A destination holidaymakers often overlook in favour of higher temperatures, Norway is a true European gem where life is relaxed and freedom treasured.
A land full of contrasts, from magnificent snow-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, vast plateaux with wild untamed tracts, to huge lakes and rich green countryside.
There is a misperception among we British that because it lies north of our little island it must be chilly all year round; summer temperatures, however, can easily reach 25 degrees or above, and the air is blessedly free from humidity. It would also be a mistake to assume that Norway is all fjords and forests – the southern coast has some excellent beaches.
Into the Arctic
Cross into the Arctic Circle
Nothing will make you feel more like an intrepid explorer than crossing into the Arctic Circle. You’ll have to venture into the northern reaches of Norway, but it’s worth the journey. Somewhat more forgiving than in the old days, it has a visitor centre where postcards can be bought and sent, but the mountainous landscape evokes a feeling of being at the far-flung edge of civilisation.
Northern city of Tromsø, situated within the Arctic Circle
Also known as Kirkeporten Camping, this is the most northerly mainland campsite in the world (71º 06) and considering the climate and the wild, unspoilt location the touring facilities are well maintained and of a modern standard. The 40 touring pitches, 30 with 16A electricity, are on grass or gravel hardstanding in natural tundra terrain beside a small lake, together with room for 40 tents. There are also 16 cabins to rent, a mixed bag, with some showing signs of their age. We advise you to pack warm clothing, bedding and maybe propane for this location. Note: Although overnighting at Nordkapp Centre is permitted, it is on the very exposed gravel car park with no electric hook-ups or showers. Sea fishing and photographic trips by boat can be arranged, and buses run four times a day to Honningsvåg or the Nordkapp Centre. We suggest you follow the marked footpath over the hillside behind the campsite, from where you can photograph Nordkapp at midnight if the weather is favourable. A bonus is that the reindeer often come right into the campground to graze.
The following consent is required: Tracking & performance, Targeting & advertising.
Find the eye of the Moskstraumen
If you're an adventurer seeking the thrills of the Arctic, then a visit to the maelstrom at Saltstraumen is an absolute must. Located near Bodø in Norway, Saltstraumen is renowned for hosting the most powerful tidal current in the world, a natural phenomenon that attracts both nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The sheer power of the currents is awe-inspiring, with water speeds reaching up to a staggering 25 miles per hour, creating a mesmerising and humbling spectacle. Amid this ferocious setting, it may come as a surprise that the serene and laid-back activity of angling is popular here.
Anglers from around the world flock to Saltstraumen to test their skills against the forces of nature, casting their lines into tumultuous waters in pursuit of an impressive catch. Despite the intense whirlpools that can reach up to 10 meters in diameter, the abundance of fish, including cod and halibut, are drawn to the area due to the rich nutrients brought in by the powerful currents.
PlusCamp Saltstraumen is a popular site is in a very scenic location. It has a magnificent backdrop and is close to one of the strongest maelstroms in the world. It is an easy short walk to this outstanding natural phenomenon. As well as 23 cabins, the site has 80 simple touring pitches, mostly on level, gravel hardstandings, with water, wastewater and electricity (10A). Twenty ‘softer’ pitches are available for tents. The nearby fjord is renowned for the prolific numbers of coalfish and cod caught from the shore. Many try their hand at catching the evening meal. You are advised to arrive by late afternoon.
Home of the largest glacier in continental Europe, this breathtaking Jostedal Glacier National Park gives an insight into the formation of the Norwegian landscape. Deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and of course the glaciers themselves provide a stunning backdrop for walking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Guided family walks on the glacier are a rare opportunity to discover these natural wonders up close.
In a wide, open, sunny part of the valley, overlooked by mountains containing the largest glacier in northern Europe, this neatly laid out and well equipped small site offers 35 large, marked and numbered touring pitches, all with electricity connections (10A) and 15 with gravel hardstandings. Located on the outskirts of a village, you can expect neatly mown grass, attractive trees and shrubs and a warm welcome from the owners. Fishing is possible in the river adjacent to the site. Reception and modern facilities are housed in a traditional, turf-roofed building and there is a heated outdoor swimming pool and terrace affording views of mountain peaks.
The following consent is required: Tracking & performance, Targeting & advertising.
Drive the Atlantic Road
Purportedly the most spectacular drive in the world, the Atlantic Road stretches for 8.3km over small islands and skerries between the cities of Molde and Kristiansund. The open sea views are nothing short of astonishing and make for an exhilarating experience whether you cross in calm weather or wild storms
Known as Atlanterhavsveien in Norwegian, the road was completed in 1989 and has become one of Norway's most iconic scenic drives. It features a series of breathtaking bridges and viaducts that leapfrog from island to island across the Atlantic Ocean, creating an unforgettable driving experience.
One of the most famous bridges along the Atlantic Road is the Storseisundet Bridge. Its distinctive curved design and dramatic appearance have made it a popular subject for photographers from around the world.
The view from Bud Camping is over the sea and this part of the coast is known for its excellent fishing. Visitors to the campsite can choose from 150 pitches on grass or hardstandings, most with 16A electricity. The facilities on site are modern and very well maintained. The site is peaceful and is a haven for fishermen and boating enthusiasts with a variety of boats for hire. The town of Bud is close with shops, bars and restaurants. You can take walks along the coast, or just relax in an atmosphere of calm which the owners actively promote.
Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum is the best place to get acquainted with the hardy folk of Scandinavia’s past. Take a look at two well-preserved ships as well as sledges, tools, textiles and household items. If you want to take it a step further, Karmoy’s Viking festival in June is the ideal opportunity to discover the Viking spirit. Taste Viking food, try your hand at archery, and listen to traditional music in the reconstructed settlement.
The Viking Ship Museum is closed for rebuilding. It is scheduled to reopen as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2026.
The Fram Museum in Oslo offers a fascinating journey into the history of polar exploration. Named after the famous ship "Fram," which was used by Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, the museum showcases their remarkable expeditions and the challenges they faced in the extreme Arctic and Antarctic regions. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the towering presence of the Fram, preserved in all its glory. The interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations provide a comprehensive understanding of the explorers' lives, scientific discoveries, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
The Kon-Tiki Museum pays tribute to the extraordinary expeditions of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The museum takes its name from the legendary raft "Kon-Tiki," which Heyerdahl and his crew sailed across the Pacific Ocean in 1947. The museum showcases the original Kon-Tiki raft, meticulously preserved and displayed, alongside a wealth of artefacts, photographs, and documents from the daring expedition. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating story of Heyerdahl's journey, where he sought to prove that prehistoric peoples could have made long-distance voyages using primitive materials and techniques.
Located in the pleasant suburbs about 15 minutes from central Oslo, TopCamp Bogstad is an attractive all-year campsite to use as a base for exploring the historic city. Bogstad is Norway's largest campsite, with about 800 pitches, 300 of which are touring pitches with electric hook-up points available, and 38 are fully serviced.Located right next to a lake and golf course, it's easy to relax at this site if you need a break from city life. A bus service frequently serves the campsite, so there is no need to tackle parking in the city centre.
Although you can do this in many countries, there’s something about the beach experience in Norway that seems purer and more indulgent. One of the best stretches of coast is between Farsund and Lista – white sands, cool sea, dunes and rock pools all set against a vast blue sky. And as the days are long in Norway, you’ll really be able to make the most of every day.
Sandnes Camping is located in the extreme south of Norway and makes a convenient stop-off point when arriving or departing for Denmark via Kristiansand. Just off the E39 road next to the Mandalselva or Marna River the site has an open aspect and around 50 firm grass pitches serviced by gravel roads. Two BBQ/fire pits provide a communal focus, as does the camper's kitchen. Five pitches are made available for reservation per day, though extended stays can be negotiated upon arrival.
The Art Nouveau Centre in Ålesund is a remarkable place to explore and learn about the town's unique history and architectural heritage. The centre is a national resource centre dedicated to the Art Nouveau style, offering visitors an immersive experience that takes them back to 1904.
At the Art Nouveau Centre, you can take a fascinating journey through a time machine, transporting you to the year when Ålesund was devastated by a devastating fire. This interactive experience allows you to witness the dramatic events of that stormy winter's night and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on the town and its people.
As you travel back in time, you'll also have the opportunity to explore and soak up the exciting period of Norwegian history when Ålesund was swiftly rebuilt in the distinctive Art Nouveau style. The young architects and artisans of that time played a pivotal role in reconstructing the town, resulting in the largest continuous concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Norway.
Stordal Camping is situated on the shores of Storfjorden where high forested valley sides open to an inlet where the Stordalselva salmon river enters the fjord. It is an ideal location for fishing and boating but also a peaceful base to explore sights like Trollstigen and Muldalfossen, the fourth highest waterfall in the world. Modern sanitary facilities housed in traditional wooden buildings with turf roofs serve 30 touring pitches, 18 with access to electricity points (16A). Passing cruise ships head for Gerainger or Ålesund and both of these popular places are easily accessed by road.
Capital: Oslo Population: 5.4 million Language: Norwegian but English is widely spoken Telephone country code: +47 (00 47) Currency: Norwegian Krone
Climate: Weather can be unpredictable, although less extreme on the west coast. Some regions have 24 hours of daylight in the summer but none in the winter.
Public holidays: New Year's Day; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; Easter Sunday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (1 May); Constitution Day (17 May); Ascension Day; Whit Sunday; Whit Monday; Christmas Day; Boxing Day.
Motoring: Roads are generally uncrowded around Oslo and Bergen but be prepared for tunnels and hairpin bends. Certain roads are forbidden to caravans or best avoided. Vehicles must have sufficient road grip and in winter it may be necessary ti use winter tyres with or without chains. Vehicles entering Bergen on weekdays must pay a toll and other tolls are also levied on certain roads.
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
Rob has owned several caravans, and he regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their VW Transporter, complete with a Tentbox roof tent. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season.
Every year, our friends at Lonely Planet publish the ultimate list of countries, regions and cities which they deem must-visits for the year ahead. We're excited that more of the destinations that we offer have been chosen to represent 2022's Best in Travel than ever before.
We will be covering over 450 of Europe's UNESCO sites over four blogs; sorted into northern, southern, western and central and eastern Europe starting with the northern states. We hope to inspire more people to visit more UNESCO sites when travelling.
