NORWAY - in Your Pocket 2

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NORWAY - In Your Pocket 2 | 3

BE INSPIRED BY NORWAY TO HAVE AN ACTIVE HOLIDAY Walking from cabin to cabin in the mountains or going on a glacier walk is perhaps the best way to explore Norway. If you like cycling, there are lots of great routes to choose from, whether you prefer flat terrain or more challenging routes. There are lots of package trips including food and accommodation to choose from. There are also plenty of options for people who enjoy fishing. Try your hand at deepsea fishing, salmon fishing or freshwater fishing and you will have a good chance of landing a big fish. On a safari, you can see wild animals and birds at close range, including musk oxen, moose, eagles, whales and king crabs. Or how about a challenge like rafting down rapids, climbing or snowkiting? There are many customised trips to choose from in Norway – on foot, by bike, boat or car. They enable you to get the most out of your holiday. In winter, Norway has a wide range of alpine ski centres, both for beginners and more experienced skiers. Naturally, there are also opportunities for cross-country skiing trips on prepared, marked tracks. Winter is also the season for killer whale safaris, ice- climbing, dog sledding and reindeer sledding.

See exciting and recommended destinations on page 32 - 72 GO NORTH

CONTENT

Get to know Norway 4 Getting around 6 Where to stay 16 Activities in Norway 22 Food and drink 30 Southern Norway 35 Fjord Norway 38 Eastern Norway 52 Central Norway 64 Northern Norway 66 Norway A-Z 74 Norway on a Budget 86 Around Norway 90 Map Inside back cover GET TO KNOW NORWAY 4 | 5

LIFE IN NORWAY FOOD – A FRESH TASTE OF Norway is a modern country NORWAY that takes pride in its history, Awe-inspiring, unspoilt nature and in rural areas traditions are forms the perfect basis for nat- still very much alive. Life in the ural animal husbandry, and capital of Oslo, in the Hanseatic Norwegians know how to city of Bergen or in a small, exploit these resources. Enjoy northern coastal town can freshly caught cod from seem like completely separate Lofoten, tender reindeer meet worlds. You can visit them all in from Finnmark or juicy, sweet a matter of days – a good way cherries from Hardanger – all to gain a deeper understanding with the fresh and slightly dif- of Norway and the Norwegians. ferent taste of Norway. History, culture and lifestyle, Norwegian cuisine has also design and culinary traditions become well known interna- make life more interesting and tionally. The success is based complement the spectacular on products that thrive in pure scenery around the country. waters and fresh, clean air: Charge your batteries at a fish, shellfish and game, fruit, relaxed pace with friendly peo- fungi and numerous tasty dairy ple. If you have the opportunity, products. Even traditional spe- don’t miss Norway’s National cialities such as cured meats, Day, May 17. It is an impressive sour cream porridge and waf- and colorful display of joy and fles with goat cheese tantalise solidarity, with flags furling and the palate. Treat yourself to a Norwegians of all ages parad- taste of Norway! ing in their national costumes. A great many Norwegians still prefer to live in and in tune with nature. Better watch out; it could happen to you. © TERJE RAKKE / © MARTE KOPPERUD / IN NORDIC LIFE AS / FJORD NORWAY

MAY 17 IN OSLO © GUNNAR STRØM / VISITOSLO

A WORLD OF COLOUR AND long periods was ruled by both MUSIC Denmark and Sweden, the Easily accessible fjords and country had its own constitu- mountains are a natural source tion, as early as 1814, and in of inspiration for music, art and 1905 it once again became an the theatre. Ibsen, Hamsun and independent kingdom. The Munch are amongst those who Vikings built the long boats and have enthralled the world with plundered Europe as traders their depictions of people and and warriors. Travels started nature in this long country, and towards the end of the 9th cen- who hasn’t envisaged the tury and reached as far as mountains in Grieg’s music? Greenland to the west and to Cultural life is still thriving, and the Caspian Sea to the east. a number of new talents have Traces of the Vikings’ first seat succeeded internationally. Visit of power may be found at one of the numerous music Avaldsnes in Haugesund where festivals, outdoor performances this period is inspiringly docu- with the beautiful scenery as a mented. History made many backdrop. Or experience marks with e.g. the 6000 year- Norwegian and inter-national old rock carvings in Alta, now art in famous museums and on UNESCO’s world heritage small galleries. list. The country’s 28 remaining stave churches. These are com- HISTORY – IN THE FOOTSTEPS pletely unique to Norway. OF THE VIKINGS Church and coronation history The earliest indications of was written in Nidaros-domen human settlement in Norway Cathedral in Trondheim, the go back to 9000 B.C., but the largest religious structure in country was only united as a northern Europe. kingdom around 900 A.D. Despite the fact that Norway for GETTING AROUND 6 | 7

THE GEIRANGERFJORD © FRED JONNY HAMMERØ / MØRE & ROMSDAL FYLKE

ORGANIZED ROUND TRIPS Minipris costs from NOK 249 to Contact your local travel agency 499 for one way - unlimited or book round trips directly in distance. In order to access the Norway from Fjord Tours. free wireless internet access that Tel.: +47 815 68 222 is found on board most trains, www.fjordtours.com you must register on www.nsb.no TRAIN TRAVEL For more information visit One of the most relaxing ways of www.nsb.no seeing the wild Norwegian www.interrail.eu countryside is by train. www.eurail.com Norwegian State Railways (NSB) covers the entire country as far NSB customer hotline: north as Bodø. The Bergen Tel.: +47 815 00 888 (dial 4 for an Railway is an experience in a English speaking operator). class of its own, crossing “the For information about combined roof of Norway” between Oslo train/bus/boat packages, see and Bergen in a rail link between www.fjordtours.com east and west through beautiful and varied landscape. Most of TRY THE FLÅM RAILWAY the long distance train lines are One of the most beautiful railway scenic, including the Rauma Line lines in the world - an incredible between Dombås and Åndalsnes, train journey from the mountain which presents the tallest rock station at Myrdal on the Bergen face in Europe, Trollveggen. The Railway, down to Flåm station Nordland Railway between nestled in the innermost corner Trondheim and Bodø is one of of the Aurlandfjord. the few railways in the world that www.visitflam.com crosses the Arctic Circle. For low-cost travel, book Minipris (miniprice) at www.nsb.no! Europe’s most spectacular Train Journeys Discover Norway by train for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Norway has many scenic railways, of which the four most spectacular are the Rauma, Bergen, Nordland and Dovre Railways. From your window you will see mighty mountain ranges, river valleys, water- ords. You will travel through authentic and charming rural communities. From the variation in altitude, in a single trip you might experience both snow and glaciers and the green ﬁ elds of summer.

The trains in Norway are comfortable as well as environ- mentally friendly. Just take your seat, relax and enjoy the scenery.

The www.nsb.no/travel_inspiration site contains infomercials presenting the routes and the unique travel experiences that await you.

Welcome on board!

For more information and bookings: www.nsb.no www.scandinavianrail.com www.interrail.eu

The Nordland Railway - The train to the midnight sun The Dovre Railway - The trail of the trolls The Rauma Railway - The most beautiful train journey The Bergen railway - 8 | 9

HURTIGRUTEN, DOCKING IN BODO © ANDREA GIUBELLI / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

BUS TRAVEL For information on transportation Where the rail network stops, the from and to the airport, see bus goes further. You can get to www.avinor.no practically any little village you www.flybussen.no want to by bus. Usually it is not www.flytoget.no necessary to book in advance. (Oslo/Drammen area only) NOR-WAY Bussekspress operates south of Trondheim: FERRIES AND BOATS NOR-WAY Bussekspress Ferries and express boats Tel.: +47 815 44 444 operate from early morning until www.nor-way.no late at night. Ask at the local tourist offices for schedules. AIR TRAVEL In the summer season, sight- Considering its size, Norway is seeing boats offer several exceptionally well served by its departures per day from Oslo domestic airlines. There are and Bergen, and also from other about fifty airports and airfields, cities along the coast. making even the far north seem a quick jaunt away. The domestic HURTIGRUTEN airlines are SAS, Norwegian, Hurtigruten’s coastal steamers Widerøe and Danish Air Transport. sail up the coast of Norway, all Prices are generally low provided the way from Bergen right up you book well in advance. beyond the Arctic Circle to SAS- Scandinavian Airlines Kirkenes. The ships are regular System service vessels built to carry www.flysas.com freight, mail and passengers Norwegian along the 2,500 nautical miles of www.norwegian.com coastline. Calling at 34 ports en Widerøe route, it takes 11 days if you do www.wideroe.no the entire round trip. Mini Danish Air Transport Voyages, half round trips and www.flydot.no port-to-port sailings are DENMARK - NORWAY

Bergen New!

Langesund

Stavanger Kristiansand

Hirtshals

Sail with Fjord Line to the fabled fjords of Norway!

Starting May 29 2013, you can travel with MS Stavangerfjord from Hirtshals to Stavanger & Bergen. With new daytime sailings travelers will enjoy beautiful natural scenery of the coastline and shoals between Stavanger & Bergen.

In 2013 we will also offer a new route between Hirtshals and Langesund in Telemark. A large variety of popular summer and winter destinations are within 30 to 60 minutes from the port. In addition, Fjord Line Express, which takes you to Norway in only 2 hours and 15 minutes, will have up to three daily departures in the summer season. Book your trip on fjordline.com or call +47 51 46 40 99. 10 | 11

available. You can take your car CAR AND CARAVAN RENTAL on the ships, which means that As most car rental companies in you can drive one way and go on Norway are affiliated with one of the ship the other. For further the major international firms, details and bookings, contact you can simplify matters by your local travel agency or see contacting one of them in your www.hurtigruten.com own country and booking in advance (Avis, Budget, Europcar, MOTORING HOLIDAYS Hertz). Many of them are present Norway is a great place to spend at the airports. For information a motoring holiday and is easily regarding caravan and motor accessible from most European homes, countries. Regular car ferry www.camping.no services run from Denmark, www.nocc.no Sweden and Germany. The bridge over Öresund between Sweden MOTORCYCLING HOLIDAYS and Denmark enables you to One of the best ways of seeing drive from the Continent to the stunning landscape in Norway without taking any Norway is by motorcycle, ferries. especially when you want to visit www.oresundsbron.com some of the more remote places www.colorline.com not serviced by public transport. www.dfdsseaways.com For information, consult the site www.fjordline.com of the Norwegian Motorcycle www.stenaline.com Union, www.nmcu.org The Explore Norway Ticket

Using Widerøe’s Explore Norway Ticket, you can visit as many exciting places as you like. You have unlimited ﬂ ights for two weeks within the zones you select, and you can set up whatever itinerary you prefer. The Explore Norway Ticket applies to travel during the period from June 19 to August 27 2013.

North Cape Zone Finnmark

Lofoten Zone Nordland

Destinations in Norway per Des. 2012. With reservation for changes.

Zone Sydnorge One zone:

The Fjords 375 € Two zones:

455 € All of Norway:

535 €

Read more about it and book tickets at: wideroe.no/explorenorway 12 | 13

LÆRDAL TUNNEL, THE WORLDS LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL © CH / WWW.VISINORWAY.COM

NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTES WILD ANIMALS IN NORWAY The majority of road accidents The National Tourist Routes - involving wild animals, such as scenic roads for exploring elk, occur at dusk or dawn, Norway’s breathtaking especially during the winter. When landscapes - comprises 18 driving at these times you should selected stretches from north to show extra caution, particularly south. Mountains, fjords and where you see warning signs. All coastline form the core of the accidents involving animals travel experience. Bold should be reported to the Road architecture placed in magnificent Information Centre, even if you natural scenery gives the are not involved yourself. attraction its special character. Tel.: 175 www.turistveg.no (from abroad +47 815 48 991)

PETROL PRICES Break Down and Pick-up (average price August 2012 24 hour Emergency Service (for Unleaded (95 octane) NOK 14,83 members of AIT clubs) Diesel oil NOK 13,14 SAFETY REGULATIONS TAXI Taxis accept all major credit ALCOHOL cards, but make sure to tell the Drink-drive regulations are very driver how you want to pay before strict in Norway with frequent departure. controls. The permitted alcohol limit is 0.02 %, and if you exceed this, you face an extremely severe penalty. MEDICINE of Nordland, Troms and Some medicines are to be Finnmark, the dates are 1.5 to avoided if you intend to drive. 15.10 inclusive. In Oslo, Bergen These are marked with a red and Trondheim a fee is triangle. demanded for the use of studded tyres. More info on DRIVING LIGHTS www.piggav.no It is obligatory to drive with dipped headlights on during the SEAT BELTS AND HELMETS daytime, even on the brightest Use of safety belts is obligatory summer day. This rule applies to in back seats, if fitted, as well as all vehicles, including in front seats. It is also obligatory motorcycles and mopeds. to use a child seat or booster seat for children under 1.35 m/36 TYRES kg. Motorcycle and moped According to the Norwegian road drivers and their passengers traffic regulations, vehicles must wear helmets. should not be used unless they have sufficient road grip for the SPEED LIMITS road surface, if necessary using Generally the top speed outside winter tyres with or without urban areas is 80 km/hr. Within studs, chains or similar. Studded urban areas, the limit is 50 km/ tyres or chains may not be used hr and in residential areas 30 in the period between the first km/hr. Please note that both Monday after Easter and 31.10 manual and automatic speed inclusive, unless weather controls are frequent. conditions make it necessary. In Northern Norway, in the counties 14 | 15

DRIVING LICENSE VIKING REDNINGSTJENESTE A valid driving license from your Tel.: 06000 home country can be used in (from abroad +47 22 08 60 00) Norway for three months if you www.vikingredning.no are over 18 years old. If you are from an EEA country, your driving FALCK REDNING licence generally has the same Tel.: +47 02222 validity in Norway as in the www.falck.no country of issue. If you are from an area outside the EEA, and TOLL ROADS plan to spend more than 3 In Norway there are approximately months in Norway, please 50 toll roads, most of them are contact your local Norwegian automated. Visitors Payment is a Embassy to learn about the rules service to tourists who prefer a that apply for you. simpler payment scheme. You can register your credit card at www. ROADS autopass.no, and all fees will be The Road Information Centre deducted automatically. This provides information about road- allows you to use the Auto-Pass , driving- and traffic conditions lane at all toll roads. throughout Norway, including If you do not use Visitors Payment information about distances and or another scheme, you must pay ferries. Open 24 hours all year. in the manual tollbooths to avoid Tel.: 175 (from abroad +47 815 48 an extra charge. At the automatic 991), www.vegvesen.no toll roads you must pass without stopping and you will receive an NAF invoice in the post a few months www.naf.no, Tel.: 08505 later. (from abroad: +47 926 08505) For more information on Visitors For non-members of AIT clubs: Payment and a list of toll roads in Norway, www.autopass.no Direct into Norway from Europe

Have a look at our signature low fares from more than 100 destinations.

norwegian.com WHERE TO STAY 16 | 17

RORBU LOFOTEN © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

The choice of accommodation varies from first-class hotels to basic mountain huts far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even the more basic accommodation such as lodges and camping chalets are of a high standard.

HOTEL PASSES HOTEL CHAINS In Norway you will find several Best Western Hotels Norway passes, discount schemes and Booking: +47 800 11 624 cheque systems in operation www.bestwestern.no which are valid at hotels and offer reduced prices. The De Historiske - Hotels & Norway Fjord Pass® offers Restaurants substantial discounts on Booking: +47 55 31 67 60 accommodation at 150 hotels, www.dehistoriske.com guest houses, cottages and apartments all over Norway, and First Hotels also offers reductions on Booking: +47 23 11 60 80 activities and rental cars. A www.firsthotels.com single Fjord Pass® costs NOK 140 and is valid for 2 adults and Heritage Hotels any children under the age of 15. www.heritagehotels.no For more information: Fjord Tours AS Mountainfjord Hotels Tel.: +47 815 68 222 Booking: +47 57 98 88 00 (then press 2) www.mountainfjord.com www.fjordpass.no Nordic Choice Hotels For further information on Booking: +47 22 33 42 00 discount schemes and cheque www.choicehotels.no systems, check with the hotels directly or contact your local travel agency. oliday memories: H und, amazing mounta istorical gro ins, fjords, the capital... North, h 71°

Central Norway Fjord Norway North Norway

East Norway Welcome to our hotels! South Norway

Rica Hotels - a variety of hotels all over Norway Rica Hotels has more than 70 hotels centrally located in the proximity of the many exciting attractions in beautiful Norway and Sweden. We will take the same good care of you as we would with a well-loved guest in our own home – you are our most precious guest!

Enjoy Norway’s best hotel breakfast!* At our hotels you can look forward to a ﬁ ne, healthy, all-inclusive breakfast. A breakfast that gives you that extra burst of energy for the rest of the day and all it has to offer!

For more information and reservation, visit www.rica-hotels.com.

* Rica Hotels won the award “Twinings Best Breakfast” in 2012 for the seventh consecutive year with Rica Nidelven Hotel at the forefront. 18 | 19

PARK HOTEL HOLMENKOLLEN © RICA HOTEL

Nor Travels Trondheim/Værnes: Nordic Booking: +47 57 66 58 70 Choice Hotels, Radisson Blu www.nortravels.com Hotels, Rica Hotels

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts HOTELS FOR ALLERGY AND + Park Inn By Radisson Hotels ASTHMA SUFFERERS Booking: +47 815 160 91 The Norwegian association for www.radissonblu.com allergy and asthma sufferers www.parkinn.com can help with information about suitable hotels in Norway. Rica Hotels Please contact: Booking: +47 66 85 45 60 Norges Astma- og www.rica.no Allergiforbund Tel.: +47 23 35 35 35 Scandic www.naaf.no Booking: +47 23 15 50 00 www.scandichotels.no RORBU HOLIDAYS In the Lofoten islands in The Prominent Hotels Northern Norway, you can rent a of the Fjords traditional fisherman’s cabin, www.prominenthotels.com called a «rorbu». Fishermen used to come to Lofoten from Thon Hotels other parts of the coast for the Booking: +47 815 52 400 winter cod fishing season from www.thonhotels.com January to April, and would make these cabins their AIRPORT HOTELS temporary homes. Most have The following hotel chains are been modernised, and a number present at, or close to, the main of them have their own shower airports. See above for contact and toilet. Nowadays you will information: also find newly built fishermen’s Oslo/Gardermoen: Best cabins. Although most Rorbus Western Hotels, Nordic Choice are in the Lofoten islands, you Hotels, Park Inn by Radisson can rent these cabins all along Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotels, the coast of Norway from north Rica Hotels, Scandic, Thon to south. Hotels Prices range between NOK 600 Bergen/Flesland: Nordic Choice and NOK 1 800 per night pr. Hotels, Scandic, Thon Hotels rorbu. www.visitnorway.com Basic Hotels

Basic Hotels are centrally located hotels in Bergen that have all you need for a good night’s sleep “Luxury where it matters, Budget where it counts” from NOK 448 per person (approx. $ 75)

www.basichotels.no

Marken Gjestehus

Enjoy budget accommodation in the heart of Bergen. From NOK 195 per person (approx. $ 32).

www.marken-gjestehus.com

Storefjell Resort Hotel – a visitor center for the whole family.

Golsfjellet in Hallingdal, play area for children, walking standing 1001 m above sea paths and cycling trails. level, is situated between Oslo and Bergen in the mountain NO-3550 GOL between Rd7 and E16, on GPS Position: Rd51. The hotel features a mini N60 48 227 E 8 57 267 water park, wellness center, Tel.: (+47) 32 07 80 00 restaurant, horse riding center, [email protected] www.storefjell.com 20 | 21

THE SORRISNIVA IGLOO HOTEL IN ALTA, FINNMARK © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / INNOVATION NORWAY

(Where to stay/Fishermen’s PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION cabin) www.lofoten.info Bed & breakfast is developing in Norway – all of a high standard. LIGHTHOUSE HOLIDAYS Rooms are generally booked Several lighthouses along the through the local tourist office Norwegian coast offer on the day. You may find accommodation at various accommodation signs displayed standards. For more along roads or directly outside information, search for houses (Rom or Husrom). In “lighthouse” on larger towns, private rooms are www.visitnorway.com or priced from approximately NOK contact the local tourist offices. 350-500 for a single to NOK 450- 800 for a double, breakfast YOUTH AND FAMILY included. A B&B guidebook HOSTELS titled Norway Bed & Breakfast Norske Vandrerhjem/Hostelling Book provides a key to International Norway has reasonable accommodation. The around 80 youth hostels in book can be ordered from your Norway. Each hostel is unique local bookshop or found in but all offer the usual informal, bookshops in Norway. © KOPPERUD / welcoming homey atmosphere. www.bbnorway.com The majority of rooms contain 2-4 beds, but many hostels now COUNTRY OR FARM offer single rooms and family HOLIDAYS rooms (2 adults and 2 kids). Farm holidays in Norway are Members of Hostelling many and varied and farms all International are entitled to 10 over the country offer % discount on the listed accommodation. Guests usually overnight price. Breakfast is stay in their own comfortable often included but not all cabin or house, complete with hostels serve food. All hostels kitchen facilities, in or near the have a kitchen that guests can farmyard. Some farms also share. Bedding linen may be provide bed & breakfast. Many hired. Sleeping bags are not offer the opportunity to allowed. participate in various activities Hostelling International Norway and aspects of daily life on a Tel.: +47 23 12 45 10 farm. The quality, the activities www.hihostels.no and the prices of the various See also: farmhouse holidays on offer vary www.vipbackpackers.com a great deal. Farm holidays provide an excellent base for are classified 1–5 stars, activities and experiences in a depending on the quality, particular area. More facilities and activities available. information available on There is no standard price and www.visitnorway.com rates vary. Normally, the fixed (Where to stay / Farm Holiday) charge per plot for a 2-3 star or from HANEN - Rural tourism, site is NOK 80 to NOK 280, 4-5 traditional food and freshwater star is NOK 250 to NOK 420. fishing in Norway, Many campsites have simple www.hanen.no style cabins that can be booked in advance. Most cabins have CABINS /CHALETS electricity and heating, but note Called «hytte» in Norwegian. that you may need to bring Chalets come in various sizes bedding. Please check when and with various level of making your booking. The comfort. They normally house cabins are classified from 1 to 5 four to six people and are priced stars depending on size and between NOK 2 000 and quality, independent of the NOK 10 000 per week. If you classification of the campsite want to spend just one night in a itself. cabin and then move on, the Prices range from NOK 300 to solution is to rent a cabin on a NOK 1 400. campsite. For information about www.norgesbooking.com campsites, classification, the www.novasol.com Norwegian Camping Guide and www.dancenter.no Camping Key Europe, take a www.dansommer.com look at the site: www.camping.no CAMPING More details about other Norway has more than a campsites and useful thousand campsites, so you are information about camping are / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM bound to find somewhere to stay available on in the area you want. The sites www.nafcamp.com The Drammen Region - Let us suprise you!

Combine urban life in the city of Drammen with a wilderness expedition, or an art trip in Vestfossen with a round of golf in picturesque surroundings. www.visitdrammensregionen.no ACTIVITIES IN NORWAY 22 | 23

SPIN-FISHING IN HOLSELVA,HALLINGDAL © YNGVE ASK / INNOVATION NORWAY

Norway is characterised by wilderness and beauty and can offer many exciting experiences. It is important to treat nature with respect, know one’s physical limitations and take the necessary precautions. Proper equipment is a must. Pay attention to local advice about weather forecasts, etc. If you have little “outdoor” experience it is advisable to participate in group outings to be safe.

AERO SPORTS CANOEING Norges Luftsportforbund Numerous rivers, lakes and (Norwegian Air Sports fjords in addition to an extremely Federation) deals with every long coast, make Norway an conceivable form of aero sport ideal holiday destination for such as flying light aircraft, those interested in canoeing and gliding, parachuting, tandem kayaking. Conditions are good parachuting with an experienced all over the country. For more instructor, hang-gliding and specific information please paragliding, ballooning or flying check the site of the Norwegian model aircraft. For more Canoe Association, information about various www.padling.no or contact the classes or tandem parachuting regional tourist offices. contact: Norges Luftsportforbund CAVING Tel.: + 47 23 01 04 50 The county of Nordland offers www.nlf.no great opportunities for exciting caving adventures. For excellent facilities are situated information on the various caves all along the coast. Information and guided tours, search for about rules and regulations is “caving” at available at www.ndf.no (NDF www.northernnorway.com – Norwegian Diving Association). In case of emergencies call 113, CULTURAL HERITAGE or contact +47 55 36 45 50 for For information on cultural medical questions regarding heritage adventures and diving. accomodation in Norway, see www.olavsrosa.no ECOTOURISM Ecotourism is about unique CYCLING natural and cultural Cycling tourism is expanding experiences, about authenticity, rapidly in Norway. There are local distinctiveness and real numerous well-marked cycle encounters with people and routes along the coast, in the nature. In ecotourism, one is mountains and around the more conscious of nurturing and fjords. These routes can also be protecting the environment, the combined. Fully organized cultural heritage and the area’s cykling-holidays, maps and local inhabitants. For guide books relating to the information about certified various routes are available via ecotourism companies in www.cyclingnorway.no Norway, see www.ecotourismnorway.no DIVING The Norwegian coast offers FISHING extremely good opportunities for Everyone over the age of 16 who divers. Diving centres with wishes to fish for salmon, sea trout and sea char in equipment in watercourses watercourses must buy a fishing abroad or in watercourses licence. The licence is valid for where there are suspected or one year and is available online, proven cases of infectious at local banks or post offices in diseases, you must clean and

24 | 25 Norway. For 2011, the licence disinfect the equipment before fee was NOK 235 for one person using it in Norwegian rivers. In and NOK 375 for a family. In many watercourses there are addition you must buy a local disinfection stations, see fishing permit. Local permits www.mattilsynet.no are sold at sports shops, (search for Disinfecting your newsagents, tourist offices or fishing equipment). campsites. For most rivers, the fishing season starts in June GLACIER HIKING and runs until the end of August. Glacier walking is an exciting Sports fishing in the sea is free option for enthusiasts seeking a of charge. different and unconventional A maximum of 15 kg of saltwater holiday. However, it is imperative fish per person can be taken out that one should be accompanied of Norway. For more information by an experienced local guide. about sports fishing and fishing NB: The glaciers are in motion, regulations, please see which means that crevasses information on several metres wide and up to www.visitnorway.com/fishing 40 metres deep may be present. www.dirnat.no The crevasses are often covered (Outdoor recreation) or contact with snow. There is always a the local tourist office in the danger of ice collapsing – even area you wish to fish. in front of the glacier. Never go onto a glacier without a local Disinfecting fishing equipment guide. Keep well away from and other equipment steep glaciers and never venture If you have already used fishing under any glacier. It is possible equipment, boats or other to go for guided walks on several Kystriksveien - Road 17

KYSTRIKVEIEN FV17 © JARLE WÆHLER / TURISTVEG.NO

The coastal road Fv17 stretches from Steinkjer to Bodø and has often been called the world’s most beautiful tourist route. A host of wonderful experiences for those who enjoy slow travel. Order our travel guide! www.kystriksveien.com The Rauma Railway -The most beautiful train journey Dombås - Åndalsnes

A trip on the Rauma Railway is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular scenic areas in Norway.

Once aboard the train, just sit back and gaze out of the train’s large windows and enjoy the journey through contrasting, wild and magniﬁcent scenery.

From 25th May to 25th August the train has an electronic guiding system that provides information on the scenic sights along the route.

The www.nsb.no/travel_inspiration site contains infomercial presenting the routes and the unique travel experience.

For more information and to book tickets, see nsb.no/raumarailway, call +47 815 00 888 or contact a specialist on Scandinavia.

Europe’s most spectacular train journeys 26 | 27

JOTUNHEIMEN © CH / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

glaciers («bre» in Norwegian) are located around the Oslo fjord mainly from May to September. and the main cities of Bergen, For more information, search for Stavanger and Trondheim, but Glacier walk at there are also many fine www.fjordnorway.com and facilities elsewhere in the www.northernnorway.com in country, even north of the Arctic the English language section of Circle. Green fees vary from those sites. NOK 150-800. There are various glacier For a list of local courses, see information centres in Norway www.norskgolf.no/club offering film viewings, www.golfforbundet.no exhibitions, glacier models and more. For more information, HIKING please see: The country’s expansive www.nasjonalparksenter.no/ mountain ranges and high english plains make ideal hiking terrain. You can choose to carry your GOLF own tent, stay in hotels or family Golf in Norway is a fantastic hostels, or ramble from cabin to outdoor experience with many cabin. Please note that the interesting and highly hiking season starts mid June challenging courses. Norway and lasts till the end of has a wide range of courses September, depending on the (approximately 170) where green weather and the location. DNT, fee players are welcome. Most The Norwegian Trekking

GOLF UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN © LOFOTEN GOLF LINKS/ WWW.LOFOTENGOLF.NO RAFTING

Rafting is an invigorating participating varies from 8 and exciting activity for - 18, depending on the level adventurers and involves of difficulty/danger. Trips paddling down rivers and are arranged at several along open stretches in locations in Norway. Some rubber dinghies. White of the more popular water rafting is a risky locations for rafting are activity. Do not go out alone. Sjoa, Trysil, Voss, Oppdal We strongly advise that you and Setesdalen. For more participate in groups with a information, search for qualified instructor. The Rafting on minimum age limit for www.visitnorway.com

HADELAND GLASSVERK – a visitor center for the whole family.

You will find this 250-year-old attraction just an hour’s drive from Oslo at the southern point of the Randsfjord. See how fantastic crystal objects are made, and visit the exhibitions, Norway’s biggest sales outlet for crystal and porcelain, nine exciting shops and three unique cafés.

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Activities for people of all ages: ì%ORZ\RXURZQJODVV ì'HFRUDWH\RXUJODVV ì&RORUFDQGOHV\RXKDYHPDGH ì3OD\DUHDVIRUFKLOGUHQ www.hadeland-glassverk.no 28 | 29

HORSE RIDNING AT VENABU © MORTEN BRUN/INNOVATION NORWAY

Association, runs guided hiking especially in the south. In the tours of varying difficulty during north, temperatures may also the summer, including glacier be high enough to make walks: www.turistforeningen.no swimming possible. The website also contains Alternatively, visit one of the information about hiking areas, many indoor water worlds, trails, cabins, mountaineering which offer activities for both courses etc. More extensive children and adults: information about hiking on www.badelandene.no www.visitnorway.com (in Norwegian only)

SAILING WHALE SAFARI / NATURE The Norwegian coast and fjords SAFARI are a veritable paradise for those Whale safaris by boat are who like to sail. For more organized in Northern-Norway. information about sailing, contact In Vesterålen you can see sperm the regional tourist offices. For whales, killer whales and other an exciting and educational species from the end of May sailing experience, see until mid-September. In www.radich.no Tysfjorden, you can join a nature www.fullriggeren- sorlandet.no safari/killer whale safari from www.lehmkuhl.no the end of October until January. From November until March, RIDING you can join a nature safari in Horse trekking and riding Lofoten and learn about marine holidays are very popular in life in the areas surrounding Norway. There are a number of Svolvær. There is a good chance riding schools and farms you will see sea-eagles and offering riding lessons and perhaps even seals and killer summer camps for families, whales as well. individuals and groups. For more information, search for For more information about Horse riding on these exciting adventures, see: www.visitnorway.com www.whalesafari.com www.arcticwhaletours.com SWIMMING www.orca-tysfjord.no You will find many attractive www.lofoten-opplevelser.no swimming areas. Water www.lofoten.info temperature can reach + 20° C, (search for nature safari) PILGRIMAGE

NIDAROS © TERJE RAKKE NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

It is now possible to make a and other pilgrim trails in pilgrimage along sign- Norway and for information posted trails from Oslo to about accommodation, see Trondheim/Nidaros. www.pilgrim.info/en/ and For information about this www.culture-routes.lu

NORSK FOLKEMUSEUM IN OSLO

Meet the People of Norway! The many houses, fields and cobbled streets in the Open-Air Museum show history, traditions and life in Norway’s regions and towns. Gol Stave Church from 1200 AD is a major attraction. The indoor exhibits feature our national treasures of folk dresses, rose painting, wood carvings and Sámi handicraft.

Activities Folk dance and music Traditional crafts Christmas Fair GOL STAVE CHURCH © NORSK FOLKEMUSEUM www.norskfolkemuseum.no FOOD AND DRINK YOU SHOULD TRY 30 | 31 WHILST IN NORWAY

Enjoy homemade food, Norwegian ingredients and food with a local identity. Norway has a rich culinary heritage where top quality local ingredients and unique regional specialties are often the recipe for success. Ask for tasty Norwegian salmon for dinner. Try freshly caught cod from the Lofoten Islands, tender reindeer meat from Finnmark or succulent sweet cherries from Hardanger. For breakfast you should try the sweet brown cheese.

HERE ARE SOME Fårikål TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN Lamb simmered with cabbage DISHES and whole peppercorns. A typical autumn dish. Fenalår Cured and seasoned leg of a Smalahove lamb. Lamb’s head. The meat is salted, sometimes smoked, and dried. It is Pinnekjøtt then boiled and served with mashed Salted and dried, and sometimes swedes and potatoes. A traditional smoked, lamb’s ribs which are feast from Western Norway served usually steamed over birch during autumn and Christmas. branches. A typical Christmas dish. Tørrfisk (stockfish) Stockfish is unsalted, dried fish. Cod Multekrem is the most common fish used in the Dessert made of cloudberries production of stockfish, whilst other and whipped cream. white fish, such as pollack, haddock and ling, are used to a lesser degree. Lutefisk mushy peas and boiled potatoes. Stockfish softened in water and A typical every-day dinner. lye, then cooked and sometimes grilled. Typical accompaniments Brunost are potatoes, bacon, mushy peas Brown cheese with a sweet, yet and mustard. A typical somewhat sharp flavour with Christmas dish. notes of caramel. It is traditionally cut into wafer thin Norwegian salmon slices with a cheeseslicer and The Norwegian salmon’s distinct eaten on bread, toast or crisp and delicate flavour makes it an bread. excellent basis for attractive and tasty dishes, whilst at the same Gravlaks time satisfying the rigorous Dry-cured salmon, marinated in demands of the best chefs in the salt, sugar and spices. The world. salmon is left to ferment.

Rømmegrøt Reker Porridge made from natural Eat shrimps Norwegian style: sour cream. Served with butter, Peel them yourself, pile them on sugar and cinnamon. white bread, squeeze fresh lemon juice and mayonnaise on Pølse i lompe top, and sprinkle with dill. Hot dog in a thin ”tortilla” made from flour and potatoes. Buy it Aquavit from a kiosk, or buy them in a Norway’s national drink. It is a supermarket and have a potato-based spirit flavoured barbeque. with herbs such as caraway seeds, anise, dill, fennel and Kjøttkaker coriander. The preferred Minced beef rolled into balls and accompaniment to Christmas then fried. Served with gravy, food. NORWAY - exciting destinations 32 | 33

NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER THE ERSFJORD IN TROMSØ © BJØRN JØRGENSEN / VN

NORTHERN NORWAY If you really want to experience Northern Norway, you need to get out into the great outdoors. There are many wilderness safaris to choose from in Northern Norway on which you can see whales, eagles, sea birds and king crabs. The North Cape is mainland Norway's northernmost point – and the main destination for many people who visit this part of Norway. Here, you can really feel the breeze from the North Pole. Combine a trip to the North Cape with a voyage on the Hurtigruten coastal express, which calls at many harbors in Northern Norway.

GEIRANGER © SVEINUNG MYRILD / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

FJORD NORWAY Fjord Norway is famous for its easily accessible fjords and mountains, and it is perfect for activities such as hiking, glacier hikes, fishing, and cycling. We definitely recommend an organized fjord cruise, on which you can see steep cliffs and waterfalls up close in many places along Norway's 16,490 miles coastline. There are also many places where you can hire a boat or a kayak and explore the fjords on your own. BREKKESETER GUDBRANDSDALEN © MORTEN BRUN / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

EASTERN NORWAY Jotunheimen and Rondane national parks are popular destinations for mountain hiking and skiing, and for extreme sports. There are marked trails, more than 20 summits higher than 6,560 feet and many cabins where you can stay overnight. You can go on a musk oxen safari, a moose safari, try whitewater rafting, or take a guided walking tour of Oslo, capital of Norway. The Navvies' Road, which runs through a breathtaking high-mountain landscape between east and west, is Norway's most popular cycling trip.

NIDAROS CATHEDRAL TRONDHEIM © MARIUS RUA

CENTRAL NORWAY Stay in a traditional fisherman's style rorbu at the coast and spend your vacation deep sea fishing or fishing for salmon in one of the many rivers. Visit Røros, a whole town of wooden houses and one of the few mining towns in the world to be included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Trondheim has a varied, well-developed network of hiking trails in the Bymarka nature area right outside the city.

STANGHOLMEN, RISØR © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

SOUTHERN NORWAY The coast of Southern Norway is perfect for recreation, fishing, and boat trips for the whole family. Further inland, you can go hiking or canoeing, and the mountains offer many opportunities for climbing. The area also has stave churches, farms, and folk museums featuring Norwegian architecture, art and crafts, music, and dance. 34 | 35

Hurtigruten The North Cape

Hammerfest SVALBARD Kirkenes

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Arctic Circle Something new. Mo I Rana Something different.

U N E S C O the Vistenfjord Vega Norway is like a breath Helgeland CENTRAL NORWAY of fresh air, untamed Trøndelag Hurtigruten and full of hidden

Trondheim surpises! Kristiansund Molde Røros Ålesund Møre & Romsdal U N E S C O the Geirangerfjord

U N E S C O he Nordfjord t EASTERN NORWAY FJORD NORWAY Fjell Norway U N E S C O Urnes Stave Church nefjord the Sog U N E S C O Lillehammer Nærøyfjord Hemsedal Flåm Gjørvik U N E S C O Bergen Valdres rd jo rf e g Gardermoen n a rd a H e Oslo th d

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Hirtshals Frederikshavn DENMARK SOUTHERN NORWAY

STANGHOLMEN, RISØR © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

This is the realm of the Nordic summer. The region’s picturesque idyll can evoke strong emotions. Imagine the whitest, greenest and bluest colours in the colour scale and the sun shining on old wooden wharves. Welcome to a coastline with idyllic small islands and a bustling boating scene. The inner part of the region is also known for its historic canals that run through a veritable cultural treasure trove. For Norwegians, Sørlandet, And just 20 or 30 kilometres Southern Norway, is Norway’s further inland, you come to an Riviera. It gets more hours area with big forests, canals of sun than anywhere else in and lakes. Telemark and the the country. The region has a interior of Østfold are known beautiful coastline with myriad for their cultural landscape small islands, where you can go and their well-preserved, rich crab fishing and enjoy authentic traditions. The whole region maritime experiences – with comes to life in summer, offering the sweet scent of woodland a huge variety of cultural events and heather as a backdrop. and urban experiences. Throughout the year, the small picturesque houses of the HARDANGERVIDDA OSLO HARDANGERFJORD coastal towns shine brightly VESTFOLD against the blue ocean. The TELEMARK HOVDEN maritime environment in the LYSEFJORD SVINESUND SETESDAL south is unique, and in the LANGESUND SWEDEN STAVANGER EVJE ‘white towns’, you get the FARSUND ARENDAL GÖTEBORG feeling that you are still living LINDESNES in the Age of Sail. The areas HIRTSHALS SOUTHERN NORWAY FREDERIKSHAVN around the Oslofjord also offer fantastic nature experiences, DENMARK in addition to historical forts and relics from the Viking Age. SØRLANDET AND TELEMARK 36 | 37

TELEMARKKANAAL © VIDAR ASKELAND

LINDESNES FYR © WWW.INNOVENTI.NO, JP LEHNE GAUSTATOPPEN © ESPEN HALVORSEN

Only a short distance from Europe, Southern Norway is your natural starting point for a holiday in Norway.

Norway’s southernmost area The climate in Southern Norway consists of two regions, Sørlandet is mild, and its coast is famous for and Telemark. Allow yourself its countless beaches, sheltered to be charmed by Norway’s bays and myriad large and small picturesque south coast in islands. Boating, swimming, summer, by untouched forests fishing, kayaking and scuba diving and mountains, and a wild are popular activities along this and beautiful high mountain stretch of coast, which is popularly plateau. This is the sunniest known as ‘Norway’s Riviera’. area in Norway and it is ideal if you want to plan round trips. A short distance from the coast, you will find an inland belt dotted Southern Norway is not far from with forests, rivers, lakes and Europe and there are several daily valleys. A network of winding ferry crossings from Hirtshals roads criss-crosses the area, in Denmark to Kristiansand, enabling you to plan your own Larvik and Langesund. Using personal itinerary that is sure to these towns as your base, you give you unforgettable holiday have many exciting round trips memories. The mountain areas to choose from. It is also only a in the north of the region offer short distance to Oslo and the some spectacular walking in fjords of Western Norway. Since beautiful and refreshing mountain the opening of the 10.6-kilometre- terrain that ends up on Northern long tunnel between Rosendal and Europe’s biggest high-mountain Jondal in Hardanger in 2012, the plateau, Hardangervidda. fastest route between east and west is now via Southern Norway SIRDAL © TERJE RAKKE, RISØR © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE, SIRDALSFERIE AS NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

FACTS

Transport Hardangervidda, Northern Color Line: Hirtshals - Europe’s biggest high- Larvik, 3 hrs 45 min. mountain plateau Hirtshals - Kristiansand: Heddal Stave Church, 3 hrs 15 min. Norway’s biggest stave Fjordline: church Hirtshals - Langesund Hirtshals - Kristiansand Five highlights of Sørlandet 2 hrs (summer) Lindesnes Lighthouse – Kristiansand Airport Norway’s oldest lighthouse Kjevik and Sandefjord at the southernmost point in Airport Torp have good Norway connections both to the rest Lyngør – the island of Norway and abroad community voted Europe’s Several daily departures best preserved village by train on the Evje – Southern Norway’s Sørlandsbanen Railway activity centre between Stavanger and Kristiansand – Southern Oslo. Connects with trains Norway’s capital city and on the Vestfold Railway. cultural centre Daily express buses to Blindleia - between Oslo and large parts of the Lillesand and Kristiansand, region. one of the finest stretches of coast in Norway Five highlights of Telemark The Telemark Canal from Find suggestions for Skien to Dalen itineraries and round trips at Gaustatoppen, the tallest www.visitsouthernnorway.com mountain in Southern and Norway www.visittelemark.com Kragerø, the summer town where Edvard Munch Facebook: painted several of his most visitsouthernnorway famous paintings FJORD NORWAY 38 | 39

GEIRANGER © SVEINUNG MYRILD / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

The Norwegian fjords are famed as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Along parts of Norway’s extensive coastline, the sea cuts far into the mountainous interior. Where the mountain plateaus end, the mountains plunge hundreds of metres down into the water, and the contrasts with the surrounding mountain landscape create a wild harmony.

The views are never dull – Small mountain farms perch there are awe-inspiring sights on narrow mountain ledges around every bend. The drama and bear witness to the and beauty of Fjord Norway hard life of those who once are as impressive as they are eked out a living there. legendary. The fjords extend up to 200 kilometres inland, Fjord Norway has a well- where they surrounded by developed network of tunnels the mountains of the interior. and many examples of audacious road building. Many TRØNDELAG spectacular stretches of road KRISTIANSUND TRONDHEIM have been developed as National MOLDE Tourist Routes, and the biggest RØROS MØRE OG cities are famed for their long ROMSDAL GEIRANGER- history. The Hansa city of Bergen FJORD NORDFJORD is best known for its Hanseatic SOGN OG wharf, Bryggen, and the FJORDANE SOGNEFJORD Fløibanen Funicular. Stavanger BERGEN FLÅM HARDANGERVIDDA is a modern, cultural metropolis, FJORD NORWAY OSLO and the coastal towns of HARDANGERFJORD Kristiansund and Ålesund are known for klipfish and herring. HAUGESUND RYFYLKE Ålesund is also famous for its LANGESUND Art Nouveau architecture, while STAVANGER Molde is known far and wide for its international jazz festival. LINDESNES HIRTSHALS

F 40 | 41 THE STAVANGER REGION Everything within easy reach

STAVANGER / PREIKESTOLEN © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE

Magnificent scenery, a vibrant cultural scene and great culinary experiences. Welcome to a region you can’t help being enthusiastic about! Stavanger offers a multitude of Come and find out why the unforgettable scenic Stavanger region was chosen as experiences. European Capital of Culture in And everything is within easy 2008. reach – whether you want to experience majestic mountains, The Stavanger region also offers beautiful fjords or endless lots of great culinary sandy beaches. experiences. A good climate and A boat trip on the famous an active industry have made Lysefjord is a must when you the region one of Norway’s are in the Stavanger region. leading food-producing regions. Here, you can see the Pulpit You can visit small producers Rock (Preikestolen), which and taste some terrific food. You towers 604 metres above the can also visit the biggest food Lysefjord, and Mount Kjerag, festival in the Nordic countries, whose summit is 1,000 metres Gladmat. above the fjord. If you are looking for an active Welcome to an exciting and holiday, you can go walking, action-packed region! cycling, kayaking or surfing, or try kiting on the beaches.

The region also has a lively cultural scene and lots of exciting culture to offer, whether you are interested in history museums, innovative architecture or colourful festivals. FJORD CITY

FACTS

HEMSEDAL

Transport HARDANGERVIDDA It is easy to get to the HARDANGERFJORD Stavanger region – by bus, HOVDEN HAUGESUND SANDEFJORD train, boat and plane. TELEMARK RYFYLKE LYSEFJORD SETESDAL LANGESUND Several daily STAVANGER ARENDAL departures from/to Oslo, SØRLANDET

Bergen and Kristiansand FLEKKEFJORD MANDAL LINDESNES Flaggruten express boats: HIRTSHALS Two daily departures from/ to Bergen and Haugesund Stockholm - Four flights Several daily a week departures from/to Aberdeen - 5 return Kristiansand and Oslo flights daily. Car ferry from Newcastle - 4 return Hirtshals, Denmark flights weekly. Sola Airport, Stavanger has good connections Welcome to an exciting to e.g.: region! Oslo - up to 24 arrivals daily Region Stavanger BA Frankfurt - 3 return Tel.: +47 51 33 55 55 flights daily. [email protected] Berlin - 2 flights a week www.regionstavanger.com Amsterdam - 5 return flights daily London - 5 return flights daily. Copenhagen - 4 return flights daily. 42 | 43

BERGEN HAUGESUND STAVANGER VISIT HAUGESUND

The Haugesund area is rich in history - particularly from the Viking Age and the period when Norway was unified as a kingdom. We also offer a wide range of scenic experiences, every thing from our rocky coastline and heathlands to mountains, fjords and waterfalls. The area also plays host to festivals and cultural events, and is excellent for boating and bathing, golf, extreme sports, urban life and shopping.

Watch We recommend: movie! Avaldsnes - Norway’s birthplace Skudeneshavn - A white haven by the north sea Island hopping – to Utsira and Røvær Destination Haugesund Akrafjord & Langfoss & Haugalandet AS – one of the world’s most Strangaten 171, NO - 5525 Haugesund beautiful waterfalls Tel.: (+47) 52 01 08 30 Haugesund [email protected] – seaport and culture town www.visithaugesund.no Enjoy the ttruerue Bergen view

The Fløibanen funicular, Bergen’s most popular attraction, runs to Mount Fløyen and the trip takes about seven minutes. From the impressive viewing area up on Mt. Fløyen, you can enjoy magnifi cent views of Bergen and the surrounding mountains and fjords. In addition to many walking trails, Mt. Fløyen also has a restaurant, café, souvenir shop and play area for children. The lower station of the Fløibanen funicular is situated right in the city center, just 500 feet from the Fish Market. The Fløibanen funicular, the only cable railway in Scandinavia, runs every day all year round. In summer, it runs from early morning until midnight. www.flwww.fl oibanen.nooibanen.no

FOTO: PÅL HOFF, NORPHOTO/ ROBIN STRAND, MATJAZ INTIHAR NORPHOTO/ ROBIN STRAND, MATJAZ FOTO: PÅL HOFF, Fløibanen Vetrlidsallmenningen 21, N-5014 Bergen Tel: +47 55 33 68 00 Fax: +47 55 33 68 01 E-mail: info@ﬂ oibanen.no ... perfect moments

WWW.FOLGEFONNI- BREFORARLAG.NO © PÅL HERMANSEN

TROLLTUNGA ROCK IN ODDA, WITH THE FOLGEFONNA GLACIER BEHIND KAYAKING IN EIDEFJORD © STIG TRONVOLD © WWW.FLATEARTH.NO

THE HARDANGERFJORD – A PARADISE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE An exciting European tourist destination since the 19th century. The Hardanger region is not far from Bergen and is known as one of the most beautiful areas in Norway. Magnificent scenery that is great for hiking and outdoor adventures. Traditional good hotels, cabins and great campsites. Enjoy active or relaxing days by the fjord in Hardanger. www.hardangerfjord.com BERGEN The Gateway to the

44 | 45 Fjords of Norway

BRYGGEN, BERGEN © BERGEN TOURIST BOARD / ROBIN STRAND

Bergen is relatively small compared to other European cities, but it has all the more to offer those looking for new experiences.

Its diversity and many options surroundings: Seven make Bergen impossible to magnificent mountains and categorize. Here, history and beautiful fjords form the strong traditions live side-by- backdrop to an international side with a vibrant cultural but at the same time scene. The legacy from the time distinctively local atmosphere of the Hanseatic League goes that makes an indelible hand-in-hand with the city's impression on everyone who present-day status as a visits the city. European City of Culture, and both these elements are clearly Set aside three days and we present in the city. guarantee you will leave with impressions and experiences Bergen is unique, not least you will never forget: because of its fantastic location and world-famous FJORD CITY

Day I Day III Start the day with a walk around Visit Bergen Aquarium and take the Fish Market and Bryggen a fjord trip. Enjoy a great Hanseatic wharf. Visit one of the seafood meal, and finish off the city's many museums – some of evening at one of the city's many which have unique art cultural venues. collections – before looking at the shops.

Day II Take the Fløibanen Funicular or the Ulriken cable car up to the mountains and enjoy the views of the city. The trails up in the mountains are perfect for hiking. Visit idyllic Old Bergen. Finish the day with a concert at Troldhaugen, the home of composer Edvard Grieg. BRYGGEN-BERGEN © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM WHAT'S ON IN BERGEN, THE CITY OF CULTURE

46 | 47 March 9 to March 15 Opera: 'The Cunning Little Vixen' Norwegian première of Leoš Janáček' fairy-tale opera.

May 22 to June 5 Bergen International Festival Bergen International Festival is the biggest music and theater festival in the Nordic countries.

May 22 to June 1 NATTJAZZ/Nightjazz NATTJAZZ is Northern Europe's longest jazz festival.

May 26 The 4-mountain and 7-mountain hikes The 7-mountain hike will be held for the 59th time in 2013. This event has become a big attraction with thousands of participants – enjoy magnificent views of the city from most parts of the route.

June 1 to September 30 Lunch concerts at Troldhaugen, daily Half-hour concerts in Troldsalen provide an introduction to Edvard Grieg's music.

June 12 to June 15 Bergenfest – music festival An all-round music festival with a profile that embraces many genres and styles.

August 1 to August 4 Fjordsteam 2013 One of the highlights of the year in Bergen – Fjordsteam 2013 features a fantastic collection of old boats, the history of road transport, crafts, technology, culture, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace and big crowds congregating around the harbor.

September 6 to September 8 Bergen Food Festival - Bønder i by'n Bergen Food Festival is Norway's biggest local food festival. The aim is to bring producers and consumers closer together. The result is a fantastic marketplace with a huge diversity of Norwegian products and producers.

Read more about what's on in Bergen, the City of Culture at www.visitBergen.com/events The Bergen Card gives you free or discounted admission to museums, attractions, sightseeing and cultural events, free bus travel and discounts on meals and parking. The card can be purchased at the Tourist Information.

FACTS

Transport: LILLEHAMMER / Bergen – easy to get to HAFJELL regardless of how you choose to travel. SOGNEFJORD BERGEN

OSLO Bergen Airport Flesland HARDANGERFJORD HOVDEN has good domestic and international connections. LARVIK You can fly there direct STAVANGER from more than 30 destinations in Europe. Ferry from Denmark to Bergen with Fjord Line. Distances: Bergen is a turnaround port Oslo – 515 km for the world-famous Stavanger – 210 km Hurtigruten coastal Ålesund – 385 km express. The Bergen Railway Contact us: between Oslo and Bergen Bergen Tourist Board has been ranked one of the Tourist Information world's greatest train Strandkaien 3 journeys. Tel.: +47 55 55 20 00 Several departures [email protected] daily to/from the fjord www.visitBergen.com region, and Oslo. Approx. seven hours from Oslo by car.

A short ﬁlm will introduce you to the charms of Bergen. The Gateway to the Fjords of Norway 48 | 49 MOLDE & ROMSDAL KRISTIANSUND & NORDMØRE

THE ATLANTIC ROAD © TERJE RAKKE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

Experience the world's most beautiful car journey: the Atlantic Road and the Trollstigen Road.

OUR NATIONAL TOURIST THE COASTAL TOWNS OF ROUTES, THE ATLANTIC MOLDE AND KRISTIANSUND ROAD AND THE The opera and klipfish town of TROLLSTIGEN ROAD Kristiansund is located in a The Atlantic Road, which runs beautiful setting on four islands between Molde and connected by bridges at the Kristiansund, winds its way ocean's edge. Take a trip on the over bridges and causeways Sundbåten boat, the world's from islet to islet right out at oldest mode of public transport the ocean's edge. The Atlantic still in operation. Molde is Road topped The Guardian's list known for its jazz, roses and of the world's most beautiful panoramic view. Take the trip up road trips. You can fish from to the Varden viewpoint (407 fishing bridges or a boat and metres) and admire the magical are almost guaranteed to catch Molde panorama with its 222 something. Norway's most summits. visited National Tourist Route, Trollstigen, winds its way from AN ACTION-PACKED the floor of Isterdalen valley up ROUND TRIP to Stigøra (858 metres). You Take a boat trip from Kristian- cross Stigfossen waterfall on sund to the little island of Grip, an impressive stone bridge. It is continue in the direction of the also possible to walk up Atlantic Road and visit Kvernes Trollstigen on the old Kløvstien stave church. Try kayaking or bridle path. a cycling trip, learn about the history of the Viking longships at the fishing village of Håholmen and about World War II history at Ergan Coastal Fort in Bud. Take a round trip by bus from Molde to Geiranger and return on the Hurtigruten coastal express via Ålesund in the evening. There are spectacular walks in the area, such as the Fjord Route near Kristiansund and the Romsdalseggen ridge near Åndalsnes. Or you can drive the Aursjøvegen mountain road, which is possibly even more dramatic than the TROLLSTIGEN ROAD © TERJE RAKKE / VN Trollstigen Road. Take your time and experience more!

FACTS

KRISTIANSUND Transport MOLDE By car from Oslo RØROS MØRE OG Molde 310 miles ROMSDAL GEIRANGER- Kristiansund 350 miles FJORD The Hurtigruten NORDFJORD SOGN OG coastal express calls twice FJORDANE daily at Molde and SOGNEFJORD Kristiansund. Kystekspressen express boat to/from Trondheim and Kristiansund. To/from Åndalsnes and Oppdal, with bus connections to Molde and Destination Molde & Kristiansund. Romsdal The Timekspressen Tel.: +47 71 20 10 00 bus service between www.visitmolde.com Kristiansund-Molde- Ålesund-Ørsta. Kristiansund Airport Kvernberget and Molde Airport Årø have daily domestic flights to/from Oslo, Bergen, and Destination Kristiansund Trondheim. & Nordmøre Tel.: + 47 71 58 54 54 www.visitkristiansund.com ÅLESUND & SUNNMØRE 50 | 51

KAYAKING IN ÅLESUND © FRED JONNY HAMMERØ GEIRANGERFJORD

THE GEIRANGERFJORD © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE

The world famous fjord landscape and the unique Art Nouveau town – an almost unbeatable combination of nature and culture.

THE GEIRANGERFJORD ÅLESUND - THE ART The Geirangerfjord is so unique NOUVEAU TOWN that it has been included on Ålesund has been voted UNESCO's World Heritage Norway's most beautiful town, List and has been a visitor and it has many experiences attraction ever since the middle to offer! Lift your gaze as of the 19th century. See 'the you wander around the Art Seven Sisters' waterfall as it Nouveau town and you will cascades down towards the discover myriad spires, towers fjord, surrounded by the many and beautiful ornamentation mountain farms that cling to adorning the facades of the steep mountainsides. buildings. Walk up the 418 steps to the top of mount Aksla and you will be rewarded enthusiasts will find a favourite with a panoramic view of the spot here, maybe at Stranda Ski coast, fjords and mountains. Resort, which has been voted Norway's best ski centre for CLOSE TO NATURE powder snow skiing. Recharge Experience teeming bird life on your batteries on a cycling or the bird island of Runde and be kayaking trip, and try your luck captivated by picturesque Alnes fishing in waters that abound in lighthouse. Sail up the magnificent fish. Get your adrenaline going Hjørundfjord, or experience on a whitewater rafting trip the seasons at first hand on or a sea safari, or explore the a walk in the Tafjordfjellene Geiranger to Trollstigen National mountains, the Sunnmøre Tourist Route, perhaps Norway's Alps and the mountains in most breathtaking road. the Geirangerfjord area. In winter, even the biggest skiing

FACTS

KRISTIANSUND Transport MOLDE By car from Oslo RØROS MØRE OG Ålesund 340 miles ROMSDAL GEIRANGER- Geiranger 270 miles FJORD The Hurtigruten NORDFJORD SOGN OG coastal express calls twice FJORDANE

daily at Torvik and Ålesund, SOGNEFJORD and at Geiranger between April and August and at the Hjørundfjord in September and October. To Åndalsnes, then by bus to Geiranger and Ålesund, and other places in the region. Several daily arrivals Destination Ålesund & from Oslo, Bergen and Sunnmøre Trondheim. Tel.: +47 70 15 76 00 Ålesund Airport Vigra www.visitalesund.com has good domestic connections and direct services to Amsterdam (new April 2013), Gdansk (new April 2013), Las Palmas, Alicante, Riga, Copenhagen and London. Destination Geirangerfjord Ørsta/Volda Hovden Airport Tel.: + 47 70 26 30 99 to - from Oslo Gardermoen. www.visitgeirangerfjord.com EASTERN NORWAY 52 | 53

BREKKESETER GUDBRANDSDALEN © MORTEN BRUN / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

Turn your back on the bright city lights and set off on an adventure into one of the world’s last wildernesses, where wolves, bears and the gigantic musk oxen still roam free. This is the mythical realm ruled by the trolls, at least for those © KOP who believe in them.

Eastern Norway is known for the trails await you and make the wide expanses and mountains mountains easily accessible. of its national parks, for stave There are lots of accommodation churches and its lively and options. You can camp charming small towns. In the practically anywhere, stay in mountains, you are so high up well-equipped hotels in towns that you can almost touch the and cities, or try a traditional, blue sky with your fingertips. You rustic Norwegian cabin. discover dramatic landscapes and get to see untouched nature close up. The region has the highest RØROS summits in Northern Europe EASTERN NORWAY that are covered in snow all year FJELLNORWAY round, with jagged peaks and DOVRE LILLEHAMMER / HAFJELL beautiful undulating formations. BESSEGGEN TRYSIL VALDRES Standing on the top of Besseggen HEMSEDAL HAMAR GJØVIK ridge with its 360-degree view GEILO GOL makes an impression you will HALLINGDAL never forget. It opens your mind. HARDANGERVIDDA OSLO

The wilderness can be as wild VESTFOLD HORTEN as you want it to be, but you can TØNSBERG SANDEFJORD also go on gentle walks through SVINESUND wide expanses, where thousands LANGESUND STRØMSTAD of kilometres of waymarked THE BEST The Fram MuseumMUSEUM IN OSLO - www.tripadvisor.com, 2012 Spectacular Northern Lights experience Freezing cold dark walk – if you dare! Exciting and interactive in 10 languages Framheim bar & cafeteria Explore the Northwest Passage - new building opens in 2013.

PPERUD / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

opens 2013 opens 2013

Join us on “Fantastic!! The guidebooks really don't do it justice!” “Outstanding: the best of the Bygdøy museums” “The best thing to see in Oslo” “One of the best museums I´ve ever seen” “Fascinating displays” “Captivating photos” “Not to be missed” “Unexpectedly fantastic” - tripadvisor.com

www.frammuseum.no

The Fram Museum // Bygdøynesveien 36 // 0286 Oslo // Norway // Tel: + 47 - 23 28 29 50 FJELL NORWAY

54 | 55 FRESH AND UNSPOILED!

HIKING IN FJELLNORWAY © TERJE RAKKE / NORDIC LIFE / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

FjellNorway is Lillehammer, Jotunheimen and Rondane, hiking up Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, or along the beautiful Besseggen ridge. Fresh air, clear lakes, magnificent mountain landscapes – luxury for everybody. You can go on glacier walks and cycling trips, go horseback riding or rafting. Find peace and quiet in the clear mountain air!

LILLEHAMMER Dovrefjell are the best known. Lillehammer is a great place for Here, you can experience the most a family holiday. Meet the trolls popular hike in Norway, completed from traditional Norwegian fairy by more than 40,000 people each tales in the Norwegian Troll summer: the walk along the Park at Hunderfossen, which Besseggen ridge. The highest offers 50 exciting attractions for mountain in Northern Europe, both children and adults. Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres) is Several destinations in the also an easy hike for people of Lillehammer area offer cabin or average fitness. This area, which hotel accommodation that have attract hikers from all over the a broad range of activities right world, has the country’s highest on their doorsteps. Cycling trips, concentration of Norwegian walks, horseback riding and Trekking Association (DNT) cabins canoeing are just some of the and walking trails. activities on offer. SJOA NATIONAL PARKS One of the worlds best water The FjellNorway region boasts sports rivers, Sjoa, is located in several national parks, of which the FjellNorway region. The Jotunheimen, Rondane and activities available here vary from family rafting to spectacular wild reindeer and hardy musk extreme rafting. Glacier walks, oxen. canyoning and exploring caves are also among the activities you can CLIMATE PARK enjoy in FjellNorway. Climate Park 2469, where you can walk in a tunnel carved in VIEWPOINT SNØHETTA 6,000-year-old glacier ice, is A visit to Viewpoint Snøhetta, located near the Juvasshytta cabin which won the title World in Jotunheimen National Park. Building of the Year in 2011, is a Jotunheimen was named as the must. In this area between the best hiking destination in Europe national parks of Dovrefjell and in 2012 by the Royal Dutch Rondane, you can experience Mountaineering Association (NKBV).

FACTS

Tourist information between buses, trains Most towns and areas have operated by the Norwegian their own tourist State Railways (NSB), or information offices. Look express coach services for the sign with the big ’I’ between the cities of Oslo, against a white background. Bergen and Trondheim. Kiosks and small shops Lonely Planet recently often also serve as tourist named the Rauma Line as information points. the most beautiful rail journey in Europe. Public transport Travelling to Norway or in Norway, you can choose 56 | 57 THROUGH BESSEGGEN The hike across Besseggen ridge is one of the most famous mountain hikes in Norway, if not the most famous. Three boys, three we packed all we might need generations: Terje (60), in our backpacks, but making Martin (36) and Sebastian (10) sure they were not too heavy.

The amazing views of the wild We were ready at nine Jotunheimen mountains and o'clock on the dot, and the the feeling of mastery you weather was fantastic – get on the steepest sections clear blue skies without were what attracted us to do a cloud to be seen. this hike, which goes between Gjendesheim and Memurubu. We expected to take between Besseggen ridge is 16 six and eight hours, although kilometers long, and 1743 some people take longer. meters at its highest point. It depends on what shape you are in and how many We drove to Gjendesheim breaks you take en route. and took the afternoon boat Finally up on Besseggen to Memurubu to do the ridge, we could admire hike across Besseggen and the view of the green back to Gjendesheim. The Gjendevannet lake (984 whole route is signposted meters) 400 meters below us, with cairns and red Ts, with the deep blue Bessvatnet and, if you take due care, lake (1374 meters) on the it is not dangerous at all. other side. The fact that Gjendevannet lake is green After a pleasant evening with shows that it is a glacial a good dinner and a good lake. Small particles from night's sleep at Memurubu glaciers float in the water, cabin, we were ready for the creating a refraction effect challenge. We were advised to that produces a strong green take plenty to drink and some color, particularly when the food with us, as well as extra sun is shining. Bessvatnet clothes. So, to make sure we lake is not supplied by glacial would really enjoy the hike, water, which is why it is blue. July 2, 2012, 13:30 ,b;\Ê·¹·b I;·Ð·¹yb·I;¹· ¹y;¹·È{·¹;b·Á°·¹· b ÁÁIÁY· Èybb·Èb·È{·°b\·¹yb·{sy¹

July 3, 2012, 09:00 ·p;¹;°¹{S·Èb;¹yb·È{¹yÁ¹·;· © TERJE KARLUNG SÁ\·{·¹yb·°ÊY·Èb·y;Çb· °¹;¹b\·¹yb·p{°¹·°¹bb·;°Sb¹ Tips :

ì It is a good idea to start from ì :HDUORRVHILWWLQJFORWKHVDV Memurubu, where you can there is some climbing stay the night and enjoy a good involved.

58 | 59 breakfast before setting off. ì *RRGIRRWZHDULVUHDOO\ This is the best route, and the important. one most people take. ì *HWWLQJWKHUHE\EXVWKH Alternatively, you can take the Valdresekspressen service morning boat in and start right from Oslo or Sogndal to away. If you are in really good Gjendesheim, or from Otta shape, you can also choose to with the bus company walk along Gjendevannet lake Ottadalen bilag. in one direction. ì 7KHRSSRVLWHGLUHFWLRQLVDOVRD You can do the hike across popular alternative. Besseggen ridge from early ì 5HPHPEHUWKDW\RXDUHJRLQJ summer until well into to be outdoors for a whole day, autumn. The high season for so take plenty of food and hikers is July and August, and drink with you. the first weekends in ì 7KHZHDWKHUFDQFKDQJH September. quickly in the mountains, so take extra clothing along.

July 3, 2012, 10:30 Ñyb·p{°¹·Ib;·¹·bÊ·¹yb· p;¹;°¹{S·Ç{bÈ·p·¹yb·¹Áyb{ b· Á¹;{°Y·y;Çb·;·I{¹b·¹·b;¹· ;\·s;¹yb·Á·°¹bs¹y·p·¹yb· b°¹·p·¹yb·y{b July 3, 2012, 11:00 © TERJE KA RLUNGUNG 6b·È·y;Çb· b°°bssb·{\sb· {·Á·°{sy¹±Y·È{¹y· b°°Ç;¹· ;b·Ð·Ðb·°{\b·;\·b\b· ;b·Ð·¹yb·¹yb

July 3, 2012, 12:30 bbY·¹yb·¹;{·;°Sb\°·; ±¹· Çb¹{S;ÊY·°·{¹¬°·sÐ\·¹·y;Çb· ;·Ib;·;\·°Ð b¹y{s·¹·b;¹

July 3, 2012, 14:00 ·y;Ê·s;sn·0·;¹·¹yb·y{syb°¹· Ð{¹·Ð·¹yb·y{bY·Y´r»· b¹b° · ·p;¹;°¹{S·y{b·{°·;;Sy{s· {¹±·b\³·p¹Á;¹bÊ·{¹¬°·;· \Èy{·pÐ ·ybb n © TERJE KARLUNG SANDEFJORD 60 | 61

SANDEFJORD © NILS KAVLIE-BORGE

Welcome to the friendly seaside town of Sandefjord, which is blessed with a long and beautiful coastline in addition to having rich historical heritage. Sandefjord is located 120 km south of Oslo with Torp Sandefjord Airport only 10 km away from the town. The ferry from Strømstad, Sweden arrives directly in the town centre.

The nature that surrounds the The town centre is small enough town centre calls for active day to be able to walk around easily, trips. The environment is perfect with lots of different types of for hiking along the coast or products to see and buy, and a through the woods, paddling in a variety of parks to enjoy. kayak or a canoe, fishing in the You will also enjoy many great lake, and, not least, riding a bike dining experiences. Geir Skeie, across the flat and cycle-friendly winner of Bocuse d’Or 2009, countryside. offers seafood at the edge of the wharf, and the town is home to Take part in the history of several distinguished chefs. Sandefjord with memories from Offers for overnight stays await the Viking Age, the glory years of you, as a guest, in all categories. its rise in popularity as a Spa Town in the 19th Century, the Whaling Period, as well as modern times, INFO of course. The historic grave site, Gokstadhaugen, where the Visit Sandefjord famous Gokstad Viking ship was Kurbadet - Thor Dahlsgt. 7 excavated, the distinct building of N-3210 Sandefjord the health spa, the whaling Tel.: +47 33 46 05 90 museum (Hvalfangstmuseet), [email protected] Dakota Norway and the Midtåsen www.visitsandefjord.comww.visitsandefjord.com sculptural pavilion are amongst the attractions. HORTEN

Welcome to Horten – Where you can enjoy some amazing experiences! Our cultural diversity will most certainly surprise you, with a well-known and much loved marine history with roots going all the way back to The Viking Ages. Even Edvard Munch had his summer residence in Åsgårdstrand, which has now been turned into a wonderful museum. Follow Edvard Munch’s footprints by taking a walk in Åsgårdstrand!

Take a step back into Viking is THE place to enjoy life with history in Borre, where The magnificent hiking grounds in Midgard Historisk Senter scenic surroundings, fortifications (Midgard Historical Centre) and artillery batteries. The Naval tells you the story of the Museum, Preus Museum (The archaeological findings here. National Photography Museum) Close to the centre you will find and Lokalhistorisk Senter (Local Borreparken (Borre National Historic Centre) are all located Park) with its majestic tumuli here, together with a diverse (burial mounds). Borrehaugene range of artists and workshops. (Borre Mound Cemetery) is currently being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site INFO of outstanding universal value. The Viking Hall will open in Visit Horten 2013 and is a delightful sight! Tollbugata 1a, 3187 Horten Near to the town centre you will Tel.: +47 33 03 17 08 find the Horten Car Museum, [email protected] which illustrates the colourful www.visithorten.com history of the motor vehicle. In the outskirts of Horten, and encircled by the sea, lies the scenic Karljohansvern. This TØNSBERG 62 | 63

Welcome to Tønsberg, the oldest town in Norway. Tønsberg has a rich history to offer. There are many hiking tour opportunities and noticeable bicycle tracks from the coast to the inland. There are also a variety of offers for all ages.

Tønsberg has a rich cultural life. There are good fishing We have summer revues, music opportunities along the coast, and festivals and cultural experiences. at the many lakes we have inland. Along the wharf in Tønsberg you can enjoy the sunshine Furthermore we have a lovely and good food at one of coastal line with beautiful sandy the many restaurants. beaches in the surroundings of Tønsberg. You can also visit Alongside the wharf in one of the many museums Tønsberg you will also find the we have in the area. Viking ship, Saga Oseberg. ”Nordbyen” is situated at the end of the wharf in Tønsberg, and is the oldest continuous congregation of wooden buildings. There you will also find the oldest house in the town, INFO ”Bentegården”, built around 1690. Visit Tønsberg If you move somewhat away Storgaten 38 from the sea you will find that 3126 Tønsberg Tønsberg is a pleasant town Telephone: +47 48063333 with many old wooden buildings [email protected] and small streets with a good www.visittonsberg.com and varied range of shops. The area around the town also has much more to offer. Marked coastal tracks running between Stokke, Tønsberg and around Nøtterøy and Tjøme. LARVIK

THE LIGHTHOUSE AT STAVERN HEADLAND © [email protected]

Treat yourself and visit Larvik! Larvik, Stavern, Lågendalen, Helgeroa, Nevlunghavn, Ula, Kjerringvik and our Lighthouses offer great experiences in beautiful nature, gorgeous archipelago and cosy villages amongst happy, friendly people.

Larvik is the the largest camping Enjoy great artists at The Stavern municipality in Norway due to it´s Festival! climate, nature and residents!! Color Line World Cup will be the Larvik Golf Club offers world largest handball cup in the world! standard and has one of the nicest courses and the longest season in Enjoy the brand new Jippi Norway! Playland! with the largest climbing frame in Norway, laserworld, golf The High and Low Activity Park is simulators, mini golf and mini the largest climbing park in handball courts! Scandinavia and has the longest zip-line in Norway! Welcome to Larvik!

Foldvik Family Park offers activities for everyone and close encounters with sweet animals! INFO

Farris Bad Hotel has the largest Visit Larvik spa in the Nordics with over 2.500 Bølgen Culture House square meters! Sanden 2 3264 Larvik Go back in time at Fredriksvern Telephone: +47 33697100 Shipyard, established in 1750-58, [email protected] and experience galleries, www.visitlarvik.com museums and events!

Fish salmon and experience wild, beautiful nature at The Kjærra Waterfalls Park! CENTRAL NORWAY 64 | 65

NIDAROSDOMEN TRONDHEIM © MARIUS RUA

This is the real Scandinavia where rivers roar and salmon leap. The city of Trondheim is the heart of Central Norway. Situated on the Trondheimsfjord, it is a historic gem with a youthful atmosphere, while the streets of Røros bear living testimony to the history of times gone by.

Perhaps it is the fine balance hub for research and culture in between the north and south Norway. Young people dominate of Norway that makes Central city life in historical Trondheim, Norway such an interesting and while time is happy to stand still varied destination for tourists. in Røros. UNESCO has recognised The magnificent mountains in this living memorial to mining the south and east, the large, history as a world heritage site. fertile expanses of agricultural land around the Trondheimsfjord, the thriving island communities KYSTRIKSVEIEN RV. 17 off the coast and its extensive NAMSOS

forests make the Trøndelag STEINKJER region a ‘Norway in miniature’. TRØNDELAG STIKLESTAD FRØYA TRONDHEIM Trondheim also offers great HITRA CENTRAL

variety, with a history stretching KRISTIANSUND NORWAY

back a thousand years, as MOLDE RØROS

Norway’s first capital city and DOVREFJELL a pilgrimage destination, and GEIRANGER- FJORD nowadays also as the leading The Trøndelag region – also known as Central Norway – offers a great variety of historical as well as exciting contemporary experiences. Visitors come into close contact with people and nature in this region, with its mix of fjords and mountains, coast and rivers, towns and countryside.

CREATIVE TRONDHEIM THE UNESCO SITE OF RØROS Norway’s third biggest city with a AND MUSKOX population of 170.000 is the ideal Røros, with more than 100 listed starting point for a visit to the wooden buildings, is a unique and region. Trondheim has exciting charming mountain town, which was museums, charming small built in connection with the copper shops and creative restaurants. works that opened there in the mid- The Nidelven river winds its way 17th century. There are galleries, through the city center, passing the cafés and craft shops in the town’s magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the many charming old backyards. A old, charming district of Bakklandet large number of local food producers and long rows of brightly colored ensure that the restaurants and wharves. The spectacular, new shops sell exciting, award-winning Rockheim museum offers an produce. Røros is also known for interactive journey through the its focus on sustainable tourism. history of modern music. The nine national parks in Trøndelag are all excellent for hiking. You VIKINGS AND PILGRIMERS can also go on a safari to see Many of the most important events Europe’s only herd of muskoxes. in Norway’s history took place in the Trøndelag region. Stiklestad is THE COAST AND known as the birthplace of Norway, COASTAL CULTURE while the impressive Nidaros The coast of Trøndelag, with the Cathedral in Trondheim (built islands of Hitra and Frøya to the 1070-1300) is a national treasure. south and the Fosen peninsula and Both of them reflect the legacy of the coast of Namdal to the north, St Olav, who played a key role in are famous around the world for the Christianization of Norway. fantastic deep-sea fishing. You can also go on an eagle and seal safari The Pilgrims Route to Trondheim or try kayaking, island hopping and Nidaros Cathedral is since or diving for scallops. There is a 2010 a European Cultural Route, flourishing coastal culture in several in the same way as the road old fishing villages, for example to Santiago de Compostela. Sør-Gjæslingan near Rørvik.

Areas such as the Golden Route The Kystriksveien Coastal Route (Fv (den Gyldne Omvei) in Inderøy at the 17) – often called the world’s most Trondheimsfjord provide a fantastic beautiful tourist road – connects opportunity to sample the area’s Trøndelag with Northern Norway culture, arts and crafts, beautiful between Steinkjer and Bodø. scenery and delicious food. For more information about Trøndelag: www.trondelag.com NORTHERN NORWAY 66 | 67

NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER THE ERSFJORD IN TROMSØ © BJØRN JØRGENSEN / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

For many people, Northern Norway symbolises the promise of never-ending light in summer and dancing Northern lights in the deep, dark blue winter. The unspoiled nature and the spark and contagious sense of humour of the people who live in Northern Norway draw visitors to the area. In summer, night is merely a slightly dimmer version of the day. The light of the midnight sun gives the landscape a magical and romantic hue.

Lots of superlatives can be used Sweden, Finland and Russia are about the region – it is unique and still a natural and unspoiled slightly mysterious. Nowhere else paradise, and the breathtaking in the world is the North Pole as combination of sea and close to the mainland as at the mountains you find in Lofoten, North Cape. The areas bordering Vesterålen and the Lyngsalpene THE NORTH CAPE peaks is unparalleled in SVALBARD VADSØ

Europe. The people of FINNMARK Northern Norway enjoy KIRKENES freedom and living their lives ALTA to the rhythm of nature. The TROMS TROMSØ Sami, Norway’s indigenous KAUTOKEINO NORTHERN NORWAY people, have lived at one with VESTERÅLEN nature and developed the Sami HARSTAD NARVIK culture since settling in the Arctic LOFOTEN NORDLAND areas of Norway more than 11,000 BODØ years ago. If you visit Tromsø, the biggest city in the region, in POLARCIRKEL summer, you will be able to soak MO I RANA up the vibrant atmosphere of the VEGA BRØNNØYSUND city’s streets and squares, which is reminiscent of more southerly climes. experience NORTHERN 68 | 69 NORWAY

© CHRIS CRAGGS / WWW.NORTHERNNORWAY.COM Of light, Sápmi - darkness and the land of colours the Sami In summer, there is no night in A completely different language, Northern Norway. At midnight, a unique lifestyle and a vital the sun shines in the north, culture; the Sami constitute the bathing mountains, fjords and indigenous population of islands in gold and bronze, and Northern Scandinavia. Reindeer invigorates people with limitless herding between coast and energy. On sparkling, dark inland, fishing and farming or winter nights, the Northern urban living; Sami lifestyle Lights suddenly erupt in an combines traditional with illusive, silent, light-footed modern. Look for duoddji, dance, like flickering curtains or handicraft, joiggus, the like thin veils, all in an electric traditional chant, and bidos, green with a hint of pink and reindeer stew, preferably served violet. in a lavvu, a round tent.

© ØYSTEIN LUNDE INGVALDSEN © JOHAN WILDHAGEN WWW.NORDNORGE.COM / INNOVASJON NORGE Northern Norway, a mere 1,250 miles from the North Pole, is where the warm Gulf Stream meets the Arctic. Home to Norwegian fishermen and Sami reindeer herders, the region basks under the glorious rays of the midnight sun, and northern lights dance across the winter skies. The coast and Svalbard coastal culture - North Pole Next Stop You can hear history echoing An archipelago of pyramid- among the racks of dried fish and shaped mountains and gigantic the traditional fishermen’s shacks glaciers halfway between Norwegians call rorbu. Here, Norway and the North Pole, centuries of history meet modern Svalbard (Spitsbergen) is the coastal Norway. In some places, world’s northernmost tourist the fishing boats queue up to destination. Go snowmobiling deliver their catches, while artists and dog sledding in winter, and flock to others, fascinated and kayaking, hiking or fossil picking inspired by the ranks of dried fish in summer. Leave the mod-cons drying on the big racks in these of Longyearbyen by boat to see picturesque small communities. bird cliffs and walruses. If you Come and visit us – you are are lucky, you might even see a guaranteed to be fascinated by polar bear if you go on an these colourful villages. organised trip.

70 | 71 NORWAY The wild and beautiful landscape

REINE, LOFOTEN © CH / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

THE WILD AND the mountains of the interior. BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE Innermost, uppermost and The most unique aspect of furthest east lie the mountains Northern Norway is its wild and and plateaus with their beautiful landscape. The sparkling lakes and broad mountains, ocean, high plateaus horizons. There is something and fjords are guaranteed to new around every corner in impress even the most seasoned Northern Norway. traveler. You will find vibrant towns and villages across the LIGHT AND COLOR, whole of Northern Norway, but SUMMER AND WINTER they vary greatly in character, During the summer months, the from thriving fishing villages midnight sun remains above the along the coast and Sami horizon for weeks and months at communities on the high plateaus a time. Its light paints the to the exciting urban culture of mountains a golden color, the northernmost towns. creating glittering reflections and long shadows. The people of WHERE THE OCEAN MEETS Northern Norway live for these THE MOUNTAINS few short months, and, in Small, flat, green islands are addition to bathing the mountain situated as far out as you can roads in golden light, these long get along the coast, like strange summer nights are ideal for figures cut from ancient rock. pastimes such as culture And then you see the coastline festivals and night fishing. plunging into the sea. The ocean works its way deep inland, Winter has its own colors – when where snow-capped mountains the sun never rises for several and pale blue glaciers are weeks at the end of the year. reflected in the clear waters of There is still some light, but it is the fjords. There are fields, a pink and gold pastel-colored grazing grounds and lush light in the middle of the day and foliage at the feet of the a deep blue twilight during the mountains, which you wouldn't afternoon. As soon as the expect this far north. Deep, evenings draw in, we look again silent valleys cloaked in pine to the sky to wonder at and be woods cut a swathe between astonished by the Northern Lights. This phenomenon, which anglers. Traditional food is often is the result of explosions on the served at old trading stations. surface of the sun, manifests Even if you're not interested in itself in green, purple and red fishing, you should still take a electrical waves, which flit and fishing trip on a summer's dance across the night sky. Your night... and cook your catch on best chance of seeing the the beach. It is a great culinary Northern Lights is to join a experience. Northern Lights safari guided by those who know where to spot The sounds of time immemorial them. There are lots of different The Sami people live in the vast safaris available – by dog sled, interior, in small villages by the car or snowmobile. The Northern fjords and along the big rivers, Lights are most beautiful in and they have the oldest complete darkness, so it's a case traditions up here in the north. of finding the best spot nearby Some of them follow their where there is no electric light. reindeer from their winter grazing on the mountain THE SMELL OF SALT plateaus to the lush grass out by The pure clean waters of the the coast in summer. Others Barents Sea produce seafood of farm sheep, fish for salmon with the finest quality. The people of nets in the rivers and fish for Northern Norway have exported cod in the fjords, depending on fish for more than 1,000 years the time of year. Sami crafts – first dried cod, then pollock, combine functionality and herring and prawns. Now, the beauty, and the Sami people gigantic king crab has created a make jewelry made from tin new livelihood for many coastal thread and leather, colorful fishermen. The old fishing woven woolen bands, woven villages are often situated in the mats in natural materials, and areas that are most exposed to articles made from wood and the elements and that are close bone decorated with to the rich fishing grounds to the geometrical patterns – duodji. south. Today, many of the old Joik, the old Sami form of song, fishermen's rorbu shacks have is about people, animals, and been converted into comfortable states of mind, which is only accommodation for enthusiastic natural up here in the north. FACT

Facts Geography: ì$UHDVTXDUHNLORPHWUHVRI1RUZD\DOPRVWDV

72 | 73 big as the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland combined. ì&RXQWLHV)LQQPDUN VTXDUHNLORPHWUHV Troms (25,848 square kilometres) and Nordland (38,327 square kilometres) ì1RUWKHUQPRVWSRLQW7KH1RUWK&DSHODWLWXGHråè (the same as the northern coast of Alaska) ì0RVWRI1RUWKHUQ1RUZD\LVDERYHWKH$UFWLF&LUFOH ì%RGºHQMR\VWKHPLGQLJKWVXQIURP-XQHWR-XO\ ì7KHPLGQLJKWVXQVKLQHVDWWKH1RUWK&DSHIURP0D\WR 31 July ì1RUWKHUQ1RUZD\LVVLWXDWHGLQWKHPLGGOHRIWKHSODQHWåV Northern lights belt, which means you have the best chance of seeing them here.

Population: ì3RSXODWLRQ$URXQG LQ)LQQPDUN 159,000 in Troms and 240,000 in Nordland) ì&LWLHVDQGWRZQV7URPVº %RGº Mo i Rana (25,000), Harstad (23,000), Alta (19,000) ì/DQJXDJHV1RUZHJLDQ6DPLLVDQRIILFLDOODQJXDJHLQVL[ municipalities. The Kven language is an official language in one municipality.

Travel information: Airports from south to north (flight time from Oslo in brackets): ì%RGº KRXUPLQ ì+DUVWDG1DUYLN KRXUPLQ ì%DUGXIRVV KRXUPLQ ì7URPVº KRXUPLQ ì$OWD KRXUPLQ ì.LUNHQHV KRXUVPLQ Train, Trondheim - Mo i Rana - Bodø. Train connections from Narvik to Sweden The Hurtigruten coastal express from Bergen to Kirkenes calls at 25 ports in Northern Norway.

www.nordnorge.com MEET MOBY DICK

WHALE SAFARI, VESTERÅLEN © HVALSAFARI AS

Since 1988 whale safaris have been arranged in Andenes where research, learning and activities meet to create a complete experience. The concept has awakened national and international interest.

Researchers and guides there are several departures per The guides onboard and at the day. The trips are normally 3-5 whale centre are students and hours long, and are carried out researchers from various by experienced skippers on well countries. Each and every trip equipped boats, where safety is can therefore be experienced as the highest priority. A guided a research project. tour of the whale centre is included in the trip. The centre Shortest distance to the whales gives basic information about It takes a mere hour to get from the biology of whales, their Andenes to the area where the place in the ecosystem and whales are, so you get to spend current research. more time actually seeing the whales! Whale guarantee If you don’t see a whale we The world’s best whale safari! guarantee you a new trip free of The Whale & Dolphin charge (the first available). You Conservation Society (WDCS), an must arrange the new booking organisation that specialises in yourself. If you for some reason assessing whale safari offers, are unable to join us for a new says the following: “Hvalsafari trip, you’ll get your money back. AS in Andenes – the world’s biggest and best arctic whale safari operator.” Hvalsafari AS P.O.Box 58 Season, 25 May – 15 September NO-8483 Andenes There are daily departures in Tel.: +47 76 11 56 00 season. During peak season www.whalesafari.com NORWAY 74 | 75 A - Z

AURLANDSFJORD © MORTEN RAKKE / FLÅM UTVIKLING

A TASTE OF THE ARCTIC snowboarding in powder down For those who want a break from Reidarskaret in from skiing, there are an Hemsedal, if you dare. abundance of other activities to Get the family all fired up, find indulge in: King Crab fishing, a a cottage or a beautiful hotel stay in the magical Igloo Hotel, with a view and book an dog sledging and snowmobiling adventure holiday. Try kite are just some of the things to surfing on a mountain lake or whet your appetite in Northern race down the uncrowded Norway this winter. On the same alpine slopes. We are a nation latitude as Siberia, Greenland of passionate skiers and would and Alaska, the northern coast love visitors to enjoy our of Norway is surprisingly mild superb facilities as much as thanks to the Gulf Stream, with we do. temperatures around zero Stay in one of the many degrees not unusual in winter. alpinestyle resorts with their stateof-the-art lift systems ACTIVE PURSUITS and high quality restaurant Snowmobiling and husky and accommodation facilities, sledging are extremely popular or base yourself in a smaller and available to do throughout village and take advantage of Northern Norway. What better the plethora of cross-country way to take in the stunning trails which scatter the entire scenery than gliding over the country - the choice is yours! snowy plains! ALCOHOL ACTIVE WINTER HOLIDAYS You cannot obtain wine or Norway offers ideal skiing spirits from any local conditions, sun and adventure supermarket. This is possible in the winter. And now is the only in shops specially set up by time to go, as never before the state for this purpose have there been so many (Vinmonopolet). Such shops are options for you to get the most usually to be found in the larger out of your holiday – in a towns. However, beer can country that offers everything generally be bought in the from ice climbing to supermarket. The age limit for buying wine and beer is 18 raingear, a warm sweater and years, and 20 years to buy good walking shoes in addition spirits. You will find that nearly to your summer wardrobe. You all restaurants are licensed. are not usually required to dress formally for dinner at Norwegian BANKS resort hotels. For weather 24-hour cash dispensers are reports: www.visitnorway.com found in strategic locations and www.yr.no throughout Norway. Bank opening hours are CREDIT CARDS approximately: MasterCard, American Express, Monday - Friday: 09.00 – 15.30 Diners Club, Eurocard and Visa Banks usually close earlier are all accepted at hotels, major during the summer and are restaurants and large shops, closed on weekends. even for small amounts. Be aware that some petrol stations CELL PHONES AND do not accept all these cards. INTERNET You can also withdraw money The following mobile phone with your VISA card and systems can be used in Norway: Mastercard (limited) from cash GSM 900 and GSM 1800 (both points throughout the country. 2G), and also UMTS (3G). The Internet network is very well CURRENCY developed in Norway and most Norwegian currency consists of hotels offer an Internet kroner (NOK or Kr) and øre. connection. 100 øre = NOK 1 Exchange rate November 2012: CLIMATE AND CLOTHING 1 Euro = 7,32 NOK / Norwegian summer weather is 1 Dollar = 5,72 NOK unpredictable. Some days it is Visitors can bring in currency cloudy and raining, on others (Norwegian and foreign) worth the sun blazes down at near NOK 25 000 (travellers’ cheques Mediterranean temperatures included). Currency over this even in Northern-Norway thanks amount must be declared at to the Gulf Stream! Be prepared customs. for all eventualities and bring CUSTOMS REGULATIONS south of the country, so the Duty free limits (as of October average midwinter temperature 2012): 1 liter of spirits and 1.5 is around -6°C and there is liters of wine and 2 litres of beer, daylight from 9am to 4pm. By OR 3 liters of wine and 2 litres of March, the number of daylight

76 | 77 beer OR 5 liters of beer. hours increase to 10. In addition, Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250 g the season is long, with snow tobacco and 200 cigarette virtually guaranteed from papers. November to May and conditions NB: You must be 20 years or that are second to none. over to buy or import spirits and 18 years or over for wine, beer ELECTRICITY and tobacco products. For more The Norwegian grid is set to 220 detailed information, see: volts AC and you might need an www.toll.no adapter with two round-ended prongs. DINING Norwegian cities offer a good EMERGENCY NUMBERS selection of restaurants in all In the event of an emergency in categories and price ranges. The Norway dial: main course at an average 110 Fire Service restaurant costs between NOK 112 Police Service 170 - 300. Lunch is often less 113 Ambulance Service costly. A glass of wine costs 120 Emergency at sea from NOK 80 and a pint of beer from NOK 75. Cafés and “Kro” FOODIMPORT LIMITATIONS (often situated along the main Import of agricultural products roads) also serve dinner, often at is subject to special import very reasonable prices. A coffee restrictions to avoid, among in a coffee shop costs from NOK other dangers, the spread of 20 and a soft drink from NOK 30. plant and animal diseases. However you may import, for DISABILITIES private use, up to 10 kg fruits, Over the last couple of years, the berries and vegetables but not travel industry has put more potatoes. From EU/EEA emphasis on adapting their countries you can also bring a facilities for people with maximum of 10 kg of meat, disabilities. However, there are meat products, fish, eggs, still many locations with limited cheese and foodstuffs except accessibility and we recommend dog and cat food, as long as the that you check this before product is stamped with the traveling. For information on country of origin (that country rental cabins, contact being an EU member). Norges Handikapforbund (NHF): Permission to import listed Tel.: +47 24 10 24 00 products can be revoked at any www.nhf.no time if the necessity arises (in case of an outbreak of plant and EASILY ACCESSIBLE animal diseases for example). All resorts are easily accessible From countries outside the EU/ by public transport. The majority EEA, it is prohibited to bring of ski resorts are located in the meat, meat products, milk and THERE ARE SOME ROADS YOU WISH WOULD NEVER END

VIEWING PLATFORM ABOVE TROLLSTIGEN, NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE GEIRANGER-TROLLSTIGEN © JARLE WÆHLER / STATENS VEGVESEN

Fortunately, it is still possible to find roads that are not just intended to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.

The National Tourist Routes in We welcome you to Norway are 18 selected unforgettable experiences on stretches of road that pass our National Tourists Routes. through the most beautiful and varied scenery Norway has to offer. Spectacular architecture Havøysund Varanger and magnificent scenery are the defining characteristics of the National Tourist Routes. Tromsø Senja

Andøya At the Norwegian Public Roads

Administration, we pride Lofoten ourselves on offering picnic areas, viewpoints and service Bodø buildings with daring designs, and we endeavour Helgelandskysten to ensure that visitors will enjoy unique experiences.

For more information Trondheim please scan the QR code. Atlanterhavsvegen

Geiranger - Trollstigen

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen Rondane

Sognefjellet Gaularfjellet Valdresflye Aurlandsfjellet

Bergen Hardanger Hardangervidda nasjonaleturistveger.no Oslo Ryfylke

Larvik Stavanger Jæren

Kristiansand 78 | 79

FISHING IN KATTFJORD, TROMS © YNGVE ASK / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

milk products in your luggage. the snow. Those old enough to Dried and tinned foodstuffs are don their own skis can take permissible. More information advantage of the dedicated about import limitations on children’s ski areas. These www.toll.no typically include dedicated runs, lifts and even terrain parks with GREAT FACILITIES jumps and rails! Many resorts In Norway, it is said that also offer free ski helmet hire Norwegians are born with skis and free ski passes for children. on their feet and it is easy to see why. Norwegian children start HOLIDAYS skiing from the age of three and It can be both pleasant and it really is a family activity. This economical to travel in Norway is reflected in the country’s ski outside the school and industrial resorts which all boast fantastic holiday season. Prices tend to family ski facilities including be lower, and there is less dedicated children’s ski areas, hustle and bustle. The school ski schools and crèches. Both holidays vary somewhat but are Alpine skiers and snowboarders approximately from June 20th to are well catered for, in fact, August 20th. The industrial some of the best terrain parks in holidays are the three last weeks Europe can be found here. The in July. In addition to autumn Norwegian ski resorts also and winter breaks, schools are boast uncrowded slopes, lack of closed for two weeks over lift queues and affordable lift Christmas and one week during passes and ski schools. Easter. Norwegians speak excellent English and the vast majority of HURTIGRUTEN ski resorts have English For those who want something a speaking crèches with qualified bit different, why not join the nannies and ski schools which popular voyage “In Search of the are all extremely reasonably Northern Lights” from Bergen to priced. Children that are too Tromsø. The Northern Lights young to ski will love simply are a natural phenomenon, spending time outside playing in caused by electrically charged solar particles entering the LANGUAGE earth’s atmosphere which light The official language of Norway up the sky at an incredible is Norwegian. The Sámi speed. It is impossible to predict population has their own official when they might appear and language called Sámi, and in now guests can take advantage Finnmark you will find signs of a unique “wake up call” which marked in both languages. Most means customers can request Norwegians have a good to be called whatever time, working knowledge of English should the Northern Lights and some also speak German, appear. The Hurtigruten ships Spanish and French. are perfectly placed viewing platforms as the Northern MEDICAL ATTENTION Lights, which can be seen from Pharmacies are called “Apotek” November to March, are set and are open during normal against a dark sky free from business hours. In some larger artificial light. cities, one or two of them will be open 24 hours and on weekends. KING CRAB FISHING Should you fall ill while on Unique to Finnmark in Northern vacation in Norway, the hotel Norway is the gigantic King Crab reception should be able to put offering a truly amazing you in touch with a local doctor. experience. Travel by Outside normal consultation snowmobile or inflatable dinghy hours you should go to the local to fish for the crab through the emergency clinic (Legevakten). ice. The King Crab can be as If you take medication on a large as two meters and weigh regular basis, make sure you up to 15 kilos. Afterwards you take sufficient supplies for your can enjoy your morning’s work stay in Norway. with a lunch of delicious fresh Norwegian pharmacies are not crab meat. A true gastronomic permitted to issue medicine on experience in unforgettable foreign prescriptions. If you run surroundings. out, you will have to visit a Norwegian doctor to get a new prescription. You are 80 | 81

NORTHERN LIGHT, AURORA BOREALIS © BJØRN JØRGENSEN / VN

recommended to take out tourist centre on the plateau holiday insurance before leaving where you will find a your home country. supervideograph, historical exhibitions, chapel, restaurants, MIDNIGHT SUN bar, souvenir shop and post Norway is the Land of the office. Entrance price (2013), Midnight Sun. In the summer, including parking, the sun never fully sets north of supervideograph, historical the Arctic Circle and even in exhibitions and full access for 48 Southern Norway the days are hours: extremely long. NOK 245 per adult (NOK 170 for students/bikers) NATIONAL PARKS NOK 85 per child under 15 yrs. Norway’s 41 National Parks are NOK 575 for families (two adults established to secure the rich and two children). diversity of our natural heritage North Cape is open all year, but for future generations. In the daily opening hours vary. It is National Parks nature is possible to visit during the protected by law and all visitors winter, please contact Nordkapp must show respect by not Tourist Office in advance: disturbing plants and wildlife. www.nordkapp.no You can obtain more information about the National Parks by NORTHERN LIGHTS contacting the The Northern Lights, aurora Directorate for Nature borealis in Latin, are bright Management: colourful waves of light www.dirnat.no illuminating the night sky. The www.nasjonalparksenter.no/ common viewing season is english between October and March, however, you are never NORTH CAPE guaranteed this treat, as it North Cape is Europe’s depends on certain northernmost viewpoint meteorological conditions. The (71º10’21’’ North) and a popular best vantage points are in tourist attraction. There is a Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. The Northern In addition, there are houses of Lights may, under particular worship for most denominations weather conditions, also be and religions in major cities. For seen in Southern Norway. info on Stave Churches, see www.stavkirke.info PASSPORT AND VISA REGIMES MEETINGS, EVENTS AND Norway is not a member state of CONVENTIONS the European Union (EU), but is Norway is an exotic destination part of the Schengen area. To with a lot to offer the well visit Norway, all foreign travelled client. With its high nationals (except citizens from tech industry and breathtaking the other Nordic countries) scenery, it is the perfect must have a valid passport and/ destination for companies that or other identification papers want to take advantage of the approved as travel documents. pristine natural environment Certain foreign citizens must while still profiting from all the also carry a visa. Contact the comforts of a modern Norwegian Embassy or destination. For more consulate closest to you for information about possibilities more information, see of organizing meetings, events www.norway.info or conventions in Norway, please contact the local PETS Innovation Norway Office in your Norway is one of the few country or contact Norway countries in Europe where Convention rabies does not exist, and the Bureau, see Norwegian authorities aim to www.visitnorway.com/Meetings keep it that way through strict animal control measures. If you RIGHT OF ACCESS wish to take a pet to Norway, the The law of access to the natural animal must have a valid environment, known as certificate from an authorized «Everyman’s Right» allows you veterinarian proving that the to walk wherever you want in animal has all necessary the wilderness areas such as injections. Please note the new the seashore, forests, rule about mandatory treatment mountains and in other areas for echinococcosis for cats and which are not cultivated. This dogs that have been in Sweden should be done with before entering Norway. For consideration, so that neither updated information and the countryside nor the application forms, please property is damaged. Be consult www.mattilsynet.no considerate to wildlife and (see section Traveling with pets) towards other people who are in the area. Note that stricter RELIGION access regulations can be The Church of Norway, which is enforced in protected areas. Lutheran, oversees about 1 600 Use paths and roads when you churches and chapels around go for walks in agricultural and the nation. For more populated areas. It is preferable information: www.kirken.no to make use of campsites if you are staying overnight outdoors. STAY IN THE IGLOO HOTEL If you pitch a tent in the Alta boasts the world’s wilderness, it should be northernmost ice hotel. Chill out situated at least 150 meters with a drink in the ice bar before from the nearest house or heading off to your icy chamber

82 | 83 cottage. The lighting of fires is for a night you will never forget prohibited during the period sleeping on ice-beds covered from 15 April to 15 September. with reindeer skins!

SHOPPING SAMI EXPERIENCE Normal opening hours are: For a really authentic Northern Mon.–Fri. 10am – 5pm Norway experience, pay a visit to Thursday 10am – 6pm/8pm the Sámpi Park in Karasjok Saturday 10am – 1pm/3pm where you can try driving a Supermarkets and shopping reindeer sleigh, learn more centres are generally open 9am about the way of life and enjoy – 8pm on weekdays and 10am an authentic meal seated on – 6pm on Saturdays. Sundays reindeer skins around an open closed. fire in the laavu (Sami tent). Kiosks tend not to close until 10pm or even 11pm, and are TAX FREE SHOPPING AND usually open on weekends too. SOUVENIRS Petrol stations often sell Norway can offer more than groceries and are often open beautiful scenery. Popular until 11pm. Most shops accept souvenirs from Norway include major credit cards. knitted jumpers, cardigans, gloves and mittens, pewter SMOKING RESTRICTIONS ware, silver jewelry and cutlery, Smoking is not permitted on hand painted wooden objects, board air crafts or on other bowls with rose designs, trolls means of public transport. Nor and fjord horses carved out of is smoking permitted in public wood, reindeer skin, enamel buildings and other places jewelry, watches, woven wall- open to the public, offices and coverings, furs, handicrafts, other places of work. This glass and pottery. Throughout includes hotels, bars and the country, shops displaying restaurants. You must be 18 the Tax-free for tourists’ logo years or over to purchase offer visitors quality goods at tobacco in Norway. highly competitive prices. If your purchase at any of the 4 SUMMER TIME 500 stores connected to the Norway has Central European system exceeds NOK 315 on Time, i.e. GMT+1 hour. In 2013 regular goods, the store issues Norwegian summertime begins you a Tax-free voucher for the March 31st at 02.00 (clock set amount of VAT you paid. On forward one hour) and ends departure from Norway, a October 27th at 03.00 (clock set refund of 12-19 %, depending on back one hour). sale price, will be given to you on presentation of goods, Tax- free cheque and passport, on condition that the item has not been used while in Norway and WE LOOK FORWARD TO purchased less than one month SEEING YOU HERE before departure. There are There are a range of other approximately 55 Refund points activities to enjoy whilst on a at various exits from Norway at winter break in Norway. Try your airports, road borders, on hand at horse drawn sleigh board ferries and cruise ships. rides, ice fishing, snowshoeing, Custom officials cannot refund ice skating and tobogganing VAT. As a part of Global Blue’s which are only some of the network of Cash Refund activities available. offices, Norwegian Tax Refund We look forward to seeing you in Cheques may also be cashed at Norway this winter and most of the large airports in remember, every time you say Europe as well as in Asia. ski or slalom, you are speaking Global Blue Norwegian! www.global-blue.com Please note that it is possible to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION buy tax-free goods upon arrival General: in Norway at the following www.visitnorway.com airports: Oslo/Gardermoen, www.turistforeningen.no Bergen/Flesland, Trondheim/ Værnes, Stavanger/Sola and Skiing: Kristiansand/Kjevik. www.skiingnorway.com www.skiinfo.com TELEPHONES Norwegian pay phones take 1, 5, Other winter destinations: 10 or 20 kroner pieces (and also www.northernnorway.com 0.5 and 1 and 2 Euro coins). The www.fjordnorway.com/ski minimum charge is NOK 10 / 2 Euro. For directory enquiries, Ice hotels/igloos: dial 1881 for Norway, Sweden www.kirkenessnowhotel.com and Denmark, 1882 for all other www.sorrisniva.no countries. To call Norway from www.ice-lodge.com abroad dial +47 in front of the www.vinterparken.no eight digit number. When calling other countries from Norway Icebar: you must first press 00. www.icebaroslo.no

THE OSLO PASS AND THE Coastal experience: BERGEN CARD www.hurtigruten.com These cards entitle the user to free or discounted admission to ATTENTION museums, attractions, cultural events and sightseeing. Also, Innovation Norway - Tourism free bus travel and discounts on brings to your attention that meals and parking. The passes travelling in certain areas in are sold at tourist offices in Oslo Norway should be in the and Bergen. company of a qualified guide. www.visitoslo.com Also pay attention to official signs www.visitBergen.com and applicable regulations. The best Norway has to offer - all in one place! On the award-winning website Visitnorway.com, Norway's

84 | 85 largest travel and tourism portal, you will find inspiration and information about Norway and special offers from the travel and tourism industry. It is easy to explore Norway, search for products and destinations and book trips and accommodation.

WITH VISITNORWAY ON FACEBOOK YOU CAN ì$VNTXHVWLRQVDQGILQG inspiration ì6KDUHSKRWRVWUDYHO experiences and tips with other fans of Norway ì3DUWLFLSDWHLQFRPSHWLWLRQV ì)LQGYLGHRVSKRWRVDQGWKH best travel links VISITNORWAY - FREE APP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN NORWAY FOLLOW VISITNORWAY ON The whole of Norway in your TWITTER AND RECEIVE pocket! Find accommodation, TWEETS ABOUT events, activities and restaurants ì $WWUDFWLRQVDQGHYHQWV where you are or where you are ì $UWLFOHVDQGSUHVV going. releases about Norwegian travel and tourism ì&RPSHWLWLRQV ì7LSVDQGLGHDVIRUQHZWUDYHO destinations in Norway ONLINE BOOKING AT BOOKNORWAY Lowest prices - widest selection BookNorway collaborates with Visitnorway to offer a 'one-stop- shop' for experiences, accommodation and trips to and within Norway. We know Norway and we have the widest range of Norwegian travel and tourism products. We provide the best prices available from Norwegian travel and tourism companies - guaranteed.

BARCODE INFO

New intelligent opportunities for user experiences are emerging with the widespread use of smartphones. This catalogue uses 3D barcodes with a completely new and unique marketing concept.

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS You scan the barcode using your smartphone. This is free of charge and can be done with all types of smartphones (iPhone and Android). The advertiser's website address, which is hidden in the barcode, then comes up on your smartphone.

Download the barcode scanner free on your smartphone/iPhone. NORWAY ON A BUDGET 86 | 87 10 Budget Holiday Tips

HODDEVIK, SOGN OG FJORDANE © CH / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

You can travel in Norway There is a wide range of on a fairly tight budget. reasonable accommodation available in Norway. Here are ten tips for cheap accommodation, activities VIP Backpackers have cheap rooms in Norway. B&B Norway and means of transport is an organisation that provides bed & breakfast throughout the CAMPING country. Norwegian hostels are 1 The cheapest way to part of Hostelling International, stay in Norway is to bring a and there are 75 hostels from tent. Public right of access the north to the south of Norway. in Norway means you can They offer reasonably-priced put up your tent practically accommodation and the chance anywhere free of charge. to meet people from all over the There are also campsites for world who are in Norway for the tents and caravans throughout same reason as you. You can the country, where you pay a book single rooms, double small charge and can use the rooms or family rooms at showers and kitchen. These www.hihostels.no campsites often have simple cabins for rent as well. BUDGET-PRICED 3 CABINS CHEAP ROOMS Norway is one of the most 2 If you are travelling by sparsely populated countries in car in Norway, look for ‘Room the world. Vast areas with for rent’ signs. Sometimes, extensive networks of they are only in Norwegian, waymarked walking trails await i.e. ‘Rom til leie’. With a little you. Walking is free, and there is planning, you can easily find a wide choice of cabins available budget accommodation. for people who want to explore the mountains and wilderness. WALKING HOLIDAYS The Norwegian Trekking 4 Bringing your own tent Association has 460 cabins of and walking in the mountains varying standard. The cheapest is free. If you book a room at are the no-service cabins where one of the Norwegian Trekking you bring your own food. Association‘s no-service or self- service cabins (see above), you Read more at: pay a reasonable amount that www.turistforeningen.no varies with the standard of the You can also rent a budget- cabin. The self-service cabins priced cabin for a week or longer are slightly more luxurious at www.norgesbooking.no and a bit more expensive.

OSLOMARKA © TERJE BORUD / WWW.VISITNORWAY.COM

SEA FISHING FROM EAT AT SMALL ASIAN 5 SHORE 8 RESTAURANTS Bring your fishing rod on a In cities and towns. you cycling or motoring holiday in will often see small Asian Norway. Sea fishing from the restaurants. Many of them shore is free. are cheap and serve good quality food. In Oslo, many CYCLING HOLIDAYS of these restaurants are 6 A cycling holiday where located in the Grønland area, you bring your own tent is a or along Torggata, which cheap way of exploring Norway. goes from Oslo city centre If you don’t like tents, you can to the Grünerløkka area. book reasonably-priced cabins at You can drink tap water, so Norway’s many campsites before it is unnecessary to order a you set off. If you don’t want bottle of water with your meal. to cycle on your own, you can Most restaurants will bring book an organised cycling trip. a jug of water and glasses to your table free of charge. BUY YOUR OWN FOOD 7 AT A SUPERMARKET GETTING AROUND Buying food at a supermarket 9 By train is the cheapest way of filling The Norwegian State Railways your stomach. The following (NSB) sell Minipris tickets from are the cheapest of the NOK 249, irrespective of the many supermarket chains length of the journey. These in Norway: Bunnpris, Prix, tickets must be booked in Rema 1000, Kiwi and Rimi. advance at www.nsb.no You can’t buy wine or spirits Also check out ‘Norway in a in ordinary shops and Nutshell’, which is a reasonably- supermarkets in Norway. You priced, well-organised round have to find a Vinmonopol wine trip. www.fjordtours.com and spirits store. Since it is a state-owned chain, it is not By bus required to make a profit, and Travelling by bus can be a cheap expensive wines are actually option, and the bus company competitively-priced in Norway. NOR-WAY Bussekspress covers most of the country BUY AN 'EXPLORE and sometimes has good 10 NORWAY TICKET‘ discounts. Book tickets online The airline Widerøe has in advance to get the best deal. many good deals on round trips in Norway. Go for their Discounts ‘Explore Norway Ticket’, Many places offer good which offers unlimited air discounts for youth, students, travel for two weeks during seniors and families. If the period from 21 June to 27 you qualify for any of the August. www.wideroe.com above, you must always mention it. Students must show their international student ID card (ISIC).

Driving a car in Norway If you come in your own car or hire one when you get here, there are lots of reasonable accommodation options available to you, and there is a wide range of impressive National Tourist Routes throughout Norway.

Backpacking in Norway? and, not least, the equally indispensable plastic payment No problem! There’s loads card, you could also take a bike to see and do. Get yourself with you, if that’s what you like. You can take it on trains, buses, a map and the right boats and planes. And that’s you guidebooks and you can pretty much ready.’ start preparing your trip ‘Backpacking in Norway? Yes, right away. And you can why not? Public transport is find exotic places to stay good and frequent. Since the esteemed National Geographic at farms across Norway. has voted the Norwegian fjords the most beautiful in the world, ‘Norway, yes, of course! It is the there’s no reason why we world’s most beautiful country, shouldn’t enjoy them too. My after all. What are you waiting motto is: Don’t let tourists scare for?’ Getting an experienced you away – there’s not THAT globetrotter like Jens A Riisnæs many of them. And don’t turn to enthuse about his native your nose up at the most country is not difficult. He popular destinations in Norway recommends taking a backpack – there’s at least one good of course: ‘Suitcase? ‘What on reason that they’re popular with earth is a suitcase? In addition tourists.’ to the indispensable backpack – © RIISNÆS

Jens A Riisnæs is Norway’s most widely traveled journalist and number one travel guru. For more than 40 years he has devoted most of his time to exploring the world and, through his weekly travel program on the cultural channel on national radio, he has for many years taken listeners to some of the most fantastic places on the planet.

GO WEST! But it is also unbelievably ‘That is why many of my best tips beautiful. We simply can’t leave point in one direction, namely out something as magnificent as westwards. With Oslo as your this,’ says Jens A Riisnæs. ‘From starting point, you should check Voss, you continue on to Bergen out the Fram Museum, the Kon- by bus or train, where you can tiki Museum, the Norwegian see the sights the student travel Museum of Cultural History and agency Kilroy Travels’ the Viking Ship at Bygdøy to recommends to backpackers: understand a bit more about this Mount Fløyen, Mount Ulriken, the strange country before setting off. old Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, Catch a train heading west, or Bergen Aquarium and Edvard take a bus part of the way, and Grieg’s home, Troldhaugen. And get yourself to Myrdal. There, you don’t embark on the Hurtigruten simply must take the miraculous coastal express and head north train ride called the Flåm Railway right away. There are a lot of and continue by boat on the express boats in Bergen harbour, Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, where you see. One of them takes you you take a bus up the hairpin up the Sognefjord, which you bends of Stalheimskleivene definitely shouldn’t miss. Make before arriving in Voss. A tourist sure you have plenty of time, take trap, some people might say? a good look around and improvise Definitely, and a very successful a bit before catching a bus to take product marketed under the you to Førde and on to Stryn. moniker “Norway in a nutshell”. Beautiful Stryn is, by the way, a perfect base for short excursions and – on the way to Åndalsnes to Olden, Loen etc.’ – the Trollstigen Road.’

MAP AND BOOKS ‘Jump on a train at Åndalsnes ‘Let’s take a breather and think and take an exciting railway

92 | 93 about some essential journey via Dombås to equipment, i.e. what we need to Trondheim, where you should pack. A map is a must. definitely see Nidaros Preferably a large scale one. I Cathedral, the Bybroen Bridge, probably don’t need to say this, the colourful Bakklandet area but you should buy a map long and the fortress, and check out before you’re standing there lots of concerts and bars. with the pack on your back. Planes, trains and buses take Planning is half the fun. And a you further north from plan is no obstacle to Trondheim. Maybe a flight to improvisation. An example of a Bodø – in brilliant sunshine of bit of improvisation that I could course – would be just the have mentioned before would be thing? Or are Namsos, Træna to travel from Voss to Bergen via and Lurøy more tempting?’ Kinsarvik.’ And a walk up the Remember not to bite off more Husedalen valley, towards than you can chew. When you Hårteigen and Hadlaskar – a are carrying a backpack, it’s little valley that Riisnæs does important to find a sensible not hesitate to call Norway’s travel rhythm. But once in most beautiful. Bodø, you should make your way to the quay and get on the AND SO TO THE NORTH ferry to Moskenes. Seeing the ‘Right, so we’ve arrived in Lofoten mountains rise up from Stryn. From there, there is a the ocean should be bus that goes to Grotli then on compulsory for everyone with a across the mountain and down sense of adventure. to Geiranger. Maybe the bus driver will provide a little extra ‘When you have reached the service and stop off at the southern tip of Lofoten at the Dalsnibba viewpoint. But, village of Å, don’t forget to walk regardless, you’ll get to see across to the other side, i.e. to Ørnevegen (the Eagle’s Road) the north, to see the lagoons on

SEE THE FANTASTIC FILM ABOUT THE FLÅM RAILWAY HERE the seaward side, and then farms, if somewhat less easy to catch a bus that takes you find, are an exciting alternative. slowly to the town of Svolvær. The organisation HANEN is a The Hurtigruten coastal nationwide network with 500 express is there to welcome you members. Some of them only and show you the Trollfjord and serve food, but around 300 loads more before you walk of them will also put you up down the gangway in Tromsø. for a night. You can choose Tired? Yes, but don’t forget between cabins, small houses, exotic Finnmark, either this apartments and farms – ranging time or perhaps next year. The from simple, reasonably- distances in this part of Norway priced accommodation to more refined options. The counties of Tip: The 'Explore Norway Sogn og Fjordane, Nord-Trøndelag, Ticket' sold by Widerøe, Telemark and Hedmark/Oppland which can be used all are particularly well represented summer, is recommended. in this network. Please note that some of these are huge and travelling by places are not located right plane is a good idea. It can be a beside bus stops and ferry good idea to check timetables quays, so it is a good idea to and book early. The North phone in advance to arrange Cape, Berlevåg, Båtsfjord and transport and get some good Kirkenes are good destinations, advice. There is an excellent as is Sør-Varanger, where four list of the accommodation on peoples come together and the offer in Norwegian, English and Russian taiga forests start.’ German at www.hanen.no

WHERE TO STAY This interview by Lars-Ludvig Hotels and guest houses abound Røed was originally published in in eye-catching locations along the newspaper Aftenposten the proposed route. Norwegian

SEE THE FANTASTIC FILMS FROM LOFOTEN HERE Wild and dramatic nature - the world’s best reason to visit 94 | 95 FLÅM · Foto: VisitFlåm / Morten Rakke

Beautiful Flåm is situated at the innermost part of

the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometer ÅLESUND long and up to 1308 meter deep Sognefjord.

FLÅM VOSS The Flåm Railway is the unique train journey HEMSEDAL between Flåm and the mountain station Myrdal on BERGEN MYRDAL GEILO the Oslo – Bergen Line, and is widely recognized as OSLO one of the steepest and most beautiful railways STAVANGER in the world. The boat company Sognefjorden LARVIK invites you to a memorable voyage between Flåm and Gudvangen on the spectacular Nærøyfjord, KRISTIANSAND a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a good night sleep at the historical Fretheim Hotel, one of Fjord Norway’s most unique and comfortable hotels. LÆRDAL–OSLO Flåm welcomes everyone, regardless age and UNDREDAL GUDVANGEN AURLAND

season. STALHEIM FLÅM

VOSS OSLO BERGEN www.visitﬂam.com MYRDAL

FERRY TUNNEL RAILWAY ROAD

Oslo – Flåm...... 350 km · 5 h 30 min Bergen – Flåm...... 165 km · 2 h 30 min Voss – Flåm...... 65 km · 50 min Hemsedal – Flåm...... 115 km · 1 h 45 min Geilo – Flåm...... 115 km · 1 h 45 min Stavanger – Flåm ...... 350 km · 7 h Kristiansand – Flåm.....490 km · 8 h Ålesund – Flåm ...... 298 km · 5 h

Tel: (+47) 57 63 21 00 Tel: (+47) 57 63 32 00 Tel: (+47) 57 63 63 00 e-mail: flaamsbana@visitflam.com e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.flaamsbana.no www.sognefjorden-as.no www.fretheim-hotel.no Explore Norway - the easy way!

Book tours, hotels and

activities all in one package. .%/,!"s0!!,!5$%34!$&*/2$4/523

Norway in a nutshell® – Norway’s most popular round trip! This tour includes the spectacular Flåm Railway, the unbelievably narrow Nærøyfjord and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva (May – September). Combine an overnight stay in Flåm with a fjord safari, kayaking or a walk along the Nærøyfjord.

FOR BOOKING AND MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.fjordtours.com or call Fjord Tours Customer phone: +47 815 68 222 THE RAUMA RAILWAY © ROLF SØRENSEN

PRODUCTION Design and layout: Legind as, Copenhagen Responsible: Innovation Norway Cover photo: The Geirangerfjord © CH / www.visitnorway.com

This book was printed in Feb. 2013 and the information compiled during the winter months of 2012. Information is based upon data collected from participating companies and organisations, official authorities and the Norwegian travel trade. Innovation Norway – Tourism can not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising there from. Prices may be subject to change. Innovation Norway - Tourism brings to your attention that travelling in certain areas in Norway should be in the company of a qualified guide. Also please pay attention to official signs and applicable regulations. CONNECTING TO THE REAL NORWAY with 34 ports of call whatever the season © Bjørn Eide - Guest image Why HURTIGRUTEN is the best way to explore the Norwegian coast

We call at 34 ports, 365 days a year Marvel at the Midnight Sun

Go in search of the magical Northern Lights Join in on exciting excursions

Experience the rugged coastline of Norway with Hurtigruten, the original coastal voyage since 1893. With us you are guaranteed unique views and memories to last a lifetime. From the Midnight Sun of summer through the changing seasons you can experience the friendly and truly Norwegian way of life. Every day of the year a Hurtigruten ship visits one of its 34 scheduled ports. Enjoy relaxing days, local cuisine and the warm company of like-minded adventurers. You can also embark on an exciting range of excursions including dog sledging, snowmobiling and the North Cape. The Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back takes 12 days, but there are also sailings offering shorter sections of what some call “the World’s most beautiful voyage”. To start planning your Norwegian voyage of a lifetime, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.

Hurtigruten.com The Original Coastal Voyage since 1893 SVALBARD Sjuøyane 1 : 5.000.000 Nordkapp Gamvik

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r Vägsfjorden d e e 825 National tourist route / Die Grünen Straßen n 82 Gratangen Myre Borkenes Harstad Bjerkvik t E10 Nationale toeristische routes Skogsøya 83 Hinnøya 0 THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY Evenskjær E1 E10 Lilleng Other road / Andere Straße / Andere weg s n Sortland Bogen Langøya e E10 n d e Narvik r jor d jo j o tf Ferry / Fähre / Veerdienst f O f e s ål r Storsteinfjeil FORM OF GOVERNMENT te Tjeldøya Ballangen es Border / Grenze / Grens V E6 Sørdals tunnelen Lødingen Constitutional monarchy V Stokmarknes rd Airport / Flughafen / Luchthaven f j o Melbuel BarøyaT Parliamentary democracy ad s y Sætran H Fiskbøl s U N E S C O f UNESCO world heritage list n jo r d Arstein en e y MONARCHY Austvagø Store Molla www.legind.dk Gimsøya Bjørntoppen t Svolvær 81 1520 Harald V, King of Norway, born 21 February 1937 E10 Lille MollaHamarøy Hellemofj o Finnøya Sonja, Queen of Norway, born 4 July 1937 Vestvagøy Henningsvær Leknes Lundøya f Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, born 20 July 1973 Stamsund Engeløya E6 o Ballstad Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, born 19 August 1973 Flakstadøy Ingrid Alexandra, Princess of Norway, born 21 January 2004 L E10 Reine Sverre Magnus, Prince of Norway, born 3 December 2005 Moskenesøy Nordfolda Sørvagen S ør Sommarset Folda folda Rago Vestfjorden Nasjonalpark POPULATION Mosken y 5,017,500 inhabitants as of July 2012 Sørværø Værøy Fauske Landegode 80 Suliskongen1907 Norway has a Sami indigenous population and five national kjerstadfj Helligvær 80 S minorities: Jews, people of Finnish descent in Northern Norway, Røstlandet Sulitjelma Røst en alen- rd 17 Rognan Bodøjo Junkerdtnet the Roma people (gypsies), the Romani people (travellers) ltf Bliksvær Sa Balva FredningsteltBalvatnet and Forest Finns. ArnøySandhorn- øya Junkerdal Fleina Svartnes a Nasjonalpark Fugløy 77 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Storjord 17 Norwegian (two variants, bokmål and nynorsk) E6 1506 Glomfjord 95 Sami (equal status with Norwegian in certain municipalities

Lønstindan n Meløya Stor- en Forøy glomvatnet in Troms and Finnmark)

Åmøya Saltfjellet-Svartis Lönsdale Snøtinden Nasjonalpark 1599 Bjøllånes Svartisen RELIGION Jektvik Protestant Christianity Nesøya Langvatnet Kalvatnet 12 Mo i Rana E12 rcle Træna Aldra MONETARY UNIT rtic Ci Lurøya n - A 17 Ranafj. Store irkle Siona Polars Akersvatn Norwegian krone, NOK (as of October 2012) Handnes-øya 17 Lovunden Tomma E12 1 Euro = 7,33 NOK Korgen 1916 Dønnes E6 Okstindan 1 USD = 5,72 NOK Vandve Raulia 17 1 GBP = 9,12 NOK Dønna 78 Røss- Sandnessjøen vatnet Alsten Geittinden Herøy Mosjøen 1559 INTERNATIONAL FLYING TIMES 1158 Hattfjelldal Approximate distance in time from abroad, direct flights: Finnkneet (source: SAS Sept. 07) Mindlandet 73 Hamnøya Copenhagen 1 hour 10 minutes 17 Trofors gefjellet Vega Bør London 2 hours 15 minutes n Biafjellet 1677 U N E S C O e 1289 ord fj Aberdeen 1 hour 30 minutes ga Ve Kvigtind Brønnøysund 76 1703 Glasgow 2 hours 40 minutes Torget Kjelviktinden Majavatn Dublin 2 hours 10 minutes Sømna 1078 Børgefjell 17 E6 Nasjonalpark Bindals- ﬁ. Store Namsvatnet Tosenfjorden Frøyningsfjellet 1098

Leka Limingen lda Brekkvasselv Fo en e re Tunnsjøen Indr nd Kongsmo 17 I Namsen Vikna DOMESTIC FLYING TIMES en rd Lund ikna jo Approximate distances in time on domestic flights: Vtre V fi ld Fo (source: SAS Sept. 10) Namdalen 74 E N Jøa Lierne rk Ø Nams- Nasjonalpa Oslo - Kristiansand 45 minutes S J Folda Elvalandet Grong D Otterøy 1337 tten Oslo - Stavanger 50 minutes R fj. Namsos 869 O Blåfjellsha Jule en N Geitfjellet E6 Reng Oslo - Bergen 50 minutes Oslo - Sogndal (the fjords) 50 minutes Sjøåsen Bangsjøen Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella Nasjonalpark Oslo - Ålesund 55 minutes 17 Oslo - Trondheim 55 minutes SkjækerfjellaTorrön 1118 Oslo - Bodø 1 hour 30 minutes Steinkjer Skjøkerfjella Oslo - Svolvær 2 hours 21 minutes Stokkøya (1 flight change, fastest corresponding flight) Breitstad-fjorden Linesøya Fosna Oslo - Tromsø 1 hour 50 minutes Verdalsøra 72 Froan Afjord Ytterøy Oslo - Alta 1 hour 55 minutes t Sandvika Frohave Krinsvatn n Feren Oslo - Honningsvåg (the North Cape) 3 hours 38 minutes a e E6 rv rd Ta o (2 flight changes, fastest corresponding flights) Krakvagfjorden fj vatn s Stor im E14 a e Oslo - Kirkenes 2 hours 5 minutes Sul h Stjørdal E14 d SulsfjordenFrøya n vet ro Meråker Frøyha T øyfjord Roltdalen Titran Fr rk ROUTE PLANNER Skarvan og Trondheim n Nasjonalpa Ramsøyfjorden HeimdalSelbusjøe 1441 either www.viamichelin.co.uk, or www.visveg.vegvesen.no a Fongen slei Selbu im Ås he Melhus nd r Tro Orkange E6 AREA 1536 Sylsjön Edøy n døra 2 al e Skar E39 l d The Kingdom of Norway 385,199 km Korsvoll O G a u r 2 Ert- k Støren 30 65 l Gaula Mainland (including lakes) 323,782 km vagøy a d Tustna a 2 H l e en Land area 304,280 km a n l Aursund s e 2 f 64 j o elshogna 84 Svalbard 61,020 km Kristiansund r d For e n ollheimen 31 2 Averøya Bergsøy Tr Ulsberg 1332 O Jan Mayen 377 km 70 1668 Blåhø U N E S C Røros Tingvoll Snota 1672 Orkla Os Vevang Tingvollfj. Forollhogna 70 E39 Oppdal 3 28 Femundsmarka TERRITORIES 62 g 70 Nasjonalparka

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d Tr fjor L d Flekkefjord n a Skagen Hidra Lyngdal k 43 M Listafjord Mandal Hirt sha Farsund S ls Lindesnes als Hirtsh Frederikshavn WELCOME TO NORWAY Expectations are half the fun! The pleasure of looking forward to days when you are your own boss and can do what you want, when you want! Of looking forward to recharging your batteries! The anticipation that you will soon be experiencing something different, something

beautiful and unknown! Hurtigruten The North Cape

Hammerfest SVALBARD Kirkenes

U N E S C O Alta The Lyngen Alps Tromsø Andenes NORTHERN NORWAY n Longyearbyen le rå te s e V

n te fo o L VISIT NORWAY ONLINE

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Trøndelag information about the whole of Hurtigruten Norway and what the tourism industry has to offer – all in one Trondheim Kristiansund place. This makes it easy to Molde Røros explore Norway as a travel Ålesund Møre & Romsdal U N E S C O the Geirangerfjord destination, to search for U N E S C O he Nordfjord t EASTERN NORWAY products and destinations and FJORD NORWAY Fjell Norway book holidays to Norway. U N E S C O Urnes Stave Church nefjord the Sog U N E S C O Lillehammer Nærøyfjord Hemsedal Flåm Gjørvik U N E S C O Bergen Valdres rd jo rf e g Gardermoen n a rd a H e Oslo th d

o j f Østfold o

l Telemark s O Rygge Haugesund Torp Setesdal Larvik Stavanger Langesund For more infomation: SOUTHERN NORWAY Strømstad Arendal www.visitnorway.com Kristiansand or scan the barcode.

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