Norway is a real challenge for a backpacker

January 6, 2025

Norway – the real challenge for a backpacker
Norway is an ideal country for backpackers. It is remarkable, diverse and capable of surprising even an experienced traveler every day. Situated in the north of Europe, Norway is always ready to offer visitors majestic glaciers, picturesque fjords, unique nature and, of course, the northern lights. Anyone who is not afraid to throw a backpack over their shoulders and explore this incredible country can see all this. Your test will not be easy, but the emotions you get from the trip will cover all the shortcomings and make you quickly forget about the discomfort. Our guide will tell you how to organize such an adventure, choose the proper hiking routes, find places for rest and entertainment, and turn into a real backpacker, of which there are always many in Norway.

Peculiarities of visiting Norway
All backpackers who set out to explore the land of the Vikings should study the specifics of such a trip. This information will help prepare you well for the adventure and allow you to know about potential dangers and problems in advance.

What is needed for legal entry into the country?
Norway is a hospitable country that welcomes backpackers from all over the world. However, there is a unique legal entry system for citizens of different countries. The easiest way in this regard will be for residents of Europe. For them, Norway's borders are open 365 days a year without needing a visa or other similar documents. This is especially true for citizens living in the territory of the so-called European Economic Area. All other Europeans can take advantage of the visa-free regime, an agreement with Norway valid in most civilized countries of the Old World.
To develop its tourism industry, Norway has agreed to a visa-free entry regime with dozens of non-European countries, which has increased its attractiveness to travelers from different continents. If a backpacker is a citizen of a nation without any agreements with Norway, he will have to obtain a special guest visa. In this case, the traveler can stay in Norway for up to 90 days within 6 months from the date this document was registered.
The rules listed are simple, but they must be followed. Otherwise, you will not be able to visit the land of the Vikings legally. Violations of the rules for entering Norway are considered serious offenses punishable by local legislation. Generally, it is better to do everything right once than to correct the situation later and suffer financial, time and reputational losses.

How to get there?
For most backpackers, traveling to Norway will be a difficult test. You must decide how to get to its territory to make it easier. The priority option will be a flight. It can be made from most European capitals and some countries on other continents. While in Europe, backpackers can even choose a priority international airport where they want to land. Among the most popular options are Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. Those who fly from outside the Old World must choose Oslo exclusively. If there are no direct flights to Norway from the country where the backpacker is located, you can fly to any European capital. From there, getting to the Vikings' country would be much easier. Norway has access to three seas, so water transport can always be an alternative to planes. The country has many ports, most of which are available for passenger transportation. You can also get to Norway by rail or car. These two options should only be considered if the traveler is initially in Europe or has flown to one of the continent's countries.

Best time to travel
Norway is beautiful at any time of the year. However, if you are a backpacker, you will not be comfortable in certain months in the country (due to difficult weather conditions, a large number of visitors, inflated prices for housing, etc.). In this regard, you should determine the optimal period of the year that will not prevent you from having a great time and getting maximum pleasure from the trip. In Norway, each season has its pros and cons. Because of this, you need to make a list of priorities in advance and make your choice based on them. The most comfortable period for backpackers is considered to be summer. At this time of year, there is stable and relatively warm weather, thanks to which travelers can take a minimum of clothes with them, spend the night in some camping site, and not in an expensive hotel, safely walk through wild places, where at other times of the year there is always much snow, etc. The downside of summer is the large crowds of tourists. At this time of year in Norway, there are so many of them that you will have to deal with them even in remote and hard-to-reach locations. Winter in the land of the Vikings also has its pros and cons. The main advantage of this period is, of course, snow. It transforms the nature of Norway and makes it even more attractive. Also, the abundance of snow opens access to such activities as skiing. Winter can be chosen by backpackers who do not like crowds of travelers and tolerate the cold well, which is considered the main disadvantage of this time of year.
Spring and autumn are something between summer and winter. During these years of the year in Norway, there are not many tourists, and the weather is usually quite good. The exception is the months before the change of seasons when you have to forget about the stability of weather conditions. At the same time, spring and autumn will create several problems for backpackers. The main one will be the closure of some natural locations for visitors. There may also be problems with renting housing and access to various entertainment.

Financial expenses
Norway is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world, so travel costs are higher than in many other countries. However, this will not be a serious problem for backpackers with unlimited financial resources. They can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars daily, getting maximum pleasure and traveling comfortably. At the same time, budget tourists will have to save. Doing this in Norway is difficult but possible.
The most significant expenses will be associated with accommodation. To save a little, you can stay not in hotels but in campsites, which are located throughout Norway. This option will minimize costs and not significantly affect backpackers' comfort. Food will also be quite expensive. Travelers with limited financial resources should buy food in supermarkets, where the prices are pretty reasonable. You will also need to give up alcohol altogether. Norway is subject to huge taxes, so its price has become very high.

Safety
On any trip, it is essential not to forget about your safety. Otherwise, a good time can instantly become a nightmare or even a fight for survival. To prevent this from happening, you need to consider several vital aspects. The first is that Norway has a reasonably low crime rate. However, with the constant presence of many foreigners in the country, various unpleasant incidents occur. Therefore, backpackers need to try not to conflict with other travelers and behave within the framework of Norwegian law. Safety is also essential in areas remote from crowds of tourists. Many natural places in Norway are home to many large animals (for example, polar bears), and meeting them will be the most undesirable event. Also, when alone with nature, it is essential to think through each step and watch out for obstacles carefully. During the day, this can be done thanks to the capabilities of your vision and in the twilight or darkness - with the help of night vision devices.
Another danger that lies in wait for all backpackers is the Norwegian cold. If you choose the wrong clothes, the consequences can be terrible. It is also important to remember that in Norway, most roads are covered with ice during the winter. In this regard, it is important not to walk too close to the side of the road (due to the risk of skidding cars driving nearby) and to drive carefully (if used for trips to different cities).

What should you put in your backpack?
The backpacker's main companion is, of course, their backpack. It should be adequately equipped so that you can find this or that helpful thing at the right moment. You should choose roomy, but not too large, backpacks for travel. Only in this case will you be able to move comfortably on foot.
The backpack's contents should be carefully selected according to the conditions of the place you are going to. First of all, we are talking about clothes. A spare set of clothes should include items for different weather conditions and air temperatures. This is the only way to be prepared for any surprises of nature. Next, you should put a first aid kit and medications in the backpack, which you cannot do without. They will not take up much space but will save you in case of a sudden injury or deterioration in health.
Each backpacker should also have many toiletries, chargers, portable power sources, and other items necessary for any trip. The remaining space in the backpack can be filled with a flashlight, night vision device, food and water supplies, a warm blanket and other valuable items. If your clothes do not have pockets, you must find more space for documents, a phone, a camera, money, and a paper map.

Places to visit in Norway
The entire territory of Norway is worth admiring. Even in remote small villages, backpackers can find many interesting things and have a good time. However, several places are must-sees for everyone who comes to the land of the Vikings.

Oslo
All backpackers want to visit Oslo, the capital of Norway. Although it is far from ideal, Oslo is still worthy of the attention of every traveler. Its cleanliness, locals' friendliness, and calm, measured way of life characterize Oslo. Oslo has everything that other European capitals have. The only difference is the Scandinavian flavor, which gives Oslo its individuality. The capital of Norway is a good place for backpackers who do not like the cold. The climate here is milder than in the country's north, and precipitation is less frequent. Each district of Oslo is unique. You want to visit them all and see them with your own eyes. The city's main attraction is the harbor, which overlooks the fjords. It is always crowded with travelers, backpackers and locals. Oslo also has several famous monuments and architectural structures.
It is never dull in the capital of Norway. For lovers of quiet distinctions, there are various theaters and museums where you can see the works of the legendary Edvard Munch and other famous masters of the past, and there are also places for walking. Those who want fun go to local clubs, restaurants and other similar establishments. In Oslo, they are open day and night so that you can choose the time of your visit depending on the schedules of other planned events.

Stavanger
If Oslo is the official capital of Norway, then Stavanger is the oil capital. This relatively small city is located on the shores of the North Sea and is considered one of the most picturesque in the country. It is ideal for backpackers who want to have a good time and experience authentic Scandinavian flavor.
Stavanger is a classic Norwegian city with a mild maritime climate and a pleasant atmosphere. At the same time, it is not too rich in various attractions and entertainment, so all backpackers prefer to explore its surroundings. They are truly magnificent and diverse, so positive emotions are guaranteed to every traveler. First of all, the surroundings of Stavanger are interesting for their nature. There are places like Lysefjord, which has impressive granite rocks and picturesque landscapes, and Preikestolen. The latter is a cliff with a stunning view of the fjord.
The leading entertainment in Stavanger will be exploring the local architectural monuments. They were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and deserve every backpacker's attention. For those who prefer a more relaxed pastime, the city on the North Sea coast has several cozy establishments where you can try fresh seafood and drink a cup of the favorite drink of all Norwegians - coffee. Of course, Stavanger has places where you can listen to good music, dance and make new acquaintances. However, they are not as attractive as in other famous cities in Norway.

Bergen
In the west of Norway, backpackers will find Bergen. This city is the second largest in the country and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. There is a cozy atmosphere here at any time of the year, in which you want to stay as long as possible. The only problem is the large number of tourists who want to see Bergen with their own eyes. The city is surrounded by mountains and fjords on all sides. This makes it an ideal place for short walks in nature. Also, the "city of seven mountains", as Bergen is often called, is known for its cycling and skiing trails. Most routes pass through the city's picturesque surroundings, so backpackers can leave their backpacks at the hotel for a while and enjoy the local beauty. You can do this even after sunset if you have night vision devices.
The city itself will also be fascinating to any traveler. Its main attraction, and simultaneously, Norway's calling card, is Bryggen. It is a complex of unique buildings located on the embankment. They were previously used as warehouses for fish and other products that Norway exports. Today, these buildings are filled with souvenir shops, museums, and restaurants, which are extremely difficult to visit due to the vast number of tourists. However, even just watching them will give everyone great pleasure. Also, not all backpackers should pass by the local fish market. You can find and try everything the North Sea is rich in there.

Alesund
Many travelers call Alesund a real pearl of Norway. This city is known for its proximity to the warm Gulf Stream, making the climate mild and ideal for holidays at any time of year. Alesund is also located between two fjords, each listed by UNESCO as a unique natural site.
The city, or rather its surroundings, is ideal for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy magnificent landscapes for weeks and experience the true beauty of Norway. The most famous place among backpackers and ordinary travelers is the observation deck on Mount Aksla. It is about 130 meters and can only be reached by overcoming over four hundred steps. However, if you do not stop halfway and reach its end, you will have a breathtaking view of Alesund.
Since the city is a tourist center, there is always something to do here. Available entertainment is distinguished by its diversity, which allows each backpacker to choose the right option for themselves. Those who prefer a quiet holiday can stroll through the narrow streets of Alesund, explore its culture, traditions, and attractions, and try local food and drinks. For those who like to spend their free time actively, the city has many establishments open 24 hours a day, guaranteeing real fun for everyone who steps through their doors.

Tromsø
In the very north of mainland Norway is the city of Tromsø. It is famous for its northern lights, the midnight sun and other natural phenomena. Thousands of backpackers worldwide come to the town to see all this with their own eyes.
Tromsø seems like a fake city to many travelers. It is always so clean, beautiful and cozy here that sometimes you might think you are not looking at an actual settlement but a fairy-tale one. However, you quickly get used to the good things, and after a few days, Tromsø becomes almost a hometown for many. Situated in the country's north, it is known for its characteristic Scandinavian landscapes and unusual attractions. Among the latter, the Arctic Cathedral should be noted. It is 35 meters high, which makes it stand out against the background of one- and two-story houses.
Tromsø makes unique entertainment available to all backpackers. These include the previously mentioned northern lights viewing, dog sledding and much more. The city also offers traditional leisure activities like skiing, ice skating, and hiking. For those who want to explore the culture and traditions of the northern regions of Norway, Tromsø is the perfect place. Here, every local will happily tell you many interesting stories and sometimes even give you some traditional food. The city is also known for being the best place to fly to Svalbard, which we will tell you about further.

Svalbard
The famous polar archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean and belonging to Norway, is a must-see place. It is remote from the rest of the country, so you can only reach it by water or air. The first option is optimal for poor backpackers, and the second is for travelers with enough money.
Many years ago, Svalbard was a mining archipelago. It was visited exclusively by workers who worked in mines and pits. Today, it is a popular tourist destination that many travelers want to see. It is almost always cold because Svalbard is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In some periods of the year, the sun does not appear on the horizon, so the temperature drops even lower. However, with warm clothes and high-quality night vision devices, this archipelago will become a paradise for nature lovers. Here, you can meet various animals, including polar bears, and see glacial and rock formations.
Hiking is the main activity in Svalbard. Speleological expeditions and special tours to observe the northern lights are also popular. There are also several establishments on this land where you can try classic Norwegian food and drink strong drinks. Those who like to relax away from the crowds should stay in Svalbard for a long time. For everyone else, it will be enough to visit the archipelago and wait for the northern lights.

Lapland
Lapland, which covers the territory of four countries, is the most famous region in Northern Europe. It is called the home of Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children every year. Fairy tales aside, Lapland is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Only backpackers who love communication, fun and spending hours in a crowd will feel comfortable here. Lapland covers part of northern Norway. This region is the best place for nature lovers. Its beauty makes many feel they have entered a parallel world or found themselves in an accurate winter fairy tale. Local natural landscapes bring great visual pleasure to everyone who sees them and become the perfect backdrop for photographs. In Lapland, all backpackers must visit Kirkenes and Alta. Both cities are best suited for travelers, as they allow travelers to quickly find accommodation without spending the entire budget. In addition to exploring the sights of Kirkenes and Alta, travelers can engage in active recreation or immerse themselves in the atmosphere of northern Norway. In both cases, great pleasure is guaranteed to everyone, regardless of gender and age.

Top hiking routes
Most often, backpackers go to Norway to go hiking. That is why we want to tell you about the most interesting routes you can try to overcome. All of them are diverse, so try to explore at least some.

Day trips
The most popular among backpackers are the one-day routes. They do not require much time and careful planning of the hiking trip, so they are an ideal option for people who want to explore different regions of Norway.

Trollstigen National Park
All backpackers who come to Norway can choose a place to hike from many picturesque routes. One of these is the trail in Trollstigen National Park. It is just over 11 km long and has an altitude gain of almost 1 km. This rather tricky route is suitable mainly for experienced hikers. However, beginners can also try their hand if they are not afraid of high mountains. In most cases, a moderate-paced hike with many stops takes 5-6 hours, so it is considered a one-day adventure.
Trollstigen National Park is a wonderful place. At every step, there are unique natural attractions and magnificent landscapes. Throughout the hike, backpackers will overcome a serpentine road while enjoying views of the valley. The route passes near two magnificent waterfalls, and choosing a more beautiful one will be challenging. Also, there are high mountains, a glacial lake and much more on the way.
The main disadvantage of the Trollstigen National Park route is the unpredictable weather. It changes quickly, so if you set off on a sunny morning, you can get wet in a cold rain in just a few hours. However, carefully preparing for the hike can reduce the adverse effects of such an unpleasant development.

Holmenkollen-Sognsvann
This fantastic hiking route will become one of the favorites in Norway for every backpacker who dares to overcome it. It is laid between the world-famous Holmenkollen and the picturesque lake Sognsvann. The route is more than 19 km long, so you need to try to overcome it in one day. The approximate time spent on the hike will be 3.5-4 hours. However, if you make many stops for photography, rest and sightseeing, you will be able to reach the route's end point only after 5-6 hours.
Holmenkollen-Sognsvann is a fairly straightforward route. During its passage, you will have to overcome not the most challenging mountain paths, dirt roads laid through the forest and even a small tunnel. Such diversity guarantees maximum pleasure from the hike.
The route is laid in a picturesque place. Most of it goes through the forest so that backpackers will encounter many beautiful locations. You will want to linger for a few minutes and take photos of each. In addition to the surrounding greenery, during the hike, you can see a small mountain river with many small waterfalls, low mountains and Lake Sognsvann. It is the final point of the route and requires more detailed study. This lake is surrounded by forest on all sides, which allows magnificent views to open up from any point in its vicinity. You can enjoy them endlessly, so you may not notice how it begins to get dark. That is why everyone who chooses this route is recommended to take some night vision device with them. With it, you will not get lost and find the correct path.

Spiterstulen-Galdhøpiggen
One of the most picturesque routes is the one between Spiterstulen and Galdhøpiggen. This route is attractive because it allows backpackers to choose one of several options for moving from the starting point to the end. Because of this, it is suitable for backpackers with different levels of training.
Professionals should choose the passage through the Jotunheimen mountain range. This trail is about 13 km long and provides an altitude gain of almost 1.5 km. The difficulty of such a hike will be pretty high, but the positive emotions received from it will overshadow the fatigue. Beginners in hiking can bypass the steepest part of the climb. In this case, they will have to cover 7-8 km more, but this adjustment will reduce the route's difficulty to an average level. In the first case, the time spent will be 5-7 hours, and in the second - 7-9 hours (depending on the speed of movement and the number of stops).
Throughout the hike, participants will breathe clean air and admire the majestic mountain peaks. The latter looks perfect from any point, so they often become a background for photographs. Of course, these places also have small rivers, streams, and lakes. They only complement the natural splendor and allow backpackers to enjoy every second of the hike. Sometimes, you can even meet wild animals on the route. All of them are pretty shy, so you won’t be able to get close to them.

Multi-day trips
There are complex multi-day routes for backpackers who come to Norway specifically for hiking. They stretch for hundreds of kilometers and allow one to see many settlements, natural locations, various attractions, etc., in one event. By choosing them, each backpacker can test their endurance and enjoy their stay in the land of the Vikings.

Rondeslottet-Rondane
Many call Rondeslottet-Rondane the best multi-day hiking route. Its starting point is one of Norway's highest mountains, and its endpoint is the country's oldest national park. The trail passes through these places for about 43 km, which any backpacker can cover in 2-3 days. The difficulty of this hike is moderate, so it is suitable even for people with less-than-ideal training.
Rondeslottet-Rondane is an ideal route for lovers of highlands. During the hike, you can see several majestic peaks over 2 km high and many lower mountains. They all form beautiful landscapes you will want to admire for many hours in a row. In addition to the hills, there are flowering or snow-covered valleys (depending on the time of year), lakes with clean and icy water, dense forests, and much more on the route. Most of the trails for backpackers pass in places where there are no dangerous sections, so the hike almost always ends successfully and without any problems.
The region of Norway where this route is located is quite windy. However, high mountains protect hikers from cold and sharp gusts. At the same time, the hills do not become an obstacle for rain and snow clouds. Because of this, precipitation is frequent in Rondane National Park and its surroundings. Preparing for their possible appearance in advance is necessary to avoid discomfort and associated troubles.

Senja Skrollsvik - Lysnes
This unique hiking route will be a real discovery for all backpackers who have come to Norway. It will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the local nature and visit small towns with a friendly atmosphere. The length of the route is a little over 90 km. Due to the low difficulty of the route, you can reach the finish line in 4-5 days. The optimal direction of travel will be from the southwest to the northeast. However, if desired, you can swap the starting and ending points of the route.
The entire hike can be divided into three parts. The first part will mainly be on asphalt roads, where cars are few and people are pretty rare. The second part of the route is laid across rough terrain. It equally often contains flat and hilly areas, which is why it is considered the most challenging part of the journey. The third part of the hike will also be on rough terrain. However, it will be much easier than in the middle of the way.
The route will include a wide variety of natural locations. They will allow you to admire the magnificent landscapes and breathe fresh air. Near populated areas, you will see several man-made attractions, each enabling you to take a couple of photos. You should also consider the presence of small rivers along the way, which you will have to wade through. In this regard, you must take waterproof shoes on the hike.

Via Sørøya Island
In the north of Norway, there is a magnificent island, Sørøya. It is the 8th largest in the country and is considered one of the best places for hiking. Its visit will be an unforgettable event that will bring a lot of positive emotions. The hiking route, which runs through most of the island, is almost 123 km long. It is designed for 5-6 days, during which you can see many interesting things and enjoy the nature of Norway. The direction of movement is chosen arbitrarily, but the most popular is moving from the west to the northeast. Only 1,100 people live on Sørøya Island, which covers over 800 square kilometers. Because of this, there are very few paved roads, and backpackers must walk most of the way along dirt and rocky paths. This adds complexity to the route but allows participants to be closer to natural conditions. During the hike, participants will be surrounded by beautiful views. The Norwegian Sea is often visible on the horizon, making the landscapes even more attractive.
The route through Sørøya Island passes mainly through open areas. Because of this, during the hike, you will have to fight against strong winds constantly. If this disadvantage is not so significant in the warm season, then in the cold, the situation will change to the opposite. In this regard, the best time to overcome this route is summer.

Fun activities for backpackers
Norway offers unlimited possibilities for backpackers. It is ideal for hiking, exploring local nature, sightseeing, and engaging in entertainment. There are so many of the last Vikings in the country that everyone will be able to find something suitable for themselves and devote some time to it.

Watching the Northern Lights
In Norway, backpackers can have fun in dozens of ways, but watching the northern lights is the most popular. This unique light phenomenon is considered one of the country's symbols and attracts many travelers to its territory. The north's lights result from the solar wind's interaction with our planet's magnetosphere. They color the night sky in various shades and create an incredible spectacle.
The northern lights are a frequent phenomenon in Norway. This is especially true for the northernmost cities, where the probability of their occurrence is much higher than in other parts of the country. They occur mainly from mid-autumn to mid-spring. The rest of the time, this phenomenon is considered a rarity. In this regard, backpackers should plan their trip to Norway from early October to mid-March.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so you should not expect them to appear in front of you exactly when you arrive at the right place. You will most likely have to wait a long time for the spectacle, and there is no guarantee that it will happen. Either way, you must dress warmly and hope you are in the right place at the right time. If that happens, the northern lights will be the most incredible entertainment of your life.

Enjoying the fjords
Norway has always been associated with fjords. These natural formations are a narrow and often winding sea bay. Its shores are formed by high cliffs that create a unique natural object. Almost all Norwegian fjords are of tectonic origin and provide an opportunity to assess the scale of the processes occurring under the earth's surface. As a rule, fjords in Norway are long and narrow. They cut deep into the land, and you can get to one of these objects from almost any city in the country in just a few hours. You can get to most fjords by car or public transport. Going on special hiking trips that lead to these objects or pass along them is also possible. Another interesting option is a fjord cruise. It is expensive and lengthy, but it allows you to see the beauty of unique natural formations from a different angle.
The most beautiful of the Norwegian fjords is considered to be Geirangerfjord. It is vast and unique, so it was even included in the list of UNESCO sites. To see it, you need to visit the city of Alesund. It is located close to one of the country's leading natural attractions. Also, all backpackers should see Nordfjord. It is situated between Alesund and Bergen and is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque in Norway. The views that open here are amazing and give you excellent visual pleasure. Also, all backpackers should not ignore Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord, or Sognefjord. They will also not leave anyone indifferent and allow you to appreciate the natural splendor of Norway.

Visiting glaciers
Glaciers are no less majestic natural objects than fjords. They are formed by a natural process lasting centuries or even millennia. Due to global warming, glaciers are quickly disappearing from the face of our planet, so while there is an opportunity, you need to see them with your own eyes. For this, all backpackers should come to Norway. Here, visiting glaciers is one of the most popular and engaging activities.
Glaciers should only be visited on foot. In most cases, they are located on the territory of various national parks, where it is prohibited to use any transport. During hiking, you can enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, breathe cold but clean and fresh air, and listen to the sounds of nature. All this will give you unforgettable emotions and become the trip's main event.
All backpackers who come to Norway are recommended to visit 2 of the most famous glaciers. The first of them is Svartisen. It is a combination of two glaciers that are located near each other. The best place to visit this site is from the town of Bodø. From there, you can go along specially marked trails or by train, which leads to the borders of Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park. Of course, you can’t miss the Jostedalsbreen glacier. It has almost 50 branches and is the largest in Europe. To visit it, backpackers must first get to Bergen and then hike to the glacier.

Climbing Trolltunga
Not far from Bergen is a village called Skjeggedal (near the town of Odda), which is one of the most recognizable objects in Norway – Trolltunga. It is a unique rock formation that thousands of backpackers visit yearly.
You need to try hard to see the popular rock ledge and take some photos of it. It isn't easy to get to this place, but it is possible for people with good physical fitness. It is best to go there on foot. The ascent to Trolltunga takes about ten hours, during which you must overcome a winding route that constantly goes up. Such a hike will be remembered by every backpacker not only for the large amount of energy spent but also for the stunning views that open up from almost any point of the 27-kilometer trail.
Trolltunga is located at a reasonably high altitude above sea level. Because of this, there may be snow on the route even in summer, making the hike even more complex and requiring careful protection from the cold. Those who can overcome all the difficulties will receive a fantastic reward—the opportunity to climb Norway's most famous peak. Trolltunga offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area so that every backpacker will get excellent visual pleasure.

Sightseeing
All backpackers coming to Norway should take some time to explore the local attractions. There are so many of them in the country that you can find something interesting and unusual almost every hundred meters you walk. The main attractions of Norway include fjords, glaciers and other natural objects, which we have already managed to tell you a little about. In addition, there are many ancient buildings in different cities in the country. Many are of historical value to the world, so UNESCO included them in the list of world heritage sites. Among the most unique architectural monuments, the city's central area of Røros should be highlighted. It was built in the 17th century and is a full-fledged open-air museum. In this place, you can see unique buildings for various purposes, which are in perfect condition and connect the past with the present. Another interesting attraction is the Urnes Stave Church. This object is made entirely of wood. Inside it are decorations that have come down to us from the 12th century and many other unique items.
Another man-made masterpiece is the Lindesnes Lighthouse, located in the south of Norway. It was built at the beginning of the last century on the site of an old lighthouse from 1656. Lindesnes is over 16 meters high and is still used for its intended purpose. It emits a bright light visible at a distance of about 30 km. The lighthouse itself also attracts the attention of backpackers. It often becomes a backdrop for photographs and an excellent object for learning about Norway's history.
Exploring the Sami culture
While in Norway, you should study its culture and traditions. You should learn as much as possible about the Sami to do this. These indigenous people were the first to settle in the North of Europe and adapted to life in a challenging climate. Today, their representatives continue to lead the same way of life as many years ago. They fish, breed reindeer, hunt, and adhere to the unique traditions of their ancestors.
The best place to get acquainted with the Sami culture and communicate with representatives of this people is the outskirts of the city of Kirkenes. The Sami who live there will be happy to tell all travelers about life in the north and show their way of life. Also, each backpacker will have the opportunity to hand-feed reindeer, ride a dog sled and try traditional delicacies of the Sami people. If you are lucky, all of the above can be combined with observing northern Norway's standard of northern lights.

Trying local delicacies
All Norwegians love to eat well. They prefer national dishes, which they are happy to serve to backpackers. Tasting local delicacies can be good entertainment on a cloudy or rainy day. Norwegian national cuisine is based on products that have always been available to the inhabitants of this country. These include different types of meat, fish and seafood. Norwegians also love dairy products and everything that nature gives them. The main meat dishes of the country are Fenalar, Morr, farcical, Pinnekjøtt, Kjøttkaker, Kjøttboller, Lapskaus, and Smalahove. Rakfisk, Torsk, Lutefisk, Stekt fisk, Fiskesuppe, and Spekesild stand out among fish delicacies. All of the above should be tried by backpackers who want to explore the tastes of Norway. Of course, in the country, you can also eat more traditional food that is available in all countries of the world. The main drink in Norway is coffee. According to statistics, each Norwegian drinks an average of almost 150 liters per year, which allows the country to occupy 4th place in the world in terms of consumption of this drink. In Norway, you will most often be served plain black coffee without additives. However, it will be so delicious that you will not even notice that it is served not in cups but in uncomfortable, traditional mugs for the country.

Tips for beginners and experienced backpackers
All backpackers planning to visit Norway should listen to several essential recommendations. These will help solve problems that often interfere with a routine trip and provide important information about visiting this country.
First, we recommend that every backpacker learn basic Norwegian expressions. Without them, getting any information from residents or asking them for help would be tough. If you go to famous tourist cities, you can get by using English. Almost everyone knows it in these places and can freely communicate with you. Next, we recommend exchanging your country's currency for Norwegian kroner in advance. If you do not do this, then additional expenses associated with the conversion are guaranteed. Today, 100 Norwegian kroner is approximately equal to 9 US dollars. This should also be considered when you plan to pay for purchases and services in American currency.
The following recommendation for all backpackers will be mandatory travel insurance. It is needed to cover expenses associated with the occurrence of various accidents. Without this document, it is strictly forbidden to travel to Norway. It is also important to remember that Norway is a country where you must strictly follow the laws. Fines for even minor violations are enormous, so studying the country's legislation in advance is better.
In Norway, people are used to paying for goods or services as much as the seller says. Therefore, if backpackers start bargaining and lowering the price, this will be perceived ambiguously. Sometimes, such actions by the traveler can cause conflict, which is not needed by anyone on a trip. The same applies to tips. In Norway, offering and leaving them to waiters is not customary; otherwise, it will be regarded as an attempt to show yourself above the person serving you. Finally, Norwegians should never compare with their neighbors from Sweden and Finland. The descendants of the Vikings greatly respect their identity, so they will most likely stop talking to you.
Norway is a country where backpackers will feel comfortable and safe. There are many hiking routes, hundreds of natural locations and dozens of places where you can rest well, have fun, see the sights and learn many interesting things. Do not forget to use our guide when going on such a trip. With it, you can prevent various troubles and have a great time in the fantastic country of the Vikings.