NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS
NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS
The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark, the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.
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WHAT IS THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS?
The Midnight Sun is a rare phenomenon in northern Norway. To be clear, this does not happen throughout Norway, only in the northern zone. Furthermore, this also takes place in several other countries in the Nordics, with regions within the Arctic and Antarctic Circle, such as Greenland, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Russia.
What time of the year does the phenomenon of the midnight sun occur? The midnight sun occurs during the summer, from May to late July. During this period, the sun does not set for 24 hours. As a consequence, they experience 24 hours of sunlight. How does this appear? Picture a sunset and sunrise occurring at the same time. A mixture of the colours red and yellows blended gives the northern region an almost gold-ish effect.
Whereas, during the Polar Nights in the winter (end of November to the end of January), it switches. The sun does not rise above the horizon, so as a result, they experience 24 hours of darkness. Nonetheless, it does not mean that time stops or the productivity in the country. It means that people adapt and carry on their lives in this environment. Of course, many tourists flock to these regions in Norway to experience these phenomenal events.
ENTRY INTO OSLO, NORWAY
Entry into Oslo International Airport was quick and easy. Because I was arriving from Denmark, there was no immigration or passport check/stamp (only on departure), just luggage pick-up and exit. The airport was undergoing some renovations, so some areas were closed off. There were no arrivals and departures jet/air bridge for a direct walk from the plane to the building and vice versa. Instead, they used a shuttle bus to take passengers to/from the airplane and airport terminals. Notwithstanding this, it was still easy to maneuver this airport.
A FRUSTRATING AND DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE AT OSLO AIRPORT
Because I arrived early morning at the Oslo International Airport, Gardermoen, I opted to sit tight at the airport, until sunrise, before leaving for my city hotel. Additionally, I needed some information and Norwegian currency to use in the metro machine because I did not want to use my credit card to purchase the train ticket to the city. Strangely enough, they were both closed (with no consideration for passengers on late flights). Nevertheless, I saw both had opening hours of 8:am, so I awaited that time.
The airport does not seem to have much personnel to assist passengers arriving post-midnight, except for the police officers who work at this airport. Whether this is part of their job specification, I admired them because they were busy helping passengers. Even a middle-eastern couple with two children, who sat next to me, agreed there was no help at this airport. However, I saw these police officers organizing taxis and even assisting them into a taxi cab. They were always helpful and courteous.
Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights Cont....
Anyway, when the brightness of the morning came, and it was 8:00 am, I visited the Information booth and the Currency Exchange booth. Surprisingly, they were both void of workers, and the closed sign was still up. I went to one of the police officers and asked what was going on, and he said they should have opened already. Nevertheless, other passengers, including me, waited until 8:30 am, then checked back. It was the same, closed. I then saw one of the police officers passing with another traveller, and once again, I enquired what might be the problem. He apologized on their behalf and said he was unsure why they were still closed.
Meanwhile, they are running helter-skelter, helping other passengers. I do not know if they are airport security, but they had the word Police, written on the back of their shirts. In frustration, I waited until 9:00 am and checked back. The Information booth was still closed up until I left the airport. Notwithstanding, the foreign currency booth was now open, so I joined a fairly long line.
That is when my frustration level rose. When it was my turn, I approached the counter and gave the young lady 100 Euros to convert to Norwegian krone. She took my passport, went online, and completed a form. It seemed so from the questions she asked; telephone number, country’s home address, etc. Suddenly, she politely returned my passport and money and said, “we cannot do any financial transactions with you because your country is on the Blacklist,” yadda yadda. I did not listen to the rest of what she said because I was so embarrassed and angry. Because I wasted so much time awaiting the office to open, only for such a disappointing outcome.
I took my money and passport and hurried away to the metro machine. As a result, it forced me to use my credit card to purchase the ticket for the train into the city. The information I needed I got from other passengers and left the airport. Talk about a frustrating airport with no help. Norway was the one. I do not know if it was my unlucky day at this airport or the norm. However, I will say a big thanks to the police officers who work at the arrival terminal of this airport. Keep up the excellent work.
EXIT FROM NORWAY - I Think I was Profiled or Red-flagged
I still laugh when I remember this man/officer’s act (I am almost sure he was a TSA employee) at Norway airport. I will recap the scenario with a man I interacted with at the airport. On the day I was departing Norway, I left the airline check-in counter and headed directly to the TSA security checkpoint.
During my walk, a gentleman, walking slightly behind me, said, “hi” I turned around and said hi, being cordial as always. He asked, “were you in Oslo on vacation?” I said, “yes, and I love Oslo”. He asked, “did you travel alone?” I replied, “yes, I always do”, he asked, “how was it? I said, “I enjoyed it is a lovely country.” Then once again, he asked, “you met anyone?” I found this question rather odd, so I looked at him and observed him. His outfit was like any other traveller’s but with no carry-on bag. Instead, he had a tiny child-like backpack on his back and wore it like a child, in the middle of his back. Then I pondered, no “serious man” would buy or travel with such a backpack.
Those who have known me for many years know that I am quick-witted. So I already knew they were profiling me, and casually questioning me to see if I was up to no good. After all, why not? A beautiful black woman travelling alone attracts attention and can be a red flag or bring extra scrutiny at some airports. I know this because in my early travels, transiting the United States of America came with lots of questions and drilling. The immigration officers always asked, “why are you travelling alone?” They asked this in every state and every time I travelled. That has stopped for a few years now, and some familiar immigration officers would exclaim, ”you again,” or “where to now?” when I present myself.
Okay, I deviated a bit, back to this man at Oslo airport. So, in response to his question, if I met anyone in Oslo, I said to him, “I always make friends wherever I go, and I have been to over 70 countries”. It surprised him, and he exclaimed, “wow” Then I asked, what do you mean by if I met anyone? He said, “you know, like meet a stranger”. Vagueeee! my spidey senses told me this was not a bona fide traveller or a guy trying to “hit on me”, So I decided to “turn the table” on him and asked, “where are you travelling to?” he said, “just around.” Then, he abruptly said, “have a safe flight” and walked back to the furthest point of the airport.
So what was that about? If he was trying to get to know me, why the sudden loss of interest? I just smiled to myself and then went to the security check-in. I have looked at so many episodes of the TV series – How to Catch a Smuggler, I am now wondering if maybe I was on one in Norway, ha-ha. Because in many of the episodes, TSA officers dress like regular travellers, intermingle and strike up casual conversations with randomly selected travellers who “gave off a “vibe” or through profiling. If he is an undercover TSA officer, I will advise him and others to use a more realistic-looking backpack that a man would use during travel, not one for a toddler, ha-ha.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY
From the Oslo International Airport to downtown is approximately 40 km. The train for me was the most convenient, 25 minutes to the city, and cost around 12 – 20 Euros (train Vy is the cheapest and Flytoget is the most convenient and expensive). Several buses operate from the airport to the city, including the Airport Express Coach, Ruter, and OSL-expressed, all cost around 20.00 Euros and take approximately 50 minutes. Taxis are the most convenient but are ridiculously expensive and cost between 100.00 – 130.00 Euros for less than a 40-minute ride. Additionally, Uber and other ride-sharing apps like Ruter, MiVai, and others operate in Norway.
Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights Cont....
ABOUT THE CITY OF OSLO
Oslo, formerly Kristiania/Christiania, is the capital and largest city in Norway. It is also the oldest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is on the southern side of the country, at the head of the Oslofjord. Therefore, those who visit Oslo and expect to see the Aurora (northern lights) will be disappointed because it is in the north of the country. Oslo comprises many museums, lush gardens, restaurants, pubs, and parks. It is a gorgeous, lively, clean, well-organised, and green city. It is one of the greenest cities in Europe.
Oslo is home to over 600,000 inhabitants and is famous for many outdoor activities like ice skating, cycling, kayaking, skiing, hiking, and sailing. It is ideal for cycling, especially for its untouched nature and vibrant city life. It is a bicycle-friendly city. The capital is home to the Norwegian Government, the Parliament, and the Royal Palace – home of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. Oslo is another highly digital society. So self-service and card usage are the norms, and even public washrooms are accessible by cards.
IMPORTANT TIPS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING NORWAY
- The languages spoken – Norwegian – (official language), Bokmal, Sami, Nynorsk, and English.
- Official currency – Norwegian Krone.
1 USD = 10.45 NOK
1 Euro = 11.07 NOK
1 Pound = 12.49 NOK
- Norwegian laws prohibit smoking indoors at restaurants, airports, bars, and pubs.
- In Norway, parents leave their babies to sleep in the cold. I first noticed it while I walked by a restaurant and saw a stroller outside with what looked like a baby inside. I thought maybe I did not see clearly through the plastic. Then I saw a few others on the sidewalk at other restaurants and thought they might be dolls in the strollers, and the babies were more than likely inside with their parents. Eventually, I looked closer at one and saw it was actually a baby sleeping in the stroller in front of the restaurant. Some were on the sidewalk, like a parked vehicle, without surveillance. How odd and inhumane, I thought to myself. Who and why would a parent leave a baby alone in the cold while they are dining in the warmth?! I later found out it is customary in Nordic countries to place babies outside their homes during the winter in subzero temperatures to acclimate them to the winter, for better and longer sleep, and to decrease exposure to germs. That not only emphasizes how safe and crime-free it is in Norway.
- About two-thirds of Norway is mountainous.
- Norway is one of Europe’s largest providers of hydro-power. It uses waste to power everything, including homes and businesses, thus providing a sustainable living.
- Scandinavians refer to people from Norway as Nordmenn (Northmen).
- Norway is the land of fjords. In fact, it has the most fjords worldwide, boasting over 1700 fjords. What is a fjord? A fjord is a long narrow bay of water below sea level, usually surrounded by a U-shaped valley. These are on the western side of Norway.
- The Laerdal Tunnel in Aurland Norway is the longest in the world at 24.5 kilometers.
- Norway owns a “Doomsday vault” on an island called Svalbard. It is closest to the North Pole. Because it is an isolated island, Norway uses it as a Seed Bank, aka Doomsday vault, just in case anything goes wry. This Seed Bank has over a million seeds and plants from around the world.
- Norway has the best salmon worldwide. They were the ones to introduce Japanese salmon sushi. They love salmon and eat it cured or smoked and call it rokelaks and gravlaks. Their salmon industry is worth billions.
- Similar to Iceland, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are not visible from everywhere and at any time of the year. Please note this because some people might be misguided regarding this. Places like Narvik, Tromso, Bodo, and Lofoten are popular for sightings from October to April.
- Norwegian national pastime is skiing. They love it that much and even built roller skis on the roads.
- The selection and nomination committee of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates takes place in Oslo, Norway. Every year, in the Norwegian City Hall, the Norwegian Nobel Committee selects the recipient as per the request of Alfred Nobel. All others take place in Sweden.
- Norwegians hate attending church. They are not Christians and are the 6th most non-religious country in the world
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- Most Norwegians have blonde hair and blue or green eyes.
- Norway is a member of NATO but not the European Union. They have rejected EU membership twice (1972 and 1994).
- Most Norwegians speak English.
- The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is the oldest worldwide. It is at the base of the Holmenkollen Ski jump in Norway.
- Norway is a long country. Therefore, the difference between the north and south of the country is significant, including its dialect. The capital is in the east of the country and has extensive areas of woodlands. In the west, you will find the fjords and mountains. The north is famous for the Northern Lights and has arctic landscapes. Finally, the south has warmer weather (not like the tropics) but with a beautiful coastline.
- Norway has many narrow, winding roads, especially heading out of the city. Therefore, if you are like me and suffer from land sickness because of such roads, pack some motion sickness pills.
- Even though Norway accepts cash for the payment of goods and services, they frown on it. Because it is more so a cash-less society, and cards are the dominant medium of payment.
- 50% of the cars purchased in Norway are electric cars. They buy the largest amount of electric cars worldwide. It is clearly visible in Oslo. They love Tesla cars; they are everywhere in the city.
- Norwegians are the largest consumers of frozen pizzas worldwide
- Norwegians are ski fanatics, and there are 125 ski resorts in Norway. They have won the most winter Olympics medals with almost 370 medals.
- It seems Norwegians have unresolved issues or a chip on their shoulders for the Swedish. So avoid mentioning the Swedes or, worst yet, make comparisons to them.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF NORWAY/OSLO AND SECURITY
Norwegians are kind and helpful people. They are not very outgoing, very skeptical, and seem to be “in a world of their own”. From their body language, one can easily pick up that they do not wish to be bothered or bother anyone. For example, they prefer to stand in position and make a sound instead of asking you politely to move, on the bus or in a store. Even though they hardly smile, they do not give off an unfriendly or sour vibe. I have met many super friendly Norwegians, but most times the younger age group.
During my time in Norway, they were always happy to assist me with whatever information I requested of them, especially the hotel staff. However, with the Nordics, it takes some time for them to warm up to visitors. Some might say they are cold as their temperatures, but their culture is not as ours in the tropics, where we are always bubbly.
Norway is on the world’s top 10 list of the happiest countries worldwide. Maybe this refers to how well the country is doing financially, therefore, the people must be happy as well. Like Denmark at no. 2, I did not see how they made the top 10 happiest people list. As previously mentioned, money does not necessarily make anyone happy. Therefore, I guess countries with prosperous economies, use this as a gauge for the happiness of their people, but I saw a contented people.
There were many beggars and homeless people in Oslo. Most seemed to be refugees or Ukrainians.
Norway is very safe. Believe it or not, in a country with almost 6 million people, they had only 29 homicide cases (firearm-related homicide cases for 2022 were three, seven the previous year). In fact, over the last 10 years, their murder cases have never crossed 40 in any one year. I felt totally safe, anxiety-free, and stress-free the entire week I spent in Oslo.
I made friends with a couple of Norwegians, who were always very helpful and kind. However, my favourite friend in Norway was a Polish I met just before I departed Norway. He showed me a few unique places in Oslo, for which I was grateful. Thank you Leeslaw. It seems every country I visit I always encounter Polish people. It is just my luck. Both men and women are kind and helpful people who always gave their time without expecting anything in return. Great people!
HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of everything in Oslo is exorbitant. Norway is approximately 20% more expensive than the already expensive Denmark. That includes food (including street and fast foods), accommodation, public transport, taxis, and everything else. The word cheap is non-existent in Oslo. For example, when comparing the price of accommodation (hotels, apartments, hostels, etc.) in Oslo with a cheaper European country like North Macedonia or Albania. It is about three times more expensive and might I add not as nice, (see booking.com for the best deals in Oslo).
In Norway, the public transport system comprises buses, trams, trains, and taxis. However, if you buy an Oslo Pass Card, it can save you some much-need money. They sell them as 24-hour to 72-hour cards and come with benefits such as free entry to museums, discounts on sightseeing tours and restaurants, and free public transport for the period, except for taxis. It is one way to save and benefit as a budget travel.
ABOUT NORWEGIAN FOOD
Norwegian cuisines originate from what is available in Norway, especially from the wilderness, coastline, and mountains. Traditionally, they enjoy lots of vegetables like cabbage and potatoes, cured meats, and fish. They have always been hunters and loved to hunt for what they eat. Therefore, their cuisines and diets are still based on what they traditionally hunted, even if they are doing so less. Here are some traditional dishes you must try in Norway.
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NORWEGIAN FOODS YOU MUST TRY
1. Farikal (Mutton and cabbage).
2. Kjottkaker (spicy meatball, accompanying cabbage stew, brown sauce, or potatoes).
3. Pickled Herring – Viking-styled (it is a traditional Nordic dish). Picture pickled cucumbers, but using herring instead.
4. Raspeball, Kompe, Potetball, or Raspeball (potato dumplings served with syrup, crispy bacon, lamb, or sausages).
5. Fiskebolli Hvit Saus (fish balls with Bechamel sauce).
6. Brunost (traditional Norwegian brown cheese made from cow and goat’s milk, with a sweet taste).
7. Lefse (sweetened flatbread) is a traditional treat made for weddings and Christmas. and New years).
8. Pinnekjott (salted air-dried sheep ribs, they serve this with kohlrabi).
9. Vafler(Norwegian waffles).
10. Svele (this is a batter-based cake that looks like pancakes).
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products, information and suggested uses.
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Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights Cont....
MUST-VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN OSLO, NORWAY
1. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet Opera House (it hosts many events like the Ultima Contemporary Music Festival, the Festival of the Chamber of Music, and many other events. Visitors can also participate in interesting public programs).
2. Fram Museum (easy to access by bus. This terrific museum is well-organised and comprises interactive learning stations, realistic and inspiring artifacts, images, and multimedia content. It tells excellent stories of the Vikings and polar expeditions with a physical ship inside that anyone can enter and explore. It is truly an outstanding museum and a definite must-see). The Viking Ship Museum offers mire in depth information on Norway’s Viking history, however it is closed for renovations until 2026.
3. Holmenkollen Ski Resort & Museum (the museum holds is the oldest ski museum worldwide and presents over 4,000 years of skiing history and artifacts. Even if there is no snow, like when I visited, the magnificent view of the city and fjords is worth the trip. It is a 25-minute subway ride from Oslo).
4. The Oslo Fjord and boat tour (it is a definite must-do, especially in the land of the most fjords worldwide. Taking a regular boat is cheaper, and the views are gorgeous).
5. Frogner & Vigeland Park (the sheer beauty, layout, and design of this park are breathtaking. Vigelands Park is inside the Frogner Park. There are unique and naked statues in unusual postures, gorgeous foliage, and water fountains. What stands out most is the nearly fifty feet obelisk with over 121 nude human figures wrapped around each other. It is also known as Vigeland Sculpture Park and is the world’s largest sculpture park and a definite must-visit. This park has the wow factor).
6. Oslo City Hall “Radhuset” (a unique building with gorgeous murals both inside and outside. They administer nuptials there, and it is just a short walk from the train station). Additionally, the outside has wooden carvings, frescos, and sculptures.
7. The Royal Palace (if not visit to see this beautiful palace, then do so for the scenery, garden, and lush forest garden nearby. It offers some scenic views. There is a garden at the back, but it is not open until mid-May, and the changing of the guards occurs at 9:30 am).
8. Karl Johans Gate (a lively, picturesque shopping area in the city. It leads to the Royal Palace, Castle, and Central station. They decorated the surroundings with scores of beautiful cauldrons of flowers and many restaurants, cafes, and street artists. A definite must-visit).
9. The National Museum(a definite treasure and must-see. Entry comes with a dress code and is free with your Oslo pass).
10. Ekerbergparken (a super-beautiful park, it is like a statue treasure-hunt of many unusual statues/ The park is like a museum in an artistic, well-manicured forest overlooking the Oslo fjord).
11. Sagdalen Park (a green, unspoiled park by the Sagelva river. This former sawmill area is now an open park where it was a former sawmill. It is great for picnics or just enjoying nature).
12. Rosenborg Castle (a 400-year-old renaissance castle in the city center, it is beautiful, inside and out).
SUMMARY
Norway is truly gorgeous. From what I have seen in Oslo and what the rest of the country offers, I must declare it a super exotic and unique country. I saw nothing displeasing in the city. My one complaint is that it is too expensive, except for this, I love Oslo. It is a safe, beautiful, green, and lively city. Because Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights, you have something unique to look forward to that is found only in a few countries. Clearly, one can see the entire country has something different to offer all visitors. Because the north, south, west, and east of the country offer their own unique attractions than the other. Therefore, no one, especially the adventurous, can get bored in Norway.
I highly recommend Norway. Just keep in mind that it is not a budget-friendly destination.
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