A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Fascinating Norway

A once-in-a-lifetime destination, Norway will leave you overwhelmed. The essence of Norway lies in its elegance and simplicity, snow-clad mountaintops, bustling city life and rich culture. Go back in time with Norway's heritage and live in the present with its spectacular nightlife. Norway demands the time and patience to explore its corners in exchange for an exhilarating experience.

Why Visit Norway

Visit Norway for the drama of its nature; fjords that line up gracefully to create a landscape so beautiful, it embodies it. The offerings of Norway do not stop there. It is known for its glaciers, stave churches that are spread across southern and central Norway, and incredible northern lights experience.

Norway's Arctic appeal offers wildlife in forms of polar bears, reindeer and musk oxen to name a few. In stark contrast to its natural beauty is Norway's vibrant culture. The cities are sprinkled with the famous Scandinavian flair for intricate design. Its contemporary architecture incorporates adventure activities like hiking and cycling through serene mountains, and skiing in the winter.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Norway is early summer during the months of June and July. These months are also see the highest tourism in Norway. The Midnight Sun, one of Norway's greatest tourist attraction is visible during mid may to the end of July.

The months of May and September are perfect alternatives if you are looking for lower rates and a mild weather. These months are perfect for outdoor activities like sightseeing. For explorers, October is the month to visit Norway. The rates are likely the cheapest and the ski season is in the incepetion stage.

The months before May and after September are see the slowest levels of tourasim in Norway. The travel costs and prices for local hotels with be at the cheapest. However, the outdoor activities are limited during these months.

Schengen Visa for Norway

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Norway. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit.

It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Norway is well-connected to the major airports of the world. You can easlity book a flight to Norway from a major city airport. Travelling within Norway is convenient too. Most of the train rides are through country and scenic routes that make the ride pleasant and enjoyable. The Bergensbanen railway conencting Oslo and Bergen is considered to be one of the most beautiful train rides and is a must-do for all tourists.

Norway has an extensive network of local buses connecting various towns and cities. You can even holler a taxi or rent a car if you wish to ecplore Norway at your own pace. Norway's picturesuqe beauty beckons travllers to explore this place through boats and ferries as well. They are a popular mode of travel in Western Norway where the famous fjords are located.

Where to Stay

Norway offers various lodging facilities from posh hotels to comfortable cabins and cozy cottages. If you wish to stay close to nature you can opt for fishermen cabins that are also known as ‘rorbuer'. However, it is advisable to book in advance if you are planning to visit Norway in July. If you are travelling with children, you can rent a charming farmhouse or opt for cottages and holiday houses.

A unique experiecne, lighthouses in Norway offer pristine sea view, gushes of fresh air, and glimpse into the local life. You can choose amoing 60 beautiful lighthouses. A stay in a lighthouse may even involve nights at local pubs and fishing with the local fishermen.

Things to Do

• Tours and safari
  Call out the explorer within you and set off for a wildlife safari. See nature's best – musk oxen, elks, reindeers and exotic birds. You can even take a ferry to cruise around the iconic fjords.
  The breathtaking view of Trysil's shimmering nightsky is a sight for the eyes when you visit Norway. If you are fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of the Nothern Lights.
• Adventure sports
  • Diving
    Deep waters, mesmerizing reefs and brigh oranhe corals are some of the highlights of Norway's rich marine life. Capture amazing memories and exotic species like wolffish.
  • Glacier walking
    Climb the sensational forzen watefalls for the ultimate experience.
  • Climbing
    A climber's paradise, Norway has climbing parks and indoor centres.
  • Rafting
    Look for the adrenaline rush in the waters of Sjoa river.
• Recreation
  Immerse yourself in the pleasant waters of a spa overlooking the fjords. You can even hire a therapist for a relaxing massage. Norway also has beautiful golf courses. You can golf in the midnight sun or try a round on ice or snow.

Do's and Don'ts in Norway

A modern Scandinavian country, Norway has traditions and cultures one must respect when they visit the land.

• Do not bargain while shopping. Items have fixed prices and unless the product being sold is damaged, bargaining is not appreciated in Norway.
• Sidewalks in the cities by the sea are covered with sand. Attempting to pull your wheeled suitcase on these roads will result in broken cases or sprained ankles.
• Norway has strict laws for drinking and driving. Even one beer can lead to heavy fines.
• Norwegians appreciate punctuality. So if you are invited to dinner, do not be late or even early for that matter.
• Food, even snacks like sandwiches are not eaten with hands. Adapt to the Norwegian etiquette and use utensils.
• Do not wear shoes indoors. Norwegians often remove their shoes before entering a house. Consciously do the same unless told otherwise.

Ensure peace of mind while travelling with a comprehensive travel plan.

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