It is impossible to tire of Norway's magical landscapes, the grandeur of which is at once awe-inspiring and humbling. There is an astonishing variety, too, from serene fjords pointing deep into imposing mountains, to dramatic wildernesses. Try as you might, it is hard to be unmoved by such a place – a holiday in Norway is a truly unique experience, be it in summer or winter. Here we list the Top 10 Norwegian Highlights from our holidays in this beautiful land.
The journey from Oslo to Balestrand. This is an incredibly dramatic journey, and one of the most memorable elements of our Bustling Cities & Serene Fjords journey. The most thrilling section is the descent by train through the lush Flåm Valley, passing roaring waterfalls as you make the transition from mountain to fjord scenery. The next part of the journey, by express boat, is equally awe-inspiring because of the sheer beauty of Sognefjord and the grandeur of the scenery.
A stay at the Hotel Mundal. Set on one of Sognefjord’s most idyllic spurs, the Mundal, with its Victorian hunting lodge atmosphere, must be one of the most romantically situated hotels in Europe; the views are superb. Spend your time here on scenic walks in the mountains, by the glacier or along the side of the fjord, or simply admiring the landscapes.
The Hurtigruten Journey. This is one of the last great scheduled coastal voyages in the world. Every day one of the fleet of fourteen ships leaves Bergen on the eleven-day round trip via the North Cape. Whether you’re undertaking it in summer or in winter, the journey from Bergen to the Lofoten Islands is exhilarating, past islands, skerries and the mouths of fjords, and along narrow passages. The most spectacular part, and the section which is truly a Top 10 Norwegian Highlight, is, however, the approach to the Lofotens, whose wall of jagged peaks seemingly rises sheer out of the ocean.
Exploring the Lofoten Islands. The unique Arctic landscapes of the Lofotens are a dramatic fusion of sea and mountain, beautiful in their starkness. In summer, you can follow scenic paths across expanses of moorland, past hidden lakes and along glorious stretches of coast bathed for several weeks in the extraordinary light of the Midnight Sun. In winter, enjoy bracing strolls along the beaches, marvelling at the snow-clad mountains behind you.
The walk up the Monks' Steps from Lofthus. This walk makes a dramatic climax to our Serene Hardangerfjord holiday. It involves a steep but rewarding climb above Hardangerfjord, through forest and up the Monks' Steps, a 'staircase' of 616 steps carved into the rock by English Cistercians from York in the 13th century. You reach the peak of Nosi (950 metres), from where you can survey the extraordinary vastness of the landscapes – truly memorable.
Admiring the Northern Lights from Tromsø. Nothing can quite prepare you for the staggeringly beautiful natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, as explosions of iridescent greens, pinks, yellows and blues flash and soar across the night sky in an incredible, almost surreal, display of celestial pyrotechnics. Deep within the Arctic Circle, the island city of Tromsø offers probably the best chance to see the Northern Lights anywhere in mainland Europe. If you are lucky enough to see them, you'll immediately understand why they deserve a place in our Top 10 Norwegian highlights.
A stay at the Hotel Ullensvang. The setting of this high-quality hotel is idyllic, on the shores of Hardangerfjord looking across to the Folgefonn Glacier. Edvard Grieg was a regular visitor to the hotel in the late 19th century, and it is easy to see how the scenery might have inspired some of his great compositions. During your time here, take to the water in a rowing boat, stroll amid the apple, pear and cherry orchards lining the shore, or simply sit by the water's edge with a drink as you take in the scenery.
Cross-country skiing. If there is one reason to choose Norway for a winter holiday besides the unrivalled snow record (snow is generally guaranteed from late November to early April), it is because cross-country skiing is an integral part of Norwegian culture. Given that it is something of a national sport, it is no surprise that the cross-country networks stretch quite literally for miles (Gålå boasts 230 kilometres of trails and Sjusjøen 300 kilometres) and are superbly maintained and waymarked. Furthermore, they are not just designed for dedicated enthusiasts but instead offer something for everyone, including beginners.
A stay at the Highland self-catering cabins. Set in the grounds of the highly praised Gålå Høgfjellshotell, these cabins are beautifully appointed, with traditional décor and attractive furnishings. The exceptional attention to detail even extends to the crockery! In summer, the cabins make an excellent base from which to explore the Rondane National Park, with its vast, open spaces; rare flora and fauna; excellent fishing; and ancient reindeer trapping sites and burial grounds. The cabins are also available in winter, when you can take advantage of the extensive cross-country ski trails and the good downhill skiing.
Exploring Bergen and Oslo. No holiday to Norway would be complete without visiting at least one of these charming cities; our Across the Roof of Norway and Bustling Cities & Serene Fjords journeys visit both. Surrounded by forest and fjord, Oslo has really flourished in recent years, with a wealth of fascinating museums and galleries. On the west coast, Bergen, the fjord capital, boasts an attractive Hanseatic centre and colourful inner harbour area.
If our Top 10 Norwegian Highlights has inspired you, browse our full range of holidays to Norway or contact our friendly reservations team for more information.