Travel guide Süd-Norwegen
The Climate You Can Expect in Northern Europe
The climate in Norway is divided into two zones. The east experiences different weather conditions than the west of the country. This division is caused by the Scandinavian Mountains, which deflect air masses in different directions. West of the mountains, a humid climate prevails throughout the year with mild and moist weather. East of the mountains, the weather is drier. Summers are relatively warm and winters quite cold. Overall, there are more sunny hours here than in the western part of the country, with only about 10 rainy days per month. In the western region, you can expect up to 22 rainy days per month. Consider these differences when planning your holiday in a Norwegian holiday home. Pack rain protection and sunscreen if you have decided on a
hiking holiday. In winter, you can enjoy wonderful skiing in
Norway and the romance of snow-covered forests.
Explore the Most Beautiful Attractions
Southern Norway impresses with its fantastic landscape. The rocky coast with its countless skerries is ideal for exploration by boat. Along the coast, you will find idyllic small villages with their typical wooden houses. The impressive lighthouses, many of which still serve as maritime signals, are landmarks. Visit the Litsa Lighthouse in Farsund, the Lindesnes Lighthouse, or the Saltholmen Lighthouse in Lillesand. In some of these towers, you can even stay overnight - a fantastic idea for pure romantics. The Akershus Fortress on the Oslofjord probably dates back to the 13th century or even older. Today, the castle grounds feature old fortifications, a Renaissance castle, and many other historical buildings worth visiting. The royal mausoleum with a crypt is located in the south wing of the castle, where Norwegian kings have been buried since the 20th century. On a trip to Ålesund, you enter the area where the fjords shape Norway. The city has a wonderful center with Art Nouveau buildings, museums, and churches. The city mountain Aksla is crowned by a monument to the writer Kristofer Randers. From here, you have a wonderful view of Ålesund and the sea.
Art and Culture with Tradition
From your holiday home in Southern Norway, explore the local culture and admire modern and historical art up close. The most famous painter is Edward Munch, considered a pioneer of Expressionism. Many of his works are on display at the Munch Museum in Oslo. Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian poet and playwright. His dramas are staged as theater plays and have been partly filmed. Visit one of the theaters in Oslo, Bergen, or Stavanger to experience the plays in their original language. Culturally, the historic stave churches in the Dragon style are interesting, which can be admired, for example, at the Sunnmøre Museum in Ålesund. A very special event is the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, where many dedicated personalities meet. There is always a reason to celebrate. Festivals with music and great hospitality for guests are held regularly. Perhaps during your holiday in Southern Norway, you can experience the Laksefestivalen in Flekkefjord, the Punkt Electronic Music Festival, or the Canal Street Festival in Arendal.
Norwegian Food and Drink
Norwegian cuisine is shaped by peasant traditions and fishing. Mainly fish and dairy products were consumed, supplemented by whale meat and grains. Grain cultivation was only possible to a limited extent in Southern Norway with oats and barley. Salmon and herring played a major role in fish consumption as they were available in large quantities. To preserve these products for a long time, they were pickled, dried, or smoked using special methods. Today, Norwegian cuisine offers a wide variety that is influenced by international ideas. In restaurants in the city and countryside, enjoy a rich selection of lovingly prepared dishes. If you want to cater for yourself at home, perhaps a fishing holiday is a good idea. Take a boat through the
fjord and see what the sea has to offer. If you catch too much, you can take the fish home well-chilled and thus enjoy the beautiful time in the north for a long time.
Enjoying Unique Nature with the Family
Rent a beautiful private holiday home for the whole family to relax comfortably. From the house, start your tours and find an idyllic retreat in the evening. For families, it is often very economical to cater for themselves. If desired, book the holiday home for a larger group with friends or relatives. Then you can take turns babysitting, and the parents can also have some free time to go out in the evening. On your hikes inland, you often pass beautiful lakes and can explore the wonderful surroundings with many rare animals and plants. For a change, visit a zoo, such as Elgtun in Landeskogen. Here, you can get up close to the giant moose and watch them being fed. For railway enthusiasts, a ride on the draisine on the Flekkefjordbanen or with the museum railway in Vennesla is interesting. If the holiday home is by a lake, you should rent a boat. Children are always excited for a tour on the water.
Highlights for Your Norway Vacation
The Hanseatic quarter Bryggen in Bergen is one of Norway's most significant attractions. Here, about 60 wooden buildings stand, which were almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1955 and later rebuilt true to the original. The district has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. At the Hanseatic Museum in the Handelshof Finnegården, learn interesting facts about the life and work of Hanseatic merchants. For a beautiful holiday
by the sea and pure romance, it's best to book an affordable private apartment in one of the coastal towns. In
Vest-Agder, this could be in Kristiansand, Mandal, or Farsund. In the administrative district
Aust-Agder, Lillesand, Grimstad, or Kilsund are popular holiday destinations. By the fjord, it is especially beautiful to view the mountains from the water. With a boat, you can travel deep into the interior and, with some luck, have a clear view of the high peaks and glaciers. Bring a fishing rod if you enjoy fishing. The abundance of fish along this coast is legendary.