Posted on Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Given its wild, remote beauty, it's easy to forget Norway is a mere two hour's flight from London. That's not to say people don't know it's there: thousands of Britons head to Norway each year, in search of majestic fjords cutting through primeval landscapes, abundant wildlife and thriving, cosmopolitan cities.

Norway's natural splendours make it a vast adventure playground, where adrenaline-hunters can get their fix with ease: think skydiving, snow-mobile treks and bungee-jumping.

But you don't have to be a thrill-seeking whipper-snapper to enjoy Norway's outdoor charms. Board a ferry and take in the mighty Geirangerfjorden, the UNESCO-listed fjord that offers ringside views of breath-taking cliffs and roaring waterfalls.

Then there's the hiking, the skiing, the canoeing and the scenic train journeys.

And when it comes to cities, there's plenty to enjoy: marvel at the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, take a tour of Akershus Castle or visit the Kon-Tiki Museum, celebrating the famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

The wonderful food also demands a mention: Norwegians excel in the realm of cuisine, just as they do in so many aspects of cultural life. Sample delicious brown cheese, scintillating tube caviar, unequalled pickled herring and fresh cloud-berries.

Isn't it expensive?

It's true that Norway is costly: Even on a shoestring budget you can expect to spend 140 euros a day. Stay in a decent hotel and eat in good restaurants and this quickly rises to 200 euros. But for anyone who travels to this most unique of Scandinavian countries, the expense pales in comparison to the lifelong memories it imprints on their soul.

Top Things to Do

Geirangerfjorden

Given the astonishing photos you will see before going, the reality of a ride on the Geiranger–Hellesylt ferry can be a little challenging: we're talking big crowds - especially in high season. But dealing with many visitors - which number 600,000 annually - is a small price to pay for such a magnificent sight. Indeed, this UNESCO-listed fjord is one of the planet's truly great natural wonders and any trip to Norway may well be considered incomplete without a visit. Find out what to expect in this video.

Hop on a train

It may be home to a mere five million people, but Norway has a world-beating railway network. More than 2,000 miles of track connect the nation's towns and cities, often passing through some truly spectacular scenery. Don't miss a trip on the Bergen Railway, which affords splendid views of the Hardangervidda plateau. And pencil in time for a jaunt on the Dovre Railway that runs from Oslo to Trondheim.

Bergen's Mount Floyen

Bergen is pretty enough at ground level, but if you really want to enjoy the city's charms, ascend the 399 metre summit for heart-melting views. Feeling a tad lazy? Cut the journey to eight minutes by catching the funicular. And if you get a sudden burst of energy, burn it on one of the challenging mountain-biking routes nearby. When hunger strikes, try the Floyen Folk Restaurant, for local bites and traditional music recitals.

Visit the Lofoten islands

Visit these other-worldly islands, whose jagged peaks rise up out the water like some ancient monolith. Kayak between the islands and enjoy some of the finest fishing in the world. A wonderful, out-of-the-way place to experience ‘the Land of the Midnight Sun'. Check out this video of the Lofoten Islands.

Book a ferry trip

If you really want to go off-the-beaten-fjord, hop on the Hurtigruten ferry and sail from Bergen to Kirkenes. It will take you 12 days, but you'll get the chance to disembark at some of Norway's most breath-taking scenic spots.

The Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø

The Arctic Cathedral features the kind of bold, striking, futuristic lines that you would expect from a nation so respected for its design prowess. Inspired by the shape of Arctic ice, Jan Inge Hovig's 1965 classic looks as cutting edge as it did 50 years ago. Tromsø's dark winter days are illuminated by the cathedral's huge glass façade, through which powerful lights shine, back-lighting a vast crucifix.

Become a coffee connoisseur in Oslo

Only the Finns drink more coffee than the Norwegians, which may be down to the fact that for half the year, the sun barely rises in either country. In Norway, the national obsession with superior joe has spawned innumerable top-notch coffee shops. Why not try Grünerløkka, home to Tim Wendelboe, named Norway's national barista a record four times.

Visit the Arctic circle

A respectable portion of Norway lies within the Arctic circle, which means it's one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis - or Northern Lights. This incredible coloured light display occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the planet's atmosphere. And if you want to be in a place where the sun never sets, visit the Arctic circle around the summer solstice and bask in the Midnight Sun.

Oslo Accommodation tips - by budget

Budget/backpacker - Anker Hostel

The cheapest accommodation in Oslo - as in so many cities - is hostels. The Anker Hostel is one of the best value, with dormitory beds for about £21.

https://www.ankerhostel.no/

Mid-range hotel - Scandic Fornebu

Extremely well run mid-range hotel featuring spacious rooms, gym facilities and a breakfast that offers guests a huge array of options - including lactose- and gluten-free. book early and bag a double room for around £140.

https://www.scandichotels.com/hotels/norway/oslo/scandic-fornebu

High-end hotel - Frogner House Apartments - Odins Gate 10

For a country with the 12th highest per capita wealth on the planet, it's no surprise that Norway has some seriously posh hotels. Frogner House Apartments is certainly one of them, offering a range of opulent self-catering apartments. A snip at £400 per night.

https://frognerhouse.no/location/odinsgate10

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