Vikings, majestic fjords, wooden medieval stave churches, the freshest fish and ugly trolls – Norway is a land of unique history and stunning natural beauty. Tours of Norway include the best of the best, with everything from guided city walks to Arctic expeditions. Below we’ve compiled our must-sees so you don’t miss a thing!
The unmissable Fjords
Ice aged glacial inlets form lengthy showpieces beneath steep mountain corridors framed by tumbling waterfalls, their combined force of nature setting up Norway’s most spectacular scenery. Geiranger, Hardanger and Sogne are the big three.
Visit beautiful Bergen
Norway’s second largest city, situated by a Hanseatic trading wharf and framed between forested mountains serves as the gateway to the fjords. Sample a slice of fresh salmon at the fish market along harbourside Bryggen – the historic area that made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Take in the view from the Flåmsbana
This mountain high railway ride chugs down to the fjords below, providing face-to-glass window views of stunning and dramatic landscapes deserving of their place on Norwegian postcards.
Museums and galleries in Oslo
Norway’s leading seaport is the historic capital, home of the royal palace with the Opera House the latest waterfront addition vying for attention amid the cultural splattering of museums, galleries, the fascinating Vigeland Sculpture Park, and food stalls. The city is surrounded by an extraordinary 343 lakes, all of which are used for drinking water.
Art Nouveau Ålesund
Burnt out buildings were replaced with a rare city centre tagged with Art Nouveau architecture, and one of the country’s busiest export harbours for fresh tasty fish.
Midnight sun vs Northern Lights in Tromsø
A town of two highlight seasons, with the summer’s midnight sun creating late hinterland glow and lively nightlife, while the winter sky is decorated with the Aurora Borealis, a.k.a. the Northern Lights.
Laidback life in Longyearbyen
Splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Svalbard’s main island in the far north. The harsh winters bring opportunity to spot free-roaming reindeer, Arctic foxes and the dangerously beautiful polar bear.
Europe’s most northerly point, Nordkapp
Journey to the northernmost point of Europe, whose name translates to ‘north cape’, and be greeted on arrival by rugged hinterland, wide glaciers and calm tundra landscape. Push your finger to the top of the nearest spherical spinning globe – the only major land mass further north is the Arctic.
Cross the Arctic Circle in Vikingen
Vikingen is home to a marker indicating where the Arctic Circle passes through this small island, offering you the chance to cross this pivotal landmark for your own Arctic expedition.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
