August 2022

How to travel from Oslo to Bergen by train

1 Comment / Nature Attractions, Norway | Articles, Outdoor Activities, Scandinavia /
How to get from Oslo to Bergen by train

Bergensbanen | The Bergen line Bergensbanen – or the Bergen railway, as is known in English – is the railway route that connects Norway’s two biggest cities. In this article, you’ll find many reasons why the train journey from Oslo to Bergen is an unmissable experience! It goes without saying that the Bergen railway is not the only way to get to Bergen from Oslo. If you’re planning on taking this trip, here are your options: Travel from Oslo to Bergen by bus There are two different bus routes that you can choose from if you want to get to Bergen from Oslo: One that goes through Haukelifjell and one that goes through Valdres. The latter is often preferred due to the fantastic scenery that you get to enjoy while you travel. Both routes include a bus change during the trip and they last for approximately nine and a half hours. Taking the bus is possibly the cheapest way to get to Bergen though it takes the longest. Travel from Oslo to Bergen by airplane Catching a flight from Oslo to Bergen is by far the fastest way to get there. It typically takes less than an hour, while the second fastest option which is the train, needs more than six hours to reach its destination. Also, getting to Bergen city from Bergen Flesland Airport is a fairly undemanding task, as there are enough options for your transportation. If time is an issue, taking a flight from Oslo to Bergen is the obvious thing to do. The drawback to this though is that will miss a chance to experience a wonderful train ride. The Bergen railway offers unparalleled views of the Norwegian landscapes. Travel from Oslo to Bergen by train One of the most celebrated train rides in the world, the Bergen line (or Bergensbanen in Norwegian) is one of the most beautiful railway routes in Europe. Every year, countless visitors take the train from Oslo to Bergen. Not only because it is a safe and convenient way to travel between the two cities. Bergensbanen is also an authentic Norwegian experience, a glimpse of Norway’s wild and wonderful nature. I strongly recommend getting a window seat to enjoy the scenery as much as possible. Bergensbanen history | How the Bergen railway was made Construction work on the Bergen line started as early as 1875. However, it wasn’t until 1909 that the Bergen railway was finally able to connect the two major cities. The first train to make the historic route arrived in Oslo from Bergen on 25 November 1909. The railway’s construction was exceptionally difficult, as 182 tunnels had to be dug manually through solid rock and under extremely harsh conditions. Many thousands of workers had endured, among other hardships, the piercing cold of an inhospitable environment the Bergen line was completed. Their courage created what King Haakon VII hailed as an engineering masterpiece. Getting your tickets for the Bergen line First things first, be provident enough to book your ticket here. You can find considerably better prices if you buy your ticket in advance. In addition, don’t neglect to check if you are entitled to a discount (in case you are a student, a senior citizen, etc). When buying your tickets, do consider getting seats that are on the side of the train that has the best views. The better side is the left when you are going from Oslo to Bergen. Accordingly, the right is the better side when the train goes from Bergen to Oslo. How to get from Oslo to Bergen by train The starting point for our trip is the Oslo Central Station, which is located in the center of Oslo. From there, we board the train and our westward journey begins. The train journey from Oslo to Bergen Once you are on board, your only task is to sit back and relax. The seats are comfortable and, if you were lucky or quick enough to get your ticket early, you are now sitting next to a window. What follows is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Bergensbanen | our journey to Bergen begins After a couple of hours, the train arrives at Flå Station in beautiful Hallingdal. There you can gaze at the Hallingdalselva, the Hallingdal river, as the train moves alongside it across the valley. The Hallingdal area is a popular destination for many, including mountain bike enthusiasts. There are enough thrilling mountain bike trails to make this an exciting destination for fans of the sport. However, the area is probably more well known as a skiing destination and is also extremely popular among hikers. Very close to the station is Bjorneparken, also known as Bear Park. Despite its name, it doesn’t have only bears in its enclosures but also some other wildlife. In case you decide to visit it expecting to see the bears, keep in mind that they hibernate during winter! Bergensbanen | Geilo Stasjon The Bergen line is now about three and a half hours away from Oslo and the train reaches Geilo. This is another skiing destination that is extremely popular and offers a great variety of action-packed outdoor activities. Rafting in the Numedalslågen river is also an option and I can attest it’s a fun and fascinating thing to do! Bergensbanen | Hardangervidda Hardangervidda, the famous mountain plateau, appears after Geilo. I often find this the most impressive and satisfying part of the trip. It is the largest natural park in the country, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Fun fact: Hardangervidda was a filming location for the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back! Filming took place in Hardangerjøkulen, depicting the frigid planet Hoth. Bergensbanen | Finse stasjon After Haugastøl, up next is a stop at Finse station. Located at 1222 m above sea level, this is the highest train station in Norway. Finse is a tiny village and by train is the only way to get there.

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What to Do in Helsingborg in One Day

Leave a Comment / City Experience, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles /
stairs in Helsingborg

It’s not easy to decide what to do in Helsingborg if your time is limited. Helsingborg is known as the gateway to Southern Sweden. Its coastal location and charming old town make it an ideal destination for a day trip from Copenhagen or Stockholm. It’s a quick drive. Just over an hour from Copenhagen and two hours from Stockholm. Its old town has plenty of restaurants, shops, and pubs perfect for browsing, while the city beach is excellent for swimming. You can do a lot in one day in Helsingborg! What to do in Helsingborg for a perfect day getaway Helsingborg is one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden. It’s easy to spend a whole week exploring the city and its surroundings. But if you don’t have time for that, here are some ideas of what to do in Helsingborg in one day. Get incredible views from the Kärnan medieval tower Climb the steps up to one of Helsingborg’s most iconic landmarks, Kärnan. Located right at the center of Helsingborg, this tower is known for its magnificent views over the city and surrounding landscape. The climb takes about 15 minutes and offers views over the city, the sea, and surrounding islands, for example, Tåsinge. The tower has been open since 1875. It was built as part of the city’s fortifications, which were constructed during the Napoleonic wars. Visit the Sofiero Palace and Gardens Built in 1865, Sofiero Palace is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, and one of Sweden’s finest historic buildings. Being an architectural wonder, it’s a popular venue for weddings and other private events. It also hosts one of our favorite museums in Helsingborg – the Sofiero Castle Museum – which showcases decorative arts from all over Europe. Rent a bike and explore the city Helsingborg is a very bike-friendly city. Many bike trails run through the city center, the waterfront, and the forest. You can rent bikes at several locations around town or bring your own from home. The best way to explore Helsingborg is on two wheels! Try some beer at a local brewery Barski Brewery is one of Helsingborg’s most popular destinations for beer lovers. It’s located on an old shipyard and offers guided tours of its facilities where visitors can learn how beers are made from start to finish. There are also classes available for those who want to learn more about beer-making techniques. After touring Barski Brewery’s facilities, visitors can try samples at its bar before heading off into town for more exploring or shopping! Visit Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik and take a pottery class The Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik is one of the oldest factories in Sweden, founded in 1751. The factory has been renovated, but its original architecture remains intact. Visiting this factory is a unique experience that you can try at Helsingborg. It also offers classes for anyone who wants to learn how to make pottery or sculpt with clay. Classes are reasonably priced and include all materials needed for your project. You can choose from different projects, such as vases or bowls that can be used as planters or decorative pieces around the house. The workshop offers two classes: basic (60 minutes) and advanced (90 minutes). Enjoy traditional Swedish dishes The most famous dish in Helsingborg is tomato pie, and Miss Alice Krog & Delikatesser serves it up in all its savory glory. It’s said that the recipe has passed through generations in this family restaurant. They also make their wine and cheese on their farm south of Helsingborg. It’s not very easy to decide what to do in Helsingborg, but it’s a lot easier to choose where to eat in Helsingborg. Take a walk at Groningen or go for a swim This scenic path on the water in Groningen is one of the best places for walks and bike rides! It’s also among the best spots in Helsingborg for picnics and swimming (if you’re brave enough). The weather in Scandinavia is notoriously unpredictable. No one can guarantee good weather when traveling in Sweden, but it’s worth taking a risk in this gorgeous place. You will be amazed by how Helsingborg looks from there, and you will get plenty of photo opportunities. Have a seaside dinner with a view Sillen & Makrillen restaurant has two locations in Helsingborg – one right on the harbor and another closer to downtown by the train station. Both offer great food and views, but we recommend going all out at their waterfront location with a fantastic selection of seafood dishes (and drinks, too!). Check out their menus online before visiting to know what you want when you arrive. Go for chocolate-tasting at Chocolatte Chocolatte is an award-winning chocolatier that offers a wide variety of chocolate products, including artisanal chocolates, chocolate drinks, and ice cream. Its friendly staff will guide you through the chocolate tasting process and teach you about its products. You can also try making your truffles from scratch! Visit the famous Hamlet castle in Denmark via Helsingør ferry From Helsingborg, you can take a ferry across the strait to Helsingør in Denmark, which is about an hour away by boat. From there it’s easy to visit Hamlet Castle, built on top of a medieval fortress in around 1300. The castle is famous for its connection with Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and you can even see where he slept! Take a bike ride at Klippan Dressin This is one of the best things to do in Helsinborg if you are looking for something fun and laid-back. The area is perfect for cycling with its wide-open spaces and winding trails. If you want to take it up a notch, try riding along the railroad tracks that run through Klippan Dressin! Visit Söderåsens national park and enjoy the nature Söderåsens national park has some of the most stunning nature that you will ever encounter in Scandinavia. You can see everything from rolling hills to deep valleys. There are many trails if you want to go hiking and try

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Where to See the Aurora Borealis in Norway

4 Comments / Nature Attractions, Norway | Articles, Scandinavia /
Aurora Borealis, Norway

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are a glance to behold — but most of the time they’re hard to find. If you are interested in seeing the aurora borealis, here are some tips to help you get started. Norway is among the best places in the world for viewing the Northern Lights. The country’s northern location is often on the list of top places for viewing aurora borealis. If you want to see the aurora borealis in Norway, there are several places where you can go to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. You’ll need clear skies and good luck, but your patience may be rewarded with an unforgettable experience if all goes well! What are the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis? The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon in the earth’s atmosphere. They are often referred to as the Aurora Borealis, Latin for “dawn of the north.” The aurora takes place when charged particles from the sun interact with atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere. The resulting glow can appear in many colors, depending on what gases are present in an aurora. The color is usually green, but other colors include blue and red. The best place to see them is away from towns and cities as they block out the light pollution created by artificial lights. You also need to be far enough north and have clear skies above you. When to See the Northern Lights in Norway? Aurora Borealis is a spectacular sight, and Norway is one of the best places to see them. While they can be seen everywhere in Norway, some areas are better than others – and some seasons are better than others. Autumn (September to November) A good time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is from September to November. The number of daylight hours decreases, the temperature drops, and the nights become darker. These are the perfect conditions for Aurora Borealis to become visible. The autumn months provide excellent opportunities for photographers and other travelers to see the northern lights in Norway. Winter (December to March) Norway is an excellent choice as a winter holiday destination. This is when most people travel there. Winter is also when you’re most likely to see the Northern Lights in Norway. In December and January, there are more hours of darkness each day, which means you’ll have more chances to witness these beautiful lights in the sky. Spring (April to May) It’s not easy but you can still see the northern lights in Norway during spring when the skies are clear and the winds have died down. This is also when you have a higher chance of seeing meteors in Scandinavia. Meteors are small particles of dust from space burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. Summer (June to August) You can still see Aurora Borealis during summer. However, it’s less common as there are more clouds around and fewer clear nights due to longer daylight hours. However, if you’re traveling in Norway between June and August, this is still worth trying out as it might be your only opportunity. Where to see the Northern Lights? Norway is one of the best places to see this natural phenomenon, but there are several other great locations around the world where you can catch it too. Here are some of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway: Svalbard Svalbard is far north and very cold. But it’s also one of the most accessible places in Norway when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights. There are many tour operators offering trips out here, so you’re sure to find something that suits your budget and schedule. The lights can be seen from September until March each year, and there are plenty of options for accommodation. So you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere comfortable to stay in! Bodø Bodø is a city in Nordland county, Norway. It’s famous for its fishing industry and as a destination for Northern Lights hunting. The city is surrounded by mountains, fjords, and glaciers that give it a unique look. It’s further south than Svalbard but still well above the Arctic Circle. So it stays dark for much longer during the winter months when there’s more chance of seeing Aurora Borealis! Tromsø You can view the northern lights from the city of Tromsø, located in the north of Norway. It’s a popular destination for those who want to see the aurora borealis, and it’s also the best place to view the northern lights in all of Europe. Several hotels and other accommodations offer visitors a chance to stay right next to an observatory where they can see the lights at night. Tromsø is also an excellent place for whale watching. So if you’re interested in seeing both types of wildlife while visiting Norway, this might be the place for you. Narvik Narvik is another excellent place to see the northern lights in Norway. The city is located at the top of Scandinavia and has one of the highest populations of polar bears in all of Europe! While many people visit Narvik just because it’s so remote and beautiful, others come here specifically because they want a chance to see these amazing creatures up close — and possibly even get attacked by one! If you’re interested in participating in extreme sports or just getting away from everything for a while, this could be an excellent place for you. Trondheim Trondheim is located in the middle of Norway and has a population of around 200,000 people as of 2020. It is a great place to go if you want to experience city life and nature at its finest. There are several museums, churches, and other landmarks worth visiting in Trondheim. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars for those who wish to enjoy themselves after dark! Lyngenfjord Lyngenfjord is located in Telemark County. Aurora Borealis is visible from Lyngenfjord most of the time in winter. Here you will also find

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The Best Wild Camping Spots in Sweden

2 Comments / Outdoor Activities, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles /
camping in Sweden

Sweden’s natural beauty is hard to beat. With forests, fjords, and arctic tundra, Sweden is the country where you can go wild camping and get away from it all. But if you don’t follow some guidelines, you might find yourself in trouble. The Swedes take their protected nature very seriously—they’ve even made a law that makes it illegal to camp in certain places. Luckily for those who love the outdoors, Sweden is also home to many wild camping spots that are legal and safe to visit. Here, you’ll find plenty of camping spots in Sweden where you can pitch your tent, build a campfire, and get creative with your food. Why Go Wild Camping in Sweden You can have numerous reasons to go wild camping in Sweden. The first one is that it is a very safe country. So, it’s not hard to find a safe camping spot. The second reason is that Sweden has a lot of beautiful places where you can go wild camping. You have many options to camp around stunning landscapes and natural attractions. You can even go hiking or fishing while you are here! If you have never experienced going wild camping before, this would be a great place to start learning about it! There are different animals here in Sweden that pose no threat to humans. You will see them around when you go out looking for them! This is another reason why going wild camping in Sweden is such a great experience for anyone who loves animals or nature more than anything else! Sweden Wild Camping Rules to Follow If you’re looking for wild camping spots in Sweden, you must follow some basic rules: Which Part of Sweden Should you Choose for Wild Camping? If you are a camper visiting Scandinavia, there are many wild camping spots in Sweden that you’ll love. Sweden is so large and diverse that it can be hard to determine which part of it to visit. Here are tips on how to choose where to go wild camping in Sweden: Southern Sweden Southern Sweden is a paradise for those who love nature and the sea. The region offers an immense variety of landscapes, from the rocky coastlines of Skåne to the broad plains of Östergötland. The southernmost part of Sweden also has many islands, from Gotland to Åland and Öland. Central Sweden Central Sweden is the most densely populated region in the country and home to some of its most historical cities, such as Uppsala, Västerås, and Örebro. In this region, you can find many sports facilities such as golf courses, ski resorts, and horse riding facilities. Northern Sweden Northern Sweden is a popular destination for people who want to go on an adventure. The north holds many beautiful spots for wild camping, as it is home to the most beautiful landscapes and natural attractions. 7 of the Best Camping Spots in Sweden Wild camping spots are easy to find in Sweden. They are often located by lakes, forests, and beaches. If you want to avoid crowds, take a look at the following camping spots in Sweden: Gotland Searching for a spot that combines serenity, peace, and the sea? Gotland is one of the best wild camping spots you can find in Sweden. Gotland is a small island blessed with rich history, culture, and natural wonders. There are plenty of things to do in terms of activities, including swimming, fishing, watersports, hiking, and more. Finally, Gotland hosts some of the most beautiful Swedish beaches. Fulufjället National Park Fulufjället is the perfect place to camp if you want to escape the hustle of city life. This National Park is located in the southern part of Dalarna, a province of central Sweden. It is allowed to camp in 3 zones of the park. There are many activities for campers, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Skuleskogen National Park The Skuleskogen National Park is one of Sweden’s most popular camping destinations. It boasts stunning views and has a variety of activities to keep you entertained. The park also has a wide range of accommodation options so you can also stay at the campsite for as long as you like. Lijusdal Lijusdal is located in Dalarna. It is the perfect wild camping spot for anyone who wants to explore Sweden’s beautiful countryside. It is close to Hamra National Park. Lijusdal is a very safe place with facilities nearby. This makes it ideal for families or friends who want to spend time together while exploring Sweden’s beautiful landscapes. Glaskogens Glaskogen is a natural reserve with a large grassy field with plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. It is allowed to pitch your tent directly on the grass if you don’t mind being so close to other wild campers. But wooden platforms are also available for rent if you prefer more privacy and comfort. The facilities nearby are good and include a nice cafe where you can have snacks and drinks. This site is convenient for both day trips into town or long walks through the surrounding forest. Kungsleden The Kungsleden trail is a beautiful hiking trail that runs through the Swedish mountains and forests. The trail was built as a route through the mountains in the early 19th century, and it is still functional for people who enjoy hiking and wild camping in Sweden. Skrylle, Malmö If you are looking for an urban wild camping experience, this is the right wild camping spot in Sweden for you! Located near Malmö, this recreation area consists of ten nature reserves and offers everything from luxury to peace. There are many facilities, including swimming pools, playgrounds, sports facilities, and more! It’s also close to the city center that you can easily visit during your stay if you want some culture or shopping opportunities. Conclusion Scandinavian countries are popular wild camping destinations. Sweden could not be an exception. Natives and tourists enjoy sleeping under canvas or camped out in rustic cabins. Whether you are starting

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Höga Kusten: A Guide to the High Coast of Sweden

Leave a Comment / Nature Attractions, Scandinavia, Sweden | Articles /
nature, waters, mountain-3084557.jpg

Höga Kusten (Hoga Kusten) or the High Coast of Sweden is a beautiful, peaceful region with striking views and incredible history. It’s also a popular tourist destination for those looking for a picturesque vacation spot. The High Coast of Sweden is made up of limestone cliffs extending from the water’s edge into the forest, reaching as high as 560 meters above sea level. The mountains in the area are steep and rocky, but the coast is relatively flat, making it easy to travel along on foot. The name “High Coast” comes from the fact that it was once much higher above sea level than it is today, between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. During this period, the climate was much colder than it is now. That caused much of Scandinavia to be covered in glaciers. The ice sheets scraped along the ground as they moved south towards the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, leaving behind piles of rock that were later carved away by wind and waves. Though most of Sweden’s glaciers have long since melted away, there are still remnants of what was left behind in the form of these rocks—not just in this region but all along the eastern coastline of Sweden. The area has been a protected national park since 1909 and has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Where to stay in Höga Kusten The High Coast of Sweden is sparsely populated. There are no big cities or towns nearby. While it can be accessed by car or minivans via paved roads, many visitors choose to explore it either on foot or by boat. Höga Kusten is a truly timeless region. It’s a place where you can slow down to appreciate details: the way the light hits a particular rock formation or the way tides shift depending on the time of day. You’ll be able to find peace here in this stunning natural environment; you’ll also have the option to stay in one of the small inns and lodgings that dot the shoreline. In Höga Kusten, there is a campsite with cabins within walking distance of the water. If you’re traveling with children, your best bet is the Havsmo Camping & Cottages. This campsite offers places for families and a wide variety of activities for kids and adults. For more luxury, head to the Hotel Bönan or the nearby Fredriksborgs Slott (castle) and Hotell Stagnelius. Both are within walking distance of many points of interest. Where to eat in Höga Kusten Höga Kusten is a stretch of fishing villages on the coast of Sweden. The pace is subdued, the scenery is stunning, and the food is some of the freshest in Europe. If you travel to Höga Kusten during the winter months, you will not find many cafes and shops catering to visitors. From late May until well into September, these places start to open again as daylight becomes long enough. During this time you can enjoy an evening meal without rushing back to your hotel or cabin. Several restaurants in Höga Kusten are open all year round. These tend to be located at the larger hotels or in other city centers, such as those around Varberg or Tjorn. Getting around The best way to see Höga Kusten is by boat. Preferably by renting one so you can go wherever you want (or by taking a guided tour). You’ll want to bring your food because the restaurants in the area tend to be small and pricey. There is plenty of stuff to do in the region besides simply admiring the scenery. However—you can rent bikes from local guest houses or visit historic sites like the ruins of Stadshuset or the museum in Hovmantorp. What to do in Höga Kusten? There are many things to do in Höga Kusten. It’s a huge area with many natural attractions and history, so there’s plenty to see and do! Here are lists of some of the most popular activities: Höga Kusten is a near-perfect place for cycling Höga Kusten is a near-perfect place to cycle. With its miles of cycling trails, off-road bike routes, and on-road routes, it’s the perfect location for cyclists who want to be active on their holidays. Cycling is an easy way to explore the area and see all it has to offer. Höga Kusten is fast becoming the paddling capital of Sweden Höga Kusten is a great place to paddle. It’s fast becoming the paddling capital of Sweden, with many different types of paddling opportunities available year-round. There are two distinct regions within Höga Kusten: the lower and upper areas. In the lower area, there are some excellent flatwater routes such as “Söderåsen” (The South Forest). This forest is crisscrossed by numerous waterways. This makes it ideal for flatwater paddling conditions in all kinds of weather conditions – including snow! You will also find short rivers like “Bäckebo Sjö” and “Botkyrkasjön”. These rivers have steep banks with many trees along them, which provide shade from direct sunlight during hot summer days. There are also plenty of lakes in this region to explore. Lakes are great if you want something more secluded in open water without any land obstructing your view. Swim in Höga Kusten There are several places to swim in Höga Kusten. The lake’s southern end has a beach, while the northern end features another beach. To get to these beaches, you can take a boat or simply walk along the shoreline. In addition, there is the third beach at the western end of Höga Kusten, which is accessible by car or bus (no boats). Hike to the top of a mountain The hiking trails in Höga Kusten offer hikers an opportunity to get a 360-degree view of the area, including the sea and mountains. There are many hiking trails in Höga Kusten National Park, so you can choose one that suits your fitness level. If you’re looking for something more exquisite, head out on one of two popular routes: The Höga

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