Nestled near the Arctic Circle, Norway is home some stunning landscapes and must be on the bucket list of every traveler. The heart of Norway's allure, intriguingly, lies beyond its cities, in the rustic charm of its gorgeous outdoors – an untouched wonder waiting to be discovered.
Here are a few tips regarding on what to expect and how to plan your journey from India to this enchanting land:
1 - How to get there -
Arriving in Norway is simpler than you might imagine. Direct and budget-friendly flights link Delhi to Copenhagen and Oslo, the capital of Norway. If you land in Copenhagen, a brief flight to Oslo is a convenient next step, an option we personally experienced. Airlines like Norwegian and SAS offer seamless connections from Copenhagen to several Norwegian cities such as Bergen, Tromso, and Stavanger, apart from Oslo.
2- Visa Essentials for Indians -
For Indian travelers, securing a Schengen visa is essential to explore Norway's wonders. VFS Global facilitates the submission of necessary documents to the Norwegian embassy. It's wise to begin the visa application process well in advance – a couple of months prior to your planned travel date is recommended. Bear in mind, visa processing times can be prolonged due to factors like post-COVID rush or peak vacation periods, so expect your visa to arrive just days before your departure.
3 - Currency -
Norwegian Kroner is the currency of Norway. During our travels, the exchange rate hovered around 7 INR for 1 NOK. However, carrying cash is unnecessary, and airport currency exchanges offer less favorable rates. Most transactions can be conducted via card, with credit cards being widely accepted – even at fuel and recharge stations. You might consider a forex card with Norwegian currency. Always ensure to inform your bank in advance about your travel plans when you intend to use your credit card there.
4 - When to visit -
We visited during end of May and early June, that is the spring time in Norway. Temperatures were less than 10 degrees almost everywhere we visited, except for Oslo, where the temperature ranged from 11 to 14 degrees.
Summer months are mainly July and August. Most of the roads will be open in summer, especially Trollstigen ( that was closed when we visited). During summer, one can expect warmer days with less chances of rain. Also during the summer months, the sun doesn't set, providing longer daylight hours, hence you can make the most of your day!
However, summer season is the peak season for exploring the outdoors of Norway, so there will be crowds! Accommodation and flights will be more expensive and you will probably need to stand in line for viewing famous places like Geiranger fjord, Dalsnibba and Stegastein view point.
Hence we definitely recommend visiting during shoulder season. just carry thermals for kids and good jackets for everyone! and yes, waterproof shoes are great!
5 - Food -
Eating out in Norway can be expensive. If you are travelling on budget, it is better to cook most meals and enjoy a few in restaurants and cafes.
Expansive grocery stores provide a rich variety of essentials (yogurts, salads, eggs, bread, cheese, vegetables, fruits) enabling you to prepare meals if you opt for an Airbnb. If you wish, you can bring ready-to-eat food packets from India.
Pasta and pizza is easily available everywhere - popular choices for hearty meals.
The delectable Norwegian pancakes and hotdogs promise yummy and filling meals at affordable prices!
Indian food options may not be easily available outside of Oslo and other bigger cities.
6 - Accommodation -
Accommodation beyond Norway's cities can be limited, making advance booking crucial. Our personal preference leaned toward Airbnb, a cost-effective alternative offering amenities, local interactions, and the advantage of preparing your own meals. This not only saves money but also enriches your experience.
7- Transport -
While an Oslo Pass is useful within the city, we advocate venturing outside major urban centers to truly savor Norway's beauty. Renting a car for a road trip or using scenic trains and buses to traverse the landscape are both viable options.
Road trips unveil numerous possibilities. Norwegian roads are well-maintained and renting a car is a hassle free experience, so road trip should definitely be a consideration when travelling to Norway.
8 - Activities -
Norway caters to adventure enthusiasts with offerings like hiking, rock climbing, base jumping, and more. However, this doesn't exclude those seeking leisurely experiences. From glaciers to fjords and snow-capped mountains, Norway offers a diverse array of sights and experiences, without having to climb for hours or jump off a cliff ( though you can do that too!)
9) Is it child friendly?
Norway is a fantastic destination for family getaways, especially when traveling with kids! It's like a giant wonderland tailor-made for little adventurers, and it's also famously known as the land of Trolls – adding an extra dash of magic to the experience.
The city of Oslo, offers an ideal urban break for families, with numerous interactive museums (like the Fram) that are perfect for the curious minds . Alesund and Bergen aquariums are great places for family outings.
But the real charm of Norway lies in its outdoor treasures. Here, kids have the chance to unleash their natural curiosity and boundless energy. The vast outdoors becomes their playground, where they can run, jump, and discover to their heart's content.
10 - Is it safe?
Norway is an extremely safe country to visit. Crime rates are very low. But definitely do not leave valuables on the front seat of the car when you go sightseeing.
Very unlikely that you would encounter any dangerous animals.
Exercise caution near waterfalls and glaciers, keeping a safe distance or hiring a local guide for closer exploration.
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