Norway: Experience Midnight Sun, Witness Northern Lights and More
Norway is full of gorgeous natural beauties that would leave you in awe. From mountains to glaciers and the most magical northern lights, this is a country that you would want to visit over and over again. This is also where you will experience the midnight sun, wherein the sun never sets during the summer season. These phenomena are things that you may not experience in your day to day life. If you decide to visit this magnificent destination, here are some of the top things that should make it on your to do list.
Stroll at the Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park
This is one of the most popular attractions in Norway not just for tourists, but for locals too. According to a survey, 78% of locals went here. The park is located in Oslo and it’s famous for its several statues. The fountains, flowers, trees and plants are all relaxing. Have a picnic or barbeque just like the locals do in the park. Of course, you may want to take a stroll and not miss any inch of this beautiful park. Visiting here is free so it’s truly a treat.
Wonder at the Northern Lights
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, shines above Bear Lake here Jan. 18. The lights are the result of solar particles colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. Early Eskimos and Indians believed different legends about the Northern Lights, such as they were the souls of animals dancing in the sky or the souls of fallen enemies trying to rise again. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang)
Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights are truly enchanting and you’ll have the perfect view of them in the northern part of the country. There’s a higher chance of these lights appearing from the latter part of September to the latter part of March. Check the forecasts to determine the possibility that they might show up. There’s no guarantee though that they would, but when they do, the experience of witnessing them would be priceless and it’s something that would take your breath away.
Explore the Geirangerfjord
Another top attraction in Norway is Geirangerfjord. This natural beauty is one of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is not surprise as the breathtaking view is picture perfect. Go hiking on cliffs or mountains to have a bird’s eye view of the stunning surroundings. There are waterfalls that fall on the waterway. Aside from hiking, other activities that are popular in the area are kayaking and fishing. You may also go in a cruise that includes Geirangerfjord on its destinations.
Visit Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
Covering 150 acres, it’s not just your ordinary zoo where you can find different kinds of animals, but it also offers several other attractions, restaurants and souvenir shops. If traveling with the whole family, especially with the kids, this is the perfect place to go to. It calls itself as the “living park”. The Captain Sabertooth World area of the zoo and park is one of its most visited areas.
Go to the North Cape
This is another top destination for tourists in Norway. Known as the northernmost end point of Europe, you’ll literally feel you’re at the top of the world looking at the unbelievable horizon. It also has a unique climatic condition that you may not always experience. Since it’s at a high point, you’ll have the most amazing view of the northern lights when they appear. You can also enjoy various activities during the summer when the sun doesn’t set, known as the midnight sun. The polar nights on winter on the other hand makes the entire day appear like it’s twilight. It still has its own beauty as the moon reflects in the snow looking all mystic.
Stay in a Snow Hotel
If you visit on winter season, don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a snow hotel. As the term suggests, the structure is made of snow. There are mattresses and sleeping bags for you take a rest, while being surrounded by walls of snow.
What is the top thing that you are most interested to try if visiting Norway? We would love to hear from you.
Photo Attribution:
Featured and 1st image by Hofi0006 (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
2nd image by United States Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
3rd image by Chmee2 or Mates (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
