Today I am going to talk about Norway as one of the main places for sustainable tourism in the world. Norway is a country in northern Europe where large spaces of nature are abundant, it has five million inhabitants and 385.000 square kilometers, making it a very low population/km2 ratio. In addition, the Norwegian government is implementing strategies with a 2030 goal to make, among other things, land and sea transport vehicles 100% sustainable.
Among other interesting general data for tourists:
- English-speaking people are easy to find in norway.
- Norway does not belong to the EU, but it is in the Schengen area.
- The local currency is the Norwegian krone or kroner.
- Most of the destinations have international flight connections and most of the regions have many national airports, it is a country that is very well connected by air.
- There is a large network of trains and boats that, from a scenic point of view, some are considered the most beautiful in the world.
- Norway was the first destination with the sustainable tourism label and many other sustainability-related labels are found throughout the country.
Main sustainable destinations:
In this section I will show you the main sustainable destinations with the "Sustainable Destination" seal. This certificate was created by the Norwegian government and is the only one that exists for tourist destinations in the Nordic countries. It is a tool for the sustainable development of companies and destinations in relation to the environment, local communities, cultural heritage and economy.
Oslo:
Oslo, the capital of the country, is an essential destination when visiting Norway. The city perfectly combines its lively lifestyle with the tranquility that nature brings. Oslo was chosen in 2019 as the European green capital thanks to the efforts that, among other points, it makes in sustainable mobility. The city has a great network for getting around by bike, so I encourage you not to be afraid, take a bike and explore this beautiful city.
When it comes to talking about culture, Oslo is the center of the country. Here you will find art and architecture in every corner as well as many galleries and outdoor art. The Munch Museum, the Oslo Opera and the Oslo City Library are examples of the incredible offer that the city offers.
bergen:
Bergen is a picturesque and fascinating city. It is the second most populated city in Norway, but it does not lose that rural aspect that makes it so interesting. The "Heart of the Fjords", as this city is known, stands out for its colorful houses, its small streets and the houses that seem to climb the cliffs.
Today the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pier is the vestige of when Bergen was the union between Norway and the rest of Europe and, today, this fantastic pier houses museums, shops, galleries and restaurants that make it a meeting point for both tourists and visitors. residents.
For every fish lover, Bergen is their city. The fish market has been supplying all its neighbors since 1276 and is a spectacular place to fill your stomach and try typical dishes.
In Bergen you can enjoy its incredible culture, but also take the cable car that takes you to the highest areas and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings.
Bergen is one of the cities with the "Sustainable Destination" certification and although it is not totally sustainable, the city works to reduce the environmental impact generated by tourism.
Geirangerfjord:
Geirangerfjord was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most important nature destinations in Norway. This imposing fjord reaches a depth of 260 meters while the mountains that surround it range between 1.600 and 1.700 meters high.
The fjord offers a lot for the visitor, from kayaking or zip lines to beautiful viewing platforms. The Norwegian government has created a network of viewing platforms throughout the country, combining modern architecture with the fascinating beauty of nature.
Lysefjord:
Here I bring another of the important fjords in Norway, which stands out mainly for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). This rock is one of the most famous and recognized viewpoints in the world. To get to the viewpoint you have to hike for about 4 hours. This medium category route will take you to this fjord where you will be able to feel in a much more vivid way the experience of the ancient Norwegian explorers.
This fjord also offers more demanding routes such as the 4.444 steps. This route consists of a staircase of 4.444 wooden steps, the longest wooden staircase in the world that takes you 740 meters high. Ideal destination if you want to get into routes that take you through the fjords and their nature.
Lofoten & Versteralen:
The Lofoten Islands are considered the Switzerland of the sea. This archipelago made up of some 2.000 islands boasts panoramic views and fascinating contrasts. Mountain ranges rise out of the sea to shape these islands. We find activities such as hiking or climbing, together with surfing or fishing in the open sea.
In Lofoten you will not cease to be surprised by the views, it is undoubtedly an essential place for photography and the enjoyment of the mountains and the sea. Here one can go fishing for Skrei cod, the typical Norwegian fish, and stay in typical fishermen's huts sheltered by these impressive mountains. I also recommend soaking up the local gastronomy such as the different ways of cooking the delicious Skrei.
Tromso:
Tromsø is a city in northern Norway and is known in the country as the Capital of the Arctic. This northern city has a lot to offer, from the midnight sun to the fantastic northern lights. Among its most outstanding monuments we find the Arctic Cathedral, this cathedral resembles a tent and is characterized by having one of the most monumental stained glass windows in all of Europe.
Tromsø and nature are very close, which is why activities such as whale watching or excursions in search of the Northern Lights are so famous. The panoramic routes and hiking through its mountains are also very interesting attractions, although in some cases physical fitness is important, there are options for everyone. Tromsø is a major university town, so nightlife is virtually guaranteed.
roros:
The beautiful mountain village of Røros, in Trøndelag, is one of the oldest towns with wooden buildings in Europe, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for being a living museum that whispers stories that go back many centuries. Røros is a city that combines the contrast of its colorful wooden houses and its impressive old copper mines. The city was founded in 1644 and most of the time its activity was related to its copper mines, becoming one of the most important mining cities in the country. To this day, the city knows how to maintain the charm between nature and its history.
In addition to the houses and the mining routes, we must highlight the magnificent Røros Church, a church with a very careful façade and an exceptional interior. Among other activities to highlight are its gastronomic routes of local products and the famous Røros Christmas market.
Lyngenfjord:
Lyngenfjord is a tourist destination that stands out for active tourism and contact with nature. Among its activities are a multitude of winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding and in summer hiking and cycling routes are the biggest attractions.
The destination was awarded the sustainable destination seal thanks to the efforts it is making to combat the impact that tourism generates in natural destinations like this one.
Svalbard:
Svalbard is the northernmost settlement in the world. This destination is a totally arctic destination and most of the tourism revolves around it. In winter it is a very hostile destination with 4 months where sunlight does not exist. The best way to visit it is in summer or spring where it does not have such drastic weather. Here we can spot whales, polar bears, beluga whales, killer whales, seals and lots of arctic fauna.
Svalbard is a destination for adventurers and lovers of the cold. Among its peculiarities, tourists are prohibited from leaving the cities unless they are accompanied by a guide with a weapon. It is a very hostile destination but at the same time delicate and the government tries to maintain that balance. As a curiosity, the World Seed Bank is located here and the northern lights are spectacular.
Sámi culture:
The Sami are the indigenous culture of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, but the largest population is in Norway. The Sami are an indigenous people who live in different countries, but the Sami capital is in Karasjok. In this city of 3.000 inhabitants and about 200.000 reindeer where you can learn a lot about their way of life. This population has various festivals that can be visited where you can listen to the Yoik, their typical song, and enjoy their traditional recipes.
Norway is an incredible destination, with a lot to offer and highly recommended. If you did not know anything about this incredible country, I encourage you to go and enjoy it. It is a place with a unique landscape and where they make an effort for sustainability like no other.
So now you know, take a suitcase and enjoy Norway!