Travel To Norway: Decoding A Trendy Destination
According to Getaround, the leading car-sharing platform in Europe, Norway is an increasingly popular destination for French tourists seeking nature and adventure. However, the enthusiasm of foreign visitors for this Nordic country is not solely explained by its magnificent landscapes and northern lights. We invite you to discover the land of fjords and the reasons for its success.
The allure of the northern lights
As the first car-sharing platform in Europe, Getaround observed the attractiveness of Norway to French tourists during the summer of 2024. During this period, 27% of bookings made by foreigners on this platform in the land of fjords were by French tourists, a figure that increased by 45% compared to the same period in 2023.
This rise in tourist activity is explained by the fact that the year 2024 was ideal for observing the Northern Lights in the Nordic countries. Indeed, the Sun experiences activity cycles of about 11 years, during which its magnetic activity fluctuates. The increase in our star's activity leads to more solar eruptions and intensifies the Northern Lights visible in regions near the poles.
The craze for cool vacations
The enthusiasm of French tourists for Norway during the summer season is also explained by the desire to escape the heatwave and enjoy a cool vacation. This new trend in the tourism sector even has a name: coolcation, a word derived from the contraction of the English cool vacation.
When southern Europe is suffocating under summer heatwaves, Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden maintain mild temperatures. According to local tourism offices, these Nordic destinations are also "cooler" because they are less crowded than Mediterranean beaches.
By choosing the Norwegian fjords over the Cyclades or the beaches of the Spanish coast, it is possible to escape both overtourism and the scorching heat! In summary: to quietly enjoy magnificent natural landscapes, engage in hiking and outdoor sports, or simply be amazed.
More and more travelers have realized the benefits of heading to northern Europe in the summer, as Norway recorded a 22% increase in foreign overnight stays in 2023 and a record number of bookings in August.
Stays for all tastes
In detail, here are the most popular destinations for French tourists in Norway according to statistics from the Getaround platform:
• The north of the country with the city of Tromsø, nicknamed "the Paris of the North," the Lofoten Islands, and the county of Nordland.
• The city of Bergen, the second largest city in the country and an ideal destination for exploring the west coast and its majestic fjords.
• Oslo, the capital, a must-visit for its museums, green spaces, and cool atmosphere.
This ranking reveals the most attractive tourist sites in the country. Besides the capital, French tourists are eager to explore the breathtaking landscapes of this Nordic country. They particularly choose destinations that allow them to discover the Norwegian fjords. Many cruise ships pass through Bergen and offer views of the fjords that carve the west coast.
For the more adventurous, the Lofoten archipelago offers an even more northern experience. It is located north of the Arctic Circle and features spectacular landscapes. In summer, one can admire the midnight sun that doesn't set for several weeks.
With its cool climate, northern lights, and impressive landscapes, Norway is a particularly refreshing destination in summer. It is also a true natural gem preserved from the ravages of overtourism... but perhaps not for long!
