Norway: A Fairytale-Like Journey Through the Land of Fjords and Northern Lights

My Dreams and Norway

Sometimes, while watching a documentary, a movie, or just out of the blue, I would feel my heart begin to race when I encountered a Norwegian place, location, or natural image. Norway, with its breathtaking fjords and the Northern Lights, was a must-see for me.

Finally, I was in Norway.

Fair Tale Norway

Arriving in Norway felt like I’d stepped into a fairy tale. This northern country, where magnificent fjords meet boundless forests and the midnight sun dances over snow-capped mountains, is not just a destination; it’s an experience written in the language of nature. In this travel diary, I’ll share my impressions, practical tips, and the magical moments that made Norway unforgettable.

Best Dates to Visit Norway

I learned this information from locals during my trip to Norway. I tried to learn more about Norway from many of the venue owners and places I stayed.
Norway offers a unique experience in every season. December to February are the best times to watch the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and ski in places like Tromsø and Lofoten.

March to May is when the landscapes awaken with flowers. The colorful texture and flowers of nature will dazzle you. Snow-capped mountains on one side, and a veritable riot of color on the other.

June to August is ideal for fjord cruises, hiking, and especially enjoying the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. September to November is a golden age for the country, with fewer crowds. The weather cools considerably. With the snowfall, nature offers stunning scenery.

How to Get to Norway

My first stop on my trip, which began at Istanbul International Airport, was Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
I will detail my experiences in Amsterdam in another article.
I landed at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway’s main international transit point, from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Flights from Europe are relatively affordable; budget airlines offer fares as low as €50-80 when booked in advance. Transatlantic flights from outside Europe typically cost around €400-600.

Once in Norway, the country’s public transportation system is efficient but expensive.
Trains: Scenic and comfortable, like the Oslo-Bergen route, cost around €35-60.
Buses: Slightly cheaper than trains, useful for rural areas.
Domestic Flights: Commonly used for long distances and typically cost €60-120.
Ferries: A must for fjord regions; Prices range from €10 for short distances to €40 and above for longer distances.
Car Rental: You can consider this option for trips, especially along the Atlantic Ocean Road, with prices starting from €40-70 per day.

What to Eat and Drink in Norway?

Eating in Norway is both a cultural adventure and a financial challenge. Traditional dishes include rakfisk (fermented fish), klippfisk (dried cod), and reindeer stew.

The seafood is incredibly fresh, and salmon is a source of national pride.
Street Food and Bakeries: A pastry like Skillingsbolle (cinnamon bun) costs €3-5.
Daily Meals: A simple meal at a cafe costs around €15-20.
If you’re planning to eat at a restaurant, you can expect to pay around €25-40 for just the main course.

Supermarkets: A good option for travelers like me who have a passion for exploring more countries and regions on a budget; daily grocery shopping can cost €15-25.

Alcohol: Expensive due to high taxes; a beer at the bar costs €8-10.

My Trip Highlights

Norway’s beauty is evident in its vast landscapes, each offering a new chapter in a fairytale.

Oslo:

A modern city intertwined with nature, with highlights like the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Bergen:

A vibrant port town and gateway to the fjords, perfect for exploring Bryggen Pier.

Fjords:

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord captivated me.

Lofoten Islands:

A surreal archipelago with fishing villages, impressive peaks, and the Northern Lights.

Tromsø:

The Arctic capital, where I experienced husky sledding and the dazzling aurora borealis.

Atlantic Ocean Road:

One of the world’s most scenic roads.

Costs and Budget Tips

Norway is one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, but it can be managed with careful planning:
– Budget travelers: €60-80 per day (hostels, markets, public transportation).
– Middle-income travelers: €120-180 per day (hotels, dining out, tourist attractions).
– Luxury travelers: €250 and up per day (boutique accommodations, guided tours, fine dining).

My Takeaway from Norway

Traveling in Norway was like living in a storybook. From standing on the edge of a fjord with mist in the air to watching the Northern Lights paint the Arctic sky, every moment was filled with wonder. Norway isn’t just a country; it’s a dreamland waiting to be discovered, a place that reminds you that some fairytales do come true.