Norway,country of northern Europe that occupies the western half of the Scandinavian peninsula. Nearly half of the inhabitants of the country live in the far south, in the region around Oslo the capital. Norway is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. It is famous for its phenomenal fjords, lakes and magical skies. Norway is also famous for its languages, Vikings and folklore, being eco-friendly, and oil production.
Norway is currently the sixth richest country in the world when measured by GDP per capita. Norway’s GDP per capita is around $69,000, according to IMF estimates. Neighbour’s and Sweden and Denmark both make the top 20 with GDP’s of around $55,000 and $61,000 respectively.
Interesting fact about Norway’s fjord
Due to the warming Gulf Stream, the Norwegian fjords experience a mild climate. That means they remain nearly ice-free and have an abundance of fish, seals, and porpoises in the waters. Spanning 126 miles, Sognefjord is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway, and the third-longest in the world.
If the inlet of the fjord is connected to the ocean, the water in the fjord will be saltwater. The biggest fjords are all saltwater. Some inlets however are connected to a freshwater lake. If this is the case the water in the fjord will be freshwater.
What are fjords made of?
Fjords were created by glaciers. In the Earth’s last ice age, glaciers covered just about everything. Glaciers move very slowly over time, and can greatly alter the landscape once they have moved through an area. This process is called glaciation. A person should never walk on a glacier alone. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse, or of breaking through and falling into a hidden crevasse is too great.
What is a glacier?
A glacier is a large, perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment, and often liquid water that originates on land and moves down slope under the influence of its own weight and gravity.Temperatures in glaciers and ice sheets vary in space and time. Temperate glaciers have temperatures at or close to 0°C, while the upper part of the Antarctic ice sheet may be as cold as -40 to -60°C
Jostedalsbreen. Situated in Vestland county in Fjord Norway, Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in continental Europe, covering 487 square kilometres with ice up to 600 metres thick. The glacier is split up into more than 50 glacier branches, such as the famous Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen glaciers.
When is the best time to visit the fjords and Northern Lights season in Norway?
Go to Norway between May and June for warm weather and the smallest amount of tourists. High season trends between mid-June and August when the sun is at its strongest and tends to sit around.
November through March is the absolute peak season for Northern Lights viewing because the nights are longest, but a visit anytime between September and March should give you a good chance to see them, with March offering the best chance of clear skies.
Geirangerfjord is considered the most beautiful fjord in the world, with snow covered mountain peaks around, mesmerizing waterfalls surrounded by evergreen trees and some of the clearest waters in the whole world.
Geiranger is home to some of the most spectacular viewpoints in Western Norway.You pass the Ørnesvingen viewpoint on your way to or from Geiranger if you take the road to or from Eidsdal.
The winding roads are an experience in themselves, but remember to stop at the viewpoint and admire the view.You can drive the other way towards Stryn from the centre of town.You pass Fyldalsjuvet viewpoint before you get to the top where you can take a detour to Dalsnibba viewpoint.This section of the road is closed in winter. The road to Geiranger is part of Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen.
Ålesund (cultural centre)
Many Norwegians consider Ålesund to be Norway’s most beautiful city, and you’ll quickly see why when you visit. What is this? Plus Ålesund is right by some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords and hikes, so it makes a great base from which to explore Norway’s west coast.
Lysefjord
The Lysefjord is located in the Ryfylke area of Rogaland county in southwestern Norway. Split between the municipalities of Strand and Sandnes, the fjord lies around 25km east of the city of Stavanger and is considered by a major attraction for the Stavanger region.
You’ll want to take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau and then catch a local bus going to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, which is the starting point to hike Pulpit Rock. Buses operate April to September. During the off-season, you can reach this region by taxi or with a private transfer.
Nordfjord
Nordfjord is situated between the largest mainland glacier in Europe and Norway’s wildest coast at the western cape, with spectacular mountains and valleys, rolling farmland and a dramatic coast line. In this region, you are never far away from great, accessible travel experiences.
Hardangerfjord
The Hardangerfjord is situated in the county of Hordaland in Western Norway. It is the second longest fjord in Norway, with it’s 179 km. Its maximum depth is more than 800 metres. Near is the famous flat rock, Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue). Reaching Hardangerfjord is easy via air, car or bus from Bergen and Oslo. Bergen Airport is the closest to the fjord and the drive is around an hour to an hour and a half.
Bergen is often considered the Gateway to the Fjords because of its accessibility and close proximity to several fjords. For example, the longest fjord—Sognefjord is north of Bergen. The Hardangerfjord is south of Bergen and is a distance of 47 miles (75 km). Driving takes around an hour to reach this fjord.
Sognefjord
The Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, which stretches 204 kilometres inland from the coast north of Bergen.This water has a stable temperature of 8 degrees and a salinity of 35 parts per thousand all year round. The fish thrive in these stable conditions because the cold and salty water of the Sognefjord is the halibut’s natural habitat.
