Music courtesy of Sappheiros -
Halcyon by Sappheiros | https://soundcloud.com/sappheirosmusic
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The capital city of Norway (pop. 5+ million) is Oslo which is a vibrant city known for its museums, green spaces, and modern architecture.

The official language is Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk), however English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Norway's national currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Major Rivers
The major rivers in Norway include:
• Glomma: The longest river in Norway, flowing through the southeastern part of the country.
• Numedalslågen: Known for its salmon fishing and scenic beauty.
• Drammenselva: Flows through the city of Drammen and into the Oslofjord.

Best Lakes
Some of the best lakes in Norway are:
• Mjøsa: Norway's largest lake, known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings.
• Jotunheimen Lakes: Located in the Jotunheimen National Park, offering stunning mountain views and hiking opportunities.
• Gjende: Famous for its emerald-green waters and the Besseggen Ridge hike.

Best Beaches
Norway's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, often surrounded by majestic fjords and mountains. Some of the best include:
• Hellestø Beach: Near Stavanger, known for its golden sands and clear waters.
• Borestranda Beach: A popular surfing spot with long sandy shores.
• Saltstraumen: Known for its powerful tidal currents and scenic surroundings.

Highest Mountains
The highest peak in Norway is Galdhøpiggen, standing at 2,469 meters above sea level. It is part of the Jotunheimen mountain range and attracts climbers and hikers from around the world.

Best Towns to Visit
• Bergen: A historic city with colorful wooden houses, a vibrant cultural scene, and access to fjords.
• Tromsø: Known as the gateway to the Arctic, offering Northern Lights tours and cultural attractions.
• Trondheim: Famous for its medieval architecture, including Nidaros Cathedral, and vibrant student life.
• Stavanger: A charming coastal city known for its oil industry history and proximity to fjords and beaches.
• Ålesund: Renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture and stunning views from Mount Aksla.

Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU) but is a part of the Schengen Zone, allowing for visa-free travel for up to 90 days for visitors from many countries.

Road Travel
• Vignette: No vignette is required to drive on Norwegian roads.
• Road Tolls: There are toll roads, tunnels, and bridges in Norway. Payment is typically electronic or through a toll booth.
• Speed Limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h; Rural roads: 80-90 km/h; Highways: 100-110 km/h.

Shopping Days and Hours
Shops in Norway are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and until 3:00 or 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Some grocery stores and malls may have longer hours, especially in larger cities.

Wild Camping
Wild camping is allowed in Norway under the "allemannsrett," or everyman's right, which allows camping on uncultivated land for up to two nights, respecting nature and property.

Best Tourist Attractions
• Geirangerfjord: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning fjord landscape.
• Lofoten Islands: Known for their dramatic scenery, fishing villages, and Northern Lights.
• Norwegian Fjords: Explore by cruise, kayak, or scenic drives.
• Oslo's Viking Ship Museum: Houses Viking ships and artifacts.
• Trolltunga: A famous hiking destination with breathtaking views over the fjords.

Price of a Litre of Beer and Wine
The average price for a litre of beer is around 60-80 NOK (approximately €6-8), while a litre of wine costs approximately 150-250 NOK (approximately €15-25), depending on the brand and location.

Rob and Krys Henshaw, an Australian couple, created Aussie European Tour, a Youtube Video channel and website (www.aussieeuropeantour.com) to record the various tours and holidays they have enjoyed over the years.
As well as documenting the travels for their own benefit they hope they can pass some tips and advice to other travellers.
Some of the videos may include tips on the following:
Visas and passports
Currencies
Credit cards and other types of cards
Languages
Mobile phones and SIM cards
Hiring or renting vehicles
Purchasing motorhomes
Road rules and parking rules for drivers
Vignettes
Driving safely in certain countries
Walking safely in busy tourist areas
Shopping days and hours
Tours include the following:-
Europe

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia
Czech Republic Denmark England Estonia
Finland France Germany Gibraltar
Greece Holland Hungary Italy
Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Norway
Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia
Slovenia Spain Sweden Wales