Scandinavia had long been a forbidden land for people like me—those without the money or ease to embark on such an expensive trip. Yet, I still remember the awe I felt watching my location on Google Maps, realizing how far I was from home.

Even now, Norway lingers in my memory as a mystical experience my mind is still processing. It was during a business trip that I first encountered the land of the Vikings—and irreversibly fell in love with it.

The first things that gave me cultural shock were the pristine surroundings and the advanced public transportation infrastructure. Upon reaching Gardermoen Airport, it took only about 20 minutes to arrive at Oslo Central Station by train.

Despite being a capital, Oslo feels more like a provincial city. There are no large crowds, and in the evenings, the streets empty quickly. Noise pollution is almost nonexistent, as most vehicles are battery-powered. The air feels extraordinarily clean and refreshing, and you can drink tap water freely—Norway consistently ranks among the countries with the cleanest tap water in the world.

Norwegians love outdoor sports, have a refined sense of humor, and are passionate about saunas. That said, I genuinely believe they are lucky—fortunate to live among such stunningly clean surroundings, breathtaking woods, crystal waters, and rugged landscapes.

Sadly, eating out can be quite painful for the wallet, as Norway is notoriously expensive. I still remember the sting of paying 200 NOK for a beef burger and a small handful of pommes frites.

My first encounter with the Norwegian fjords was in Trondheim, 400 km northwest of Oslo and Norway’s third-largest city. Founded in 997, it served as Norway’s capital from the Viking Age until 1217. Trondheim is also home to Europe’s northernmost Gothic cathedral, Nidaros, built on the tomb of St. Olav—the Viking king who brought Christianity to Norway.

There, one also encounters Norway’s iconic colorful wooden architecture, tranquil waterways, and spectacular cliffs. My colleagues joked that after visiting Trondheim, we could die in peace.

To this day, I consider myself lucky to have witnessed the beauty of Norway. Sadly, climate change doesn’t spare even this land, but its people seem more aware than most of the natural treasure they are entrusted to protect.

Takk, Norge!