by Louisa Dembul

Created on: December 21, 2011   Last Updated: February 05, 2012

One of the most beautiful parts of the world is Norway. This long, narrow country with an enormous stretch of coast, full of mountains, forests and fjords, is incredible. Many people travel to Norway to have a look at the fjords. These are very deep, narrow inlets of the sea, thought to have been formed when the glaciers retreated. On three sides they are closed in, often by mountains, with an opening toward the sea. If it is not in this shape, it is not called a fjord.

The fjords are found in every part of Norway, although the majority of the fjords are located on the west coast.  Here you will find the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several tour operators which arrange fjord cruises or combined holiday packages. Since the fjords are so deep, the ships can go far inside. One of the most famous cruise companies is the Hurtigruten, which travels a large part of the coast.

Since the Norwegian climate is hard, with very cold winters, many people prefer to visit in the warmer months. The best time is thought to be June and July, when the weather is usually nice and the days are long. In the north, there are 24 hours of sunshine every day during this period, the so-called midnight sun. Since Norway is full of nature, this is also the time when all the flowers and trees are blossoming, the country is truly beautiful in the summer.

Many people also choose to visit Norway in September, after the main tourist season has finished, or in May before it starts. The weather is still fairly good, and it is not too dark. Watching nature preparing itself for winter, with all the trees seemingly on fire, is a spectacle in itself. The same goes for spring, when Norway witnesses a true rebirth. Seeing it all in a fjord setting makes it an experience you will not quickly forget.

On the other hand, in December and January, the weather is cold and the days very short. In the southern parts there is not total darkness, as in the north,  but the sun will not rise much more than 6-7 hours a day. If it is a beautiful day, with clear sky and sunshine, you can still enjoy the views, if well dressed. To avoid the tourist season, but still have fairly good weather, October is an option. A lot of other sites and attractions will be closed, but the fjords are always there.

While the fjords can be seen and appreciated all year around, most people prefer going to Norway when the weather is milder. If you are not taking a cruise, but rather driving, this is probably a good idea. The roads can be dangerous in the winter, and some even close because of ice and snow. During the summer months, June to August, you will also find most special offers and arrangements on the cruise ships.

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