Oslo - national the park Jotunhei m - ferry to about. Gende — Bessen - about. Russwaten - Glitterheim - Spierstulen - climbing Galdhøpiggen(2469 m) - about. Leirvatn - Kirk– waterfalls of the Storutla valley Vetsfossen(275 m) - - Songdal - Bergen - Oslo

Day 1. Arrival in Oslo

Meet the instructor at the hostel in the center of Oslo. All day is allotted for this, so you can choose flights with the most convenient arrival time. Buses depart from the airport every half an hour. central bus station Oslo (Busterminal). In the evening - a walk through the center of the capital of Norway and traditional gatherings in a cafe, which will allow you not only to taste local cuisine but also to get to know your group better :).

Day 2. Jotunheimen, ferry on Lake Gende

We leave for the Jotunheimen National Park (the name Jotunheimen translates as "home of the giants"). We will spend 4 hours in a comfortable bus and arrive in the village of Gjendesheim on the very shore of the long (18 km) and narrow (maximum 1.5 km) navigable lake Gjende. On a tourist ferry we arrive at the village of Memurubu, a popular starting point for many trekking routes. We put up tents and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 3. Mount Bessegen

The first active day of the hike in Norway. We rise to the small lake Bjørnbøltjønne, leaving the turquoise Ghende far below. Climbing a sharp rocky ridge between two huge lakes, we will observe a surreal landscape with a change in the shades of the water surface. The lakes lie at different levels, and overflow from the top to the bottom with waterfalls. Besseguin is higher and appears darker, bright blue. Having rounded it, we will go down to the western shore and set up our tents there.

Distance: 15 km, climb 600 m, descent 400 m

Day 4. Glitterheim

Further, our path leads to another large lake - Russwaten (Rössvatn), the second largest lake in Norway. Along it, through the pass, we go out to the Glitterheim Shelter. Here we stop in tents, but those who wish can stay in a tourist shelter (all amenities are available). Whoever has the strength left can go to the radial to the top of Glittertind (2465 m) or to the glacier.

Mileage: 18 km, up 700 m, down 200 m

Day 5. Trek to the Spierstulen shelter

We go up the river and climb the pass strewn with stones. Among these stones are scattered several small lakes with amazingly clear water. We cross a huge rocky plateau and descend into deep canyon to the camping shelter Spiterstulen at the foot of the mountain that we have to conquer tomorrow.

Duration: 17 km, climb 300 m, descent 600 m

Day 6. Climbing Galdhøpiggen (2469 m)

We leave our things in the shelter and radially climb the highest mountain in Norway and all of Northern Europe - Galdhøpiggen (Galldhøpiggen). At the top there is a small shelter-cafe, where you can hide from the weather, recuperate. Vast glaciers spread around Galldhøpiggen, the harsh landscape is bewitchingly beautiful. Overnight at the same place.

Kilometer: 12 km, ascent and descent 1300 m

Day 7. Mount Kirk

We rush up the mountain valley. Not far away we will see herds of reindeer peacefully grazing. We will climb the pass and pass by several mountain lakes. In the evening we will go to Lake Leirvatnet (Sorfold), over which Mount Kirk rises, looking like a giant spike. We will set up tents on the shore - now you can relax.

Kilometer: 14 km, ascent 300 m

Day 8. Trekking along the Storutla River

We descend along the rocky valley of the Storutla River, in the upper reaches of which we pass near several picturesque lakes. Another surprise for travelers is dwarf forests, in which mushrooms are taller than the trees themselves. If you are absolutely confident in your knowledge, collect tasty treats for evening soup. We will stop for the night among the mountain tundra.

We will walk 12 km, the loss of height is 300 m

Day 9. Vettisfossen waterfall

We go to one of the highest waterfalls not only in Norway, but also in Scandinavia. The height of its powerful stream is 275 m! It rushes in the depths of the valley, covered with emerald green moss, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Along the way, we enjoy berries, which grow in abundance on the slopes of the mountains of Norway. We will rest at the waterfall and camp for the night.

Duration: 23 km, down 300 m.

Day 10. Ovre Ardal - Songdal

We descend to the small town of Ovre Ardal (Evre-Ordal), located in the depths of the largest fjord in the country - Sognefjord. We finish the trekking part of the program, get on the bus and go to the village of Songdal, where we will stop at a campsite near the shore of the fjord.

Those leaving for Oslo will leave Songdal for the capital in the morning.

Additional program:

Day 11. Sognefjord - Bergen

Those who wish to travel around the King of the Fjords board a boat, from where they enjoy one of the most unusual and enchanting places in the world for more than 5 hours. So we will get to Bergen, check into a hostel and spend the rest of the time walking around this wonderful city.

Day 12. Return to Oslo

We return to Oslo by bus. Our trip through the mountains and fjords of Norway is over. Keep in mind the majestic harmony of waterfalls and glaciers, the untouched splendor of the fjords. Today you can go home, but your departure should not be before 20:00. If the flight is scheduled at a different time, use the campsite or hostel for an overnight stay.

Note: Above the route of the hike there are tabs "Information" and "Equipment", where you will find information on additional costs, required documents and a list of equipment for this hike. Be sure to check it out!

The Scandinavian Peninsula has a mountainous terrain. In the east, on the territory belonging to Sweden, these mountains are more gentle. In the west, in Norway, steep slopes drop sharply to Atlantic Ocean. In the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, also on Norwegian territory, there are both steep and gentle slopes, between which there is a zone of vast highlands.

Norway is a land of mountains

There is a theory according to which glaciation came to Europe from Scandinavia. As studies show, the territory of modern Norway was more often than others covered with glaciers, which contributed to the appearance of fjords, which today are considered the main natural attractions of the country.

The highest peak in Norway is Gallhöppigen, with a bark height of 2469 m. It is slightly inferior to Glittertinn, whose height is 2452 m.

Mount Gallhöppigen (2469 m), Norway

There are several mountainous regions in Norway. Some of them boast the richest vegetation, while others show exposed rocks. But in each area there are many opportunities for organizing recreation and active pastime.

The mountainous regions of Norway include Jotunheimen, Hardangervidda, Dovrefjell, Finnmarksvidda, Lyngsalpen, Sunnmør Alps, Rondane.

Jotunheimen

The Jotunheimen region has the largest number of mountains in Northern Europe, the height of which exceeds 2000 m. It is here that Mount Gallhöppigen, the highest peak in Norway, is located. The nature of the Jotunheimen region is picturesque: there are many rivers, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and flowering valleys.

In Jotunheimen, which is one of national parks, there is excellent opportunities for downhill and cross country skiing. Here they make cycling and horseback riding, go in for mountaineering and caving, canoeing and climbing glaciers.

Jotunheimen is considered one of the most picturesque places in Europe, so hiking trails are laid here. The most popular of them runs along the Besseggen ridge and allows tourists to admire the unique beauty of two lakes: Jende, located south of the ridge at an altitude of 984 m above sea level, and Bessvatne, located north of the ridge at an altitude of 1373 m.

Hardangervidda

Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau with mountains in the western and northwestern parts and is home to the Hardangerjökulen glacier, one of the largest in Norway. In the center of the plateau is a cap-shaped mountain Horteigen with a height of 1690 m.

The Hardangervidda region has trails for trekking, hiking, skiing and cycling. Here passes the 80 km Rallarvegen Digging Road, which is Norway's most popular cycling route.

Hardangervidda is known as the home of the largest deer population in Northern Europe and as a destination for fishing enthusiasts hoping for a good catch in the waters of the many mountain lakes, streams or branches of the Sørfjord.

Dovrefjell

On the territory of the Dovrefjell region, located on the border of southern and central Norway, there are national parks Dovrefjell-Sundalsfjella and Dovre. Hiking, cycling, skiing routes are laid here, the most popular of which is the Pilgrim's Road between Oslo and Trondheim. Dovrefjell has excellent opportunities for rock climbing, snowkiting, canoeing, and fishing. But the difficult weather conditions characteristic of these places and the long distances between settlements can only be handled by experienced tourists.

Dovrefjell is the only place in the world where the musk ox, also called the musk ox, lives. Those who wish have the opportunity to go on a safari to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Finnmarksvidda

Surrounded by greenery and flowers, the Finnmarksvidda mountain plateau is one of the largest in Norway and is known as the place of residence of the Sami, the country's indigenous population. On its territory are the national parks Ovre Anarjohka and Stabbursdalen, which is considered the northernmost pine forest in the world.

The Finnmarksvidda Plateau is ideal for outdoor activities in the lap of nature. Hiking in the summer and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Every year, the northernmost dog sled race in the world, called Finnmarkslöpe, is held here.

In autumn and winter time on a clear day, you can admire the northern lights from the Finnmarksvidda plateau.

Lyngsalpene

Located on a peninsula mountain range Lyngsalpene is located 300 km to the north polar circle. Unique look these places are created by peaks rising from the fjord and rushing to the sky to a height of over 1000 m, glaciers, gorges, rivers and lakes.

It is cold here compared to the more southern regions of the country. Extreme skiers and experienced climbers feel confident on the mountain slopes. But the few gently sloping hills offer conditions for hiking, horseback riding, skiing and dog sledding. Climbing Mount Storgalten, which rises 1219 meters above sea level, is especially popular. There are a lot of fish in the fjords, rivers and lakes, so you can enjoy a good catch here.

Lyngsalpen, located above the Arctic Circle, is home to rare natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights.

Sunnmør Alps

Sunnmörsalpene, as the Norwegians call the Sunnmör Alps, rise 2000 m above the fjords. They are known to all freeride lovers. Off-piste skiing is possible here even in June.

The Sunnmør Alps also offer gentle slopes suitable for hiking, horseback riding, skiing and dog sledding. The most popular hiking route is climbing to the top of Mount Slogen, which rises 1564 meters above sea level. Fjords, rivers and lakes abound with fish, so fishermen are guaranteed a good catch.

Rondane

Rondane is the oldest national park in Norway. There are peaks in excess of 2000 m. This picturesque area has retained a sense of pristine nature, but, nevertheless, is great for walking.

Today, Rondane is known as the habitat of the last herd of wild reindeer in Europe.

The most popular tourist route in Rondane can be called the Troll Trail. This 170 km long track is marked from February to Easter and stretches from Rondane to Lillehammer. When passing the Troll Trail, you can admire the beauty of the pristine Norwegian nature.

Text source: http://mosintour.ru

Malinovsky Yuri, St. Petersburg Norwegian mountains, fiords and waterfalls, Vikings and autobahns - who has not heard these fairy tales from TV! But, judging by the globe, it's not all that far away.

Is it possible to get there without having relatives there and a million dollars in a Swiss bank? What awaits a tourist there? These questions began to occupy me since autumn, when I saw on the Aeroflot website the words "sale of air tickets" and the figures 99 USD for the Moscow-Oslo-Moscow flight.

Map

But still, winter imposes some restrictions on travel, but the lack of information made it clear. The imagination pictured a winter evening in Oslo: -15C, a tourist with skis and a backpack standing in front of a hotel with rooms of €200 per night. The Internet is full of stories “how Vaska drank beer”, “how Dimon spent € 5,000 on a vacation”, but the first information was useless for me, and the second only upset me. For information, for much less money you can go to Peru - see the ancient cities of the Incas, the Andes and the Amazon jungle (it turns out that the Russian Federation has an agreement with this country on a visa-free exchange, buy a ticket - and go). Of the climbing objects, Russian-language sites indicate only the Troll Wall, but how many can do it, how many would just like to climb it? So we decided to be sure to go to Norway a) in the summer b) in our car and in the remaining time to conduct a thorough preparation. As a result, we went 18.08 to 06.09.05 on a short trip along the route St. Petersburg - Turku - ferry - Stockholm - Oslo - Jotunheimen national park(Juvasshytta, Leirvassbu) - Geiranger - Jostedalsbreen national park (Bodal, Kjenndal, Briksdal) - Jostedalen valley - Bergen - Hardangervidda - Oslo - Stockholm - ferry - Helsinki - St. Petersburg. Total 4 thousand km.

Since in 20 days we saw only one (one!) car with Russian numbers, it is obvious that very few of our tourists know about the possibilities to walk here. Many have heard that “everything is expensive there”, “they are not allowed to go there”, “heavy fines”, “visa denials are frequent”, etc.

I would like to shed some light on the above issues. I think it will be of interest to many.

Nothing in this report should be construed as a guide or encouragement to violate traffic rules, customs, immigration or other rules, laws or regulations. All prices are for reference only, their availability at the time of your trip is NOT guaranteed, data on the availability of certain goods in stores is also given for reference only. All advice is given from the point of view of the author, reflects his personal private point of view, all advice is relevant only at the time of writing the report - September 07, 2005. All mountain routes represent a potential danger to life and health, no part of this report can be considered as a guide to practicing any sport.

Geiranger

General characteristics of the area

The difference between Sweden and Norway from other European countries is that tourism is encouraged here. There are many national parks where it is allowed to walk, put up tents, pick mushrooms and berries, go boating, etc. (information boards say this)

norwegian mountains

There are many mountains in Norway, large and popular ones are Jutunheimen, Jostedalsbreen and the Hardangervidda plateau...

National Tourist Road #258

Jotunheimen national park. Mountains 1800-2400 m., here is highest point Scandinavia - Mount Galdhopiggen (Galdhopiggen), 2469 m. Many lakes, in some places there are trails and huts of the Association of Guides interesting peaks of varying complexity, glaciers.

Here is an overview with a bunch of links - http://www.summitpost.org/mountains/mountain_link.pl?mountain_id=827, Here you can download pieces of the mountain map http://www.etojm.com/Norsk/Topper/Toppkart/Galdhopiggen. htm
There is a very good book by James Baxter "Scandinavian mountains"

Cards, unfortunately, we found only there, 1 km were on sale - 500 meters at 99-129 nok per sheet (~ 500 rubles). The entire Jutunheimen fits on 3 sheets, but there is a set of 2 cards for sale - the most popular piece. You can buy a 10-kilometer pass for the country in the Russian Federation (this map is included in the set of a guide book in Russian), but you can also buy a 4-kilometer pass for all of southern Norway for 250 nok.

The general route to the western part of the park is from Oslo via Lilehammer and Otta, then to Lom, and along the 55th road to the desired location. If you want to climb Galdhopiggen, then the easiest option is to go to Juvasshytta (toll road, 70 Nok, and a very significant slope of the road - take care of the clutch). In addition to the mountain, there ski slope with a lift, long enough, valid throughout the summer, you can ride. .

Briksdal

Jostedalsbreen National Park. The main attraction is Europe's largest glacier (475 km2). The glacier lies on a plateau and slides into the valleys with icefalls. Some mountains (Lodalskapa 2083 m.) rise above the glacier with rocky towers and are popular routes. The same Lodalskapa (in Baxter's description 9-12 hours from Bodalssetr) is a key section of the ice slope 50gr - 60 m and further 30gr - 50 m.

From the east there is an interesting Jostedalen valley - www.jostedalen.no (up from the town of Gaupne, on the banks of the Sogne Fjord). Judging by the advertisement, it is here that it is possible to kayak on glacial lakes - www.icetroll.com. You can get here on the Bergen-Oslo road with a ferry across the Sogne Fjord.

Laerdal tunnel (which is 24 km)

It should be noted that contrary to the myth about the absence of inflation in Europe, back in the 2001 report, the cost of the ferry was 76 nok for four people in a car, and we already paid 123 nok for two. I advise you to come to Briksdal, Geiranger and near Lodalskapa through Lilehammer Otta. Not only do you have to use a ferry when moving from the south, but you will also encounter a paid tunnel (quite rare, but there are paid tunnels) - this is 160 nok.

hardangervidda national park. The largest park in Norway. The plateau is above the forest zone, lakes, mountains and snowfields. Peaks 1500-1600 m.. Something similar to the Khibiny. Drive along the 7th road from Oslo, there is a bus service. There are many parking lots along the highway.
Useful site www.hardangerfjord.com

Reference Information

How to get a visa?

A Schengen visa is required.
There are two main ways to obtain a visa to enter Norway:

- as unidentified persons explained to us at the consulate, you can get a Finnish Schengen multivisa for six months. Then go to Helsinki for 1 day by bus to drink a cup of coffee. Further, having a multi-visa, you can already go by plane to any Schengen country, and to the question of what you forgot, for example, in France, answer - so I asked for a visa to Finland, received it, and went, but so far I have one valid Schengen visa - another (for example, French) is not issued. That is, you can go to Norway.
Although this is a more costly way, it is also a win-win - the number of visa refusals is almost 0.5% (this is written on the embassy website).

- You are applying for a single-entry Norwegian Schengen visa directly at the Norwegian embassy/consulate. We went this way. The list of documents is available at http://www.norvegia.ru/visa/visa.htm and with the text that you will be granted leave for this period. The photo must not be printed on the printer. Printouts must be attached. emails about booking campsites and itinerary by day (in English). It is not necessary to write about climbing and other coolness in the route - they may decide that the amount of insurance is not enough, your route should be coordinated, for example, with the Guide Associations, they may ask for documents about your qualifications - that is, ask to bring translated into Norwegian and notarized all sorts of documents from the IWC, etc. - in general, drive. An important point - you will receive a visa for exactly the terms for which you asked, and not for an abstract 25 days!

This is a less expensive way, but the time for consideration of your case may be delayed! They can easily think for two months, so apply early. Of course, in the summer there are queues at the consulate.

See also http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/316897.html http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/0604/199825.shtml http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/319522.html http: //wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/317573.html http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/314374.html http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/319469.html .

Requirements for the vehicle (your car) crossing the border are listed here http://www.mintc.fi/www/sivut/dokumentit/liikenne/suomenl/li170400534rus.htm, in short - the car must be able to pass the inspection itself. She should have everything in order, the brakes (including the “handbrake”) and the light should work. No smoke should come out of the exhaust pipe.. That's enough. The queue for 60% consists of "sixes", "fours" and "nines". So - do not worry if you do not have an "old two-year-old pajero", this does not affect the possibility of traveling around Europe.

But it’s very bad if oil flows out of the car - car parking in campsites takes place on the lawn, where then others put up tents, walk barefoot, etc. Oil stains here are bad. Also, on a ferry, a puddle of oil in the morning can attract the attention of the ferry staff.

Regarding possible problems with your car: you can fix imported cars in local services. Here http://www.travel.auto.ru/daniya.html a man changed a Subaru radiator. We saw services and transportation of faulty cars on a tow truck. They did not see domestic-made cars there, therefore, it is unlikely that there are spare parts available. Here http://wwwboards.auto.ru/spb-club/0860/265662.shtml VAZ repair in Scandinavia is mentioned. If you are driving a Russian car, take all critical spare parts with you. We didn’t see overpasses there at all, if you plan to turn the nuts with your own hands, take coasters. http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/310713.html

About insurance

You will need driver's liability insurance (a "green card") to travel, and medical insurance for everyone.

We bought insurance from *** because of the minimum cost. BUT, at the same time, they understood that in the case of an accident, it would be necessary to call the UK in St. Petersburg from Norway and coordinate expenses over 200 euros (this is written in the Insurance Contract).

The only BUT - Norway is not Gabon, if in the hospital of the city of Sogndal, on the banks of the Sogne Fjord, your passport is taken away - until you pay, then maybe it's not so bad?

Camping

To obtain a visa, you will need answers from campsites. It's completely free. Campsites and their e-mail can be found at www.camping.no, www.camping.se, http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/0125/37859.shtml, http://www.travel.auto.ru / , http://www.norvegia.ru/travel/accommodation/accommodation/bed.htm , http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/314374.html

Ferries

Ferries from Turku to Stockholm run by three companies - these are Silja Line, Viking Line, Sea Wind. http://www.seawind.fi/index.php?l=eng , http://www.silja.ru , www.vikingline.fi . Tickets for Silja and Viking can be bought in the Russian Federation, for example, from www.paromy.ru or www.norvicafinland.org. These are the tickets, with all the nuances of their surrender in which case.

Read about "Sea Wind" here http://wwwboards.auto.ru/travel/104589.html. On the Viking there is a sleeping room - a room with a velor floor, where people spread out sleeping bags and ride (it's cheaper). Valuables in the luggage room (2€). The contingent on the ferries is 80% pensioners.

And now visas have been received, ferry tickets and insurance have been bought, you can go.

Bergen

In short: you are driving along the highway, you see a barrier - the border guards check passports, then after a couple of kilometers the checkpoint building itself. While standing in line, fill out 2 copies. declaration, it is filled out only by the driver, he carries out the temporary export of the vehicle. If you have less than $10,000, you do not need to write the currency, phones and videos are also not necessary. Everything, passports - everything is in the green box (passport control), call the customs officer to inspect the vehicle. He takes 1 copy. declaration, another copy. must be returned upon entry - do not lose it. Then, after 200 meters, there is a duty-free shop (“duty free”), and after 1 km you arrive in the state of Finland. There are three corridors - for buses and trucks, for a / m dates and for Russians. You - in the last, right. As the queue approaches, park the car at the barrier and everyone goes to passport control. The date will ask you - where are you going? We answered - To Norway, to travel (our visa was issued by the consulate of Norway). This satisfied him. The car was not looked at. BUT in general, the import of products into the EU is prohibited - a whole list. Tea, for example, is allowed only 100 gr / person, sausage and dairy products are completely prohibited, etc.
And that's all - as the brother from the famous film says - "there are no further checkpoints until Lisbon itself."

Great Russian language

It is quite enough if you know at least a few words in English. At the border, a Finnish customs officer speaks Russian to you, there is a Russian administrator on the Viking Line ferry, there are booklets in Russian in the metro and museums in Stockholm (not everywhere, of course), Russian is often spoken. At Angby camping (www.angbycamping.se), the administrator learned the word "shower", etc. There are a lot of signs, everything is clear and so.
There are almost no booklets in Russian in Oslo. But tourism is very developed there, there are so many signs and pictograms that everything is clear and so.

Driving to the Norwegian mountains

From the border of the Russian Federation to Oslo exactly 1000 km along the highway (if, in order to save money, go through Turku). Further, to national parks with mountains about 200 more km. It is reasonable to divide this stage into 3 parts. This is the distance from the border of the Russian Federation to any port in Finland (Turku or Helsinki), then overnight on the ferry. The second stage - Stockholm - Oslo and the third - Oslo - the mountains. It is quite possible to complete stages 2 and 3 in 1 day, which is about 700 km. In principle, from Stockholm to Oslo 5 hours, to the mountains another 2-3 hours.

From time to time there were signs - a Christmas tree and a bench - this is a place of rest. Some rest areas had free toilets with hot water, soap, hairdryers, etc., dining tables and awnings, and a map of the area showing where you were on that map. On the map, such parking lots are marked P and WC if there is a toilet from the mountains. water. Good location - not reaching the town of Karlskoga.

There is no border between Sweden and Norway as such, no one needed to stamp anything. Driving on E18. If you decide to spend the night in Oslo (like us), then you will have to pay travel through the town of Askim (20 nok) and paid entry to Oslo (20 nok). I advise you to go FOR the local - if the sign "50" hangs, and you eat 45, then this seriously slows down the local road traffic- locals here go 60-70, and slow down only before traffic control. As a result, a tail of 20 or more cars gathers behind you.  In Norway, billboards for 200 meters report about places with speed meters, and one more thing - not everyone has speed meters on the tracks. For example, on the 7th road there are none at all.

There are no traffic police posts at all, none. There were no police officers with radars, like ours, at all. People drive sensibly, no one drives 200 km / h, they don’t drive on sidewalks, they don’t scare pedestrians with horns. Here http://www.bugeurope.com/transport/driveno.html is the traffic rules of Norway. http://www.russisk.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1126

About parking lots. In all major cities they are paid in the center. In small towns and villages - parking was free. The cost of parking in the center of Stockholm or Oslo was 30-35 crowns per hour. Payment by coins to the machine. Parking in the port of Turku 2. Ferry to Stockholm and back - 8,700 rubles.
3. Travel in cities - 3,000 rubles (Oslo pass, Stockholm metro, etc.)
4. Toll roads, ferries and tunnels - 2,400 rubles.
5. Camping - 4,000 rubles.
6. Food - 5,800 rubles.
7. Gasoline - 13,000 rubles. The average consumption of gasoline in the plains is 7.4 l/100 km, in the mountains 8.4 l/100 km
8. Repair of the car after the trip - 2,000 rubles.
9. Spare parts for the car - 3,700 rubles.

Total: 47 thousand rubles. for two excluding purchases. This is approximately $1680.

An important note - they didn’t go to the cafe, they spent the night everywhere in a tent, they went in the off season, they cooked themselves, they practically didn’t buy food there, they went to the Bergen Aquarium without a ticket (it happened :), and this is 200 nok - 900 rubles), and etc.

1. Probably, it is advisable to go in June-July - it should be warm in the mountains. Please note that the descriptions in the books are given precisely for this period, apparently, this is no accident.

2. It is worth considering the option of flying to Oslo and back if you are only interested in mountains. http://www.russisk.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=3311 It might be cheaper than driving there. Or the car should be a minivan and 4 people should go there. Also a good option– passenger diesel minibus. This is how often youth companies of Europeans travel - in m / a 4-5 people, a bunch of bicycles are hung behind.

Gear Tips

1. Considering the nature of the weather, you must have capes for yourself and a backpack, windproof tents. Our "Lafuma Acadia 2/3" with plastic arches, for example - does not fit!

2. You must have a supply of gas - fires are allowed to burn only from September 15 to April 15. Primus gas cylinders (threaded) are sold everywhere in sports shops, 75-85 nok.

3. We have not seen sales of equipment that is interesting for us. Even a Primus gas lamp is slightly more expensive than in St. Petersburg. So take everything from home.

4. Food prices - were "like in St. Petersburg, only in crowns." That is, 4.5 times more expensive. There are few exceptions - chilled meat, for example, was only 50% more expensive.

5. It is advisable to have an air-conditioned car - cities are already difficult to navigate, and the heat should not be an additional stress. Surprisingly, the least expensive gasoline is in Sweden.

Cycling routes

There are bicycle roads - for example Laerdal - Luster - Turtagro. The places are really amazing. Also check out http://www.rallarvegen.no/default.asp?sprak=3 - during the season there is mass skating.

http://www.turist.ru/onews/stories/index2.shtml?2003/05/14/24410 - "Help for those traveling to the ends of the world"
http://tournavigator.ru/pclub.php?id=356 - what to see in Norway.
http://www.sun-light.ru/index/catalogue/149 - what to see in Norway.
http://norway.narod.ru/ - site of general information.
http://www.norvegia.narod.ru/ - site of general information.

Norway, country of mountains. According to ongoing research, its territory was very often covered with glaciers that formed fjords. Fjords - today are considered the main attractions of Norway.

The most high peak in Norway - Mount Gallhöppigen, its height rises to the sky at 2469 m. Mount Glittertinn is slightly inferior to this hill, its height is 2452 m.

There are several mountainous regions in Norway, some of which are rich in vegetation, while others are presented in the form of majestic exposed rocks. In each of these places there are quite a few opportunities for the whole family to go hiking in the mountains and have a great rest.

Mountain regions include Hardangervidda, Finnmarksvidda, Sunnmør Alps, Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell, Lyngsalpene, Rondane.

Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau, the local glacier is one of the largest. In the center is Mount Horteigen at an altitude of 1690 m. There are excellent routes for trekking, as well as for skiing and cycling with children.

Finnmarksvidda is a plateau immersed in greenery, known as the place of residence of the Sami, the indigenous population of the country. This place is very suitable for an active family holiday, in winter they go skiing and snowmobiling. In autumn and winter, you can admire the northern lights here.

The Sunnmør Alps rise 2,000 meters above the fjords. This place is known to all freeride lovers. Off-piste skiing is possible here even in summer. The gently sloping slopes allow for horseback riding and skiing. Children will feel very comfortable here on a hike.

Jotunheimen - here is the largest number of mountains, their height reaches two thousand meters. Here is Mount Galldhöppigen. The nature is picturesque, there are many rivers, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and flowering valleys. There are excellent opportunities for cycling, mountaineering, downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as caving. This is the most picturesque place in Europe.

Dovrefjell - borders southern and central Norway, here are the national parks Dovre and Dovrefjell-Sundalsfjella. There are trails for hiking, cycling and skiing. The Pilgrim's Road is very popular.

Lyngsalpene is a mountain range located 300 km north of the Arctic Circle. It has the lowest temperature of any place, but offers excellent conditions for horseback riding, hiking, dog sledding and skiing. There are many fish in local rivers and lakes.

Rondane is Norway's oldest national park. There are peaks over 2 thousand meters. A very remarkable place for casual walks. Most popular local a tourist route It's called the Troll Trail. 170 km.

• 9000 BC e. The first evidence of human presence in Norway.
• 4000 BC e. In the south of Norway there are agricultural settlements.
• End VIII- middle of the X century. Age of the Vikings.
• 872-930 King Harald the Fair-Haired begins the unification of Norway.
• 961 Hakon the Good, son of Harald Fairhair and the first Norwegian king to convert to Christianity, dies in battle.
• 1015-1028 Olaf II unites Norway and introduces Christianity in the country.
• 1030 Olaf dies at the Battle of Stiklestad. Subsequently, he becomes the patron saint of Norway under the name Olaf the Saint.
• 1070 Construction begins on the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
• XIII in. A short golden age of stability and prosperity.
• 1349-1351 The Black Death reduces the country's population by two-thirds.
• 1397-1536 Norway is part of the Kalmar Union with Sweden and Denmark.
• 1536-1814 Norway maintains union with Denmark.
• 1814-1905 After the Napoleonic Wars, Norway is united with Sweden.
• 1905 Norway gains full independence after a peaceful withdrawal from the union with Sweden.
• 1914 During World War I, Norway remained neutral.
• 1918 Norwegian women get the right to vote.
• 1940-1945 Germany occupies Norway during World War II.
• 1949 Norway is a member of NATO.
• 1968-1969 Discovery of oil fields in the North Sea. Oil production begins in 1971.
• 1972 Norway votes against joining the European Union.
• 1981 Gro Harlem Brundtland becomes the first woman to head a government formed by the Workers' Party.
• 1994 Norway votes against joining the European Union for the second time. Olympic Games in Lillehammer.
• 2008 Opening of the first Norwegian Opera House in Oslo.
• 2010 The Norwegian Nobel Committee is dissatisfied with China in connection with the award of the Peace Prize to Chinese political prisoner Liu Xiaobo.

Sports and recreation

Summer

Hiking and visiting glaciers. Most of all, Norwegians like to spend their leisure time “on their feet” (ga pa tur), that is, putting on a pair of shoes and stocking up on provisions, go for a whole day to wander among delightful places, whether it be mountains, fjords, forests or fields. There are countless trails here, a map of which can be obtained from local travel agencies. Some of the many Norwegian national parks (33 on land and 7 on the islands of Svalbard), such as Jotunheimen or Hardangervidda, are particularly good in this regard: most of the hiking trails are well equipped and marked with piles of stones or signs. Remember that the time for hiking is limited from May to October, and in the Far North it is even shorter. The weather here is changeable even in the height of summer, so do your research before you go. The Norwegian Travelers Association can supply you with more detailed information and in addition, he leads the hikes himself (www.turistforeningen.no). A short summer is also suitable for traveling on glaciers.

Nygardsbre, the language of the Jostedalsbre glacier, offers the adventurous the opportunity to explore the glacier, accompanied by an experienced guide, on 2-5 hour excursions from mid-June to mid-September (www.jostedal.com). In addition, you can visit the Okstindan and Svartisen glaciers located above the Arctic Circle, for which you need to make inquiries at Rana Spesialsport (www.spesialsport.no).

A bike. Norwegian roads are relatively calm, so they are great for cycling in spring, summer and autumn. City streets began to be equipped with a bicycle path, and driving along country roads is rarely a concern. Bicycles can be easily rented, even in the countryside, where hotels often rent them out to their guests on an hourly or daily basis. In mountainous terrain, such a ride sometimes requires a lot of strength, and besides, it must be borne in mind that the distance is large, and along the way, especially in the Far North, one can rarely count on help. One of the most favorite routes runs along the Miners' Road, going from railway station Houtastöl or Finse (Finse) to Flåm or Boss, up to 108 km long. Also known is the North Sea cycling route, which is part of the longest cycling route in the world, passing through seven countries. For more information and maps contact Bike Norway (www.bike-norway.com).

Fishing. In a country where there is so much water, one should not be surprised at the craze for fishing. You can go fishing in the sea or on the river. The Lofoten Islands are the most convenient for such activities, and the original fishing culture here is the best preserved, as evidenced by the old rorbu fishing huts, where you can rent.

Fishing trips are organized in many places in Norway, which can be checked with local travel agencies or you can purchase a fishing license sold at www.inatur.no.

This activity is popular in many places. The Lofoten Islands are considered the center of rock climbing with their impregnable mountains and there is a mountaineering school in Henningsvær (www. nordnorskklatreskole.no). In addition, one can note Jotunheimen with peaks up to 2000 m, the ridge of the Vesteralen archipelago (Vesteralen) and the ridge of the Lyngen Alps. You can also climb on the ice (frozen waterfalls) in Ryukan. The Norwegian Travelers Association (Den Norske Turistforening, DNT) provides training for rock climbers (www.turistforeningen.no).

Rafting, sailing and canoeing. You can raft along numerous rivers and by sea among the fjords. Rafting on the Vestfjord between the Lofoten Islands and the mainland is possible only with favorable wind and current. Sailing is mostly spread in the south of the country and around the Oslo Fjord. Rowing can be done wherever there is water, but the western fjords are especially picturesque, while in the Far North the places are calmer, there are fewer pleasure boats and ferries. For more information, contact the Norwegian Canoe Association (www.padling.no).

Wildlife and bird watching. In many places in Norway it is possible to see animals such as reindeer and elk, and in the Dovrefjell National Park and the more exotic musk ox (www.moskussafari.no) and in the county of Finnmark king crab. A huge number of birds (473 species) nest inland and on the coast. To combine bird watching with a crab safari, contact the travel agency Arctic Tourist (www.arctictourist.no) in Finnmark county.

Midnight sun. The midnight sun can be seen in many parts of Northern Norway from May to August depending on the latitude of the location. It is best to admire them from a hill or from the sea.

in winter

Running and skiing. Cross-country skiing is Norway's favorite winter sport, with over 7,000 km of ski slopes built by the Norwegian Travelers Association alone. Such trails are found even within Oslo, and most counties lay their own trails, sometimes lit up in the evenings, so that people can ski after work. AT National parks Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell offer some of the best cross-country skiing in the country. In addition, in many places you can do and skiing, from Geilo, Hemsedal and Trysil counties in the center of the country to Narvik in the north. The best time for skiing is February - April, but it is quite possible to ski from November to mid-May. Check the snow conditions at www.skiinfo.no.

Dog harnesses. In the north of the country, dog sledding trips are arranged, lasting from an hour to two to five days. You can either drive the team yourself, or sit tightly wrapped up, and leave all the work to the driver with dogs. For more information, please visit the information website www.visitnorway.com or the travel agency Nordland Adventures (www.nordlandturselskap.no).

Skates. With the advent of winter, outdoor skating rinks appear, including the one beloved by everyone in the center of Oslo, near the National Theatre. There are also natural skating rinks on frozen lakes, rivers and fjords, but check with the locals before heading there. On artificial skating rinks, skates are usually available for rent, and sometimes lessons can be taken as well.

Ice fishing (pimpling). For this kind of activity, a hole is drilled in the ice, through which the fish are then pulled out, getting a good catch even in winter. Bring waterproof gloves and a thermos of hot chocolate. Tour operator Competent Travels (www.competenttravels.no) from Tromsø offers three-day ice fishing safaris.

Northern Lights (Aurora borealis). Given a natural phenomenon the best time to watch is in October, February and March between 6 pm and 1 am. The brightest flashes are visible beyond the Arctic Circle, where there is less light pollution, but you can admire the northern lights further south. Going to watch such a spectacle, dress warmly.

shopping

Prices for consumer goods can be high, but about 3,000 shops across Norway are having a sale on tax-free items. Therefore, look for such stores with a sign about tax-free sale. VAT in Norway on many goods is 25%, and 12-19% can be claimed back by tourists from countries outside the European Union / European Economic Area.

Refunds can be made through Worldwide Money Back Network points at border checkpoints, airports, border ferries and cruise ships.

The quality of most goods is usually excellent, and the traditions of local crafts date back hundreds of years. Look for the salg sign in the windows, meaning a sale or an offer to sell at a better price.

Where to buy

The largest cities of the country Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim are equipped with magnificent shopping centers, but in small towns there are also interesting shops, especially those selling local handicrafts.

From major department stores like Glasmagasinet and House of Oslo to quirky fashion boutiques in up-and-coming Grunerlokka and the ultra-modern Majorstuen district, Oslo has everything to offer. Aker Brygge is another block with a shopping center where an old converted shipyard houses shops, restaurants and bars.

In Bergen, the area around Bryggen, Strandkaien pier, Strandgaten and Torget square is full of interesting shops with local handicrafts, furs and knitwear. There is also the famous Fish Market, where you can eat, buy fresh fish and seafood.

Stavanger is famous for its glass products, so here you can visit glass blowers' workshops and buy their products in specialized shops. In Midtbyen, the center of Trondheim, next to main square Trondheim Torg has recently opened with 75 shops, not counting cafes and restaurants, and old-fashioned shops can be found on Jomfrugaten Street, which is predominantly run by women.

There are plenty of other places to shop in Norway as well. For example, in Tromso, many shops and shops are located in old wooden buildings; and in the Far North, Sami handicrafts (duodji) made of silver and reindeer skins or bones are widely represented.

What to buy

Here is only a small list of those things that are either found only in Norway, or are of excellent quality.

Products of local crafts. Traditional crafts in Norway have existed for hundreds of years, and the origins of modern craftsmen using local materials date back to ancient crafts. Knitwear - sweaters, scarves, gloves, mittens and hats - are known all over the world for their quality. Crafts made of wood, glass, silver and Jewelry, reindeer skins and woven products are in great demand among visitors. In the Far North, as already mentioned, Sami handicrafts are sold.

Local food and drinks. Norway is also famous for its food, from smoked salmon and dried fish to vodka like akvavitt (akvavitt), and Mack beer is brewed in the world's northernmost brewery in Tromsø. To resurrect memories of Norway, you can buy smoked venison or elk sausage and cloudberry jam to take home.

Clothing. Men's and women's clothing is often distinguished by a wonderful style, but only the price can scare away. Knitwear is usually heavy, but lighter items can be found. As a rule, there are more private shops here than chain stores, although in large cities products of well-known world manufacturers are widely represented. Norwegian fashion atelier Moods of Norway has made itself known in Japan and Beverly Hills (www.moodsofnorway.com) with its colorful designs.

Sport equipment. Norwegians are perhaps the most athletic people in the world, which is reflected in the local shops. Excellent all-weather and winter clothing is sold everywhere, including, along with skis and skates, complete ski equipment.

Entertainment

In a country as vast as Norway, with a population of five million, the quality and quantity of entertainment varies from one area to another, both in the city and in the countryside. Norway is famous for its musical and theatrical traditions, festivals are held here, especially in summer.

Tickets to cultural events can be ordered in advance using the services of the Norwegian branch of the American company Ticketmaster (tel.: 81-53-31-33; www.billettservice.no). Sometimes travel agencies can help with this.

Music, opera and dance art

Classical music is heard everywhere in Norway, glorifying the name of the national composer Edvard Grieg. The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra has a well-deserved reputation. He performs at his native city Concert Hall (Konserthus) from late August to early June (for tickets and repertoire, check www.oslofilharmonien.no). The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra performs in concert hall Grieg (Grieghallen) (www.harmonien.no); there is also the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra, created in 2009 and based in the city of Tromsø (www.noso.no).

Jazz is very popular in Norway, and if the classical music season lasts from autumn to spring, then jazz festivals and performances fall in the summer. There are over 30 jazz venues in the country, including those that are off the main roads. For more information, please visit www.jazz-clubs-worldwide.com. Recently, there has been a fascination with such a direction of heavy rock as black metal, and Norwegian performers of this music are very famous abroad.

Norwegian folk music has not lost its appeal, and after Alexander Rybak won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009, the halling folk dance and violin playing that sounded in the winning song gained even more popularity. The dance itself comes from the Hallingdal valley in Buskerud county.

In Oslo, right next to the harbour, a new Opera House has appeared, which opened its doors in 2008. The troupes of the national opera and ballet are located here (for performances, see www.operaen.no). This is the first opera house in the country with excellent acoustics, where foreign opera and ballet companies often perform, and in August a chamber music festival is held.

Theater and cinema

Norway can be proud of its theatrical tradition dating back to late 19th century dramas by Henrik Ibsen and Bjornstjerne Bjornson. National Theater in Oslo (www.nationaltheatret.no), Den Nationale Scene in Bergen (www.dns.no), Rogaland Teater in Stavanger (www.rogaland-teater.no) and Trendelag Teater in Trondheim ( www.trondelag-teater.no) are distinguished by an extensive repertoire, but where, of course, most of the performances are in Norwegian. In cinemas, films are almost always shown in their original language with Norwegian subtitles.

Night life

Cities like Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, with their bars and clubs often open after midnight all year round, have a vibrant nightlife. During the summer, neighborhoods like Aker Brygge in Oslo are full of people dining al fresco in the evenings. Bars usually close around 1:00 am and even later on weekends. Keep in mind that expensive liquor can make you spend a lot of money at night, but fortunately, some establishments have discounted drinking time after work or in the early evening.

In the countryside, nightlife is not so diverse, but even there, as a rule, there is at least one bar worth stopping by to chat with local residents. Many county towns near the fjords come alive in the summer, and hotels often have bars open not only for guests, but for everyone. And on ski resorts There is something to have fun in the winter at night. On the website of the Oslo Tourism Authority www.visitoslo.com you can find a practical guide "What"s on in Oslo".

Norway for kids

In Norway, children are especially carefully taken care of. In public transport, not only the entrance for baby carriages is provided, but also special seats in buses.

Most restaurants and cafes have high chairs and a children's menu. Often in hotels, campsites and other places of accommodation there are playgrounds, and sometimes even “paddling pools”. Cities and county centers are equipped with outdoor playgrounds, which are also available in many public places. When visiting attractions, in ski centers and on public transport for children, significant discounts are provided. In addition, most attractions sell family tickets.

Cities are not always the best place for children, but much is done in Oslo to entertain and keep them occupied; for example, many museums provide live (interactive) communication with visitors (www.visitoslo.com). Just 20 km from Oslo is the TusenFryd amusement park (late April - early October, opening hours vary; entrance fee) with many attractions, including the first 5D attraction in Europe and a water park. 15 km north of Lillehammer, the Hunderfossen Family Park (www.hunderfossen.no; opening hours varies; admission fee) with 50 attractions, including a troll park, a cable car, rafing and fairy palace in full size.

In winter it turns into winter park. In Telemark, located 80 km west of Oslo, there is the largest water park in Scandinavia, Vo Sommarland (www.sommarland.no; June - August; admission fee) with 20 different ponds and water slides. In addition, clowns perform here, there is a Tarzan trail, rowing, and the only Master Blaster water roller coaster in Europe. The zoo in Kristiansand, just outside the city, is open year-round and has five parks, including a nursery and a northern wilderness experience, that feature animals from all over the world. Pirate ships and playgrounds have also been built here (www.dyreparken.no).

The Rockheim National Interactive Experimental Center in Trondheim (www.rockheim.until; Tue-Sun 11am-6pm; admission fee), opened in 2010, is dedicated to Norwegian rock and pop music. You can send your restless teenagers here after dinner.

The country has created all the conditions for children to play sports, so almost everywhere you can rent sports equipment like skis and skates, even for toddlers just starting to walk. Norwegian children with very early years get on skis and skates and accompany their parents on hikes. There are always good coaches for children of any age.

Festivals and holidays

• January. Northern Lights Festival (Tromso).
• February. Opera Festival (Kristiansund).
• March. Ski festival in Holmenkollen (Oslo). Winter Festival (Narvik) includes sports competitions, concerts and a carnival. Birkebeiner ski race (lit.: birch-footed, bast-footed) (Rena - Lillehammer), a 53-kilometer ski marathon, where up to 12 thousand skiers participate.
• April. Amateur Jazz Festival (Voss), three days of jazz and folk music.
• May. International Music Festival (Bergen), one of the largest musical events in Scandinavia.
• June. North Cape Procession (Honningsvåg), a 68-kilometer march from Honningsvåg to the North Cape. Emigrant Festival (Stavanger and Kvinesdal) in memory of the Norwegians who moved to North America. Midsummer (everywhere), the summer solstice is celebrated. White Nights Marathon (Tromsø), starting in the north of Norway with the onset of white nights.
• July. International Jazz Festival (Kongsberg), open-air concerts and performances by foreign jazzmen. Games at the stadium "Bishlet" ("Bislett") in Oslo, international competitions in athletics. International Jazz Festival (Molde), Norway's oldest jazz festival lasting over six days. Day 29 July (olsok) (Trondheim), commemoration day of King Olaf the Saint; and Oi food feast! (Trondheim). Culinary festival Gladmat (Stavanger), "holiday of gluttony".
• August. International Folk Music Festival in Telemark, a celebration of folk music and folk dance. Feast of Peer Gynt in the town of Vinstra (Vinstra), celebrations in honor of the hero of the drama of the same name by Ibsen. Jazz Festival (Oslo), has been held since 1986. The Chamber Music Festival (Oslo), chamber music is played in Akershus Castle and Fortress.
• September. Marathon in Oslo.
• December. Christmas markets (Oslo and elsewhere). With the advent of Advent (in early December), unusual Christmas gifts, handicrafts and sweets are sold at fairs in many parts of the country on weekends. Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony (Oslo), held at City Hall every year on December 10

Public holidays

• 1st of January. New Year
• March, April. Good Thursday
• March, April. Good Friday
• March, April. Bright Monday
• May 1. Labor Day
• May 17th. Constitution day
• May June. Ascension
• End of May/beginning of June. Spirits Monday
• December 25th. Christmas
• December 26th. Boxing Day

Norwegian cuisine

Norwegian cuisine, which prefers fresh local products, has recently found its face, and local fish and seafood, from cod to arctic crabs and smoked salmon, are famous all over the world. There is something to try for desperate lovers of meat food: for example, in the menu the best restaurants more and more dishes from venison and elk appear. A new generation of chefs is rediscovering local dishes, sometimes sticking strictly to the traditional cuisine, sometimes bringing the originality of the interior national cuisine.

Village food in Norway was usually prepared from what the local land gave at one time or another of the year. Many of the dishes that are still loved today date back to the old way of peasant or fishing life, so that on the coast, fish predominates in food, and game in the depths of the country.

The relief of the country, including the coast, farmlands, forests and mountains, testifies to the different food preferences of the Norwegians. Marinating, drying, smoking, salting and fermentation arose before the advent of freezing, conservation and modern ways food processing and served to store food during the long winter. Some meat and fish dishes have a strong flavor that takes some getting used to, but at its core, Norwegian cuisine is fresh, healthy and tasty, and the portions are quite generous.

But all of the above does not mean that you will find only Norwegian food here. Cuisine in Norway is becoming more and more international. Pizza, pasta and hamburgers are becoming just as commonplace as are lefse, Norwegian pancakes usually made from potatoes, and sursild, pickled herring with onions.

The cuisine of such countries as Italy, China, Thailand and India is widely represented, at least in large cities. In addition, in recent years, food festivals have begun to take place in the summer, where both Norwegian and international cuisine are presented. The food culture in Norway varies by region, and the table of an Oslo resident can differ significantly from what is eaten, for example, in Bergen or Tromsø, but everywhere they prefer local products whenever possible. As a rule, in rural areas, excellent restaurants can be found in hotels where they feed not only guests.

food festivals

Norwegians treat food very responsibly, so over the past decade food festivals have appeared in the country, a kind of celebration of gluttony. Norsk Matglede in Geilo, Gladmat in Stavanger, Norwegian Gluttony Feast in Ålesund and Oi! Trendersk Matfesival in Trondheim are just some of the festivities in a string of celebrations in honor of the local food. Their program is varied: from food tasting to cooking lessons, classes with chefs and special treats from local restaurateurs. Here, for the most part, strictly adhere to the traditions of Norwegian cuisine, standing at the origins of modern national cuisine, but the Gladmat food festival, held every summer on the banks of the picturesque harbor of Stavanger, tries to instill in it an international spirit. In Geilo, on the contrary, preference is given to small producers and natural products. Holidays often take place at the height of summer, when the stalls are taken outside, so you can enjoy your meal outdoors, admiring the beauties of Norwegian nature.

Where there is

In Norway, they try to eat relatively early. Although most Norwegians work outside the home, they eat dinner surprisingly early, apparently from the habit of the old days. It is unusual to see restaurants serving dinner from 5 pm, and in small towns it can be difficult to eat after 9 or 10 pm, when almost all the bars are closed.

What is

Most hotels serve an international breakfast, while for Norwegians, breakfast can be hearty and consist of one cup of coffee, always black. A working Norwegian can't do without a "dry ration" (matpakke) taken with him, even now, when eating out or buying a sandwich is in everyday life.

As you might expect, Norwegians eat more fish than many other countries, and fish has been a staple of their diet for centuries. But mollusks entered their diet later.

More than 200 species of fish and shellfish are found in Norwegian waters, some are caught in the sea, others are grown. Norway is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafood, selling about 3 million tons of its catch abroad. Most often on the menu and on the market you can see cod, salmon, trout, herring, arctic char, pollock, anglerfish, mackerel and red salmon. But even such a variety is not enough, so we are also offered sea flounder, sea trotter, silver pollack, mole (sea pike), sea burbot, whiting, haddock, catfish, halibut and river flounder - and these are just the most common species.

As soon as fish is not cooked, but Norwegian cuisine is rather stingy with spices and seasonings: salt, pepper and a few herbs like dill and mustard seed are most often used. Boiling, stewing, poaching, smoking and salting are the favorite types of cooking fish, often served with one boiled new potato and a piece of butter. Perhaps the most famous Norwegian dish is gravlaks (gravlaks, literally "buried salmon"), salmon fillet salted with sugar.

Fish stew, usually based on milk, especially loved on the coast of the country, is made from a variety of fish and shellfish with the addition of vegetables and potatoes. Herring, salted with all sorts of additives, from mustard and onions to tomatoes and herbs, is another truly adored dish here. The taste of fermented trout (rakfisk), along with dried fish (lutefisk) soaked in an alkaline solution, moth or cod, takes some getting used to. They are usually eaten at Christmas, although the smell inherent in them may seem fetid to many. Dried fish (torrfi.sk) is incredibly popular here as a light snack. It is eaten both dried and boiled.

On the coast, especially the north, there may be such a dish as whale meat. Norwegians do not consider it shameful to eat it, and whaling in the north has been going on for more than one century. Whale meat roasts, whale burgers, and the like are available in many restaurants, though less frequently now that whale quotas have been cut.

Shellfish, which became a familiar food only in the second half of the 20th century, won great love here, so now the Norwegians in in large numbers consume seafood, including arctic shrimp, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and crabs. Especially good is the huge king crab caught near the North Cape. Crab feasts (krabbelag) are held in the summer, when crabs are eaten with plain bread, butter, and possibly a circle of lemon.

However, in Norway they are not limited to one fish and seafood. There are many meat dishes, and dairy products have always been adored. As for gluttons, there is something to offer desperate tasters. In the north, venison dishes, and also elk, including “buried elk” (gravet elg), elk salted with sugar, as is the case with the already mentioned salmon. In addition, pork, beef, chicken, lamb and mutton are widely used. Favorite meatballs (kjottekaker), often with sour lingonberry sauce or spices. Braised lamb with cabbage (farikal, “mutton with cabbage”), a warming dish in winter, is served with potatoes.

It is not uncommon for stalls or counters to sell all sorts of sausages as a light snack, including venison and elk salami, or simple hot sausages (varme pelser). Many restaurants offer dishes from seasonal gifts of nature: for sweets, sauces or marinades in summer and early autumn, fresh berries are used, a little later they are replaced by a variety of mushroom dishes, in the fall it's time for magnificent game, and in winter - hearty stews, soups and casseroles .

Vegetables on the local table, unfortunately, are not so generous, so vegetarians will have to dodge in search of something suitable, but this situation is beginning to change, at least in big cities.

Bread goes with many dishes, and it is represented by various cereals. Sandwiches here are usually open: all kinds of cuts are piled on a slice of bread.

Desserts consist mainly of fresh berries with sour cream or cream, and waffles served with melted cream and jam from all kinds of berries, most often strawberries, cloudberries, raspberries and blueberries, can be considered a Norwegian innovation.

What drink

Norwegians simply adore coffee, ranking first in the world in terms of the consumption of this drink (about 160 liters per person per year). Neither a short break, nor a friendly or family meeting can do without coffee, and any pastime is not conceivable without a large cup of coffee.

Coffee with spirits (karsk), a drink originating in Trønnelag, even appeared here. Usually vodka or moonshine is added to coffee.

In recent years, tea has become widespread, so that now there is a rich selection of tea in shops, hotels and restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks and fruit juices of local and foreign producers are widely represented. In addition, in rural areas, many still prefer to drink a large mug of milk with dinner.

Norway is well known for its tough attitude to alcohol, but the Norwegians themselves love to drink. The country has introduced a state monopoly on the production and sale of wine (Vinmonopolet), and although prices for alcohol in stores can be quite high, they are quite acceptable compared to prices in bars and restaurants.

Beer has been drunk in Norway for a long time, there are many breweries here, for example, Ringnes in Oslo, Nasha in Bergen, NE in Kristiansand and the northernmost Mack brewery in the world in Tromsø. In addition, strong alcoholic drinks like Akavitt and vodka are produced in Norway. Vikingfjord is a brand of Norwegian vodka. Well-known brands of Norwegian aquavit are Gammel Opland, Lime and Gilde, and aquavit is drunk mostly at Christmas. During the rest of the year, foreign varieties of alcohol are preferred. Wine is gaining popularity, which, however, is not cheap. Indeed, if you order wine for dinner, the bill will more than double.

Quite widely, especially in rural areas, moonshine (hjemmebrent), which is usually driven from potatoes, is widespread.

Accommodation

The standard of hotels in Norway is generally high. Prices can also be quite high as many hotels are designed for business people. In summer or on weekends, there are significant discounts when hotels offer special conditions. In recent years, international hotel chains have begun to buy up smaller, family-run hotel businesses. Such moves do not appear to have led to a reduction in service levels, but to some extent contributed to increased competition and knock down prices. Please note that the main tourist season in Norway is very short, so not all conditions for renting housing are valid all year round, although the situation is changing.

In addition to hotels, there are other accommodation options, in particular in the countryside there are boarding houses and rooms with accommodation and breakfast, accommodation in a farmstead, youth hostel, camping and, most of all, a separate house, the so-called hut, hytte (hytte ). Hotel associations such as the Historic Hotels and Restaurants of Norway (De Historiske; www.dehistoriske.com) have a number of idiosyncratic hotels throughout the country. On the coast, for example in the Lofoten Islands, you can stay in an old rorbu fishing hut or even in a lighthouse building. Norway's most extensive hotel pass, the Fjord Pass, provides discounts at 170 locations across the country (www.fiordtours.com). The Norwegian Tourism Authority will tell you where to stay, and you can book a hotel room online at www.visitnorway.com.

Camping

There are about a thousand campsites in Norway, ranging from one to five stars. Most campsites are open only in June-August, and only a few operate longer, including year-round for caravans. In addition, many places are equipped with cabins that can be rented for a week in the summer. The cost of a place is 80-150 CZK per day, with an additional charge for electricity. The Norwegian and Scandinavian camping card can be purchased at all associated locations, which entitles their holders to receive a discount, fast check-in and many other benefits.

The same benefits apply to the international camping card. Useful information can be found at www.camping.no and www.norwayd.irect.com. Under the Norwegian law on the right of access to public places, you can pitch a tent or sleep outdoors anywhere on open, unfenced land in the countryside for up to 48 hours, provided you are at least 150 meters from the nearest house. On the more time stay you will need permission from the owner of the land. In addition, please note that you cannot make a fire near the forest from April 15 to September 15.

Airports

Norway's main airports are Gardermoen in Oslo, Flesland in Bergen, Sola in Stavanger and Vaernes in Trondheim. In addition, Oslo is served by Sandefjord Airport in the town of Torp near the Sanefjord. Due to the distances and local terrain, it is not bad to travel around the country by plane, given the developed network local airlines. Norway has 16 main airports, including those serving international flights, and 29 domestic airports. Taxis at major airports are not cheap. Oslo Airport Gardenmoen is located 50 km from the center of the capital, and here international and domestic flights serves one airport terminal, where there are many eateries, duty-free shops, there is a tourist information office and a car rental service. The fastest way to get to the center of Oslo in 19 minutes is by the Flytoget express train, which departs six times an hour to the Central Station. In addition, they regularly commuter trains Norwegian State Railways, and there is a parking lot in front of the airport intercity buses and taxis (www.oslo.no). Ryanair and other low-cost airlines fly to Torp Airport near the Sanefjord, 110 km from Oslo. Buses are served by the arrival of aircraft, and the journey takes 2-2.5 hours. In addition, trains and a shuttle bus (www.torp.no) run to Sanefjord. Bergen Flesland Airport is located 20 km from the city and is equipped with everything you need. Frequent bus services link the bus station and the Radisson hotels with the airport, and the journey takes about half an hour (www.bergen-guide.com).

Stavanger Sola Airport lies 15 km from the city center and is equipped, in addition to the conference center, with everything you need. A regular bus gets to the city in 20-30 minutes, taxis also go (t: 67-03-10-00, www.avinor.no).

Trondheim Vaernes Airport is located 35 km north of the city center and has shops and restaurants, a hotel, a lounge and currency exchange offices. You can get here by train, express bus, regular bus or taxi. The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes (tel.: 67-03-25-00, www.avinor.no).

Travel budget

In cities and rural areas, prices for services are different in the high season and in the off season. Below are only approximate prices. As a rule, it is more expensive to live in cities than in the outback (with a few exceptions, like the well-known fjords).

Car rental. Prices fluctuate a lot. A weekly rental will cost from 2800 kroons for a small car to 3700 kroons for a large car. Many companies install a child seat for an additional price.

Hotels. Housing, depending on the cost of daily living, can be conditionally divided into cheap, affordable and expensive (for two, including breakfast): 1100 kroons, 1100-1800 kroons and over 1800 kroons. Prices can be significantly less than 1100 kroons, and much more than 1800 kroons. There are many special offers with discounts, Sunday rates and packages for tourists.

Food and drinks. Breakfast in a cafe or restaurant costs 50-80 kroons; lunch 60-120 kroons; dinner in an average restaurant without drinks 200-250 CZK per person; coffee or soft drink 20-30 CZK; a bottle of wine from 150 CZK; strong alcohol (400 ml) 80 CZK. Breakfasts and lunches at the hotel are profitable, and the first ones are especially satisfying, while most restaurants serve one regular dish for lunch.

Museums. 30-80 crowns. Children usually get a half discount.

Fuel. 12.20 kroons per liter of petrol and 11.20 kroons per liter of diesel fuel. Most gas stations are equipped with automatic pumps that accept banknotes and credit cards. Public transport. Traveling in Norway is expensive, but the buses and trains are comfortable. The average cost of a train ticket from Oslo to Bergen is 600 kroons.

Taxi is expensive. The road from Gardermoen airport to the center of Oslo will cost 610-720 crowns, depending on the time of day.

Tourist card. The Oslo Pass and Bergen Card give you free entry to many attractions, free public transport, and many other benefits. For more information, please visit www.visitoslo.com and www.visitbergen.com. On the site www. visitnorway.com contains information about all passes and tourist cards.

Bicycles for rent

Bicycles can be easily rented from a rental shop or local travel agency, guesthouse and hotel. Roads are usually not crowded, and bike paths are laid out in large cities. Please note that driving in mountainous areas can be difficult. There are few cities and villages, the distances between them are large, especially in the Far North, and the weather is changeable. Prices vary and depend on the quality of the bike and the terrain, around 60-350 CZK per day. Travel agencies usually have good maps and information about cycling routes. Two routes are especially picturesque, around the North Sea and the Miners' Road. For more information, please visit www.bike-norway.com.

Car rental

All major car rental companies are present in Norway, including Avis, Eurocar and Hertz, as well as competitively priced local Norwegian car rental companies. In most cities, you can find car rental companies, or rent them directly at the airport by making a reservation or upon arrival. Prices are usually lower the longer you rent a car, and there are special discounts in the summer and on weekends. As a rule, a car can be rented in one place and left in another. When renting a car, you must have a driver's license from your country of residence valid for at least one year. If you are not an EU citizen, you must have an international driver's license with you. Cars are rented to people over 19, but if you're under 25, you'll have to pay a young driver's tax of about 100 crowns per day. Insurance is a must, so make sure it's included in your car rental.

Climate

The Gulf Stream contributes to the establishment of a milder climate in Norway than it should be for such latitudes, so that the temperature in summer sometimes rises to 25-30 ° C. The temperature varies significantly in winter and summer, in the north and south, on the coast and inland, at sea level and at mountain peaks. The weather is also changeable, so that in many places it is a joke that "all the seasons fit in one day." From late June to mid-August, the days are sunny, and the air temperature is about 25°C, and the water is 15-18°C, except in the Far North. In the Arctic regions at this time you can observe the midnight sun. Spring and autumn are colder and damper. In autumn, in these latitudes, you can already see the northern lights (aurora borealis), especially in October, February and March. In winter, a significant part of Norway, with the exception of the coast, is covered with snow, and the temperature inland can drop to -40 ° C. On the coast at any time of the year it can rain, and even in summer the temperature here sometimes drops to 10 ° C, especially in the evenings.

clothing

Because the weather can be changeable during the day, it's a good idea to wear something over the top to protect yourself from the vagaries of the weather. Even on a sunny day, try to take an umbrella and a raincoat along with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sunhat. Norwegians are not prudish, so wear shorts and a T-shirt when sightseeing on a warm day. In the evening or when going on a boat trip, be sure to take a sweater with you. Sturdy shoes are important not only on a hike and when outdoor activities in nature, but also for walking on the cobbled sidewalks of many cities. In winter, warm clothes, boots, a scarf, gloves and a hat are needed.

Crime and security

Norway comparatively safe country, with a low crime rate, especially in terms of serious crimes, so that visitors rarely encounter offenses. Rural areas are dominated by night theft or petty theft. Take the same precautions you would at home, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport, and don't walk alone at night in unlit places in big cities.

Car driving

Roads are generally calm, except in the big cities (but even there traffic jams are rare) and well maintained. In winter, winter tires are required (the timing of their installation varies depending on the location). Some roads in the Far North are closed in winter. In the spring, when the ground thaws, it becomes dangerous to drive on certain sections of the road. In mountainous areas, there are long tunnels, including the longest in the world, 24.5 km long.

Speed ​​limit. Normally the speed limit is 80 km/h. In residential areas, it does not exceed 30 km/h; in densely built-up areas - 50 km / h; on a two-way road and on motorways - 90 or 100 km/h. Vehicles with trailers and trailers must not travel faster than 80 km/h, even on a faster highway.

Documentation. You must have a driver's license from your country of residence valid for at least one year or, if you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country, an international driver's license.

Traffic Laws. Drive on the right side, go around on the left and give way to vehicles moving on the right unless otherwise indicated. Seat belts are required in both the front and rear seats. The attitude towards drunk driving in the country is irreconcilable, therefore, selective checks of drivers are often arranged on the roads. The permissible level of alcohol in the body should not exceed 0.2 mg per liter of blood, so it is better to refrain from drinking alcohol while driving, otherwise the specified limit may be exceeded and, as a result, a large fine and even deprivation of rights are inevitable.

Accidents and breakdowns. In the event of an accident or breakdown, you must put up a warning triangle and wear a yellow fluorescent jacket. Emergency services: Norges Automobil-Forbund NAF, tel.: 0810-00-505, Falken, tel.: 02222 (toll-free) or Viking, tel.: 06000 (toll-free).

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V/50 Hz, European-style two-pin plug. Just in case, bring an adapter with you.

Embassy and consulates

Embassy of Russia in Norway. Norge, 0244 Oslo, Drammensveien, 74 Tel.: (8-10-47) 22-55-32-78. Fax: (8-10-47) 22-55-00-70. Email: [email protected]

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kirkenes. Norge, 9900 Kirkenes, Postbox 98, Radhusplassen. Tel.: (8-10-47) 78-99-37-37, 78-99-37-38. Fax: (8-10-47) 78-99-37-42. Email: [email protected]

Consulate of the Russian Federation in Barentsburg (Svalbard). Norge, Svalbard, Barentsburg, Den Russiske Foderasjons Konsulat. Tel.: (8-10-47) 79-02-17-85. Fax: (8-10-47) 79-02-17-85. Email: [email protected]

emergency services

For the police, call 112, for an ambulance - 113, for the fire department - 110. For non-urgent matters, call the police at tel.: 02800.

Information for gays and lesbians

Legislation and, as a rule, the inhabitants of Norway treat representatives of sexual minorities quite tolerantly. Most of these types of travelers do not experience any inconvenience, but it must be remembered that Norway is a sparsely populated country, so there are not many places for them outside of large cities, although there are very few special bars or clubs there. A tolerant attitude towards supporters of same-sex love can not always be found in the rural outback, although you rarely encounter obvious intolerance. More information can be obtained from the Norwegian Union of Sexual Minorities, LLH: Valkyriegaten 15A 5th floor, N-0366 Oslo, Tel: 023-10-39-39, www.llh.no. They also have a section on the website www.visitoslo.com/en/gay-oslo.

Arrival

By plane. Many international carriers, including SAS, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Norwegian, KLM, Lufthansa and Thai Airways, fly to Norway either directly or with a connection. Local flights are operated by SAS, Norwegian and Wideroe.

By sea. There is a ferry service between Norway and Denmark operated by Color Line (www.colorline.com), DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk), Fjordline (www.jjordline.com) and Stena Line ” (www. stenaline.co.uk), and in addition, there are Color Line ferries from Oslo to German Kiel and from Swedish Strömstad to Sannefjord. In Norway, numerous ferries and ships ply along the coast: the most famous is the Hurtigruten steamship line between Bergen and Kirkenes in the Far North (www. hurtigruten.co.uk or www.hurtigruten.com).

By train. One of the options for arriving in the country, traveling through it and leaving it is associated with the purchase of a railway ticket like Interrail (for Europeans) or Eurail (for the rest). It can be booked prior to departure from your country via the Internet using the services of the Eurail Group (www.interrailnet.com) or by contacting European Rail at 020-7619-1083 or at www.europeanrail.com (regular rail tickets within Europe).

Guides and excursions

English is widely spoken in Norway, so it is easy to find English-speaking guides and English-speaking excursions here. Many bus, boat and museum tours are available in several languages: Norwegian, English, German, French and increasingly in Russian, Chinese and Japanese. Travel agencies can book tours and guides and provide multilingual booklets of available tours. Some of the more popular tours, such as "Norway in a Nutshell", are run by Nutshell Tours and Fjord Tours (www.norwaynutshell.com and www.fjordtours.com). A useful list of travel agencies can be found at www.visitnorway.com.

Health and medical care

Norway is part of the European Economic Area, so that visitors from countries in this area are provided with the same medical care as Norwegians. Citizens of countries belonging to the European Union / European Economic Area must have European map health insurance (European Health Insurance Card, EHIC), issued via the Internet at www.ehic.org.uk; it is issued free of charge for five years. It is highly recommended to get travel insurance. Make sure it also covers winter or extreme views sports, if you are going to join them. No vaccinations are required to travel to Norway, and tap water is perfectly safe.

Oslo has a 24-hour pharmacy (apotek): Jernbanetorvet Pharmacy, Jernbanetorget 4B, N-0154 Oslo, tel.: 23-35-81-00.

Language

Norway has two official written languages ​​- Bokmål (bokmal, "written language") and Nynorsk (nynorsk, "new Norwegian"). Approximately 86% of the population uses Bokmål. In addition, in Norway, more than 20 thousand people speak the Sami languages, which are part of the Finno-Ugric language branch and are not related to the Norwegian language. English is widely spoken and taught at school from an early age.

Knowledge of some commonly used expressions in Norwegian, although not required, will be appreciated. Pronunciation can be a stumbling block, and in addition, the Norwegian alphabet has three additional letters for vowels, located at the end of the alphabet: æ, ø and å. Å is pronounced like “o”, æ like “e”, and ø like “ё”, and at the beginning of the word like “e”.

Cards

Most local travel agencies have excellent maps of their region.

Mass media

Radio and television. There are two leading television companies in the country - the state-owned NRK with four channels and TV2, also with four channels. All programs are in the original language with subtitles. Public radio is also dominated by NRK with three channels operating in the FM radio frequency band and with digital broadcasting.

Newspapers and magazines. According to the international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders, Norway ranks first in the world in terms of freedom of the press. The leading daily newspapers are Aftenposten, Dagbladet and Dagsavisen, but there are many more local newspapers and magazines. The Norway Post (www.norwaypost.no), which publishes news from Norway, is published in English.

Money

Currency. The monetary unit of Norway is the Norwegian krone (krone; denoted by kg or NOK). 1 crown is equal to 100 era (ore). In circulation there are coins in denominations of 50 öre, 1, 5, 10, 20 crowns and denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 crowns.

Exchange offices. You can exchange money at the airport and at the central railway station Oslo, as well as many commercial and savings banks, some post offices, Forex offices and some hotels. The exchange is carried out mainly through Forex branches (as a rule, it is open Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00, Sat 9.00-17.00).

Credit and debit cards. Most well-known credit cards are accepted even in small establishments, which eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash with you. ATMs are everywhere, and they are easy to use, and in all cities there will definitely be at least one such machine, but in the outback it is better to have some cash with you.

If you lose your credit card, call: American Express, tel.: 0800-68-100. Diners Club, tel.: 021-01-50-00. Mastercard, tel.: 0800-30-250. VISA, tel.: 0815-00-500.

Traveler's checks. Traveler's checks are gradually falling into disuse, but they can still be exchanged at a bank, Forex and other exchange offices. In banks, the exchange rate is usually more favorable.

Opening hours

The shops. Most shops are open Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00 or until 18.00, Sat 9.00-14.00. Shops in major cities and large shopping malls or supermarkets are open longer, until 20.00 or 21.00, and also on Sun. Some shops still close for lunch, especially in rural areas, and private shops usually close for two weeks or more in July or August.

Banks. Banks are open Mon-Fri 9.00-15.30, until 17.00 Thu. In summer (mid-May - mid-August) banks close at 2.30 pm every day, but exchange offices are open longer.

Police

Most police stations are open weekdays and have a duty officer to whom people can report a crime or other incident. The police phone is 112, the call is free even from a payphone.

Mail

Norwegian post boxes for both domestic and international mail are of the same color, red. Most post offices are open Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00 and Sat 9.00-15.00, closed Sun.

Public transport

In Norway, public transport connects many parts of the country, but remote rural areas or places in the Far North have to be reached by car or boat.

Aircraft. One of the best means of transportation around the country is air Transport. There are about 50 airports in Norway, from where planes fly even to the smallest counties. The main domestic air carriers are SAS (www.flysas.com), Norwegian (www.norwegian.com) and Wideroe (www.wideroe.no).

The Norwegian State Railways, NSB, stretches for 3,000 km all the way to Bodø. Some of the tracks pass through amazing scenic spots, especially the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, the non-electrified Rauma Line from Dombas to Andalsnes, and the Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm. For tickets, please visit www.nsb.no.

Norway has a number of bus carriers, the largest of which is the Nor-Way Bussekspress, serving 40 routes (www.nor-way.no). Tickets can be bought online or at the bus station. If there is free space, you can carry a bicycle and skis with your luggage. The schedule of many buses is coordinated with the schedule of ferries or other bus routes intersecting with them.

Ferries/ships. A huge number of ferry and ship carriers serve the Norwegian coast. In many cases, these are steamship lines or car ferries linking the fjords and numerous islands to the mainland. It is often faster to cross the fjord by ferry than by the nearest bridge, which still needs to be reached, and many roads are connected by ferry crossings. Leading carriers are Hurtigruten, Fjordl, Tide, Fjordline, Kolumbus, Rodne Fjordcruise and Senja Ferries.

Religion

Approximately 80% of the country's population are Protestants belonging to the Lutheran Church. Such a figure is somewhat misleading, since a person is ranked as a church immediately after baptism, but in reality Norway appears as one of the most secular states in Europe, where residents attend church once or twice a year. About 10% of the population do not profess any religion, and the rest belong to one or another religion, from shamanism among the Sami to the Bahai religion.

Phones

Payphones accept coins, telephone or credit cards, and they can be easily found in major cities. Phone cards are sold at newsstands, 7-Eleven chain stores, and similar stores. In the outback, including the Far North, pay phones are harder to find. Therefore, it is better to take a mobile phone with you or, in case of a long stay in the country, buy a Norwegian SIM card, bearing in mind the high roaming rates and the inability to receive a return call.

Difference in time

Time in Norway is two hours behind Moscow time. When it's noon in Moscow, it's ten in the morning in Norway. Norway switches to summer time at the end of March and winter time at the end of October.

Tips

It is customary to round the bill in a restaurant or bar to the nearest 5 or 10 crowns, but it is rarely offended if this is not done. In case of good service in a restaurant or bar, you can leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers sometimes get slightly bigger tips, while, for example, they are not accepted in a hairdresser's.

toilets

Cities have many clean and tidy public toilets; in most cases, payment is made through a machine, the average cost is 5 kroons. In the countryside, toilets are not easy to find, but you can use, and often free of charge, restrooms at service stations, near the main square, or at travel agencies. Along the highways there are roadside parking lots with toilets, but in the outback and on country roads, latrines, of course, are not provided.

Information for tourists

A ledge on Mount Skjeggedal called "Troll's Tongue"

The Norwegian Tourism Authority has 17 main tourist information offices in the country, and in addition there are many local tourist information offices, although some of them are only open during the summer. All bureaus display the International Tourism Sign (a white "i" on a green background). Employees are knowledgeable everywhere, often speak several languages, so they can tell about their region and book accommodation and excursions.

• Central Station Tourist Information Office, Trafikanten Service Centre, Jernbanetorget 1, N-0154 Oslo (Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00), tel.: 81-53-05-55, www.visitoslo.com.
• The Norwegian Information Office, Fridtjof Nansens Plass 5, N-0160 Oslo, Tel: 24-14-77-00, www.visitnorway.com, has information about Oslo and other parts of Norway.
• Bergen, Vagsallmenningen 1, N-5003 Bergen, tel.: 55-55-20-00, www.visitbergen.com.
• Stavanger, Domkirkeplassen 3, N-4006 Stavanger, men.: 51-85-92-00, www.regionstavanger.com.

Visas and passports

To travel to Norway, residents of EU countries need only have a valid passport with them. Arrivals from Canada, Australia, USA and New Zealand do not need a tourist visa if they spend no more than 90 days in Norway.

Citizens of other countries should make inquiries at the Norwegian embassy of their country. A tourist visa is usually issued for three months.

Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need a visa and a passport to visit Norway.

• “Ga pa tur”, which means “to take a walk”, is one of the features of a purely Norwegian attitude to life, when everyone, young and old, rush somewhere, if not every weekend, then quite often. Dressed warmly and wearing strong boots, they go to nature, often their path lies in the mountains. A halt is certainly made in order to refresh oneself with the provisions taken, usually consisting of sandwiches with a thick slice of bread and hot black coffee from a thermos. On summer weekends, in many picturesque places in the country, whole families go to conquer peaks and fjords, in particular in 33 national parks.
• After the adoption by Norway in the XI century. Christianity, the first local preachers were engaged in the construction of churches in the once pagan lands. These so-called stave churches are medieval wooden structures, named after the supporting pillars installed in the middle, around which a wooden frame was then built. Previously, there were about two thousand such churches in Northern Europe, and very few of them have survived to this day.
  Twenty-nine stave churches, mostly from the 12th century, can still be seen today. The Stave Church from Urnes in the county of Sogn og Fjordane is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Olav Haraldson (995-1030) completed the unification of Norway, which he began in the 9th century. his ancestor Harald Horfager (Fair-Haired). He, who converted to Christianity in England, was destined not only to convert the country to this faith, but also to unite it. Long before all this happened, he fell at the battle of Stiklestad, but soon miracles began to happen at his grave, now in Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral, as a result of which he was venerated as a saint. Olaf becomes the patron saint of Norway. In 1997, the pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which was declared a European cultural route in 2010, was resumed.
• The Oslo Viking Shipbuilding Museum contains some of the finest finds, including the Oseberg ship found in a burial mound at the Oseberg Farm, near the town of Tønsberg, west of Oslo. The boat dates back to about 800 AD.
• When entering the house, do not forget to take off your shoes, otherwise you will make the first (and perhaps unforgivable) mistake.
• Nightclubs are restricted to adults, often aged 21 or older. Therefore, if you look younger than your years, take your ID with you.
• At Christmas, you can try soaked dried fish (lutefisk), lamb rib, partridge and, of course, alcohol: mulled wine (glogg, often diluted with stronger alcohol), juleel (Jula0l, Christmas beer) and akvavitt vodka, the strongest drink ( from grain or potatoes with the addition of cumin seed).
• Norwegians love black coffee, without milk, sugar, which they drink from a large cup. Nor do they suffer from insomnia at all.