NorwayExplainedHardanger is one of those places that still takes my breath away, even after a lifetime in Norway. Hotel Ullensvang sits right on the edge of Sørfjorden in the village of Lofthus, with fruit orchards climbing the slopes and a glacier gleaming across the water on clear days. If you’re dreaming of a fjord hotel … Read more
If you picture a classic Norwegian mountain lodge that embraces both skiers and spa-lovers, you end up very close to Vestlia Resort. Sitting on the Vestlia side of Geilo in Hallingdal, the hotel bridges two worlds: the playful, kid-friendly energy of a holiday park and the calm, grown-up hush of a proper spa. I grew … Read more
Dr. Holms Hotel is one of Norway’s classic mountain hotels, perched in the heart of Geilo between Oslo and Bergen. Opened in the early 1900s, it has long been a base for skiers, hikers, and families who want a full resort feel with a sense of heritage. You get creaking floors, mountain views, and a … Read more
Bærum sits just west of Oslo, hugging the Oslofjord with forested hills to the north and a coastline dotted with beaches and art parks to the south. It is a sweet spot for travelers who want easy access to the capital while sleeping somewhere calmer, greener, and a bit more local. As a born-and-bred Norwegian … Read more
The Sami are the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula, with deep roots across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In Norway, Sami traditions remain a living part of daily life from the coast of Troms and Finnmark to the mountains of Trøndelag and the forests near Røros. Visitors often encounter colorful gákti … Read more
Finnmarksvidda is one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe, a huge inland plateau in Norway’s far north where the sky feels endless and the land rolls in quiet waves of tundra, birch and lakes. This is Sámi heartland. Reindeer herds move with the seasons, snow machines hum in winter, and the midnight sun … Read more
Norway is built for slow travel. Rugged mountains drop into glassy fjords, roads trace the edges of glaciers, and tidy campsites sit exactly where you want your coffee mug to face the morning sun. Renting a campervan in Norway lets you carry your bed, kitchen, and view with you. It is freedom with a steering … Read more
A campervan gives you rare freedom in Norway. One day you are parked beside a silent fjord, the next you wake under a glacier or on a wind-polished beach in the north. The country is built for road roaming with clean facilities, frequent ferries, and views that reset your idea of scale. The flip side … Read more
Lofoten is where jagged mountains crash into the sea, fishing cabins glow red against turquoise bays, and the midnight sun refuses to set. As a Norwegian who has spent years visiting for work and play, I can tell you this archipelago is every bit as dramatic as the photos. The trick is planning with the … Read more
Henningsvær is one of Lofoten’s most charming fishing villages, a tight cluster of colorful wooden houses and rorbuer cabins strung across tiny islands and skerries at the mouth of the Vestfjorden. It is famous for its photogenic football pitch, dramatic peaks, and the living cod-fishing culture that still shapes daily life. The vibe is equal … Read more