One of them is Norway, where majestic fjords, impressive waterfalls, and a slow pace of life leave no one indifferent. In the conversation, E. Karimzhanova talks about what fascinated her about this Scandinavian country, which moments take travelers’ breath away, and why Norway deserves a place on everyone’s travel list.
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– Eglė, how did the idea to start organizing trips come about?
– I am one of those people who cannot imagine life without travel and new discoveries. I started organizing trips two years ago when one beautiful spring day I realized it was time to create: to create trips.
Before that, all my friends and relatives said that such an activity would suit me very well. Apparently, that idea and the belief and support of my loved ones pushed me towards where I am today. Thanks to the people who believed in me!
– Although you organize trips to many different countries, this time let’s talk about Norway. What fascinated you the most about this country?
– Hearing the word “Norway” makes you want to take a deep breath and feel that pure scent of fjords, fresh air, that beauty and tranquility.
It seems as if everything there is adapted for people, for their pleasant, comfortable stay in nature among mountains and rivers.
Norway fascinates with its natural simplicity, its adaptation to humans. It seems as if everything there is adapted for people, for their pleasant, comfortable stay in nature among mountains and rivers. Traveling around the country, you can see many picnic spots, people grilling sausages right by a waterfall or another place they like.
You can notice cars parked right next to a small forest, resting tourists who stay overnight in their cars in a beautiful spot near the forest or fjord.
– Many, when they hear the word “Norway,” first think of fjords. But what, in your opinion, remains unnoticed and surprises travelers the most when they go there?
– I was surprised by the calm, slow driving (I’m not talking about big cities). No one drives faster than allowed. It seems there’s no need to rush anywhere when such perfect views are outside the window, especially in the Bergen region: one waterfall chases another. So where would you rush? You need to count the waterfalls and enjoy them.
There you strongly feel the space, silence, and grandeur of nature – even a simple walk or a drive along the river becomes an experience.
– During many organized trips, you have probably seen many moments when people simply lose their breath. Which places or views usually cause that “wow” effect?
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– The biggest “wow” effect still happens when going out into nature, into silence, where a person meets inner peace with nature. Imagine standing under a waterfall, water splashing right in front of you. “Wow,” right?
Or imagine: you climb a mountain for about 5 hours, and at the top, seeing those amazing views and overcoming your inner demons, you feel such gratitude for life and fate that all you can say is “wow” once again.
– Norway is often considered an expensive country, so many people still hesitate to visit it. What would you say to those who think such a trip is not within their budget?
– You shouldn’t think, you should do. There is always a way. When traveling through Norway’s nature, accommodation is usually not in a 5-star hotel but in a tourist campsite or guesthouse, where prices are affordable for everyone, quite low. Eating in a café is more expensive than in Lithuania, but you can always find cheaper options or take care of food yourself, for example, grilling zucchini by a waterfall.
– Traveling around Norway, you have probably discovered places that are not yet overcrowded with tourists. Could you reveal a few of your favorites that you would like to return to again and again?
– Next summer, I will climb a glacier; there are no tourists there. I was very impressed by the Aurland fjord and the nature surrounding it – evenings with the sun setting behind mountain peaks, sheep grazing high in the mountains, patches of snow even in summer, and breathtaking tranquility. It’s one of those places you want to return to again and again.
– What surprises Lithuanians the most not in nature, but in the Norwegians themselves – their lifestyle, relationship with nature, daily habits? Is there something you think we could learn from them?
– What surprises the most is Norwegians’ ability to find a balance between an active life and tranquility. It seems that nature is not just a place they visit on weekends – it is an inseparable part of everyday life. Their respect for the environment is also admirable – you can see that nature is not taken for granted but is a value that must be protected. I think we could definitely learn from Norwegians a slower pace, the ability to enjoy simple things, and a conscious connection with nature.
– If you had just a minute to convince someone who has never been to Norway that this country is worth at least one lifetime trip, what would you say to them?
– I would say that Norway needs not only to be visited – it needs to be felt, to breathe in that pure fjord air. It is a country where nature leaves such an impression that for a moment you forget the daily pace: you stand by a huge fjord, look at the mountains, waterfalls, and realize how wonderful this world is.
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Traveling is the joy of life after all!
