The last and final part of the #scandinaviaseries is finally here! Can we just take a moment to notice the fact that every other post of mine begins with a "Sorry I've been so inactive lat.." ? Just wanted to tell you guys that I'm studying in 12th grade now which means I am surrounded with work and a ton of different things to do! Anyway, let's finish this series on a high note. I'm going to be chatting about one of the most breathtaking country I have ever had the fortune to visit, Norway. From crystal blue water to the spotless white snow, this place has so much to offer for every nature lover.Norway is a country ten times smaller than India with some of the best scenic wonders in the world and not to forget, a very tourist friendly country with the most friendly locals.
I have listed down 10 must do's in this post that I experienced and you should too if you're visiting the country in no particular order. Have a look!
#1 Shop at Karl Johans, Oslo
The capital city unlike other capitals isn't as bustling as you would expect it to be. The city has got quite corners, lush green streets and a lot of cycles. Being a lover of the city vibe, Karl Johan street was an instant hit with me. Live artists performing, rock bands performing in the corner, lovely shopping stores and the best add-on being the fact that it is a walking street, so no vehicles. I did quite a lot of shopping from stores like Lush and Victoria's secret which are yet to arrive in India along with some local brands like bik bok and stadium which I absolutely loved! Do visit this street while you're in Oslo if you love shopping and want to enjoy a lit evening at a cafe around the corner with good music.
#2 Visit Geilo
Geilo was undoubtedly a hidden gem. While road tripping around Norway and stopping by numerous towns, little did I know that one night at the resort town of Geilo would be such a delight. I visited the town in summer which means there was so snow activity (which is what it is well known for), but that didn't stop us from hiking up on a snowy mountain or relaxing in a hot pool. I stayed at Vestllia hotel which I highly recommend for a cozy getaway overlooking snow.
Here's a link to the official Geilo website: https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/geilo/
#3 Stay at Dragsvik Hotel, Balestrand
Probably my favorite accommodation in the entire trip was this cozy two storey guesthouse. This country style house was no where close to a hotel room. Overlooking a glistening lake, the cozy rooms with woolen blankets and wooden balconies were all I could ever ask for. The room had a little kitchen, dining area and the fluffiest bed I've ever layed on. The staff is super sweet too and they provide you with cycles to ride across the hill side too! A must must must visit if you stop by Balestrand.
#4 Cruise across Naeoyfjord fjord
How can i talk about Norway and not talk about the famous fjords? The view cannot be captured from the best lenses in the world. Of course, there are a lot fjords in Norway and honestly all are very famous and equally stunning. So take a pick on the fjord you want to visit, but don't come back home without cruising across one. There are plenty of boats and cruises that travel in and around Norway and it is definitely worth the money!
#5 Eat at a sea food market in Bergen
After a long journey to the Southwestern coast of Norway to the picturesque city of Bergen the first thing we did was indulge in some fresh Norwegian sea food produce! From salmon to cod fish there was just so much to offer. The open air sea food market in tucked on the side of the streets is quite a sight to see. So grab a table by the lake and enjoy some scrumptious food! We ate at a place called "Fish Me" which served really good food.
Here's a link to the official site of Bergen tourism
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/bergen/
#6 Experience the midnight sun & of course the Northern lights!
Unfortunately I couldn't experience the northern lights despite travelling so far away but having said that I thoroughly enjoyed the Norwegian summers! Norway is packed with natural wonders and the Midnight sun is one you can experience during the summer time. Being an Indian I'm used to the calling it a day by 7:00pm, but in Norway it is a totally different ball game all together. The sun sets at around 3, sometimes 4:00am and on some days doesn't set at all! It is on such days you feel grateful for the existence of curtains :-p
#7 Music festivals
If you're an avid follower of electronic and metal music you'd know that some of the world chart toppers from these genres are from Norway. Right from Alan Walker to Kygo are from Norway! If you're a music buff plan a midnight sun concert or experience Vinjerock, a music festival 1060 metres above sea level!
#8 Make a pit stop at Voringfoss
I saw the most beautiful sight of nature in the entire trip in this one stop. At first I was too lazy to get out of the car mid-way the road trip, but was stunned to see nature at it's absolute best. Waterfalls, rainbows and a mist of fog, it looked like a painting.
#9 Eat authentic Norwegian food at grefsenkollen restaurant
The urge to eat local food when travelling abroad is real! Our local guide suggested us this cafe which was just beyond incredible. This restaurant which is actually a wedding chapel too looked from straight off a Magic tree house dream! Must eat the famous local apple cake along with open sandwiches and fish cakes!
#10 Take a cross country cruise
If i had to point out one of the most fun nights of my life, it would be the night at a cruise while travelling from Denmark to Norway. Yes, this doesn't count as things to do in 'Norway' but where else would you find yourself surrounded by snow capped mountains and majestic waves? The Scandinavian cruise lines are wonederful and you must try it out!
This marks the end of my #scandinaviaseries I really hope you guys enjoyed it! Let me know what series you want to see next and have a good day!
Mail me : ria_juweria@yahoo.co.in
Thanks for reading!
I have listed down 10 must do's in this post that I experienced and you should too if you're visiting the country in no particular order. Have a look!
#1 Shop at Karl Johans, Oslo
#2 Visit Geilo
Geilo was undoubtedly a hidden gem. While road tripping around Norway and stopping by numerous towns, little did I know that one night at the resort town of Geilo would be such a delight. I visited the town in summer which means there was so snow activity (which is what it is well known for), but that didn't stop us from hiking up on a snowy mountain or relaxing in a hot pool. I stayed at Vestllia hotel which I highly recommend for a cozy getaway overlooking snow.
Here's a link to the official Geilo website: https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/geilo/
#3 Stay at Dragsvik Hotel, Balestrand
Probably my favorite accommodation in the entire trip was this cozy two storey guesthouse. This country style house was no where close to a hotel room. Overlooking a glistening lake, the cozy rooms with woolen blankets and wooden balconies were all I could ever ask for. The room had a little kitchen, dining area and the fluffiest bed I've ever layed on. The staff is super sweet too and they provide you with cycles to ride across the hill side too! A must must must visit if you stop by Balestrand.
#4 Cruise across Naeoyfjord fjord
How can i talk about Norway and not talk about the famous fjords? The view cannot be captured from the best lenses in the world. Of course, there are a lot fjords in Norway and honestly all are very famous and equally stunning. So take a pick on the fjord you want to visit, but don't come back home without cruising across one. There are plenty of boats and cruises that travel in and around Norway and it is definitely worth the money!
#5 Eat at a sea food market in Bergen
After a long journey to the Southwestern coast of Norway to the picturesque city of Bergen the first thing we did was indulge in some fresh Norwegian sea food produce! From salmon to cod fish there was just so much to offer. The open air sea food market in tucked on the side of the streets is quite a sight to see. So grab a table by the lake and enjoy some scrumptious food! We ate at a place called "Fish Me" which served really good food.
Here's a link to the official site of Bergen tourism
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/bergen/
#6 Experience the midnight sun & of course the Northern lights!
Unfortunately I couldn't experience the northern lights despite travelling so far away but having said that I thoroughly enjoyed the Norwegian summers! Norway is packed with natural wonders and the Midnight sun is one you can experience during the summer time. Being an Indian I'm used to the calling it a day by 7:00pm, but in Norway it is a totally different ball game all together. The sun sets at around 3, sometimes 4:00am and on some days doesn't set at all! It is on such days you feel grateful for the existence of curtains :-p
#7 Music festivals
If you're an avid follower of electronic and metal music you'd know that some of the world chart toppers from these genres are from Norway. Right from Alan Walker to Kygo are from Norway! If you're a music buff plan a midnight sun concert or experience Vinjerock, a music festival 1060 metres above sea level!
#8 Make a pit stop at Voringfoss
I saw the most beautiful sight of nature in the entire trip in this one stop. At first I was too lazy to get out of the car mid-way the road trip, but was stunned to see nature at it's absolute best. Waterfalls, rainbows and a mist of fog, it looked like a painting.
#9 Eat authentic Norwegian food at grefsenkollen restaurant
The urge to eat local food when travelling abroad is real! Our local guide suggested us this cafe which was just beyond incredible. This restaurant which is actually a wedding chapel too looked from straight off a Magic tree house dream! Must eat the famous local apple cake along with open sandwiches and fish cakes!
#10 Take a cross country cruise
If i had to point out one of the most fun nights of my life, it would be the night at a cruise while travelling from Denmark to Norway. Yes, this doesn't count as things to do in 'Norway' but where else would you find yourself surrounded by snow capped mountains and majestic waves? The Scandinavian cruise lines are wonederful and you must try it out!
This marks the end of my #scandinaviaseries I really hope you guys enjoyed it! Let me know what series you want to see next and have a good day!
Let's be friends, find me on social media!
~ Twitter
~ Roposso app: @JuweriaJilani
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Mail me : ria_juweria@yahoo.co.in
Thanks for reading!
