Module 02:
What are Norway’s regions like?

Eastern Norway is where the capital Oslo is located. In the rest of the region, you will find vast recreational areas with national parks and skiing destinations.

Oslo
Norway’s capital currently has around 700,000 inhabitants. As one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, there is a great deal to discover in terms of nightlife, culture and festivals.

One of the unique selling points of the city is the combination of a lively city life and tranquil nature. The deep forests that surround the city centre are only a short tram ride away. In 2019, Oslo was named European Green Capital thanks to its dedication to fight pollution and preserve green areas.

Top city picks

• New architecture and design
• Interesting food and restaurants
• Nightlife, live music and festivals
• Art and culture
• Outdoor activities in Nordmarka forest area
• City skiing at Oslo Skimore

Outside Oslo

Within a few hours’ drive from Oslo, you can reach some of Norway’s most cherished areas for recreational activities:

• Outdoor adventures in the Jotunheimen national park, with more than 200 mountains over 2,000 metres (6,561 feet)
• Large resorts like Geilo and Trysil for skiing in the winter and mountain biking, hiking and fishing in the summer
• Classic hiking routes like the Besseggen ridge
• Norway’s highest mountain Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres / 8,100 feet above sea level)
• Norway's largest lake Mjøsa
• Several other recreational outdoor areas, including Norway's first national park Rondane and the Gudbrandsdalen valley
• Strong food traditions with lots of local food producers and farms where you can try specialities from the region
• The historic Telemark canal, built in the 19th Century
• The Olympic town of Lillehammer, known from the TV crime series Lilyhammer

Norway has more than 1,000 fjords spread across the country, but the most famous ones are located on the west coast in the region known as Fjord Norway.

Main cities
There are several cities scattered along the west coast, ranging in size from 24,000 to 250,000 inhabitants.

Each city has its own cultural gems and easy access to nature, as well as international airports.

Top city picks

• The medieval wharf Bryggen in Bergen, which is Norway’s second biggest city
• Natural wonders like Preikestolen and Kjerag near Stavanger, which is also known as one of Norway’s best food cities
• The Art Nouveau architecture and the Atlantic scenic road of Ålesund
• The Viking heritage in Haugesund
• Fishing in Kristiansund

Outside the cities

Norway’s fairy-tale fjord landscape was created during a succession of ice ages. Since then, it hasn’t changed much.

The region is full of cute fjord villages surrounded by mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and valleys. They all have their own local traditions and culinary specialities.

Fjord highlights

• The UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord
• The Sognefjord: the longest and deepest, called the ”king of the fjords” and its well-known sidekick the Nærøyfjord
• The Hardangerfjord with the fruit orchards
• The Lysefjord with the striking cliffs Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag
• The Aurlandsfjord by the village of Flåm and the Flåm Railway
• Nordfjord with the Loen skylift, glaciers, and the Skåla mountain

Believe it or not, people have lived in Northern Norway for thousands of years, most likely thanks to the relatively mild climate, ice-free harbours and excellent fishing possibilities. Fishing is still important in the villages, which are characterised by colourful wooden buildings and surrounded by craggy mountains.

Main cities
Northern Norway is the largest but also the most sparsely populated region. It is not all wilderness however – there are a few cities, all worth visiting for their selection of natural and cultural experiences.

Top city picks

• City life, food and culture in Tromsø
• The world’s strongest tidal current Saltstraumen in Bodø
• Winter activities in Alta, known as “the city of northern lights”
• Sami culture in Karasjok and Kautokeino

Outside the cities
Northern Norway is often called one of Europe’s “last wilderness areas”, and for a good reason. The region presents unique opportunities for experiencing untouched nature and taking part in activities like hiking and fishing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Many people come to enjoy the midnight sun or the northern lights.

Highlights

• The Lofoten Islands – fairy-tale surroundings with clear fjords, jagged mountains and adorable fishing villages
• Vesterålen – this group of islands close to Lofoten is particularly known for its rich wildlife, including whales
• The North Cape – this iconic cliff is the northernmost accessible point on mainland Europe
• Helgeland – a stunning area along the coast which is perfect for nature activities like cycling and kayaking
• Sami culture – Norway’s indigenous population

Svalbard
Svalbard is a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. The main town is Longyearbyen with around 1,900 inhabitants.

Thanks to regular flights from Norway, Svalbard’s Arctic landscape and wildlife has become easily accessible. The flight time from Oslo is around three hours.

Highlights:

• Summers with 120 days of midnight sun
• Winters with northern lights and the polar night (the period when the sun does not rise above the horizon)
• Arctic wildlife – Svalbard has around 3,000 inhabitants, and around 3,000 polar bears.

Known as "the Norwegian Riviera", Southern Norway is the southernmost region in the country. It is the obvious summer holiday destination for many Norwegians, known for its picture-perfect coastline, the typical white-painted wooden houses, and idyllic boating and bathing spots.

It is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, so anyone who wants to experience a genuine Norwegian summer holiday in the archipelago is recommended a visit!

Kristiansand
The main city in Southern Norway is Kristiansand with over 60,000 inhabitants.

Top city picks

• Kristiansand’s family-friendly, sandy beach Bystranda is one of five Norwegian beaches with the sustainability award ”Blue Flag”
• Known as ”the children's city”

Outside the city
Southern Norway is a great family holiday destination with lots of attractions and activities the kids will enjoy. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer: hiking, cycling, fishing, climbing and family-friendly skiing in the winter. Setesdal, around two hours by car from Kristiansand, is worth a visit for several reasons. Above all, it's great for everyone who is interested in Norwegian folk traditions. The local folklore has even earned Setesdal a spot on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Highlights

• Kristiansand Zoo
• The vintage railway in Setesdal
• Family rafting

Trøndelag in central Norway is often called Norway’s historic centre. This is where the battle of Stiklestad took place in 1030, when the region's main town Trondheim became Norway's capital. The battle marks the end of the Viking Age and the country's transition to Christianity.

The region also prides itself on its local food traditions, no less than seven national parks and a beautiful coast with plenty of fishing opportunities.

Main cities
The two main cities in the region are Trondheim and Røros. Trondheim is a lively student town with plenty of cultural activities, festivals and restaurants. Røros is a small mining town which is famous for its preserved wooden buildings, many of which go back to the 17^th century.

Many visitors use Trondheim and Røros as a base for hiking, fishing and cycling excursions in the surrounding areas.

Top picks in Trondheim

• The medieval Nidarosdomen Cathedral, which is still a popular destination for pilgrims
• The vibrant cultural life with festivals, live music and restaurants as well as the music museum Rockheim
• The annual Trøndelag food and brewery festival
• Bymarka, a vast recreation area with hiking paths in all directions, is only 20 minutes by tram from Trondheim

Top picks in Røros

• A UNESCO heritage site and one of the oldest wooden towns in Europe
• Founded in 1644, this mining town has retained much of its original character
• The Christmas and winter markets in December and February, respectively
• Lots of independent shops and artisan workshops
• A leading destination for locally produced food

Outside the cities
With a varied landscape, the Trøndelag region offers activities from fishing and boating to skiing and hiking in the mountains. The region has no less than seven national parks, so if you have clients who enjoy getting close to nature, Trøndelag is a great suggestion. Just be careful not to get too close – the area is one of few places in the world where musk oxen roam free. These majestic creatures may look serene, but they are not to be trifled with, and they are faster than you are!

Highlights

• Wild musk oxen in the Dovrefjell mountains.
• The wild and beautiful coast, renowned for its good fishing possibilities
• The historic site of Stiklestad
• Kystriksveien – the Coastal Route, a beautiful scenic road between Steinskjer and Bodø
• The Golden Road – certified by Sustainable Destination, located in Innherred