Norway Budget Adventures
Norway
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Bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia, Norway is one of the most northerly countries in Europe; almost a third of its elongated landmass lies within the Arctic Circle and remains ice-covered for much of the year. The country’s entire west coast is exposed to the North Atlantic Ocean, where hundreds of fjords indent the coastline, creating its distinctive, jagged shape. Norway is home to beautiful cities and timber-clad towns, with Bergen, Tromso and Oslo (the capital), some of the better known. Deep within the Arctic Circle lays the Svalbard archipelago, a land dominated by mountains and magnificent glaciers. In some of Europe’s wildest ... (Read more...)
landscapes, Norway offers inexhaustible opportunities for adventure.Norway’s diverse landscapes support prolific wildlife, including elk, brown bear, reindeer and thousands of migratory birds. North of the mainland, Svalbard’s arctic wilderness is home to the polar bear.
The country experiences four distinct seasons, and becomes increasingly cold the further north you travel. The long, bright summer days (June to August) can reach up to 30C around Oslo and in the south-east, but from September, autumn temperatures begin dropping below 10C across the country. By winter, much of Norway is snow-clad; temperatures inland in the north can reach lows of -40C and it remains cold until late March, whereas coastal areas stay comparatively mild. Spring (May to June) in Norway is spectacular, with trees and flowers blossoming and melt waters swelling the rivers.
From late November to mid-February, Norway’s notorious polar nights and Northern Lights can be experienced north of the Arctic Circle. In contrast, between mid-April and late August, the midnight-sun remains permanently above the horizon.
The country experiences four distinct seasons, and becomes increasingly cold the further north you travel. The long, bright summer days (June to August) can reach up to 30C around Oslo and in the south-east, but from September, autumn temperatures begin dropping below 10C across the country. By winter, much of Norway is snow-clad; temperatures inland in the north can reach lows of -40C and it remains cold until late March, whereas coastal areas stay comparatively mild. Spring (May to June) in Norway is spectacular, with trees and flowers blossoming and melt waters swelling the rivers.
From late November to mid-February, Norway’s notorious polar nights and Northern Lights can be experienced north of the Arctic Circle. In contrast, between mid-April and late August, the midnight-sun remains permanently above the horizon.
Dog Sledding
Some of Norway’s best sledding areas are found in the northern county of Finnmark, where endless, white plains drop to pine-forested valleys. Temperatures range from as low as -20C in January, to a relatively balmy 7C in May.
For the even more adventurous, cross the North Sea and head to Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, looking out for polar bears as you mush across arctic landscapes. Expect lows of -16C from January to March, warming to the low minuses in April and May. Visit between October and January to experience the polar nights and Northern Lights, or later in the season for the spring thaws and midnight-sun.
Kayaking
For fantastic kayaking, head towards southern Norway between June and October, when the winter thaws fill the rivers to give exhilarating white-water rides. The Sjoa River (Heidal district) and Jostedalselva River (Hardanger district) are well-known to those seeking an adrenaline kick; sections range from grades one to three, with greater challenges for thrill seekers. Expect views of breath-taking fjords, high mountain plateaus and stunning waterfalls.
Temperatures can reach 20C in June and fall to around 10C in October.
Multi-Activity
‘Big contrasts and small distances’ is a phrase you’ll hear often in Western Norway; with a massive diversity of terrains, it’s possible to pack a lot into your trip.
Nestled in the ‘Seven Mountains’ range on the Atlantic coast, the cultural city of Bergen offers the opportunity to combine sea kayaking and mountain biking, with fjord safaris and hiking. Summer temperatures average around 14C, so it’s great for walking with a pack.
Further inland is the town of Eidford and the Hardangervidda National Park (Hardanger district), a magnet for kayaking and salmon fishing, as well as glacier trekking and climbing.
Seventy eight degrees north, in the Svalbard archipelago, the island of Spitsbergen is an arctic wonderland of dramatic mountains, calving glaciers and frozen landscapes. From Longyearbyen sail north into Isfjord, through drift ice and past basking seals, and into the remote land of the polar bear and arctic fox. Prepare to be flexible, as the fickle weather here tends to dictate the schedule.
Sailing
Head north to the Svalbard archipelago and sail in one of the most remote and unspoilt places on earth. During the warmer, summer months, it’s possible to fully circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, sailing through jagged peaks and magnificent fjords. The west coast is rich in wildlife, whereas the semi-permanent ice-pack along the colder east coast can make navigation tricky. July is the warmest month, with temperatures hovering a few degrees above freezing. From Svalbard, it’s also possible to explore more of the Arctic Circle, cruising west to Greenland.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in Spitsbergen is one of the best ways to discover the Arctic wilderness, allowing you to cover huge distances and get a feel for just how remote and unspoilt the Svalbard archipelago really is. A highlight for most visitors is spending a night on the Noorderlicht - a hotel-ship completely frozen in the ice. Between April and May, expect temperatures between -2C and -12C, warming to around 4Cin July.
Wildlife and Nature
Wildlife is plentiful throughout Norway, with a huge variety of species populating the country’s diverse terrains.
Northern Norway is the place to be for whale watching. The season runs from January to May, with temperatures as low as -7C in January, and as high as 12C in May. Top destinations for viewing sperm, minke, and humpback whales, among other species; include the Tromso and Evenes municipalities.
Bird watchers should travel south of Tromso to the remote Lofoten Islands - one of Europe’s great bird-watching retreats. Infamous for its puffin populations, over 1.5 million seabirds nest here, including sea eagles, Arctic terns and guillemots.
If you’re on the lookout for polar bears, head 80° north to the Svalbard archipelago. From Norway’s most northerly town, Longyearbyen, travel to the island of Spitsbergen where reindeer and walruses live alongside Arctic foxes and polar bears.
Skiing
With reliable snowfalls, Norway’s long ski-season lasts from November to May. Norway’s un-crowded pistes are perfect for building confidence, with Beitostolen (eastern Norway) and Geilo (southern Norway) particularly popular and a great destination for family and beginner ski holidays.
Hafjell, located 15km from the town of Lillehammer, also accommodates beginners but challenging Olympic runs and the well-maintained terrain park offer challenges for the more experienced.
Off-piste skiers and boarders should head to Hemsedal (Southern Norway). Expect a mixed terrain of open bowls and forested slopes, as well as a world-class snow park and over 200km of cross-country trails.
For remote ski-mountaineering, try the Lyngen Alps (North Norway).The ski able terrain here is vast with 1500-metre peaks and tree-skiing for heavy snowfalls.
Classic Itineraries
If you’re coming to Norway to experience the Arctic wilderness, head towards Svalbard, starting your journey from Longyearbyen and exploring the island of Spitsbergen. Or, if you’re looking for something less challenging but equally impressive, northern Norway (Tromso) offers stunning mountain backdrops and breath-taking seascapes.
To pack in a big range of activities in a more forgiving environment, western Norway (Bergen) is an excellent choice.
Other Activities
Norway’s spectacular landscapes attract thousands of hikers and climbers. The national parks have an excellent network of mountain trails and cabins, although many are not open until late June. Fishing is also hugely popular, particularly between June and September (although be aware that fishing licences are required).
