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Take a memorable trip around Norway, a country that enjoys a youthful outlook despite a long and noble history stretching back to the days of the Vikings and beyond. Presenting a dynamic mix of old-world charm and cosmopolitan confidence, Norway is blessed with an ever-changing landscape. Its coastal section is defined by rugged and weather-beaten terrain, while its inland areas feature deep forests, high plateaus and a myriad of beautiful lakes and streams, not to mention the world-famous fjords.
Day 1-2
Home to some ½ million citizens, cheerful and cosmopolitan Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals. Its location at the head of an inlet known as the Oslofjord and at the foot of some deep and enchanting woods connects this modern and progressive city inextricably to its Viking past. Begin your tour of this casual and laid-back city with a stroll along Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main pedestrian street lined with shops catering for every taste, trendy pavement cafes and entertaining buskers. Visit the Bygdoy peninsula and relax and enjoy the sea breeze on one of the beaches dotted around or simply stroll along the waterfront. Savour the history of Norway by paying a visit to the Norsk Folksmuseum, the largest open-air museum in Norway. This fascinating and fun-filled experience is one of Oslo’s most popular attractions and features over 140 restored buildings ranging from rustic barns to timber farmhouses. Spoil yourself with some of the best cuisine in Scandinavia, immerse yourself in Oslo’s history and culture, stroll its leafy streets and have a bite to eat in the outdoors.
Day 3-4
Drive westward along the E16 towards Bergen, enjoying some beautiful scenery along the way. A jewel of a city set among seven sweeping hills and close to some stunning fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city. A lively university town, Bergen is steeped in culture and offers an inspiring mix of the ancient and the modern. The city is pleasantly compact and features a labyrinth of cobblestone streets as well as green and verdant areas perfect for rest and relaxation. Pay a visit to the waterfront at Bryggen. Formerly a wharf area for sailors and merchants, the area has been transformed into an impressive complex of timber buildings housing museums, some fine restaurants and art and crafts shops. Enjoy a drink in one of the city’s many lively and infectious bars before indulging an evening of musical entertainment at one of several music venues. Take life easy in cultural and exciting Bergen, the gateway to the fjords.
Day 5-7
Spend the final days of your stay away from the hustle and bustle and marvel at the savage beauty of the fjords. Rugged and beautiful, awe-inspiring and invigorating, the western fjords of Norway offer a wealth of experiences that guarantee each day spent is as exciting and inspiring as the last.
Bearing the signature of millions of years of nature and truly individual, these phenomenal features sweep down to deep blue waters and are draped in the finest of deep lush woodland. The western fjords provide stunning views and ever-lasting memories.
Travel north from Bergen along the E 39 to the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Its length guarantees an enchanting array of landscapes to cater for every taste, with its sheer lofty rock walls dramatically touching the sky tempered by calmer areas of gentle shoreline perfect for a revitalising picnic or a spot of fishing in the deep and mysterious waters. The area surrounding this fjord also offers a myriad of hiking opportunities. Take a trip into the woodland and enjoy an impromptu nature trail or climb higher to appreciate the view below.
Move on to the nearby Aurlandsfjord, from where you can take a pleasant boat trip to the towns dotted around the Sognefjord or visit the town of Flam, whose quaint railway system winds its way some 865 metres downwards, providing a leisurely yet spectacular view of the fjords. Watch huge chunks of glacier topping into a meltwater lagoon at Boyabreen and learn all about glaciers and fjords at the nearby Norwegian Glacier Museum. Take a boat to one of the enchanting offshore islands or take a step back in time at Hellesylt, the oldest Viking port in Norway. Here you can marvel at the marvelous waterfall and explore the inspirational hidden valley of Norangsdalen, featuring lofty, snowcapped peaks and eerie dark mountain lakes steeped in the history of the Vikings.
End your Norwegian odyssey by braving a dip in the icy cold waters of one of the many lakes dotted around this marvelous country. Like your holiday itself, it is bound to be a memorable and invigorating experience.
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