FJORD PERFECTION

Where better to begin your Norwegian adventure than in the vibrant capital, Oslo, whose clutch of galleries, museums and eateries are flanked by the waters of Oslofjord on one side and green hills and mountains on the other. Stroll through pretty parks and marvel at the 19^th-century architecture in the heart of the city, where characterful streets and squares nestle alongside fantastic museums: visit the Nasjonalgalleriet or the Hjemmefrontmuseum for an art fix, and in between duck into one of the many inviting bars and cafés.

Elsewhere, the Vikingskipshuset is a hit with those fascinated by the Vikings (who isn’t?), while the Oslo Opera House is not to be missed, with its unique architecture and cool rooftop events. The waterfront district of Tjuvholmen cradles a thriving centre for art and nightlife. This is also where you’ll find your hotel, The Thief, named so for the island’s previous life as a prison islet in the 18^th century.

Hit the road and watch as the cutting edge architecture of Oslo gives way to the majestic peaks of the Norwegian countryside. Around 200km north of Oslo you’ll find your home for the next two nights, Herangtunet, where you can enjoy a hearty Norsk meal - perhaps a just-caught trout from the Heggefjord.

Once you’ve settled in, don your walking boots and make for the nearby Jotunheimen National Park. Named the ‘Home of the Giants’, this is Norway’s most treasured wilderness destination, promising countless hiking trails that’ll have you gawping at some of the highest peaks in northern Europe. These mighty mountains look down over jade-hued lakes, cascading waterfalls and icy glaciers, which beg to be eyed up and photographed.

Aside from hiking, you can go biking or horse riding in Valdres, canoe or raft down the rivers, climb the Via Ferrata, go canyoning, or walk amidst the treetops.

Drive another 150km west towards Aurland, passing forest-clad highlands and sweeping ravines, until you reach 29/2 Aurland where you can enjoy guided hikes along a route that suits your preferences, whether that’s an easy stroll or a more challenging climb to get the best views of your surroundings. Take lunch in a laavu tent pitched for you, or at a mountain farm in Sinjarheim, and take in the traces of the Viking ancestors - it’s no mere legend that King Sverre’s family dwelled here.

After days out absorbing the dramatic scenery of Aurland, return to your hotel for a relaxing soak in the hot tub and a sauna session. In the evenings, tuck into seasonal meals in the old smoke house by a log fire, and listen to fascinating stories about the old Nordic way of life, glass of wine in hand.

Your final drive is 2.5 hours west towards Bergen, a charming town awash with timber-fronted houses set against the backdrop of seven vivid green mountains and seven fjords. Embrace Bergen’s quintessentially Nordic culture by strolling along Vagen harbour, where the 18^th-century warehouses known as Bryggen hint at the town’s trading past. This is also where you’ll find your decadent hotel, Clarion Havnekontoret, which is housed in a Neoclassical 1920s building.

Get a full perspective of Bergen by whizzing up in the cable car to Mount Ulriken, the tallest of the seven peaks, and admire uninterrupted views of the town and archipelago. There’s a restaurant up here, The Ulriken, where you can enjoy a three-course meal with the fresh catch of the day.

Back in town, visit the Lille Lungegardsvann Lake which is lined with museums like the Kode Art Museum, showcasing works by Munch and Picasso alongside an impressive Chinese art collection. When you just want to take it easy, soak up the laid-back bustle of Bergen by getting lost in its streets, and gaze out to sea from one of the waterfront cafés.