Majestic fjords, soaring glaciers, the Northern Lights; Norway is a nature lovers’ Mecca, among the most beautiful countries in the world with no shortage of outdoor activities and a perfect place for an active family adventure holiday or luxury honeymoon. It’s also home to exciting, cosmopolitan cities, from the vibrant museums and galleries of the capital Oslo to the charming wooden waterfront of Bergen.
Mother Nature is the star of the show here, and Norway’s varied, cinematic landscapes are the backdrop for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Most famous of all are the mighty fjords, plunging river valleys formed by the movement of glaciers. Among the most visited are the Geirangerfjord and the Sognefjorden, the country’s largest and best known. Along the latter lies the area of Aurland, home to the beautiful 29/2 Aurland, a luxury hotel in a traditional farm – you’ll love whiling away the days with kayak and rowboat rides on the fjord, hikes along the beautiful Aurlandsdalen hiking route, and bike rides on the Rallarvegen road.
Northern Norway is the place to go for an escape into the arctic tundra, with a polar bear cruise, departing from desolate Svalbard, an unforgettable experience. Navigating the glaciers and fjords on a renovated scientific research vessel, you’ll spot not only the bears but the likes of walrus, bearded and ringed seals, bowhead whales, minke whales, and arctic fox.
Norway’s capital, Oslo, often finds itself in the shadow of fellow Scandi capitals Stockholm and Copenhagen, but is a beautiful city home to world-class museums and art galleries as well as stunning natural scenery. At the Nasjonalgalleriet you can discover the works of great Norwegian artists such as Edvard Munch, while Viking ships are brilliantly preserved at the Vikingskipshuset. The nearby Oslofjord, meanwhile, is a beautiful setting for a sightseeing cruise. Other urban highlights include the charming city of Bergen, home to the historic wooden Bryggen waterfront – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as thriving art and food scenes which belie the city’s small size.
