NORWAY
Even though Bergen is second-largest city of Norway, it has a lovely small-town vibe and atmosphere. Houses clinging to the mountainsides, old wooden architecture, and narrow streets packed with cosy cafes and shops. The Bergen bucket list tends to grow long, so make sure you have enough time. Popular attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bryggen Hanseatic wharf, the fish market, Mount Fløyen, Bergen Aquarium, and KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes. Thanks to the fact that 10 per cent of the people who live in Bergen are students, you can be sure there is always something going on. Catch a concert, enjoy an exhibition, or spoil yourself by visiting the many trendy shops, bars, and restaurants.
The city of Alta lies in an area with a relatively mild climate in the otherwise cold north. Here you can experience Sami culture up close, see UNESCO protected rock carvings, spend the night in a ice hotel or hunt for the northern lights.Alta is the largest town in Norway’s northernmost county and lies at the inner reaches of the Altafjord. Although located far north, Alta is fairly easy to reach by plane or by road. The area offers forests, mountain plateaus, and coastal landscapes, and you have numerous opportunities to spend the days and nights outdoors and go hiking, biking and fishing.
For nature lovers, the Geirangerfjord has plenty to offer. Experience the fjords and the waterfalls from one of the many available sightseeing trips, go hiking in stunning surroundings or experience the fjords from a new perspective in a kayak. Other popular activities in the area include fishing, rafting and cycling.The area’s unique natural surroundings were created during a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped the high mountains – and it is not a coincidence that the Geirangerfjord today often appears on lists of the most spectacular places in the world.
Norwegian nature can be just as wild as it is beautiful. The weather may change quickly in the mountains – from bright sunshine to rain, dense fog and strong winds. It is therefore important to respect nature and be careful. Talk to experienced hikers before setting out – and get to know fjellvettreglene, the Norwegian mountain code.Closeness to nature is important to Norwegians. Most cities are located near popular protected outdoor areas. In most places, an hour’s walk from the city centre is all it takes to reach semi-wilderness. If you study at the University of Oslo, at NTNU in Trondheim or at the University of Tromsø, ski trails are almost directly accessible from campus. And for those based in Bergen, the mountain plateau Vidden is never more than an hour away from the reading room.
