Why Norway Is Exploding In Popularity Among Solo Travelers
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Solo travel is one of the top trends of the post-pandemic scene.
Now that border curbs have been lifted and the world has healed from the health crisis, everyone seems to have been bitten by the travel bug, making plans to go abroad even when they’re unaccompanied.
Not all countries are ideal for solo travelers, though, whether it’s safety issues affecting tourists or just poor infrastructure, so careful advance planning is advised. Fortunately for risk-averse explorers, some destinations are made to be braved alone.
One Nordic country, in particular, is enjoying a new peak of popularity right now, and as a lone wolf country-hopping around the world, you might want to join in on the ongoing travel frenzy… starting here:
The Mighty Norway
As Forbes has reported, ‘almost 20% of travelers have gone it alone’ this year, a number that has continued to increase year-on-year as travelers grow more independent and adventurous. Interestingly enough, the ‘Scandi’ nation of Norway is at the front of this trend, alongside Switzerland.
Since it reopened its borders in early 2022, after months of turning away foreign visitors as a result of overly strict pandemic rules, Norway has been experiencing a tourism boom, particularly among young solo travelers, due to its high levels of safety and mighty nature.
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It is the main entry point into the Nordic region of Europe for many travelers, and being one of cleanest, cleanest countries on the planet, it is no surprise it ranks atop the bucket lists of many nature seekers looking to distance themselves from their fast-paced American life for a few days.
What Makes Norway Great?
Gorgeous Nature
Home to a unique geography, comprising elongated, winding fjords, vast swathes of boreal forests populated by an abundance of pine and fir and all sorts of creatures belonging to the Northernmost reaches of the globe, and a dramatic, rugged coast, it is nothing short of captivating.
The fjords are some of Norway’s top-rated attractions, being attributed to the Viking explorations of the early Middle Ages and making for some of the country’s most stunning natural offers, with Geirangerfjord being a prime example of that.
An azure inlet running for 15 km and bounded by snow-capped peaks, it is a symbol of Norway and its powerful nature, which also comprises impressive mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and a dramatic rugged coast extending towards the Arctic Circle.
Norway Is Accessible
Though natural attractions are quite far apart, there are trains, road links, flight routes, and ferry services linking all of Norway’s main points of interest, making it an incredibly accessible country for solo travelers who will be exploring the Scandinavian heartland without assistance from tour operators.
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, as most solo backpackers tend to be, then you’ll love it here.
Norway has a wide array of options for nature seekers: hiking activities, kayaking, cycling routes, forest trails, and so much more, and due to the great public transportation and country-wide infrastructure, it’s unlikely you’ll have a hard time ticking off all those items on your bucket list.
Irrespective of where you’re basing yourself, be it the lively capital city of Oslo, or smaller cities on the Western Norwegian coast, such as Bergen or Stavanger, you’re never far from an unspoiled nature reserve, a fjord, or majestic hilltops to reach, commanding sweeping panoramas of the picturesque landscape.
One Of The Safest Countries In The World
It is one of only — countries in Europe to feature on the U.S. State Department’s list of ‘Level 1’ destinations. In simpler terms, Norway is as safe as can be, with very low, if not negligible rates of crime, even in larger urban centers like the capital of Oslo.
In Scandinavia, a collective of three nations (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), which at times may also include Finland, Norway has the lowest incidence of deadly violence out of the bunch, as well as a decreasing rate of criminal offenses in general, surpassing that of numerous European countries, and certainly the crime-ridden U.S.
Traveling Norway, solo adventurers usually have no concerns regarding their own personal safety, or the safety of their belongings.
While they are still strongly discouraged from letting their guards down – you wouldn’t want to leave your bags unattended in a busy railway station anywhere in the world – the chances of having any items stolen, or being a victim of petty crime, are remarkably low.
Cultural Wealth
Finally, there is Norway’s unmatched cultural heritage, from well-preserved Viking ships housed in award-winning museums to 12th-century wooden churches.
The landmark Borgund Stave Church, in the Vestland county of Norway, houses the country’s last surviving stave free-standing bell tower.
North of the Arctic Circle, visitors can marvel at the landmark Northern Lights Cathedral, which glistens white against the boreal backdrop of the quaint town of Alta, and Tromso’s equally fascinating Arctic Cathedral.
This Scandinavian gem is one of your best bets for an epic adventure this summer, especially if you’ve never taken a solo trip yourself, and lucky for you, these new nonstop Transatlantic routes that are just launching will help you get there in no time.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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