Norway

Norway is a long, mountainous country on the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea, its coast cut by deep fjords. In the west, the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are UNESCO-listed, while the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord wind far inland past waterfalls and orchards. Above them rise the Sunnmøre Alps and Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe’s largest glacier, and scenic roads such as Trollstigen climb in tight hairpins. Fjord-side hotels and lodges serve local cooking.

Oslo is a compact, green capital on the Oslofjord. Its waterfront holds the Opera House, with its walkable roof, the Munch Museum and the National Museum; Vigeland’s sculptures fill Frogner Park, and floating saunas dot the harbour. Trondheim, on the Nidelva, is a historic city with the medieval Nidaros Cathedral and colourful old wharf houses on stilts. Further north, Lofoten and the Arctic bring the northern lights in the dark months and the midnight sun in summer. New Nordic cooking and seafood shine throughout.

The coast is mild for its latitude, while inland and the north are colder, with winter snow; long summer days are usually pleasant rather than hot, typically around 15–22 °C, though the weather is changeable. Hiking, kayaking and skiing are everyday pleasures. Norway suits nature and design lovers, couples, active travellers, food lovers and families who like to hike.