Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to travel around. With its stunning fjords and breathtaking views, Norway is an undoubtedly popular place to visit. This Scandinavian country is not only the home of natural wonders; it is swamped in fascinating history and culture.
Now that we’ve persuaded you to visit this mesmerizing corner of the earth, let’s find out the best way to travel in Norway.
Norway is one of the top ten wealthiest countries globally and has a highly advanced industrial sector. The people of Norway are known for their forward-thinking, innovative skillset, and the country has since become a beacon of green technology.
What is a Smart City?
This unofficial term, when put simply, means the city collects data through the use of electronic sensors. This gives an insight into how citizens are using certain resources and services, which helps to improve decision-making in the city about the lifestyle and environment.
The cities of Oslo and Bergen are essentially ‘smart cities’ which use smart transportation. Oslo has a population of around 1 million citizens. Therefore lowering emissions is bound to have a positive effect on its inhabitants.
Bergen and its surroundings, with a population of around half a million, has approximately ten mobility hubs. A mobility hub is a reserved parking area for cars, scooters, and bikes, etc., that is located close to public transport.
The idea is to persuade citizens to use other means of transport to lower emissions, support active travel and reduce congestion.
What is Smart Transportation?
Smart transportation in Norway enables inhabitants to travel quickly and efficiently through the use of low emission vehicles. This is not only helpful to the environment, but it also connects communities and promotes healthy, active lifestyles.
Ruter is the leading transport operator in Oslo, providing the public with buses, trams, and train services. It aims to be emission-free by 2028 and is already operating using renewable energy alone.
Getting around in Norway is easy considering you have such a wide choice of transport to choose from. Read on to find out more about the different ways you can travel.
Smart Transportation Tips when Traveling in Norway
Rent an Electric Bike
Riding across hilly terrain on an electric bike is one of the best ways to get around Norway. Different from a traditional bike, this bicycle of the future does most of the work for you, so you can really take in the scenic views of lush woodland and blue skies.
Sales and rentals of the electric bike have soared recently in the race to slow down climate change. In recent years, Norway has heavily invested in eco-friendly travel methods, such as creating numerous bicycle routes.
The Atlantic Ocean Road, or Atlantic Road, is one of the most famous cycle routes in the world. With its endless twisting trail and choppy sea views, traveling down the Atlantic Road is a truly unforgettable experience.
At 80km long, this cycling route is steady and without a steep incline. It was initially proposed as a railway line in the early 20th century, so you can imagine how long the road stretches.
Atlantic Road consists of 8 bridges with four resting viewpoints and takes between 2-3 hours to cross. It is often used in car commercials- thanks to its eerie surroundings and inspiring sunsets.
Electric Cars
Norway has taken the world by storm with its electric vehicle sales. Over half of the population now uses electric cars, and this is expected to increase even more by 2025.
Driving in Norway is safe, tourist-friendly and traffic is rare. The country offers some of the most picturesque driving routes, so it is worthwhile hiring a car to enjoy the natural wonders it has to offer.
The Hardangervidder route is a 7-hour road trip between Oslo and Bergen. This journey will take you along the Hardangerfjord and past some of Norway’s largest waterfalls. The Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau with National Park status and is the largest eroded plain in Europe.
Getting around Norway isn’t difficult if you rent an electric car. Most car rental companies offer this service, and with over 16,000 charging stations dotted around the country, there is no need to worry about running out of battery.
The car rental company, named eMobility, provides tourists with a quirky, two-seater, complete with an open cabin. This unusual-looking but popular e-vehicle is a great way to explore the vast countryside. Due to its compact size, this particular model can get to places where buses and big cars cannot.
The electric car makes for an enjoyably safe, silent drive around the winding mountainous roads and is undoubtedly one of the best ways to travel around Norway.
Travel by Sea on an Electric Ferry
Explore the fjords in style by taking a trip on one of the many electric or hybrid-powered ferries and ships. Earlier this year, the world’s first electric ferry launched in Norway.
The Bastø Electric set sail across the Oslo Fjord between Horten and Moss, for the first time in March 2021 and is one of three battery-powered ferries that are in line to make the same mark in history. We mentioned this ferry crossing in our video about Autopass for ferries and other travel guides about Norway.
Further north, you can hop aboard the Brim Explorer, a vessel that runs using hybrid energy. Explore the quaint fishing villages, and if you’re lucky enough, you may encounter a few whales along the way.
Running purely on battery makes for a quiet and relaxing journey along the picturesque Norwegian waters. You can enjoy the authentic sounds of nature without the hindrance of a noisy, churning engine.
Traveling by Bus, Tram or Railway
Ruter is the leading public transportation service in Oslo. If you want to spend your days soaking up every single sight, using public transport is the best way to travel around Norway.
There are plenty of buses, trains, and trams that frequently run throughout the day and are simple to use. Ticket prices can be high, but a discount is available for those who buy through the Ruterbillet app. Hefty fines are given to those found without a ticket, so don’t let that happen to you!
An outstanding train ride that should be taken advantage of is the Bergen Line. This 496-kilometer-long railway line carries passengers from Bergen to Oslo. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic train journeys in the world, speeding past snow-capped mountains and fabulous fjords.
The mountainous terrain is home to various wild animals such as snow owls, bears, and foxes. These mysterious creatures can be seen in the plain daylight if you look closely. It is so lovely to see them enjoying life in their natural, untouched habitat.
Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry
Having sailed the Norwegian coastline for over 125 years, the Hurtigruten takes passengers on a wonderful voyage of history, culture, and pure nature. This historic vessel sails up and down the coast season after season.
Setting sail in the quaint town of Bergen, the Hurtigruten travels north, stopping by 34 ports until it reaches the town of Kirkenes. Excursions are available all year round and are a memorable experience whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or as a family.
Hurtigruten ferries share similarities with the typical cruise ship. Amenities such as fitness rooms, hot tubs, and outdoor decking areas heighten the Hurtigruten experience.
Take a Walk
Technically, walking is not a form of smart transportation, but it is free and eco-friendly. With its mountainous landscape and endless twisting roads, Norway is one of the best countries to explore on foot.
Hiking excursions and activities based around nature are aplenty here. With 47 national parks, there is no excuse to not throw your hiking boots on and see the raw beauty for yourself.
Mountains aren’t the only place to take a hike. Why not have a guided tour of a glacier or take a stroll along the rocky coast. This country is appealing to both amateur and professional hikers, and there are activities for both adults and children.
Good quality walking/hiking boots are recommended if you are planning a hike. The weather conditions in Norway can be quite wet and slippery at times, so you will need a boot with a good grip.
Husadelan Valley provides hiking enthusiasts with a 3-hour walk through gravelly terrain and past four of Norway’s magical waterfalls. This trail can be challenging in areas and is not recommended for physically unfit individuals.
The walk involves traveling uphill for part of the journey and in some instances, climbing through or over boulders is necessary. However, both adults and children are safe to enjoy this activity as the experience is simply unmatched.
We hope this article helps, whether you are just thinking about traveling around Norway or you have already purchased your plane tickets. Getting around Norway is not difficult, and there are several different types of transport to choose from, all of which have the most wonderful sights to offer.
