Kayaking in Norway offers an intimate escape into its fjords and rivers, away from crowded tourist spots, connecting you with nature and Norway's breathtaking landscapes. Away from the bustling decks of cruise ships and the crowded tourist ferries, a kayak puts you at the heart of nature, allowing you to navigate through serene waters and explore hidden coves and inlets at your leisure. Kayaking in downtown Ålesund. Photo: David Nikel. As you paddle, the majestic scenery unfolds around you. Towering cliffs rise dramatically from the emerald waters, waterfalls tumble down the mountainsides, and ..read more

Norway’s food scene has been steadily improving over the past couple of decades. The country now boasts several exciting food festivals blending local produce and seafood with the latest trends. A big part of the fun associated with travelling, in my book, is sampling new foods. Eating like a local is a sure fire way to create new memories and get insight into another culture. Norwegian waffles and strawberries. Foodie trends like craft beer, local cheeses, single-origin coffees and artisanal bread may have started a bit late in Norway, but they are now firmly established. At least in the citi ..read more

Overlooking the Copenhagen harbour, The Little Mermaid statue embodies a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, capturing visitors' hearts and serving as an important symbol of cultural heritage. While Norway boasts its own rich heritage and stunning landscapes, neighboring Denmark holds an iconic treasure that beckons travellers: Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue. Little Mermaid sculpture on the Copenhagen waterfront. Photo: Jolanta Wojcicka / Shutterstock.com. This emblem of Danish culture and folklore, perched quietly on the shores of Copenhagen harbour, offers a profound connection to the S ..read more

Experience the magic of the aurora borealis, as nature's most dazzling light show dances across the sky, steeped in myth and science. Here's everything you need to know about nature's night show in Norway. Aurora borealis, often a subtle glow in the night sky almost indistinguishable from a cloud, can suddenly expand into a breathtaking spectacle of vibrant colours. Aurora borealis display seen from a ship in Northern Norway. Photo: David Nikel. This elusive display of nature, also known as the northern lights, results from energised solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere, creating ..read more

Life in Norway Show Episode 83: Buying a house in Norway is not something you might think about early in your relocation, but for today’s guest it was the main reason they chose to move. Christoph Graf is from Switzerland, and a big reason he chose to move to the Oslo region with his Norwegian wife was because of the better value housing than in his home country. On this episode, we talk about the house buying process. We cover research, viewing, and bidding. We also chat about some of the other reasons Christoph chose to relocate, including easy access to nature. Listen to the show You can l ..read more

The historic city of Trondheim is a popular stop on the Norwegian coastal voyage and with some cruise lines. Here's our recommended guided tours of Trondheim for when your time in town is limited. Even though it doesn't get the tourist numbers of Oslo or Bergen, Trondheim is packed with attractions. That's especially true for natural and historic sites. The city also has a thriving culinary scene, so visitors will leave with their bellies full. Kayaking in the river in Trondheim. Photo: David Nikel. Whether you're exploring its cobblestone streets on foot, taking a scenic cruise along the Nide ..read more

Norway, with its vast wilderness, dramatic fjords, and scenic landscapes, provides an ideal setting for an activity that combines outdoor adventure with the excitement of discovery. A few weeks ago, I was on a ship docked in Narvik in the North of Norway. I was approached by an older gentleman from England, who wondered if I knew anything about a local “cache” supposedly just off the ship in a port area. Hikers looking for a geocache in Norway. After blinking a couple of times and looking around for hidden cameras, it dawned on me. He meant geocaching! Now, I couldn't help him on this occasion ..read more

Explore Greenland's remote beauty as part of your next Nordic travel experience. This vast Arctic wonderland offers unique landscapes, rich Inuit culture, and a perfect complement to any Nordic adventure. Travellers flying between the U.S. and Europe often glimpse the expansive icy stretches of Greenland from their airplane windows. A Greenlandic community nestles at the foot of a snow-covered mountain. For most, the vast white landmass of Greenland seen on in-flight maps remains a distant, hard-to-reach destination due to the logistical challenges involved in visiting. But those who make the ..read more

Decades ago in the heart of Norway’s capital city, the Oslo Plaza Hotel became the scene of a perplexing mystery. It has since gone on to baffle investigators and true crime enthusiasts for decades. On a seemingly ordinary evening in June 1995, a woman using the alias Jennifer Fairgate was found dead in her hotel room, her life ending with a gunshot to the head. The Oslo Plaza Hotel and mystery woman. Photo: designium / Shutterstock.com (hotel) and Harald Nygård (sketch). Her death was surrounded by several puzzling details. Her clothing labels were removed, she carried significant ammunition ..read more

Understanding and speaking Norwegian is a challenge, but there are free tools and resources out there to get you going. Here's how to start learning Norwegian on a budget. Whether you're planning a scenic trip to the fjords, considering a new life in the vibrant cities of Oslo or Bergen, or just fascinated by the allure of Scandinavian culture, learning Norwegian can open doors to a richer experience. Speaking even a little of Norway’s language not only enhances interactions but also deepens your appreciation of its unique heritage and traditions. But are you wondering how to learn Norwegian ..read more