Norway as a Tourist Destination

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I appreciate being here with you today.

Your beautiful country with its vibrant colours, smells, sounds, culture and people fascinates me. From majestic mountains in the north, to the beautiful beaches of Goa, India offers a multitude of opportunities, adventures and experiences to travellers from all over the world. The Crown Princess has been here before, as a tourist 11 years ago. For me it is the first time, but I already realize I would like to come back sometime to explore much more of this magic country as a tourist.

Norway too is a country with a lot to offer: unspoilt nature, stunning landscapes and cultural diversity that is expressed through various forms of music, literature and visual arts.

In Norway you can experience the natural wonders of the fjords along the west coast, snow-specked mountains, glaciers, beautiful landscapes and an extraordinary coastline with islands, narrow sounds and teeming wildlife. The peace and harmony that can be felt in these undisturbed natural surroundings provides a welcome break from the pressures of daily, hectic life, and gives renewed energy. In Norway we actually still have something as exotic as total silence.

However, Norway is not just nature and scenery. Norway is a nation with a cultural heritage and history that dates back thousands of years. Norway is the land of the Vikings, of the playwrite Henrik Ibsen, the composer Edvard Grieg and the painter Edvard Munch. It is also a country with a great maritime and industrial history that has brought our nation prosperity and welfare.

The journey by boat up the coast of Northern Norway is a beautiful and relaxing one. There are fishing villages, quays, warehouses, nesting houses for eider ducks, agricultural landscapes, lighthouses and beacons all along the way.

The west coast is another favourite destination of mine. The 17-kilometre-long Nærøyfjord is one of the most spectacular fjords in the world. It seems very narrow, flanked as it is with majestic mountains that rise steeply from the water. Taking the train along the Flåm railway line is an unforgettable journey. It is one of the steepest railways in the world and passes through a dramatic landscape of rivers, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and tiny farms clinging to steep slopes.

Maybe the best of all things is the fantastic skiing opportunities. At least if you ask me.

This is a picture from a skiing holiday with some friends in Lyngsalpene in Northern Norway. You can ski from 1200 meter straight down to the sea. From hard packed snow at the top, powder in the middle and spring snow as you get closer to the water. There are no lifts in this area though, so you have to walk up.

This seminar today is a great opportunity to present what Norway has to offer Indian tourists. I hope you will enjoy it very much.

Thank you for your attention. And welcome to Norway!