have the patience and a little luck. The number of tour companies offering whale-watching trips in Norway is growing and most offer tours at affordable prices. They usually run from the northern hemisphere’s spring until their autumn. The killer whales can be spotted in Norway’s Lyford in the wintertime, from October to January.

The Loosen Islands are a chain of islands above the Arctic Circle, just six nautical miles offshore, where between May and September, massive sperm whales can be found in these nutrient rich and deep waters. The sperm whales in these waters are all male. The females remain in the warmer seas further south, around the Aazores and Canary Islands, with their young.

The Lofoten Islands have always been a prime hunting ground for the Norwegian whalers. But these days cameras have replaced the harpoons. Whale watching off northern Norway has become so popular that Norwegian authorities have set up a special whale route with car ferries linking the various islands in the area.

Norway Vacations - Day 7 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:58:12 +0000

Norway is ideal for taking trips by horseback. Because of its varied natural landscape you can ride along paths and roads as well as into untouched wilderness. Sitting on the back of a horse you can reach far into the wilds and come into closer contact with nature than you can any other way. On organized trips you will be accompanied by expert guides who help inexperienced riders learn everything from the names of the equipment to how to show the horse affection. You can find indoor riding, riding trips for the experienced and for beginners, plus opportunities to rent by the hour.

Today there are three different Norwegian horse breeds: the fjord horse, the North Norwegian mountain horse and the Forestry horse. In addition to these three, the national horse breed of Iceland, the Iceland horse, descends from Norwegian Viking horse.

The most famous Norwegian landscape, as known by tourists, is the long west coast to the Atlantic Ocean, where Fjords and Mountains are the keywords. In this steep landscape, the Fjord horse was developed. It is one the world’s oldest horse breeds, and it is probably quite closely linked to the ancient North Asian wild horse.

In the north of Norway the main component of landscape is mountainous. People live on small strips of flat land along the shores of the ocean. This is the region of the North Norwegian mountain horse, which has the same general features of body shape as the Fjord horse, but it is considerably smaller.

In the southeastern regions of Norway is where the Norwegian Forestry horse has been developed. Through generations this kind of horse has been used for farm work, carrying loads up and down the mountains and between the valleys, as riding horses, for driving with sleds in the wintertime and first and foremost they are famous for their skills when used in the forest. Norwegian Forestry horses are famous for their mental skills. They are intelligent, gentle, and patient and get deeply involved with their owners. These horses are not easily scared.

Resources:

WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM
WWW.LONELYPLANET.COM
WWW.NORWAY.ORG

Norway Vacations: A One To 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:58:47 +0000

Norway offers a large variety of travel experiences. As a tourist you can choose everything from your customary museums to modern adventure centers and exceptional and exciting natural attractions. Whether your particular interest is historical sites, geology, flora or fauna, you will find places to enhance your knowledge while you are on a once in a lifetime vacation in Norway. This variety of things to do gives you the wonderful freedom of choosing exactly the experience you are looking for.

If you want to get your body moving, defy the elements, or perhaps push back some frontiers, Norway has endless possibilities. You can choose from mountain climbing, rafting, glacier hikes or rambles, paragliding, diving or take a hike in a Norwegian National Park.

Norway Vacations: Day 1 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 21:00:09 +0000

Glacier walking is an incredible experience, but it also demands alertness, knowledge and the right equipment. Glaciers are constantly moving and the deep crevasses and gorges can reveal ancient secrets, but they are also dangerous. To guarantee your safety you should use a certified guide and never venture out onto or near a glacier on your own.

Glacier walking is an exciting option for enthusiasts seeking a different and unconventional vacation. Remember the glaciers are in motions and the crevasses are often covered with snow. There is always a danger of ice collapsing even in front of the glacier.

Norway still shows traces of the Ice Age, when the entire country was covered by ice. Larger and smaller glaciers are found several places in Norway. Norwegian glaciers stretch their white caps across the mountaintops and other large areas, especially towards the west and north. The glacier reflects only blue light. It is a unique magical light. Glaciers are beautiful, exciting and impressive. The glaciers can shrink, change direction and change shape and color. Even several hundred meter thick ice is in constant motion and the arms of the glacier can grow several meters in only a few years.

Jostedals Glacier is the largest glacier in continental Europe and is considered the playground among skiers and ice climbers. The glacier is a part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park and has more than 50 glacier branches. With light playing on the ice and jade green glacial water trickling from beneath them, glaciers are truly spectacular natural phenomena and can be the arena for thrilling walks.

Norway Vacations: Day 2 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 21:00:40 +0000

Fishing in Norway is the opportunity to practice what anglers from all over the world have experienced since the early 1800’s in pursuit of big salmon and other game fish. 150,000 to 200,000 silvery Atlantic salmon are caught in Norwegian rivers every year.

Wild salmon is as highly prized today as it was before fish farming became so widespread along the Norwegian coast. Salmon fishing in rivers like the breathtaking Alta and the leisurely but potent pace of the Tana rivers in Finnmark, are famous for quality and abundance. There are over 450 productive salmon rivers in Norway.

Borselv, Karasjokka and Neiden are other good rivers for Salmon fishing. Farther south you will find other well-known rivers such as the Namsen and the Surna. In southern Norway salmon fishing is also good in the Lagen River in Vestfold.

There are few tastes that compare with the flavor of Norwegian Salmon. International chefs and gourmets who delight in its delicate color and fine texture devotedly appreciate this delicacy. Norway’s fresh wild salmon is only available for a few months of the year.

Salmon and trout fishing are subject to more restrictions than other species and some rivers that have low stocks are actually off-limit.

Things To Know Before You Go Salmon Fishing In Norway

Thu, 25 May 2006 21:01:15 +0000

Fishing in Norway can be a unique experience but can be spoilt by not having the correct tackle and accessories. Any fishing tackle and equipment used in Norwegian rivers must be disinfected prior to starting fishing. This disinfections includes your waders, jackets, fly boxes, lines, reels, rods and wading sticks. You will have to show a valid, signed certificate of disinfections to your fishing host.

In most Norwegian rivers the current is too strong to wade deeper than your knees but chest waders have the added benefit of warmth on cold days. Chest waders may also make it easier to fish in June when the rivers can be high. Most Norwegian rivers are powerful, particularly when there are high water levels. It is recommended you bring a wading stick and a wading life jacket. Remember that the water levels can change significantly within hours.

Most rivers in Norway allow 24 hour fishing all week, remember there is 24 hours of daylight in the Arctic in the early summer. Though there are some rivers that allow only fishing 6 days of the week.

The majority of Norwegian rivers have no rules on catch and release, but there are bag limits as a part of the salmon conservation.

Don’t forget to bring a good pair of binoculars as Norway is abound with birds, elk and deer, as well as wild flowers and fungi.

Norway Vacations: Day 3 Itinerary

Thu, 25 May 2006 21:01:54 +0000

There are a variety of extraordinary cycle tours in Norway. Probably the most renowned is the Rallarvegen trail from Haugastol to Myrdal and Flam. It’s a somewhat effortless excursion over the Hardangervidda mountain plain and down to the fjord at Flam. You will pass through thrilling high mountain terrain on a route that will also take you to the Navvy Museum where you can make a stopover to explore the history of how the railway and the road was built.

The choice of cycle routes is as varied as the many facets of Norway, from the mountainside to the Coastal Route. The description of a bicycle route along the Coastal Route is a combination between cycling and using other kinds of transportation.

The diversity of Norway’s vibrant scenic landscape offers a wide choice of exciting cycling adventures. Whether you prefer cycling on tranquil roads through deep forests, over high mountains or along lush valleys and fjords, you can set the pace, decide the distance and stop when you find a cozy café, a relaxing picnic spot or when you see something you want to explore more closely.

There are many well-planned cycling routes in Norway. A cyclist’s map, route description and other significant information is available. The trails are signposted with special signposts with many attractions in route. You can either rent a cycle or bring your own.

Jaeren offers pleasant cycle tracks and Sandnes is a cyclist’s paradise, with several routes of varying length around the town.
The flatter region around the fjords of Nordfjord offers breath-taking scenery.

The route from Horten to Helgeroa takes in the most heavily populated coastal region in Norway, but is still considered a great place for a cycle tour.

The Telemark Canal offers beautiful waterways with rivers, lakes and forested hills. It has a moderate terrain but becomes more challenging the further into the country you go.

The landscape in Buskerud features gently rolling hills with lush forest and waterways such as the Drammenselva River. Along the route are many nature reserves and conservation areas that protect unique natural phenomena, such as Fiskumyannet Lake. Both fauna and flora flourish in this fertile environment and can be enjoyed first hand if you are willing to make short diversions from the main route.

Haldenvas Sdraget is mainly characterized by forests, lakes and rivers. The rolling countryside in this area is a change from the mountainous areas and the rivers are long and narrow, only being interrupted by streams or channels acting as a link to the next lake.

Flat islets and skerries in peaceful coastal scenery characterize aust-Agder, where deposits from the last Ice Age have marked the landscape. There are many beaches and sloping rocks that are superb for swimming and sunbathing.

Rorosyidda is a gentle, friendly region of the mountains of Norway. Parts of Rorosyidda are a dairy farming district with deep valleys covered in birch and pine forests, but also naked, weather beaten mountains and small, picturesque villages are typical of the district. The centerpiece of this area is the mountain hamlet Roros, which was once the hub of copper production in this area.

Resources:

WWW.SALMON-FISHIG.NO
WWW.BIKE-NORWAY.COM
WWW.VISITORNORWAY.COM

Norway Overview and History

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:27:43 +0000

Norway - The People and Culture

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:32:46 +0000

Norway Activities And Attractions

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:51:10 +0000

Norway Major Cities and Regions

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:52:15 +0000

Beginner's Guide to Norway

Norway Vacations - Day 2 Itinerary

Norway Vacations - Day 3 Itinerary

Norway Vacations - Day 4 Itinerary

Norway Vacations - Day 5 Itinerary

Norway Vacations - Day 6 Itinerary

Norway Vacations - Day 7 Itinerary

Norway Vacations: A One To 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Norway Vacations: Day 1 Itinerary

Norway Vacations: Day 2 Itinerary

Things To Know Before You Go Salmon Fishing In Norway

Norway Vacations: Day 3 Itinerary

Norway Overview and History

Norway Overview and History

The First Norwegian Explorers

Norway's Viking Age

Norway's Swedish Invasion

Norway - The People and Culture

Norway - The People and Culture Overview

Norway's Ethnic Groups and Religion

Languages Of Norway

Norway's Culture

Norway Activities And Attractions

Norway Activities And Attractions Overview

Norway's Myths and Facts

Hunting And Fishing In Norway

Biking in Norway

Norway Major Cities and Regions

Norway Major Cities and Regions Overview

Eastern Norway

Fjords Norway

Northern Norway