Norway conclusion and why we have a mixed relationship with this country

Ronny: For me, Norway is a breathtaking, diverse, and fascinating country in terms of landscape. It is an El Dorado for nature lovers and hikers. There are numerous sights as well as cultural and historical places. Unfortunately, aggressive money-making is associated with this. This negatively affects the enjoyment of the visit. I feel that in Norway, you are truly seen as a paying tourist rather than a welcomed guest. Many sights that were described as historically valuable have disappointed me because they couldn't come close to fulfilling the expectations that were advertised so boldly. 

The Norwegians themselves are friendly and helpful. Norway presents itself as a modern country. However, despite the many electric cars, environmental awareness is not implemented. For example, bakery goods, vegetables, and fruits are all individually packaged in plastic. There are no alternatives. There are hardly any organic products or climate-neutral production. 

In the cities, diesel buses thunder past every minute. 

Would I travel to Norway again? Yes, but only with a focus on the landscape. 

Ela: Norway, the most beautiful country we have visited so far. Incredibly beautiful nature. Behind every curve, a different fascinating picture presents itself. Mountains, rivers, hundreds of waterfalls. Snow, sun, lush greenery, the infinity of the fjords. An El Dorado for winter sports enthusiasts, hikers, or bikers. Surprisingly, we saw fewer sailors or surfers. 

The Norwegians are very reserved but not dismissive. They are incredibly lovely and friendly. 

In the tourist centers, there are many cafes and restaurants. However, these are actually only visited by tourists. 

You hardly see Norwegians themselves in restaurants or cafes. Families are the only ones you find at the beaches or bathing spots. It is a very secluded community. 

However, tourists are also in the majority. Convoys of motorhomes torture the roads. They even find their way to the most remote mountain corners. There are plenty of campsites, but they are more of a functional accommodation for tourists, costing a lot of money, rather than a place of relaxation. Toilets and showers are often two or three for hundreds of guests. A washing machine, if it works, and nothing else. Heading north, the location usually scores points along rivers or fjords. Therefore, I found Norway incredibly exhausting. Hours of driving, searching for a parking spot, and often paying a lot of money. Free camping is allowed but almost impossible. If so, it is on parking lots in urban areas or in roadside parking bays. In front of us, the view of the fjord, and behind us, the cars and motorcycles thunder by. 

I also found the money rip-off cheeky. Every small spot was marketed as historical. And if it was just a meadow where a building stood a thousand years ago. Admission was demanded everywhere, and not just a small amount. Children had reduced prices, sometimes students or retirees too. There were no discounts for people with disabilities. Even if you had paid the entrance fee, you had to pay extra for things like the toilet per person. 

Would I go back to Norway? Yes, but it wouldn't necessarily be one of my preferred travel destinations.