Norway holidays

Dramatic cliffs, blue-black waters, foaming waterfalls — the fjords on Norway’s western and northern coasts are something to behold. Explore them by foot, rent a kayak, take a scenic train or drive their famous switchback roads, like the serpentine Trollstigen. You’ll find spectacle everywhere, from steepling mountains to the picturesque villages that hug their sides.

Nearly half of Norway is located in the Arctic, including the lively city of Tromso and the island archipelago of Svalbard. Head north during the polar summer and spend the endless days out in nature or heating up in a sauna. Visit in winter to go dog- and reindeer-sledging and to witness the wonder of the Aurora Borealis.

UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords, celebrated for its dramatic waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Take the Fjellheisen cable car up Storsteinen mountain in Tromso for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Interested in Norway’s famous Viking history? In summer, head to the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, a reconstructed Viking-era settlement.

In summer, Norwegians head south to hotspots like Arendal and Mandal, where the water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. There are lots of white sands, turquoise waters and popular surfing destinations to be found on Vestland and Rogaland’s coasts. With Norway’s endless coastline, it’s easy to find a beach all to yourself — many of the best are accessed by boat.

Norway is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, and a third of the nation is covered in forest. A wildlife safari is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s whale watching, moose spotting or heading to the tundra in search of elusive polar bears. Birdwatchers will find hundreds of rare species, from white-tailed eagles to Atlantic puffins.

Oslo has no shortage of cultural hotspots, including the cutting-edge Oslo Opera House and the Munch museum. Some of the best museums in Norway are open-air affairs capturing the country’s traditional ways of life, like Maihaugen in Lillehammer. Norway’s landscape inspires art everywhere, from village crafts to contemporary galleries. Head north to find Indigenous Sámi culture thriving within the Arctic Circle.

Quite a few restaurants in Norway have joined the new wave of Scandinavian cooking that focuses on fresh produce, both farmed and foraged. Seafood is often the star here, including succulent red king crab, which can grow to 1.8 metres in length. You’ll also find rare meats like elk and reindeer, a strong craft beer scene and some of the best cider in the world.