Places to visit in Norway

Norway’s capital Oslo, between Oslofjord and Oslomarka, is a place that perfectly reveals the locals’ determination to develop a city that remains in tune with their instinctive connection to nature. Just twenty minutes south of the city is Tryvann Winter Park – hugely popular with locals for skiing and snowboarding on its 14 slopes. As Oslo warms up in summer Oslofjord becomes alive with locals grabbing every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors – popular activities are canoeing, kayaking, fishing and sailing. For the less energetic, jump aboard a boat tour around the pristine fjord islands. More things to do in Oslo

Visit Norway’s (and perhaps the world’s) most mouthwatering natural treasure: Jotunheimen National Park. Be dazzled by crashing waterfalls, heavenly mountains emerging from azure crystalline rivers and discover hugely diverse flora and fauna. During a hike through this corner of paradise look out for reindeer, mink and lynx. Jotunheimen is an activity-junky’s centre of the universe – cross-country and alpine skiing is possible in winter and during the rest of the year glacier hiking, rafting, canyoning and caving are memorable ways to absorb the breathtaking scenery.

As far as stunning fjords go, Norway wins hands down with its Geirangerfjord landscape. Bask in the beauty aboard a boat tour and weave in and out of green-carpeted mountain ranges, while absorbing the magical tranquility that will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away from reality. The Svalbard archipelago – located halfway between Norway’s north coast and the North Pole, is further evidence of Norway’s incredible natural uniqueness. In summer join a polar boat tour and set eyes on walruses and seals in their natural habitat, and if you’re lucky you might spot a polar bear.

Aside from exploring Norway’s epic natural splendours, be sure to visit some of its urban treasures. Get a warm welcome in Bergen – a city oozing with charm and crammed with history and tradition. Sample locally-caught fish, relax around Vågen harbour, admire the cute timber-coated houses and have an altogether authentic Norwegian experience. If you’ve never visited a stave (medieval wooden) church then let Heddal church, in Notodden, be your first. It’s the largest of its kind in the country and will send you spinning into a world of fairytales and whimsical fantasy.

Oslo is the country’s after-hours hub and Bergen also has a fairly lively offering of bars and clubs for night owls. However, a visit to Norway would be incomplete without savouring the night activity within the country’s vast skies. Gaze above to the heavens as one of nature’s greatest performances unfolds above you: the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is caused when the solar wind stream collides with the Earth’s magnetic field, resulting in a spectacular light show of electric blue and green auroras showering the sky. Tromsø, towards the tip of the country is a popular spot to experience nature’s beautiful fireworks.