Travel Blog
TOP FIVE PLACES TO VISIT IN NORWAY
Author: gatelesis
From the beaches of Jaeren in the south to the Lofoten Islands in the north, Norway has some spectacular sights. Whether it be Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Kristiansand, or Tromsø, each city has its own wonderful and unique charm. While the cities are filled with rich history and distinctive architecture, the nature between them has been known to be breathtaking and almost mystical. The reactions and feelings that the scenery invokes are everlasting as it never gets old.
Covering a stretch of three kilometers, Orre Beach (Orrestranden) is one the longest beaches Norway has to offer. The beach is peaceful, clean, and thriving with wildlife as it is part of the Jaeren protected nature area. Consisting of soft, golden sand with smooth dunes, Orre Beach falls along the Norwegian Scenic Route. The Friluftshuset can be found here, a cultural activity and information center where people can be found kayaking and bouldering.
If you seek the thrill of adventure and you are not afraid of heights, the hike to Preikestolen may be for you. The four-hour journey to the top of Pulpit Rock brings you to a 25 by 25-meter plateau directly above a steep 604-meter cliff that towers above the town of Lysefjorden.
If you think Preikistolen would be too easy for you, then Kjerag is the place to go. At the Majesty of Lysefjord, it is a 6 – 10 hour roundtrip hike where at certain spots, you have to pull yourself up and slide down wires to reach the highest peak in Lysefjorden. With an elevation gain of 800 meters, you will be 1,084 meters above sea level once you reach the top. The world-famous boulder Kjeragbolten rests there, and if you’re lucky, you might run across some base jumpers.
Trolltunga (the troll’s tongue) is a rock extending into a dramatic overhang 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake. With two different trails of 28 kilometers taking 8 to 12 hours and 20 kilometers taking 7 to 10 hours, calling Trolltunga a challenge would be an understatement. Trolltunga treats you with beautiful panoramic views along the way, but if you can make it to the tongue, it will be hard to find a view that compares.
If you are a fan of the water over the mountains, then the Lofoten Islands are perfect for your outdoor adventures. Lofoten has islands that you can kayak between, excellent fishing, the northern lights, and the midnight sun. There are villages and towns off the beaten path that are great to wander through and experience the local culture. Lofoten also has a strong linkage to the Viking Age with its historical culture and architecture. It is a focal point and cultural center for fishing, kayaking, skiing, and Arctic surfing.