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It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Norway. It was the first place I travelled to solo and when I returned, it was the one place that I could see myself living abroad forever and ever. I had it all mapped out in my head. I’d get a little cabin, live among the massive fjords, and bask in the lush, surreal beauty surrounding me as I hike my way through the gorgeous scenery everyday. Well…one can dream right?
I don’t think I could possibly promote Norway anymore than I already do, unless their tourism board is hiring? Guys…?
Norway for solo travel is by far one of the best countries in the world to do so. I’ve listed just a short list of reasons why Norway should be at the top of your list for your first solo travel experiences…money and budget reasons need not apply.
Read more: How to travel through Norway on a budget
It’s Safe
Norway is considered one of the safest countries in the world with some of the lowest crime rate. Of course, like any place, you’ll have to watch for petty theft like pick pocketing, but that mainly happens in Oslo, but even that is on a very low scale. I did not have any issues being a solo female traveller and I was out walking at night alone and on long train rides alone as well. Like any city, or country, just be vigilant of your surroundings.
Read more: How to stay safe as a solo traveller
It’s Been Named The 2017 Happiest Country in The World
It’s no surprise, but Norway has been recently named the 2017 Happiest Country in the World by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report, which was released just a couple weeks ago. The Happy Planet Index measures what matters most to people: sustainable well-being for all. The report tells us how well nations are doing at achieving long, happy, sustainable lives and Norway is smoking the rest of the world apparently! The report mentions that Norway surpasses other countries with social happiness, levels of caring, freedom to make life decisions, generosity, good governance, honesty, health and income. For more info, visit the United Nations World Happiness Report.
Read more: How to travel through Norway on a budget
Some Of The Best Scenery EVER
If you’ve ever google searched Norway and saw pictures online and thought, “Wow, that place looks unreal,” well, I’ve got news for you, it IS real and it really DOES look like that. I can’t even describe the feeling of stepping into the view of the massive fjord that dwarfs the small village of Flåm. It’s stunning and I was probably walking around with my mouth wide open in awe the entire time. If you are a hiker, or nature lover, you’ll truly be in your element while in Norway. The emerald green fjords soar high into the cobalt blue skies. The water is so clean, you can drink it directly from the flowing streams and the air is the freshest you’ll ever inhale. Your lungs will thank you!
Read more: Flåm, Norway – The tiny village with massive appeal
Read more: Take a ride on the famous Flåmsbana train – The world’s most beautiful train journey
Clean and Pristine
Norway has some of the cleanest air in the world. I vividly remember going for a walk one cool afternoon and inhaling deeply and it just felt as though my lungs were being cleaned and filtered. I felt like I was on an oxygen high after being outdoors all day long. Norwegians are a green minded people and are helping to move the planet towards a greener future. Norway is known for having 98-99% of their electricity come from hydroelectric plants. It was also one of the first countries to adopt a carbon tax in an attempt to slow global warming back in 1991. Norway was also the first country to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground. To say that Norwegians value the environment and its effects on their people would be an understatement. They are definitely thinking ahead of everyone when it comes to our planet and many other nations should adopt this way of thinking and follow in their footsteps.
Read more: What is Responsible Tourism & why is it so important?
English Is Spoken Almost Everywhere
No matter where you go within Norway, English is widely spoken by everyone, young and old. It’s never hard to communicate with anyone, but knowing a few words here and there will definitely get the attention of a Norwegian and gain you a lot of respect as a tourist. A takk (simple thank you), or tusen takk (more formal thank you) will get you a nod of acceptance from Norwegians, but a simple takk will do just fine.
Fresh Food Is Everywhere
Norway has some of the freshest food in all of Europe and you will have no shortage of eating delicious, fresh produce and meats. Salmon is caught fresh in many of the towns and villages that line the clear, fresh fjord waters and streams, making for a delectable lunch, or dinner after a long day of hiking in the Norwegian terrain.
Read more: How to Find Great Places to Eat While Travelling
Easy To Travel Around
Travelling around Norway is incredibly easy. The train system is probably some of the best I’ve ever taken and the service is amazing. The train staff is very friendly and really knowledgeable and will even stop and speak to you while they are checking your ticket aboard. The train stations are immaculate and some of the cutest and prettiest decorated stations I’ve ever seen! The trains are always on time, at least when I took them they were. The schedules are easy to read and never a problem to follow, even when transferring. All train tickets and schedules can be checked and even booked for travel on the NSB website.
Read more: Tips for travelling within Europe
Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or if you’re just looking for a dramatic change in scenery from your everyday travel destination, Norway definitely checks all of these on the list. If you ever get the chance to travel solo to Norway I highly suggest you go because I’m sure it’ll quickly steal your heart, just as it did with mine.
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