Amazing Norway

About the destination: Oslo is lively and modern with a mix of architectural styles, cutting-edge nightlife and world-class museums. Situated between the Oslofjord and the forests, nature is at the heart of the capital, where you can sail, ski and hike to your heart's content just a short distance from the city centre. This is definitely a spot for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts. As you sail past lush green islands and towering rocky outcrops, the city unfolds before your eyes - spreading out from its compact centre around the quays to the forested sides of the surrounding hills. Made all the more beautiful by its diversity, Oslo boasts a mishmash of modern and ancient buildings that give the city a varied feel, with the steel-and-glass Munch Museum giving way to the old-world charm of the City Museum and the rugged medieval walls of the Akershus Fortress, which looms over the fjord. Most visitors will find themselves torn between Oslo’s numerous museums, which offer something for nearly every taste: a face-to-face with the haunting image of Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, a chance to stand in the shoes of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a glimpse into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. And Oslo is certainly the cosmopolitan heart of Norway, with a rapidly growing café and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, and nightlife options ranging from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock. The capital’s thriving restaurant scene has seen it awarded with four Michelin stars. The Grünerløkka district is close to the Munch Museum and is teeming with bustling little pavement cafés and stylish bars. A thriving, truly lively city, the cosmopolitan heart of Norway really does have something for everyone.

About the destination: Clinging tenaciously to the hills surrounding its deeply indented fjord, the stunning scenery and exciting cultural tradition of Bergen make it unique among European cities. Once the capital of Norway, Bergen has always played a leading role in the nation’s history. Squeezed between mountains and bounded by water, the centre of town stretches between the harbour Bryggen and Torgalmenningen, the main square. The most sensuous spot in Bergen is the Torget, at the foot of the harbour, where your nose will tell you what’s being sold. Here you can choose fish from open tanks and watch traders net, weigh and clean the creature you’ve chosen. Looking towards the right side of the harbour you’ll see the pointed gables of Bryggen’s roofline. This row of heavy-timbered medieval buildings, typical of Hanseatic architecture, has survived half a dozen disastrous fires since its construction in the 16th century. Bryggen now features restaurants, bars and arts-and-crafts workshops. Housed in one of the best-preserved buildings, the Hanseatic Museum presents an interesting picture of commercial activity during those times. Starting from Torget or Bryggen, explore the jungle of houses on the slopes of Mount Floien. A steep hike above these houses will reward you with increasingly spectacular views of Bergen and the fjord beyond. Welcoming Bergen has numerous places for an evening beer or glass of wine. This beautiful and charming city has a dynamic cultural life and lively atmosphere and is the perfect place to explore the Sognefjord and other fantastic Norwegian fjords.

About the destination: Trondheim was the medieval capital of Norway, founded in 997 by Olav Trygvason. You can see his statue in the town square. This bustling university town has a rich past with obvious reminders everywhere. It is the capital of the Sor-Trondelag region and it is a centre of education, technical and medical research. Trondheim is a very interesting cultural town with many museums. Gamle Bybro is the old town bridge and it is also called the Gate of Fortune. It was built in 1861 and even originally it had striking carved red gates. The colourful wooden houses in Trondheim add to the beautiful feel of the city; on the banks of the river you see the different colourful houses in red, yellow, ochre, grey and white. The streets in the old town are small and narrow and the atmosphere in this area is very cosy. Nidarosdomen, the cathedral of Trondheim dates back to the year 1070 and with its giant facade, decorated with 3 rows of statues of bishops, saints and kings it is one of the most significant gothic churches and Scandinavia’s largest medieval structure. Walk up the innumerable stairs to the tower, the wonderful view of Trondheim is definitely worth it. Right next to the Cathedral you will find the Archbishop's residence. It is a lovely courtyard with many old buildings surrounding it. This is the oldest secular building in all Scandinavia. The fascinating Museum of Musical instruments is one of the best of its kind in the world. Knowledgeable guides demonstrate instruments of different periods and regions. The best of Norwegian artists are represented at the Trondheim Kunstmuseum Art Gallery, next to the cathedral. Trondheim is a beautiful city of flowers, waterways and old Norse architecture. The city boasts a rich, cultural heritage and it is a city where there's a lot going on. Although modest in size, all combines into making Trondheim one of the most exciting city centres of Northern Europe.