Some people love travelling alone, while others have never tried it before. Some might even think that it sounds a bit scary. However, Mette Solberg Fjeldheim believes there is no reason to be scared. Are you up for the challenge?
Solo travels in Norway
Be free to do whatever you please
Travel alone!
That way, you're the boss…
... and it's easy to make new friends along the way.
“I truly believe that it's something for everyone. Sometimes, you need to take a break and do something for yourself.”
Mette Solberg Fjeldheim
Freelance journalist and travel writer
Fjeldheim has travelled a lot on her own in both Norway and abroad thanks to her career as a travel journalist and blogger for her popular travel blog Reiselykke. She also sometimes travels solo in her free time.
"One summer, I took a trip to Odda to hike to Trolltunga. It was a trip I had wanted to take for a long time, but I didn’t have anyone to travel with. So, I went alone. It was a great experience! The weather was beautiful and I had the mountains all to myself that weekend," she says.
Although she mostly travels together with her family when she goes on holiday, she has had many positive experiences when travelling alone.
"The biggest advantage of travelling alone is that you are the boss," says Fjeldheim.
She also points out that when you go solo you can see, do, and experience whatever you wish – without having to take other people's opinions into account.
Many people may be hesitant about doing certain things alone, such as dining in a restaurant, if they have never tried it before.
"Bring along something to read. A good book is always good company! You often get a little extra attention from servers who like to chat if they have the time, which is nice," says Solberg Fjeldheim, providing a solo travel tip.
In addition, you always have your phone, if you want to fidget with something. But one of the joys of travelling alone is perhaps to lift your gaze and get to know others and the things around you a bit better.
"Travelling alone can be a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. I think that does us all a great deal of good," she points out.
Mette's top five tips for travelling solo in Norway:
1. Plan a short trip. It's a nice and easy start when you want to try travelling alone.
2. Plan well and sign up for some guided tours or group activities.
3. Bring along a book or some reading material. There's good company in a good book.
4. Order accommodation in advance and arrive before dark. It's more welcoming that way.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help or to approach others.
Some people travel solo because they want to spend some time alone, while others travel to meet people and socialise.
She has some good tips for how to do the latter. "Even though you are travelling alone, it doesn't mean you need to be lonely when you're travelling. There are a lot of good opportunities out there to sign up for guided tours or take part in group trips and experiences. You can meet other people that way, whether it's a day trip or an entire holiday where everything is organised from start to finish."
One place she particularly recommends is Svalbard, where she has enjoyed lots of activities together with others.
"I drove a snowmobile and rode a dog sled, took a guided glacier tour, and went on a northern lights safari – all with different groups of people I didn't know from before. It was really easy to start chatting with people on Svalbard. There was an informal and friendly atmosphere throughout my stay," she says.
Norway is a safe and friendly country in which to travel. However, you do need to respect the forces of nature when you're exploring the outdoors.
"If you're travelling alone, it's a good idea to tell someone where you're going, especially if you are going for a hike in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and it can suddenly become foggy and cold. It's a good idea to learn and always abide by the mountain safety rules," Solheim points out.
There are also lots of possibilities for those who prefer more urban surroundings.
"You can just as easily sign up for a guided tour in the cities or at museums, for example."
Where to meet new people
If you like meeting new people, another tip is to stay at a lodge or hostel, or visit a Norwegian Trekking Association cabin. Here, visitors naturally gather around big tables and often cook together in the kitchen.
Fjeldheim points out that it's easy to get to know Norwegians. Although Norwegians are a somewhat reserved people by nature, most are happy to give travellers tips and advice. Once the ice has been broken, you can make a very good friend.
By the way, did you know that the Norwegian mountains are one of the hottest places for singles to meet in Norway? Put on a green hat the next time you go for a hike (take note: a green hat shows that you're single) and see if you meet someone special!
A safe place for solo travellers
Flashpack.com, which focuses on solo travel around the world, has called Norway a dream destination for first-time solo travellers:
Norway is one of the safest places in the world in which to travel. The country’s crime rates are extremely low.
Norway is an open and welcoming place for all visitors, from women travelling alone to LGBTQ+ travellers.
The country has an efficient transport system,with regular train, bus and ferry services connecting even the most remote destinations.
Norwegians enjoy the outdoors in all seasons, whether hiking in the mountains in summer, or skiing on snow-covered slopes in winter.
Tip: the further away you are from a city, the more quickly Norwegians start talking to you!
Source: Flashpack.com
Mette's top solo travel destinations in Norway:
For adventure lovers!
Do you dream of climbing iconic mountaintops? Or surfing at one of the world's best beaches, freediving, or doing yoga? There are so many possibilities!
The Jærstrendene beaches by Stavanger and the beautiful sand beaches on Karmøy near Haugesund provide great opportunities to learn kiting, surfing, or bouldering, for example. A good local tip is Raw Ocean Lodge, which has everything from accommodation to yoga, bouldering, and guided SUP tours to free diving and surfing.
Head to Åkrafjorden's Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen, one of the best via ferratas in Norway. At nearby Trolljuv Bungee, you can bungee jump between steep mountain cliffs.
Hardanger offers lots of adventure, including RIB trips on the fjord and Via Ferrata climbing up iconic Trolltunga. In the summer, visit the Folgefonna glacier, where you can try downhill skiing or take a guided glacier walk.
Voss, about an hour and a half from Bergen, is known as Norway's extreme sport village. Here, there are lots of activities to get your blood pumping, including parachuting, paragliding, and rafting.
In Northern Norway, Lofoten has much to offer. Go fishing, sign up for an organised kayaking trip, or take a high-speed ride on a RIB boat. But Northern Norway is so much more than just Lofoten. I would personally like to get to know Finnmark and the Helgelandskysten coast better.
For those seeking a calm retreat
Sometimes you need to recharge in silence, completely alone. How about staying in a special retreat? Or maybe indulging yourself with a little wellness?
Sleep comfortably in exciting surroundings close to nature! There has been a huge increase in exciting new types of accommodation in recent years, including everything from seaside lighthouses to treetop cabins and glamping options.
Are you on a tight budget? It's safe and easy to pitch a tent most places covered by the right to roam. If you want an extra sense of security, not to mention hot water and social contact, Norwegian campsites offer spaces to pitch your tent at reasonable rates.
For a little luxury, head to Engø Gård in Telemark, which offers beautiful surroundings, delicious food and an inviting pool area. Historic Dalen Hotel will also give you a memorable experience. Here, you can visit the nearby Vest-Telemark Museum and Eidsborg stave church or take a cruise on the Telemarkskanalen channel.
Norway is also home to many spa hotels. If you are near Bergen or Oslo, it's easy to catch the train to Geilo, for example, and check in to the Vestlia Resort. Geilo is a mountain village full of stunning scenery and luxurious resorts. It's the ideal place to spoil yourself with a spa treatment and an excellent meal (try Smakeriet Geilo or Hallingstuene).
Enjoy Norway
Where do you want to travel next? Get inspired here!
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