Harnessing the Arctic's uncharted and other-worldly appeal Norway's landscape is on an epic scale; from the clusters of white-washed harbour towns nestling along the rocky south coast to the snow swept spine of mountains running down its centre, then consider the monumental fjords of the west coast which echo the country's glacial childhood. There is something hearty about this landscape. Maybe it is all the cold, fresh-aired magnificence, but many of the best places to stay in Norway are fantastic because they bring you somehow closer to it. If this beautiful land is not on your travel "to do" list then you may want to have a look at photos of the fjords and the Northern Lights and reconsider!
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Hemmed in by spectacular scenery Oslo has all the perks of a global capital: world-class museums, galleries and impressive architecture and design. Is has a cosmopolitan feel but with plenty of unique local cultural quirks. Plus the majority of the best places to stay in Norway!
Bergen is Norway's second city, a grand old trading port which was once the capital city. Most people visiting the western fjords pass through Bergen where there are wonderful wooden buildings and lively nightlife.
Bodø is the gateway to the Lofoten Islands - the small, bowler hat shaped green islands set just off the coast. These are the best places to stay in Norway for biking and sea kayakers. This is also where you'll find one of the world's most romantic beaches, windswept and interesting Vestvgoy.
Tromsø is a beautiful coastal region fringed with fjords, glaciers, Arctic mountain scenery and a pristine whale watching setting. The ocean around Tromso is deep near the continental shelf and the churning waters there create a breeding ground for whale food and herrings. This draws Humpbacks, Minke, Orcas and Fin Whales.
Trondheim is an ideal gateway into Norway and all its delights. Located roughly in the middle of the Nordic country there are easy and reasonably priced train links both to the remote lands of the Arctic Circle and the stunning fjords in the South.
Heggenes is one of the main towns in the spectacular Øystre Slidre region of Oppland. The wonderful natural beauty of the Jotunheimen National Park is a short distance away. In Winter you can ski - cross-country and downhill - or snowshoe, ride a husky sled or go ice fishing to your heart’s content.
Norddal covers an area with many distinct valleys and villages. The spectacular Norwegian County Road 63 traverses this municipality from south to north going through several tunnels in the mountains. This is an area of majestic fjiords and mountains.
Ålesund is an old sea port situated on a peninsula which was well known for its fishing fleet. In 1904 almost all of the town was destroyed by fire. Rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style the town is perfect for visitors who enjoy this architectural style as well as the outdoor sports available.
Join a whale-spotting safari, spend a night in a remote lighthouse, meet polar bears and reindeer in Svalbard, relax under all night summer sunshine on the flat rocks at Kristiansand and drink and make merry like a Viking - there are many ways to experience Norway.
Don't be put off by the threat of the cold, the Gulf Stream means temperatures aren't as low as you might expect. The temperature gets up to the low 30s (°C) in summer though it can fall below -25°C in winter...
Great swathes of Norway's unpopulated interior have been turned into national parks and the epic and varied landscape has inspired adventure sports-folk on to new creative heights.
There are plenty of unusual outdoor pursuits you can try against backdrops ranging from natural rock formations that resemble fortresses, to dense woodland, to flat scree further north and some of Europe's largest ice fields and highest waterfalls.
As well as the obvious hiking, biking, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing and white water rafting, there is also dog sledding and snowmobiling. Norway is all about getting closer to nature.
What Not To Miss
- If you're in Bergen then take the funicular up Mount Floyen and marvel at the breathtaking views over the city. If you are here for natural beauty then the stunning Geiranger Fjord is another top spot to visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with truly spectacular scenery.
- Wander around the Vigeland Museum, a park full of sculptures showing the famous Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland's lifework.
- The Fram Polar Ship Museum is wonderfully impressive - showcasing a large number of exhibitions and ships detailing the story of Norwegian polar expeditions.
- If you fancy a fun family day out then head off to Dyreparken, home to over 150 different species of animals as well as a waterpark. The kids will love it!
With so much to see and do the best places to stay in Norway are always popular so do plan ahead and book early.
