Norway is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe and a beautiful place. Following is a summary of background information you should know before taking a trip.
An Overview of Norway for Travelers
The official name of Norway is the Kingdom of Norway. The country covers an area of mainland and accompanying island territories. The total size of Norway is approximately 150,000 square miles. For comparison purposes, this makes the country slightly larger than the State of New Mexico in the United States.
The capital of the Kingdom of Norway is Oslo, which is also the biggest population center with over 520,000 residents. Other major cities of note include Bergen with just under a quarter of a million residents, Trondheim with 150,000 residents and Stavanger with roughly 110,000 residents.
The terrain of Norway can be described as extreme with high plateaus, steep fjords, mountains, and fertile valleys. The climate is temperate along the coast, but much colder inland. With its far north location, Norway experiences very long days during summer months and equally long nights during winter. During summer, it can stay light until close to midnight.
Citizens of Norway are known as Norwegians. The most recent estimate of the total population for Norway was 4,593,000 in 2006. The population is not exactly expanding with annual growth rate just above zero at .41 percent. To provide perspective, there is approximately one Norwegian for every 15 square miles of land.
Ethnicity in Norway is primarily a blend of peoples from the Scandinavian countries in antiquity. The dominant majority is a mix of Nordic, Alpine and Baltic peoples intermixed over time. Norway does not have a strong immigrant movement with only 300,000 immigrants as of 2005.
From a religious perspective, the Church of Norway is the dominant faith with over 87 percent of Norwegians claiming it as their faith. The Church of Norway is a Lutheran denomination. No other religion is able to claim more than two percent of the population as followers, but pockets of Pentecostal Christian, Roman Catholic and Muslim can be found here and there.
The Kingdom of Norway has two official languages - Bokmaal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. English is also widely spoken by most and taught in the school system. Small pockets of Sami and Finish speaking minorities also exist.
Although statistically impossible, Norway claims a literacy rate of 100 percent. The true number if probably not much less due to compulsory education. Life expectancy for male Norwegians is 76 years of age, while women live an additional five years on average.
As this background information reveals, this country to the far north has led a somewhat isolated existence. That being said, the people are universally pleasant and the country is stunningly beautiful.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Introduction To Norway For Travelers
Commute Easy Strategies to Europe Countries: Norway
In regards to the county
Norway, a Nordic us of a mendacity on the western element of the Scandinavian Peninsula is situated in Northern Europe. It additionally borders Sweden, Finland and Russia.
Norway is an outstandingly stunning u . s . a . with a long coastline, snowy mountains and breathtaking fjords. Oslo is the capital of Norway and also the most important city.
Norway is bestowed with a good deal of herbal beauty encompassing wild forests, ancient towns and beautiful fishing villages. The country is very hospitable to the vacationers and persons are very pleasant too. Many vacationers are attracted via the famous midnight sun of the Arctic.
All three large cities of Norway offer other studies to visitors. Norway is a spot to be for nature fanatics and for cultural enthusiasts. Norway is in reality some of the biggest vacationer locations of Europe.
Inhabitants & Languages
The inhabitants of Norway is only 4.6 million and the reliable languages being spoken are Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Different languages which are additionally spoken in Norway include Sámi and Finnish.
Electrical energy
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The kinds of plugs used are Spherical pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with aspect grounding contacts.
Geographic Region
It is a Nordic united states lying on the western component of the Scandinavian Peninsula and positioned in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. About two-3rd area of the Norway is mountains, has around fifty thousand small islands along its coast. It additionally has some of the longest coastlines in the world.
Climate
The climate of Norway can additionally be termed as Temperate with scorching summers and chilly overcast winters. The highlands of internal Norway have an arctic like local weather with snow, critical wind chill and frost. Some of the rain is alongside the coastal spaces and is derived down in iciness quite closely and frequently. Winters are delicate too alongside the coastal areas.
Native Customs
Like some other u . s . Norway has its personal customs too. It's commonplace to not drink until the host makes a toast. It is customary for guests to provide items to the host of a meal. Smoking is against the law in most public areas. Casual get dressed is appropriate for everyday wear. Tipping the taxi drivers is not customary. Tipping up to 5 p.c is normal for carrier in restaurants. Porters at railway stations and airports fee in step with piece, while porters at resorts normally rate around NOK5-10 depending on the number of pieces of luggage.
Sights
Bergen - A lot of museums, galleries, aquarium, medieval age homes, cable automobile to the top of Bergen's hills and boat trips to fjords.
Oslo - Antique medieval buildings, churches, brand new structure, museums like Edvard Munch Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, art galleries, Vigeland Park, and Akershus Fort
Fjordland - Geirangerfjorden known for tiny S-shaped fjord,Sognefjord - the longest and the deepest fjord, beautiful villages equivalent to Balestrand and Flam, old stave churches, Nærøyfjord - Narrowest branch of the Sognefjord and Palteau of Jostedalsbreen glacier
Tromsø - Arctic cathedral, Polaria and Tromsø Museum
Go again and forth
Through Air - Many airlines perform to Norway like Braathens SAFE (BU) and SAS Scandinavian Airways (SK), a Scandinavian airline, Air France, British Airlines, Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest Airways, Norwegian Air Go back and forth, Ryanair and Swiss Airlines. Oslo International Airport (OSL) (Gardermoen) (website online: www.osl.no) is the biggest airport of Norway that is situated 30 mile north of Oslo.
Sea - The important passenger ports are Bergen, Kristiansand, Larvik, Oslo and Stavanger. The main sea routes from the UK, operated by approach of Fjord Line and DFDS Seaways respectively, are from Newcastle to Bergen and to Kristiansand.
By approach of Rail - The country is a component of the in depth network of trains connecting the European cities. If you are coming from UK, the connections are from London via Dover/Ostend (via Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Sweden) or Harwich/Hook of Holland, or from Newcastle to Bergen by the use of Stavanger. It is usually connected to Sweden throught two routes, with sunlight hours and overnight trains from Copenhagen, Malm and Stockholm.
Duty Unfastened Items1. 2 hundred cigarettes or 250g of tobacco merchandise and two hundred leaves of cigarette paper for EU countries.2. four hundred cigarettes or 500g of tobacco products and 2 hundred leaves of cigarette paper for Non-EU countries.3. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for EU countries.4. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for Non-EU countries.5. 50g fragrance or 500 ml eau de toilette6. Presents , Meals, fruits, drugs and flowers for private use of value as a lot as three,500 k
Prohibited Pieces
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy merchandise, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, guns, eggs, crops, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic drinks that include greater than sixty in conserving with cent alcohol.Like this newsletter? Trip the manner to Ecu Nations: Norway
Travel in Norway - How to Get Around
Travelling within Norway
SAS, Braathens and Widerøe are the 3 largest airliners in Norway. You are able to travel between about 50 airports in Norway using these airlines. If you want to experience a wide variety of what norway has to offer travelling by air is the only reasonable option if you have limited time.
Travelling by Bus or Rail
Buses in Norway are well organized with several stops between the main locations. Using the railways is also a good option, however this is not possible to do in the north.
Car rental
Renting a car is a good option, although this is expensive. You can rent a car at most airports and in the major cities
Travelling by sea
Express boats and ferries makes up a good porion of Norway's infrastructure. This gives you the chance to visit the many islands and coastal communities of Norway. The Cruiseliner "Hurtigruten" is also an option although more expensive.
Hithchiking
Hitchhiking is not a common thing to do in Norway, therefore it may take a while before someone actually picks you up. The best places to hitchhike would be in the more traffic heavy areas in and around the major cities. Remember to never hitchhike on your own.
How you choose to travel within Norway depends the goal of your journey. Distances between attractions is something that needs to be considerd, therefore it's important to plan the main destinations and means of transportation beforehand. the quality of roads can be variable especially in the west, therefore,this could be a concern if you plan to rent a car.
Travelling within Norway is both safe and effective if you plan ahead. Have a nice trip!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Travel tips to European Countries: Norway
Norway, a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula is located in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. Norway is an outstandingly beautiful country with a long coastline, snowy mountains and breathtaking fjords. Oslo is the capital of Norway and also the largest city. Norway is bestowed with lots of natural beauty encompassing wild forests, historic towns and beautiful fishing villages. The country is very hospitable to the tourists and people are very friendly too. Many tourists are attracted by the famous midnight sun of the Arctic. All three big cities of Norway offer different experiences to visitors. Norway is a place to be for nature lovers and for cultural enthusiasts. Norway is truly one of the greatest tourist destinations of Europe.
Population & Languages
The population of Norway is only 4.6 million and the official languages being spoken are Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Other languages that are also spoken in Norway include Sámi and Finnish.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and located in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. About two-third area of the Norway is mountains, has around fifty thousand small islands along its coast. It also has one of the longest coastlines in the world.
Climate
The climate of Norway can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and cold overcast winters. The highlands of interior Norway have an arctic like climate with snow, severe wind chill and frost. Most of the rain is along the coastal areas and comes down in winter quite heavily and frequently. Winters are mild too along the coastal areas.
Local Customs
Like any other country Norway has its own customs too. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. It is customary for guests to offer gifts to the host of a meal. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear. Tipping the taxi drivers is not customary. Tipping up to five percent is customary for service in restaurants. Porters at railway stations and airports charge per piece, while porters at hotels generally charge around NOK5-10 depending on the number of pieces of luggage.
Attractions
Bergen – Numerous museums, galleries, aquarium, medieval age buildings, cable car to the top of Bergen’s hills and boat trips to fjords.
Oslo – Old medieval buildings, churches, modern architecture, museums like Edvard Munch Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, art galleries, Vigeland Park, and Akershus Fortress
Fjordland – Geirangerfjorden known for tiny S-shaped fjord,
Sognefjord – the longest and the deepest fjord, beautiful villages such as Balestrand and Flam, old stave churches, Nærøyfjord – Narrowest branch of the Sognefjord and Palteau of Jostedalsbreen glacier
Tromsø – Arctic cathedral, Polaria and Tromsø Museum
Travel
By Air – Many airlines operate to Norway like Braathens SAFE (BU) and SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK), a Scandinavian airline, Air France, British Airways, Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair and Swiss Airlines. Oslo International Airport (OSL) (Gardermoen) (website: www.osl.no) is the biggest airport of Norway which is located 30 mile north of Oslo.
Sea - The important passenger ports are Bergen, Kristiansand, Larvik, Oslo and Stavanger. The main sea routes from the UK, operated by Fjord Line and DFDS Seaways respectively, are from Newcastle to Bergen and to Kristiansand.
By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of trains connecting the European cities. If you are coming from UK, the connections are from London via Dover/Ostend (via Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Sweden) or Harwich/Hook of Holland, or from Newcastle to Bergen via Stavanger. It is also connected to Sweden throught two routes, with daytime and overnight trains from Copenhagen, Malm and Stockholm.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper for EU countries.
2. 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper for Non-EU countries.
3. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for EU countries.
4. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 500 ml eau de toilette
6. Gifts , Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use of value up to 3,500 kr
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
