Exploring Norway: A Land as Beautiful as a European Painting

Are you eager to witness the beauty of the Northern Lights, resembling silky ribbons dancing across the sky? Do you admire the ancient charm intertwined with the majestic Norwegian mountains and forests but lack experience in self-guided travel in Norway? Fret not, Mytour will provide you with all the information you need for this journey.

1. Norway – The Land of the Midnight Sun

Norway boasts the world's longest coastline and shares borders with several countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Thanks to its abundant natural resources, travelers exploring Norway independently will be fortunate to witness stunning fjords, pristine plateaus, and lush green fields.

The pristine beauty of Norway captures attention from the first glance.

According to various sources, it's recommended to experience self-guided travel in Norway during the summer months (from June to August). During this time, you can leisurely stroll around the streets, marvel at the clear blue Norwegian skies, and enjoy the cool temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. Especially during this period, you can experience sunlight until 8 p.m. Therefore, this country in summer will bring you fascinating experiences and endless summer nights.

The self-guided journey through Norway captivates everyone.

However, you can also visit Norway in winter if you're a snow enthusiast and desire to participate in winter activities in this country. Winter in Norway typically lasts from December to March, with average temperatures ranging from -7 to -1 degrees Celsius. During this time, you can engage in popular activities in this region: skiing, ice skating, and witnessing the extremely rare Northern Lights phenomenon while exploring Norway independently.

2. How to Apply for a Self-Guided Tourist Visa to Norway?

Firstly, note that Norway is part of the Schengen area, so you can apply for this visa for convenience in traveling Europe instead of specifically applying for a Norwegian visa. Applying for a visa is not too difficult, but for first-timers, it may pose some challenges. To overcome this, you need to thoroughly prepare the following documents:

• Personal identification documents.
• Visa application form.
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of departure for self-guided travel in Norway and at least 2 blank pages.
• Two passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) taken against a white background.
• Certified copy of your birth certificate and national identity card.
• Copy of marriage certificate or single/divorce certificate.

♦ Employment Documentation

If You're an Employee/Officer

• Labor contract/recruitment decision or certification from the employer regarding employment.
• Salary payment receipts from the last 3 months/bank statements from the last 3 months.

If You're a Business Owner

• Business registration certificate.
• Tax reports for the last 3 months.

If Retired: Retirement card/Certificate/pension payment voucher.

If a Student

• School confirmation letter (with seal and signature of school leader).
• Leave of absence letter for self-guided travel in Norway confirmed by the school.
• Copy of transcripts, academic records.

♦ Financial Documentation

• Savings book with a minimum value of 200,000,000 VND per person.
• Documentation of real estate: house, land, vehicle (if applicable).

♦ Visa Application Centers for Self-Guided Travel to Norway

Before submitting your application, it's advisable to schedule an appointment on the VFS Global website. Once your appointment is confirmed, you need to print the appointment confirmation email and bring all required documents to the center.

• Hanoi: Ocean Park Building, 2nd Floor, Room 207, 1 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Resco Building, 3rd Floor, 94 – 96 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Apply for a Schengen visa for convenient travel.

Your application will be forwarded to the Norwegian Embassy and processed within a minimum of 15 days from the date of receipt. However, processing time may extend up to 30 days if your application does not meet requirements or requires additional documentation. To ensure a smooth visa process, monitor the status on the VFS website.

3. How to Get Around on Your Self-Guided Tour in Norway?

3.1. Traveling to Norway

Currently, Vietnam has opened direct flight routes to Oslo Airport (Norway) from Hanoi, while Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang require a layover in a third country, as follows:

♦ Hanoi – Oslo: There are approximately 19 airlines operating this route, and you don't need to transit in a third country when choosing airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Pacific Airlines, etc. Therefore, travel time for self-guided travel in Norway is only about 16 hours with average fares ranging from 375 to 4910 USD per trip.

♦ Ho Chi Minh City – Oslo: There are about 24 airlines operating this route, so you can comfortably choose flights based on price and schedule with airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, etc. However, you'll need to transit in a third country, resulting in a travel time of approximately 20 hours and average fares ranging from 380 to 4189 USD per trip.

♦ Da Nang – Oslo: There are fewer airlines operating this route, with only 5 airlines including Cathay Pacific Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Air France, Silkair. Similar to flights from Ho Chi Minh City, you'll also need to transit in a third country, resulting in relatively longer travel times and fares ranging from 542 to 3971 USD per trip.

3.2. Transportation in Norway

When traveling independently in Norway, you can experience various types of services and different modes of transportation to facilitate your sightseeing and enjoyment. If you're unsure where to start, consider the following modes of transportation:

3.2.1. Public Transportation

In European countries in general, and Norway in particular, it's easy to find efficient and safe public transportation. If you intend to mainly use public transportation during your journey, you can purchase daily, weekend, or weekly passes.

3.2.2. Taxis

If you're traveling to Norway independently with a group or aren't familiar with routes or how to catch public transportation, you should opt for taxis. Although this mode of transportation may be more expensive than others, traveling in a group can help save costs.

3.2.3. Car Rental

If you want to explore Norway's roads and sights in your own way, you can rent a car. You can rent one anywhere in the city for about 550 KR (approximately 53 USD). However, consider this option carefully if you don't have a driver's license. Unlike in Vietnam, Norway has stricter laws, and if you're not well-informed, it could negatively impact your self-guided trip to Norway.

3.2.4. Train

If you have the opportunity to travel to Norway independently, you should experience traveling by train in Norway to admire the beauty of the mountains and lakes in this country. Norway currently operates many railway routes, and you can purchase Minipris tickets to save costs.

Admire the natural beauty by train when traveling to Norway independently.

If you want to experience self-guided travel in Norway by train sightseeing, you can consider the following train journeys: The Flam Railway, Raumabanen, Tertitten Urskog-Hølandsbanen, Nordlandsbanen, and Authentic Scandinavia.

4. What to Do When Traveling Independently to Norway?

4.1. Oslo Capital

In 2019, the capital Oslo was recognized as a green capital for its significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Thus, when strolling through the capital, you'll breathe in the fresh air, surrounded by the greenery of trees and rivers. On gloomy days, you're ready to leave everything behind and head to Oslo, to rejuvenate yourself when traveling independently to Norway is nothing short of rejuvenating.

4.2. Geiranger Fjord

Geiranger Fjord has been acknowledged as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. With its globally acclaimed beauty, it has become a 'sacred place' depicted by many artists.

The most beautiful fjord in the world that you can admire when traveling independently to Norway.

Setting foot in this place, you'll behold the majestic beauty of towering cliffs intertwined with cascading waterfalls. Here lies the village of Geiranger with its low-profile red-roofed houses nestled amidst the surreal natural landscape, leaving everyone in awe. Apart from Geiranger Fjord, you can also explore the following fjords after experiencing independent travel in Norway: Nordfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord.

4.3. Lofoten Islands

If you're an adventure enthusiast who loves exploring untouched landscapes, then you must not miss the adventure to the Lofoten Islands when traveling independently to Norway. Here, you'll marvel at coral reefs and the characteristic wildlife of this region: seabirds, sea eagles, and more. Not stopping there, you can kayak amidst the majestic mountains or enjoy a cup of hot tea in the chilly mountain weather.

The Northern Lights in Norway resemble a flowing silk ribbon in the sky.

A unique aspect of the archipelago is that you can fully admire the beauty of the Northern Lights right here when traveling independently in Norway. Despite the low temperatures in the area towards the end of the year, many tourists confidently surf the waves under the glow of the Northern Lights in the sky.

4.4. Bergen City

The city of Bergen is renowned for its array of architectural marvels steeped in historical significance, recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites: Bergenhus Fortress, Saint Mary's Church, Bryggen Wharf, Rosenkrantz Tower, and more.

These houses embellish the beauty of Norway.

Furthermore, the scenery in this city will etch itself into your mind when traveling independently in Norway due to its incredibly unique landscape. Surrounded by mountains, the city is adorned with colorful houses. Amidst the somber tones of the Nordic region, the city shines brightly, illuminating the entire area. Thus, you'll be amazed when visiting this land for the first time on your independent trip to Norway.

4.5. City of Tromsø

If you're fond of witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights resembling a silk ribbon across the sky with its mysterious green hue, then quickly plan your visit to Tromsø city during your independent travel to Norway. The period from September to March next year is the perfect time for you to marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights.

Another area of Norway also boasts stunning Northern Lights.

During this time, the number of tourists visiting the city to admire the Northern Lights and landscapes increases significantly. Therefore, you need to plan and book accommodation early, preferably 3-4 months in advance, to get the most breathtaking views when you visit here during your independent travel to Norway.

5. Where to Stay When Traveling Independently in Norway?

If you want to have ample time to explore Norway at night and seek hotels close to the city centers, then be sure to save these hotels!

♦ Grand Hotel Oslo: This hotel boasts classical architecture, warm tones of wood, and sparkling golden lights. Despite being a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, the rates are surprisingly reasonable, starting from 2487 KR/night (approximately 243 USD).

♦ Citybox Oslo Hotel: Situated in the central area near Akershus Fortress and the opera house, this hotel offers full amenities with a touch of luxury. It's particularly notable for its mid-range prices, starting from 995 KR/night (about 98 USD).

♦ Thon Hotel Lofoten: Offering breathtaking views overlooking the harbor and surrounding mountains, this hotel provides top-notch 4-star services at a starting price of only 1617 KR/night (around 158 USD).

♦ P – Hotels Brattøra: This hotel is located next to Trondheim station, making it very convenient for you to travel toother destinations. Especially, the price at this hotel is relatively cheap, starting from 826 KR per night (about 81 USD).

6. What to Eat When Exploring Norway Independently?

Exploring Norway independently not only attracts tourists with its diverse and magnificent natural landscapes but also with its rich culinary scene. If you're not sure what dishes to try, consider these:

• Lutefisk (dried cod soaked in vinegar and chili).
• Rakfisk (fermented fish served with smoked meat, mustard).
• Farikal (mutton stew).
• Bacalao (dish consisting of cod, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, and onions).
• Svele (a common cake in coastal areas of Norway).
• Various types of cheese.

Insights for Enjoying a Trip to Norway

Essential Personal Items

Ensure you have all your personal essentials: toothbrush, face towel, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste. Forgetting even one item could lead to spending extra money to purchase it in Norway, where such items can be quite pricey. Also, consider bringing a versatile plug adapter for convenient use, as European appliances have different designs compared to those in Vietnam.

Currency Exchange Guidelines

Considerations for Currency Exchange

Understanding the Local Lifestyle

If you wish to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and make connections with locals, a simple handshake or a smile can go a long way. Norwegian people are known for their friendliness and sociability, allowing you to gain insights into their way of life through various activities.

Exploring the Beauty of Norway