Norway

Norway: The Land of Fjords, Northern Lights, and Virgin Wilderness

A country with commanding beauty on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway has been famous both for its dramatic landscapes and rich history regarding the Vikings. Its modern environmentally-friendly towns and cities complete a profile attractive to any tourist: adventures, cultural plunge, contact with nature for recreation, or just peaceful surroundings. The Norwegian fjords sculpted out by glaciers leave one wonder-struck as much as the northernmost parts illuminated by the Aurora Borealis.

Oslo: Where Culture Meets Nature, Capital of Norway

Oslo is a vibrant capital, full of nature and urban life in just the right proportions. This city, encircled by mountains and fjords, is not only the heart of Norway's political life but also a cultural hub, full of art and history between its green spaces. It has become one of the greenest capitals in Europe because of its commitment to sustainability and design. The Viking Ship Museum lets the visitor travel in time with its incredibly well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts. Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen are the city's waterfront districts, offering a modern feel with restaurants, galleries, and stunning architecture. Those who are interested in royal heritage should not pass by the Royal Palace with a view of changing of the guard and a relaxed walk in Slottsparken, the quiet park around the palace. Another must-see for art lovers is the Frogner Park with sculptures by Gustav Vigeland on display, together with the famous Monolith and the Angry Boy.

The Oslo Opera House is impressively shaped like an iceberg, with panoramic views of both the city and the waterfront—a building not to be missed by any lover of architecture.

Bergen: Gateway to the Fjords

Bergen is the second-biggest city in Norway and, for many, the entrance to the fjords. It is beautifully situated between seven mountains, with the sea in front: the North Sea. It is a charming city with its background of rich maritime history, as shown through colorful wooden houses and a busy harbor, making it one of the most beautiful towns in Norway.

Bryggen Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a row of coloured Hanseatic buildings dating back to the 14th century. Visitors can also make their way to narrow alleys, housing galleries, shops, and museums. The Fløibanen Funicular lifts them up Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view over the city, where they can hike or simply sit at a café. Other attractions include Bergen Fish Market, with fresh seafood. A short trip out of town brings the visitor to Fantoft Stave Church, an outstanding example of what passes for traditional building in Norway. Bergen provides an ideal base for seeing some of the most spectacular fjords: Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are accessible by boat, bus, and train.

Tromsø: The Arctic Adventure Capital

Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the perfect starting point for any Arctic enthusiast: breathtaking views of both the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun create a unique combination of Arctic adventures and cultural experiences.

This will create lifetime experiences: Northern Lights hunting between the months of September to April.

Tromsø is one of the few places in the world that offers good views of the Aurora Borealis, and it provides guided tours to chase this wonder. The Arctic Cathedral represents modern, angular architecture with very beautiful stained-glass windows. Dog sledding and reindeer sleigh rides offer a taste of traditional northern Norwegian culture, with the added bonus of a true Arctic experience. A ride on the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen provides breathtaking views over Tromsø, which are especially magical when it is all covered in snow during winter. Tromsø is also a fine base for whale watching, especially in winter when orcas and humpback whales fill the fjords to feed on herring.

Lofoten Islands: Paradise for a Photographer

The Lofoten Islands have much to brag about with regard to their beautiful mountains, virgin beaches, and crystal-clear waters--a veritable haven for photographers. This archipelago, located above the Arctic Circle, offers dramatic sceneries, quaint fishing villages, and several options for outdoor activities. Reine, one of the most photogenic villages in Norway, is one of the hiking, kayaking, and fishing bases. Its signature red cabanas, so-called rorbuer, are framed by towering peaks and crystal-clear waters, posing a perfect scenery for doing all sorts of outdoor adventures. Yet another postcard village, Hamnøy, poses a real, iconic scene of red cottages placed along the shoreline. Fans of hiking are sure to love the route leading up to Ryten, providing breathtaking views over turquoise-colored waters of Kvalvika Beach.

The Lofotr Viking Museum provides a time-traveling experience into the world of Vikings—a reconstructed longhouse that gives insight into the life of Norse settlers in the area.

Geirangerfjord: World Heritage Site by UNESCO

One of the most famous fjords in Norway, Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site that happens to be one of the most inspiring in Norway because of its tower-high cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue waters. Nature lovers have open doors for activities such as boat tours and hiking trails.

Probably one of the most famous sights in Geirangerfjord is the Seven Sisters Waterfall—a place where seven waterfalls fall down the cliffs into the fjord.

You can observe the waterfalls from either a boat tour or a scenic hike. One of the best panoramic views of the fjord is from the Ørnesvingen viewpoint, which can be reached by using the Eagle's Road. Visitors can also rent a kayak and paddle in the calm waters right next to the waterfalls and cliffs.

A hike to the abandoned mountain farm of Skageflå presents a fine view over the fjord.

Stavanger: Fjords and Rock Formations

The Southwest has the beautiful town of Stavanger; this city is really well-positioned to visit some, if not all, of the most iconic natural highlights the country has to offer: Preikestolen or the Pulpit Rock, and Kjeragbolten. Preikestolen is a flat-topped cliff that rises 604 meters over Lysefjord, offering one of Norway's most breathtaking views.

The hike to the top takes approximately four hours and is considered one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. For something even more adventurous, the hike to Kjeragbolten will let you see where a boulder has become stuck between two cliffs, providing an amazing photo opportunity. The Old Town of Stavanger is a lovely place with well-preserved 18th-century wooden houses. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum gives fascinating insights into the oil industry of Norway, which shaped the economy of the country.

Svalbard: High Arctic Wilderness

For the truly adventurous, the remote archipelago of Svalbard offers up rugged wilderness, polar bears, and endless exploration. Located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the world's northernmost inhabited regions. Polar bear safaris are among the most unforgettable experiences in Svalbard, taking tourists to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Both the Midnight Sun and Polar Night are very special: during summer, one enjoys 24-hour daylight; during winter, it's the other way around, in complete darkness. Snowmobiling across glaciers and ice-covered fjords is another exciting way to explore this Arctic landscape.