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What Not to Miss When Visiting Norway

From famous Norwegian fjords and magnificent mountainous terrain to modern art displays and Viking drinking culture at lively bars, there are many fantastic attractions in Norway that you won’t want to miss.

Magdalenefjord

Fjords are synonymous with Norway, so you won’t want to miss visiting Magdalenefjord in Nordvest Spitsbergen, which is approximately five miles long and three miles wide. The gorgeous blue-green waters of the bay are overlooked by mighty mountain peaks and incredible tidewater glaciers. The area is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Svalbard archipelago. Whether you visit on a bright sunny day or when there are atmospheric storm clouds in the sky, you won’t forget this taste of arctic beauty in a hurry. Lots of cruises operate trips to Magdalenefjord so you can see it close up in all its glory.

Oslo Nightlife

Whether you’re looking for a quiet atmospheric bar or a raucous beat-thumping club, Norway’s capital city Oslo will cater to your needs. The city hosts an insanely vibrant nightlife. The only thing missing is a casino, as gambling is mostly illegal in the country. However, you can still play slot and table games at an online casino. If you’re primarily interested in exploring Norway’s drinking culture, Oslo has many winding streets and interconnecting neighborhoods full of lively bars, and most bars and clubs in Oslo stay open until three a.m. or later at weekends. The city’s best bar scene is around Thorvald Meyers gate and its nearby streets.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/trondheim-norway-nidaros-cathedral-2074272/

Nidaros Cathedral

Located in the city of Trondheim, Nidaros Cathedral is the largest medieval building in all of Scandinavia. The Gothic structure is ornately decorated. Although different parts of this cathedral were constructed as late as the 19th century, the original cathedral dates from 1153. The west wall features an abundance of statues of Norwegian kings and bishops, and the colorful stained-glass windows light up the otherwise dark interior in beautiful illumination. The cathedral’s altar sits upon the grave of the Viking St. Olav, who was responsible for replacing Nordic paganism with Christianity. Make sure you check out the crypt, which features a fascinating display of carved tombstones. And if you’re feeling fit, you should climb the 172 steps of the tower. The view of the city from atop the tower will take your breath away.

Trolltunga

The slender rock formation Trolltunga, which translates as “Troll’s Tongue,” stands magnificently above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and is one of Norway’s most photographed natural features. It is also one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations. It’s a tough climb, though. The 14-mile hike takes around 10 hours to complete, but it’s more than worth your while, as the view of Odda from the top of Trolltunga is genuinely awesome. The hike is also worthwhile because you get to see the beautiful 150-foot Tyssestrengene waterfall.

Ekebergparken

This magnificent sculpture park only opened in 2013, but it has fast become one of Norway’s unmissable attractions. The vast forested park has an extensive collection of modern art sculptures owned by art collector Christian Ringnes. You will see works by famous artists like Tony Oursler, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Louise Bourgeois, and Sarah Lucas, as well as some more-traditional sculptures by the likes of Maillol and Rodin.

Ekebergparken is a big place, and you’ll love exploring its woods and natural beauty as much as you’ll enjoy soaking up the artworks, so expect to spend at least half a day here. One thing you won’t want to miss at Ekebergparken is the historic Ekeberg Stairs. At the top, you will come across the Munch Spot, which has breathtaking views that inspired Edvard Munch’s famous painting The Scream.

The Northern Lights

No natural phenomenon in the world compares to the magic and beauty of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. As much as you will not want to miss these colorful lights dancing across the sky with flashes of green, blue, pink, yellow, and white, you will have to hope that they show up, as the Northern Lights are not always visible. The best time to see them is during the Arctic winter, from October to March. If you are lucky enough to see the aurora borealis, it is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

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