I have a few hours to kill before Molly and I catch our coastal ferry, Hurtigruten, to steam up and over the top of the Norwegian Arctic to Kirkenes. We will be on the ship for four days and three nights. This bicycle tour is the fourth time I have visited Norway, and I thought I would post advice on planning a trip to this fair land. While my excursions have involved physical activities, cycle touring and cross-country skiing, my advice will be for any visit.
1. First and foremost, Norway is very expensive due to taxes. A good trip plan will reduce costs by purchasing package deals which often already include meals. Having alcohol with a meal really drives up the price of a visit. Purchasing food and drink at the local grocery store will dramatically reduce your costs. Have a picnic either outside or in your hotel room.
2. The best way to travel large distances is by boat. We prefer the coastal ferry (small cruise ship), Hurtigruten, which sails daily both north and southbound between Bergen and Kirkenes. This boat option is more desirable than cruise ships, which only tend to come into port once per day and move out beyond the 12 mile limit. Thus, on Hurtigruten you see much more of Norway because it takes the inland passage up the coast. However, Hurtigruten is not a cruise ship. You will not find spas, casinos, shows, etc. Your entertainment is the scenery. You may purchase a food package or pay as you go for meals. One option that is very reasonably priced on Hurtigruten compared to cruise ships is wifi.
3. Molly and I like Arctic Norway. Bodo, Norway is above the Arctic Circle and may be reached by passenger train. From Bodo, one may easily use ferries to reach the Lofoten Islands and / or Tromso. As a foot passenger, one may always get on ferries, but if you want an overnight cabin, or have a car … reserve ahead on the major ferry routes.
4. For the summer, visit in August. There will be much fewer Europeans around, and the weather is still nice. However, even on August 21st, be aware that although the midnight sun has set, the night skies are too bright for chasing the Aurora.
5. For chasing the Northern Lights I recommend late February, to the first week or so of March. Even in the Arctic, if you stay near the coast temperatures are not too cold. The Gulf Stream warms things up. However, as you head inland and gain elevation it gets cold fast. As a reminder, I live in northern Minnesota and I am used to very cold weather.
Here are some links which will help you better plan your visit.
Links to my own content:
- Chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic
- Molly’s Norwegian Travels Blog Posts
- Norwegian Arctic Islands Tour (bike trip diary)
- Norwegian Travels Blog Posts (all)
Links to companies I have used, and recommend:
Finally … a photograph that Molly took of me two mornings ago. In a remote region of the Arctic we discovered a grocery store! Rather than going hungry for breakfast and lunch, we dined upon granola with berries! Life is good. Enjoy Norway! It’s time to walk over to the ferry dock.