Accommodations / Hotels in Norway
Bed & Breakfast accommodations are quite popular in Norway. Prices average about 23 euros for a single. Local Tourist Offices can give addresses if needed. If driving, the sign Rom or Husrom indicates their availability. In the mountains and elsewhere in the countryside, Chalets can be rented for the week. Prices vary according to the season, size, and furnishings of the cabin – from about 235 euros to 1200 euros per week. Due to the demand for cabins, reservations should be made in advance. Hotels ranging from luxury to economy are found in the towns and cities throughout Norway. A Norwegian breakfast buffet is always included in the hotel rate.
Attractions in Norway
Oslo
The capital city of Norway offers visitors a rich an interesting variety of experiences. Attractions include over 50 museums, historic buildings, parks, and upscale shopping areas. Oslo’s main street, Karl Johans, has a large number of shops and restaurants. Nearby are the Royal Castle and the Akershus Castle from the 12th century. Popular attractions include the Viggland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Nobel Peace Center. Nearby in the city center are the Basarhallene and the Museum of Space Technology. Other favorite sites to visit are the Tusen Fryd Amusement Park, the Norwegian Center for Design and Architecture, the Oslo Cathedral, and St. Hallvard Church & Monastery. Most of Oslo’s attractions are centrally situated and can be visited on foot. A favorite urban area is Grunerlokka with its ethnic restaurants, bars, nightspots, and shops. During the winter months, skiers can go to the Tryvann Winter Park that has 14 ski slopes and 6 ski lifts or to the Holmenkkollen with cross-country ski trails. For ice skating or tobogganing, go to Winter Olympic City from the 1952 Olympics. Nightlife in Oslo centers around restaurants and nightclubs.
Skiing
Skiing is Norway’s #1 winter sport. In 1994 the Olympics were held in picturesque Lillehammer and in this area are numerous lodges, trails, lakes, and chalets. For the novice, ski schools are found throughout the country. Both Cross Country Skiing and Alpine Skiing are very popular here.
National Parks
Norway has 22 national parks in which visitors can become acquainted with the natural diversity and richness of the flora and fauna of the country. Among these are Gutulia with its prehistoric forests; Femundsmarka at the Swedish border; Forollhogna, the habitat of herds of wild reindeer; Borgefjell, rugged mountainous country of lakes and rivers.
Boats
Throughout Norway numerous boating excursions are available and arrangements can be made through one’s hotel or the local tourist office. Excursions are of different lengths and include both sailing vessels and motorboats of various sizes.
Diving
Because of the moderating influence of the
Gulf Stream, sections of the Norwegian coast are excellent dive sites. Dive centers are found all along the coast. The area of Narvik is the site of many
sunken ships
Bicycling
Bicycling is extremely popular in Norway and an extensive network of bicycle routes covers the country. Bicycles can be rented in hotels, camping areas, sport shops, and tourism offices. The cost is from about 6 to 12 euros a day. Bicycles can be carried on trains for a small fee.
Hunting
Foreigners are not permitted to hunt on lands under government administration. They may do so on hunting sites on private property. Game animals popular to hunt are moose, deer, and reindeer.
Fishing
With it’s extensive coastline, lakes, rivers, and fiords, Norway is a fisherman’s paradise. Fishing in the sea is free, but a small fee must be paid to fish for salmon and certain trout.
Dining in Norway
The cuisine of Norway enjoys an international reputation. Many recipes incorporate traditional foods prepared in a modern style. As would be expected, the treasures of Norway’s lakes and coastal waters are a major component of its culinary fare – salmon, trout, and haddock. Wild game, especially deer, reindeer, and moose are favorite dishes. The national drink of Norway since the days of the Vikings is beer, a perfect compliment to the cuisine of Norway.
