Norway Holidays

Norway is a land of stunning scenery with mountains and glaciers, rivers and lakes, and of course, deep, imposing fjords created by retreating ancient glaciers. Located across the north sea from Britain, Norway is the western border of Scandinavia and has a land border with Sweden to the east, and Finland and Russia to the north east. Its coastline, which extends into the Arctic Circle, is rugged with thousands of islands scattered off shore. Norway is known as the land of the midnight sun as in the high latitude towns such as Hammerfest, the sun never sets from mid May to mid July. The converse is that from mid December until mid January, the sun never rises. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, in summer or winter, Norway can give visitors a holiday to remember. Skiing, cross country and downhill, and boarding in the snowy season offers a good alternative to Europe's alpine resorts. The summer season attracts hikers and climbers. It is also the most popular time to take a cruise holiday along the fjords. The longest fjord stretches for almost one hundred and thirty miles and ends at the  lovely village of Balestrand which is surrounded by spectacular scenery. An alternative way to see Norway is to travel by train over some of the most beautiful rail routes in the world. Take the Flamsbana railway past waterfalls, mountains and huge glaciers.  

Norway is also a good choice if you are looking for a city break. In the south, you have the capital Oslo at the head of the Oslofjord. It is an interesting city with a wealth of historic and ultra modern buildings, museums and galleries, parks and gardens. Its open air Folk Museum has one hundred and fifty-five traditional houses from all over the country, as well as a stave church from the eleventh century. Vigeland sculpture park is a very popular attraction. It contains over two hundred bronze, cast iron and granite. Those with children would enjoy a day at the Tusen Fryd amusement park.

Bergen on the south west coast is known as the gateway to the fjords. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architecture of its brightly coloured Hanseatic wharf is unique and it attracts many visitors. If you wish to explore the city a Bergen Card is recommended. This gives free entry into the many visitor attractions and free travel on public transport. Take the Floibanen, a funicular railway to the top of the mountain for superb views over the city. There are many family attractions which include Vannkanten Waterworld; Ulriken643, a cable car ride to Bergen's highest mountain with spectacular views over the mountainous terrain; Leo's Lekeland is ideal for younger children.

If you want to experience twenty four hours of daylight, visit Tromso  in the north. If however you want to see the northern lights, you need to avoid midsummer. The historic centre is famous for its wooden houses. Take the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for magnificent views. 

Hotels, apartments, cabins and guest houses, all provide good quality accommodation with high levels of comfort and excellent service. Norwegians are very welcoming and give their hospitality generously. Restaurants in the cities serve a wide variety of food giving a choice of local dishes as well as international cuisine.