Driving in Norway: Advice & Tips
In Norway, as in the rest of Europe, cars are driven on the right hand side and overtake on the left. Generally, the speed limit is 80km/h. However, i...
Find out more about driving in Norway
Other places to visit in Norway
South of the country is the bustling city of Oslo. Bursting with high quality heritage centers, including the National Gallery, the Norwegian Folk Mus...
Popular tourist destinations to visit in Norway
History of Norway
Remains of Norway’s past date back as far as 9,200BC. However, the country is more famous for its Viking age in which Norwegians set sail to explore uncharted lands in Viking longships. After its unions with Denmark from the 16th to the early 19th century, and then briefly with Sweden, Norway finally found its own identity. Today, the country is ruled by a Prime Minister with the monarchy as the head of state. It’s one of the few countries in Western Europe not to be a European Union member.
The capital, with its rich array of museums and brilliant architecture, is a good reflection of Norway’s heritage. It’s worth it to hire a car in Norway in order to reach areas like the small, mountain town of Røros, once a copper mining settlement and now one of Norway’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A trip up to the north coast leads to the prehistoric cave carvings near Alta. Or, if you head to the center of the country, you can reach Trondheim with its 11th century Nidarosdomen Cathedral. It’s also worth visiting the Trondheim palace of the Norwegian Royal Family, a splendid wooden structure.
The geography of Norway
This elongated country, located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, contains one of the world’s most jagged coastlines. In addition, approximately 50,000 islands can be found off its shoreline. It sits with the Arctic Ocean to the north, the North Sea to the west, Skagerrak to the south and Finland, Sweden and the Russian Federation to the east. The north is taken up mainly by the Arctic Circle. This is in stark contrast to the south, which is composed of forests and mountains intertwined with rivers and lakes. Within Europe, Norway is one of the most mountainous countries, dominated mainly by the Scandinavian Mountains. In fact, almost 70% of the country is uninhabitable due to this rocky and icy terrain. However, the country is most famous for its fjords, created after the last ice age, which can be found throughout the coastline. Opting for cheap car hire in Norway is a fantastic way to find your way through this intricate yet beautiful landscape.
Weather in Norway
Due to the Gulf Stream, the weather is generally temperate. However, this can change dramatically as you move from the coast, inland. The temperature tends to be higher in the south, with an average of 16 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Bergen, in the southwest, is known for having the highest rainfall. The north is the region with the most extreme climates. The Arctic area can reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months then go below -50 degrees in the winter. Alta, up in the north, is renowned for getting a lower rainfall than the Sahara desert! The best time to visit is between May and September which is when the daylight hours become longer. The months of May through July are particularly significant because they provide prime viewing the midnight sun. Alternatively, if you can bear the darkness, winter is perfect for catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis. It’s important to be aware that the weather can quickly change so it makes sense to hire car in Norway so that you’re always prepared.