Northern Lights pictures and films with beautiful nature from Norway are a great way to advertise the country and its beauty. Many people want to come and visit, the number of tourists has increased our expectations in the past years, and we are overwhelmed. This region does not have the necessary infrastructure, therefore people born and raised here may not be that happy with this development. This is why it can be nice if tourists can show some consideration for the locals, and respect their private properties, private lives,(by not taking pictures of people unless they ask for permission, etc.
Apart from the stunning natural surroundings, there is a lot of history to be seen in museums and on the streets and buildings. Make sure you find a guided tour because it’s worth it. There is no way to find it on your own, as much as a good guide can say. If you are interested in North Norwegian Culture, I recommend an indoor workshop which is always best if the weather is bad. You find it at this link. If you want a Northern Lights tour I recommend northbound.no.
Plenty of festivals can be attractive to attend if you are around when they happen.
In Tromsø, where I live, plenty of happenings and festivals keep the city vibrant and interesting for people interested in culture and concerts.
A big one is TIFF, Tromsø Film Festival, which occurs every January. The Northern Lights Festival starts immediately after – a classical music festival. The two together make the dark time of the year pass faster because people keep busy.
There is a Beer&Wine festival, and then a food festival, and also a vegetarian food festival called VEGFEST.
In the summer, there is the Bukta festival, with pop music in July; then, in the fall, there is a jazz music festival. Then there is the Tromsø World Festival with artists from all over the world, people we don’t hear about otherwise here on the Top of The World where we are.
All these festivals are run by volunteers. Therefore, it can be an excellent way to get to know people by working side by side and doing something fun together.
Otherwise, I suggest you check the official tourist guide for this area at https://www.visittromso.no/
And speaking about Christmas, I see quite a few people planning their winter holidays with a visit to Norway. Please don’t. I hope what I say here will be okay with the joy of traveling to Norway, at the same time, I see that nobody else says what I am about to say.
From December 22nd to January 2nd it is the Christmas holiday in Norway, and there are few to no fun things open in any town in Northern Norway. People here sit with their families mostly and are reluctant to strangers, especially tourists, because “you are supposed to know that everybody is in their homes and do not take in guests.” – Norwegians think that everywhere in the world, people behave just like in Norway—the same with the Easter holiday and the summer holiday.
January 2nd, everything opens again: museums, restaurants, activities, etc. I am saying this so you won’t be disappointed when you come and don’t find any open stores or Christmas markets, as you would expect in the rest of the Christian World. etc. Therefore, if you plan to visit, do it outside those holy times.
Norway is very different from the rest of the world. That is because of the geographical position that influenced history and politics. You can read more about those differences in my book, which you can find on this link. It can be a good souvenir, especially if you want more substantial information about North Norwegian culture.
In case you already visited and you liked what you’ve seen, and you think of coming back and try to live here, you may want a job. In this article you can find how you can find a job only speaking English, and this course will tell you how to build your CV, application letter “Norwegian Style”.
Have a pleasant visit to Northern Norway outside the holiday times. PS. My book “Speak the Unspoken: exploring the unwritten rules of North Norway” can be a great holiday souvenir or gift with lots of insights. If you have an address in Norway, you can find it with me if you want it signed (or not). Or on www.norli.no (click og send/hent from Book store in Tromsø). If you are outside Norway, Amazon will do the trick. Enjoy!
