#Vinecations: Navigating Norway’s bottomless bucket list

There is much to love about Norway even before you get there. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, cruising through pristine fjords, or following trails of trolls, Vikings, and Disney princesses, Norway has probably made it’s way on to your travel bucket list.

But once you get to Norway, you’ll discover there’s so much more to this country than you anticipated. That original bucket list item? No sooner do you check it off then you add on and check off dozens more. Here are a few of those list-worthy experiences to get you started dreaming of Norway:

Plus: Find out what you absolutely can’t miss at Yosemite, including this incredible waterfall optical illusion.

Fjord Cruise, check.

With over 33,000 miles of coastline – more than the United States – it makes sense that Norway is an ideal cruise destination. One of the most visited sites in Norway is Geirganger Fjord, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with steep granite cliffs and plunging waterfalls making for incredible natural scenery. Norway also boasts the world’s longest, and second deepest fjord, Sognefjorden. While it’s entirely possible to enjoy Norway’s scenic beauty without ever leaving the water, you’ll want to go ashore to check off a few other bucket list items.

Glaciers, check.

Norway is home to the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Jostedal Glacier. Located in Jostedalsbreen National Park, it has several armsreaching down into the fjords. One of the more accessible arms is Bryksdalbreen, located south of the port town of Olden. The hike to the (notably-retreating) face of Bryksdal Glacier is mostly uphill, but offers outstanding scenery of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and a pristine glacial lake.

Scenic railway journey, check.

Considered the most beautiful rail journey in the world, the Flam Railway is also one of the steepest, ascending from sea level up 2,821 feet of the Sognefjord. The hour-long journey passes through spiraling mountain tunnels that open up on amazing scenery of snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls. If you’re feeling active and adventurous, you can opt to hike or ride a mountain bike back down to Flam.

When to go

Now is the time for travel to Europe, while the dollar is strong. Surprisingly, Norway hasmuch to offer beyond the peak summer season from June through August, when the daylight is long and cruise ship traffic is busiest. The fall brings fewer visitors and lower prices, and the spring brings migrating birds, blooming wildflowers, and dramatic waterfalls. The best months for seeing the Northern Lights, while also enjoying winter sport activities, are December through March. Whatever kind of nature experience you might be dreaming of, chances are pretty good you’ll find it in Norway.

Tagged: Destinations, Europe, Videos