Experience Norway!

Experiencing Norway Like a Local!

There are certain destinations and attractions within Norway that tourists flock to, such as the Viking Ship Museum, Geirangerfjord and the Heddal stave church. While locations such as those are certainly worth seeing, you can have the opportunity to view this beautiful place from the eyes of a local. The following attractions are the most popular destinations among Norwegians:

Holmenkollen and the Ski Museum
As Norway is considered to be the birthplace of skiing, you can't visit without checking out the slopes. You can go skiing all over the world, but only Norway is home to a ski museum, which opened in 1923 and is the oldest of its kind. You can explore the origin of skiing, which dates back 4,000 years. At Holmenkollen, you can also find a the world's most modern ski jump, which opened on March 3, 2010. The total length of the slope is 96.95 meters, and the entire jump consists of 1,000 tons of steel, making it the only steel ski jump in the world. You can explore Holmenkollen on your own, or take part in any of the guided tours which occur during and after opening hours. The guides will fill you in on everything from polar history to modern skiing.

Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park

This destination is just as loved by Norway locals as it is tourists. Approximately 1 million Norwegians visit the park annually. Located in Oslo, this park contains 212 bronze and granite sculptures, all created by Gustav Vigeland. You can't miss the 14-meter high sculpture known as the Monolith, which is made up of more than 121 human figures.

Vigeland even designed the architectural setting and layout of the entire park. Spend the afternoon at the park, making sure to stop by Cafe Vigeland for a French pastry, sandwich or baguette. Aside from the magnificent sculptures, there's also a museum at the park, which displays the original full-sized plaster casts of the sculptures.

Floibanen Funicular

Rest assured, there are a number of stunning views throughout Norway, but nothing can beat the breathtaking scenery admired from the Floibanen Funicular, a cable car. When you step inside this car, you'll be taken 320 meters above sea level, where you'll be able to see all of downtown Bergen. The car will also take you to the peak of Mount Floyen, allowing you to soak in the truly picturesque view of sparkling fjords and islands. And it's not just the views you get to enjoy when you take the Floibanen Funicular. Hop off and go for a relaxing hike or visit the Floien Folkerestaurant to fine dine at 320 meters above sea level. The Floibanen Funicular departs every 15 minute from the city center.

The Lofoten Islands

You haven't truly experienced relaxation and serenity until you have visited the Lofoten Islands, which is as off the beaten track as you can get. Admire Norway's seabird population by heading to the island of Rost, located on the tip of Lofoten.You can also go on a nature safari, experience a northern lights tour or go fishing as you enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. If you want to practice your golf game, pay a visit to the Lofoten Golf Links course, where you can play along the Lofoten Mountains. If you go during the summer, you can play under the midnight sun - darkness will never fall on the golf course.

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