Lord Jim of Dilling - Diplomat Magazine

D I P L O M A T I C T R AV E L Q A s p e c i a l f e a t u r eNorway: Powered byNatureBy Tor Berntin NaessAmbassador of NorwayPopulous Norwegian cities,such as the capital ofOslo and the Hanseaticcity of Bergen, enjoy amodern, cosmopolitan andculturally-rich way of life.Norway has, however, a very long andrugged coast where you can find oldtraditions and a unique coastal culture,still kept very much alive. People livealong almost the entire length of theNorwegian coast, which is punctuatedby long beaches, bustling coastal towns,world-famous fjords, thriving fishingvillages and restored fishermen’s shacks.The islands along the coast are inhabitedand full of natural splendour, bird coloniesand local culture.The Norwegian summer is at itsbest along the south coast. Here youcan lie out on a rock with a good bookand soak up the sun. The west coast isthe place to enjoy your favourite waterbasedactivities. Deep-sea rafting getsthe adrenalin pumping and sea fishingprovides relaxation and excitement atthe same time. Up in the north, you canvisit small fishing villages that are stillgoing strong. Eagle and whale safarisbring you closer to the local wildlife. Inthe winter, adrenalin junkies can evenswim with killer whales. Many of theshacks where the fishermen lived duringthe fishing season in times gone by havebeen restored and converted into unusualaccommodation called Fishermen’sCabins. Along the coast, you will alsofind lighthouses which have graduallybeen decommissioned and instead nowoffer accommodation at the mouth ofthe fjords.World Famous FjordsNorway has the highest concentrationG e i r a n g e r fj o r d : A s p e c ta c u l a r s i t e o n U N E S C O ’ sw o r l d h e r i ta g e l i s t.Innovation Norway48 SPRING 09 | APR–JUN