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I was traveling for a whole day to reach my final destination Floro in Norway. And this was just the beginning of exploring the culture of the Vikings living in Norway!
My route: Sofia ( Bulgaria) – Vienna ( Austria) – Oslo ( Norway) – Bergen (Norway) – Floro (Norway).
I reached Floro from Bergen by boat. And this was so cool because I could see some of the very popular and beautiful Fjords in Norway. They are really nice, it’s true! When possible try to travel by boat while in Norway because these Norwegian Fjords are quite beautiful and impressive.
Floro. Beautiful small town on the North Sea. Traveling to Floro can be organized with a flight from Oslo or Bergen. Another option is to get a boat to Floro. If you are in a hurry, you can take the fast boat. If you want to spend some more hours in the water, take the touristic boat. Taking some of the touristic tours will mean deeper exploration of many Fjords and amazing breathtaking mountain views.
It is not a rumor that the standard it’s high compared with many other European countries. The prices of the hotels are almost one and the same no matter of how north or east you are in Norway and the lowest fares in a good hotel can vary from 120 EUR to even 200 EUR per night. In the summer they get higher because of the high season. The high season is April, May, June when it is expected the weather to be a little more friendly and with more sun. During this period many cruises are organized for people all over the world and Norway is really full of tourists. The white nights are also happening during these months and I really like them!
One of the charming things about Floro is that this town is really local town, no tourists and really calm even during the high season.
Everything in Norway is well priced. In the stores, in the restaurants. Norway it’s not on a budget destination. But of course, the quality of almost everything is good. The food is delicious. They have really warm clothes and accessories. Plenty of Christmas ornaments and the traditional trolls figures everywhere.
Good news: The drinking water is free in Norway! It is fresh and super cool! And clean! And you can drink from the tap with no worries! It’s even recommended!
How about the weather? Yes, it is cold. And the local people are a bit cold especially at the beginning of a new conversation. But if you spent some time with the Norwegians, some of them can be nice.
Floro! The town is not a touristic place and the local people are not used to see many foreigners around. In the stores, they don’t have many touristic magnets and stuff and it is hard to make a gift from here.
Recommended hotels in Floro: Comfort Hotel & Quality Hotel. I stayed in Comfort Hotel and I can say it was fine for me, the gym is outside the hotel but it is a big one, the breakfast is super, it is clean and the relaxing area is nice. It is close to the center, close to supermarkets, close to restaurants. Quality hotel is just 5 minutes from Comfort Hotel.
What to see and what to do in Floro? Floro has incredibly beautiful nature! The nightlife is not something you can come for. It is a really calm city. Of course, there are small and big restaurants with beautiful views of the North Sea, also there are some pubs where you can taste local beer. The food is extremely delicious and you can taste different fishes and seafood. Be prepared to spend about 20 to 45 EUR per dish or even more if you gonna eat in a restaurant. A glass of wine is about 10 EUR and the beer almost the same.
The harbor is something every town in Norway should have. In Floro, the harbor area is quite nice. Many boats are coming and going and they bring the vitality of the town.
There is a town football team and you can watch some of their games. I had the chance to be a part of one. It is a good way to experience the Vikings’ spirit! I don’t watch football but I did enjoy the football game in Floro. Next, to the stadium, there is a beautiful path in the forest and of course I had a walk there. The air is so fresh, the trees so big, the forest was really impressive and massive. Everything is so green! It gives me the sense of freedom.
There are so many lakes in the city and there are areas where you can sit around them and have a lunch with champagne. You can even have your dinner outside in nature. You know in the summer the sun doesn’t go down or it goes but really lately. So the too many light hours give you more time to be outside on the mountain or in the North Sea.
If you wanna go on a beach, that’s not a problem. There is a nice sandy area, a barbeque can be organized there. It is called Sørstrand Folkepark. It is close to the airport but hidden in nature. In a good weather you can get some ten here and even go in the water, locals said. But that’s more for the locals. I felt cold all the time being in Floro and the wind is cold. Around this sandy beach area, there are some historical monuments from the Second World War. These German Bunkers are many in this area and there are some more in the Forest Area of Floro as well. If you like history, this can be something to explore.
Hiking is a very popular activity and there are organized hikes for tourists but you can also rent a bike yourself. I got a bike from my hotel Comfort Hotel for free, so you better check your hotel options first. It is a really nice experience. You are passing mountains and North Sea views are just wonderful. The vast mountain area is called Flora district and offers good walking and hiking experience. On the south/ east side of Svanøy, there are many signposted footpaths and hiking paths. You better be in warm clothes!
I strongly recommend doing the Brandsøyåsen Hiking. This is the highest peak in the Flora mountain area. It is reachable from Floro town. I can say it was a little extreme to reach this top, it was rainy and even some snow but the sun came up when I was at the top and the view took my breath.
Norway is a really different experience from any other European countries. It is the touch of the nature that gives you the sense of the powerful energy around. It is once in a lifetime experience to explore the culture, The North Sea, The Ocean, The Fjords, the beautiful forest in Norway.
Floro is just the start of one Norwegian adventure. I spent almost a month in Norway, so I am really excited to share more of what I’ve learned from the Vikings. Stay with me on the road!
Kisses!
*All photos are author’s property and penalties will be imposed upon violation*
