The rugged fjords and remote mountain farms of Norway gave birth to one of the most feared seafaring civilisations of pre-medieval Europe, the Vikings. A ruggedly beautiful country of high mountains, deep fjords and icy blue glaciers, it stretches for 2,000 kilometres from beach towns in the south to barren arctic tundra in the north. Norway offers year-round skiing, spectacular wilderness hiking and some of the most picturesque train, ferry and bus journeys in the world.
With nearly a third of the country lying in the Arctic Circle, "The Land of the Midnight Sun" experiences at least one full day a year where the sun never sets, and on where it never rises. Norway’s mountains, capped with some of the largest glaciers in Europe, cover more than half of the country’s land mass and its coastline is cut deeply by scenic fjords. Its cities are relatively low-key and you can delight in exploring unspoiled fishing villages and rich historical sites that include magnificent medieval stave churches and Viking ships.
For those wanting to experience the mystical Northern Lights, some good vantage points in Norway are the Svalbard Islands and Lofoten Islands between mid-September and mid-March. Norway’s fjords are stunning from the water however the best way to fully appreciate their immense beauty is from above by taking one of many hiking trails. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with never-ending views of craggy mountain scenery seemingly sliding into the glistening water below. The Geirangerfjord is a must-see with the most awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Beautiful Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the deep Sognefjord. Undoubtedly, its most popular feature is its scenic railway line. The spectacular 470 kilometre train journey from Flåm Station is considered one of the steepest and most magnificent train lines in the world, passing through some of the wildest and most incredible nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape. Passing through steep mountains, stunning waterfalls and countless tunnels; in the space of an hour you travel from sea level to 863 metres above the ocean at a gradient of 5.5%. Admire the awe-inspiring mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks and lush green pastures reflecting in the cool, clear waters of the fjords.
With its rich cultural life, picturesque Stavanger is positioned in a pretty harbor where the quiet streets of the old town creep up from the water’s edge. Where beaches stretch on forever and fjords wind between towering mountains. Perfectly preserved, Old Stavanger comprises of 173 small, white wooden buildings from the turn of the 18th century. The Stavanger Region has many beautiful fjords with the most famous being the Lysefjord where rocky walls fall almost vertically, over 1,000 metres into the water. It’s most popular attractions are Kjeragbolten; a huge boulder plugged between two rocks, 984 metres above sea level and Preiksestolen and Pulpit Rock, offering spectacular views of the fjord below.
Impossibly beautiful, the pretty town of Ålesund is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery; featuring fjords, islands and the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Sunnmore Alps. A seaport, it is best known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Walk the 418 steps up Mount Akslan for spectacular panoramic views of town and fjords below, or catch the Blue Train where you can relax while enjoying the magnificent scenery. Jump on an express boat from the harbor to the Northern Islands to experience the natural beauty all around.
Wander around the sophisticated city of Oslo, with its pretty parks and beaches, beautiful 19th century architecture and picturesque vistas. Wedged in between the mountains and the sea, it’s fringed with forests, hills and lakes. Natural beauty aside, Oslo is home to world-class museums, art galleries and a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Visit the home of Norway’s most famous artist – Edvard Munch, in the seaside village of Asgardstrand or see his paintings, including his well-known The Scream, at the Munch Museum. Enjoy the unique Viking Ship Museum where you’ll discover ancient finds from Viking tombs all over Norway, witness an example of a Viking long ship and gain insight into their ingenuity and culture. Discover Oslo’s history at the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built in 1299 next to the Oslo Fjord to protect Oslo. Visit the fascinating and unique Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to 192 sculptures by a talented artist obsessed with human form.
