The Top Five Most Interesting and Exciting Things to Do in Nordland, Norway

While looking at a map of Norway, you may squint a little and wonder at the small strip of land up there. The Nordland region in Norway may look small, but as many of you might know, there is always more to those tiny strips of land than meets the eye. Nordland has some beautiful arctic landscapes, interesting museums, and hospitable people that make Nordland a wonderful little land to take with you in memories and pictures. Don't pass up this great opportunity to make something very special out of your visit to Norway. The following is a list of the top five most interesting and exciting things to do in Nordland. Hopefully, it will guide you along the way to make your trip that much more special.

5) Whale Watching, Ofotfjord

Ofotfjord is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the whales as they make their stay there for the winter. From May to September you can enjoy Orca whales, Mink whales, and Sperm whales. Fortunately, whale watching has become such a big deal in Nordland, that there are now dedicated whale watching trails as well as ferries running to and from Lofoten Island.

4) Ferries, Kystriksveien

Ferries to Kystriksveien are great fun for the whole family. While ferries definitely are a mode of transportation, they are also great ways to take in the views from a distance. You can get to Helgeland using the ferry and to the Lofoten Islands. If you have never been close to the cold beauty of the North, there is definitely no better way to feel the sea air riding along in a boat that has incredible views of mountains and islands. There are seats to sit upon and rails to lean upon. It is a fun experience for people of all ages.

3) Ice Adventures, Magic Ice

The first ice gallery and bar ever, Magic Ice is a fun experience for everyone. Ice sculptures representing the coastal culture of the North were never so much fun. With music that sticks in your head, a variety of refreshments at the ice bar, and amazing ice sculptures lit by an array of colored lights, it is sure to be a one of a kind experience. It is educational in a fun way and definitely worth the effort.

2) Retreats, Lofoten Island

Lofoten Island is a place that you just have to visit. It contains a lot of the fun to be had in Nordland. Museums (including Magic Ice) are here as well as a historic fishing village. The Northern Lights are known to show forth their beautiful splendor right above the mountains and the sun that is known to show at midnight is a big deal for those who have not seen it. In fact, if you are into golfing there is a special golfing game that is known to happen during the midnight sun. There is skiing a-plenty here and Orca whale watching is also a very big deal around here. There are also tours available across the snow and winter brings darkness day and night. Lofoten Island is definitely a world away from the rest.

1) Museums, Norsk Luftfartsmuseum

The National Norwegian Aviation Museum is a great place to learn about the Norwegian's role in the skies. You can go on guided tours of the museum, explore it yourself, or even try one of the aviation simulators. There are many models of classic planes and famous ones as well. While the museum's main purpose is to explain the role of aviation in Normandy's life, it is a museum about the creation of aviation and how it has changed the whole world's life and those that reside in it. The great part of the museum is that it tells the story in an interesting way that makes you feel that you are a part of history. There is no better way to learn than to put yourself in the shoes of those in the past and present. It is a great experience for people of all ages.

Please remember when visiting any of these places to be respectful. Otherwise, have a terrific vacation.

Sources: www.virtualtourist.com, www.tripadvisor.com, www.tripadvisor.com, www.tripwolf.com, www.wikipedia.org, www.about.com, www.helgelands.info.no, www.magic-ice.no, www.lofoten-startside.no, and www.luftfartsmuseum.no.