IN SEARCH OF TROLLS

Your holiday begins in Bergen on the south-west coast. Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen has a beautiful waterfront and a dramatic backdrop of mountains and fjords. Bergen is a thoroughly modern city, with a thriving gastronomic and culture scene which manifests itself in buzzing cafés and restaurants as well as museums, galleries and a busy calendar of events throughout the year, including an international festival.

However, it also wears its history proudly on its sleeve, from its roots in the Vikings to beyond, as seen in the historic wharf and the traditional coloured wooden houses of the Bryggen district. Don’t miss the fish market, and get up close and personal with the area’s rich marine life by venturing into the shark tunnel in the aquarium, if you’re feeling brave!

Your hotel, the stylish Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, is centrally located in a historic building in Bryggen, making it ideal for sightseeing.

After picking up your car in Bergen, drive to Aurland, an attractive spot on the Sognefjorden in Sogn og Fjordane county. This is Norway's largest and most well-known fjord, and the world's longest, with endless rolling green hills and snow-capped mountains rising above the glassy waters. Its stunning natural setting belies its position at one end of the Laerdalstunnel, the world's longest road tunnel, which connects Oslo and Bergen. It is speedy and convenient, but there are many scenic routes to be enjoyed here too, winding around mountains and waterfalls.

From four wheels to two feet, the Aurlandsdalen hiking route is one of Norway's most beautiful walks, where you'll be rewarded for your efforts with some panoramic views, or hop on two wheels to cycle along the Rallarvegen road, a favourite with cyclists. Out on the water, take in the serenity of the fjord in a kayak or a traditional Osalver row boat. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, looking down on the fjord.

On your return to 29/2 Aurland, which has a beautiful farm setting, soothe your muscles in the hot tub before tucking into a hearty traditional dinner.

Solvorn is a postcard-perfect village in a beautiful setting on the shores of the Sognefjorden. Peaceful and secluded, explore this natural wonderland of glaciers, rivers and waterfalls with some scenic hiking and biking. Take a ferry ride on the tranquil waters from Naeroyfjorden to Gudvangen - this unmissable area is UNESCO World Heritage-listed, and it's easy to see why. 

As well as the fjords, the area is dotted with thriving farms and colourful villages with quirky museums, galleries and landmarks of their own. Visit the village of Ornes, which is home to a famed (and also UNESCO-listed) 12th-century stave church, and Fjaerland, where there's a glacier museum and Book Town, where you can browse 4 kilometres of books.

Your base here is the historic Walaker Hotell, which has quintessential fjord views and an attractive old-world charm.

Norangsfjorden is an ideal base for exploring the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Impossibly beautiful, the fjord is set against a backdrop of verdant mountains, dotted with houses, and waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters cascade into the crystal-clear waters. Explore its gems on a memorable boat tour, while the Norangsdalen valley is also a must-see - this is possibly Norway's most beautiful valley. Meanwhile, Lake Lyngstoyl is a popular spot with those in the know for snorkelling and diving - at the bottom of the lake, you can still see the remains of a farm and its forests, destroyed by an avalanche over 100 years ago.

Driving to the Hotel Union Oye through the incredible Norangsdalen valley is an experience in itself, and when you get there, you'll find a traditional manor house hotel (it's been a hotel since 1891) that has plenty of character, from its four-poster beds to its wood-panelled library. You can rent a bike or a canoe from the hotel, and you can also go skiing nearby. For an extra-special experience, see the fjords from above in a helicopter.

Your fjords adventure now brings you to Storfjord and the Storfjord Hotel, a charming boutique hideaway on a hillside overlooking the Storfjorden and the Sunnmore Alps. Immerse yourself in the landscape with a hike through the mighty alps or a wildlife sea safari in a high-speed boat to spot seal colonies and birds such as eagles and puffins. 

Visit a local farm to find out more about Norway's gastronomic traditions and try some tasty local produce, and back at the hotel, enjoy a four-course dinner featuring more regional delights, such as flavoursome cheeses and locally-brewed ales, accompanied by the ubiquitous fjord and mountain views.