Journey To Scandinavian Country

Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains and glaciers. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort. It offers tourists an incredible mix of cultural and natural wonders. From cosmopolitanOsloto its endless snow-capped mountain peaks and deep fjords, there's no end of choices for travelers in the land of the midnight sun and stunning northern lights. Getting around the country is easy, and the country's top-notch transit systems offer some of the best sightseeing opportunities, too, whether by rail or the fantastic coastal steamers. One of the world's most prosperous nations, Norway seems to have a fascinating museum for just about every important aspect of its rich cultural and social history, covering everything from the Vikings to seafaring and fishing, as well as art and entertainment.Tourists enjoy exploring the narrower branches likeNaeroyfjord, a spectacular 17-kilometer stretch with cliff walls that are only 250 meters apart and tower more than 1,700 meters above the water. Another top destination isFjærland, the region that houses Europe's biggest glacier,Jostedalsbreen, and theNorwegian Glacier Museum. Pulpit Rock is nevertheless one of the most popular sites in Norway, located near Stavanger, the destination requires ferry and bus rides and then a two-hour uphill hike to reach the almost perfectly flat-topped cliff. Tromsø is a top destination for those hoping to see the spectacularaurora borealis. An unexpected tourist attraction for an area deep within the frozen north, theTromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Gardenis home to flowering plants such as hardy rhododendrons, gigantic Tibetan blue poppy, as well as traditional medicinal plants. The Lofoten Islands is a popular tourist destination for Norwegians and foreigners alike. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather here is mild despite its location within the Arctic Circle. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, explore traditional fishing villages, kayak, hike, and see the wildlife. Tourists can learn the importance of fishing at theNorwegian Fishing Village Museumand theLofoten Stockfish Museum. Tromsø is home to several fantastic museums, Polaria and Polar museum. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is home to 650 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. This collection is found within the largeFrogner Park, which also houses theVigeland Museum. Lillehammer is one of Norway's best-known year-round tourist destinations. In summer, it's all about attractions such asMalhaugen Park, an open-air museum consisting of more than 100 historic buildings, including 18th-century farmhouses, workshops, and a stave church. Another notable landmark there isPeer Gynt's Cottage. Part of the spectacularFjord Norwaynetwork - and regularly topping theUNESCO World Heritage Siteslist - the Geirangerfjord region north ofÅlesundoffers some of the finest scenery anywhere in Norway. One of the best is from the summit ofDalsnibba. At 1,495 meters, the views of the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord far below are simply breathtaking. Numerous cruises and tours are available, but if you're driving, be sure to take the windingEagles' Roadwith its 11 hairpin bends and great views. There's no better way to see Norway's stunning countryside than by train. Perhaps surprisingly for such a mountainous country, Norway's rail lines stretch more than 3,218 kilometers, encountering along the way some 775 tunnels and more than 3,000 bridges. The best scenic routes begin inOslo, including theBergen Railway, which runs over theHardangerviddamountain plateau. The Atlantic Ocean Road - one of 18National Tourist Routesin Norway - is not only a vital connection for the maze of tiny islands it serves, it's also a lure for anglers, diving enthusiasts, and visitors wanting to get as close as possible to the sea. In addition to the excellent views - always spectacular, whatever the weather - you'll get a chance to visit lovely little fishing villages, quaint wooden churches, and the famousTrolls' Church Cave. The largest Alpine region on the Norwegian high plateau, the Jotunheimen covers an area of 3,499 square kilometers and includes Scandinavia's highest mountains. It's also home to many spectacular waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife, such as large reindeer populations. You would just love all of this!