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: Tromso is the administrative, commercial, and educational hub of northern Norway. It's the seventh largest city in Norway by population, and is home to the world's most northerly university, brewery and botanical garden. The town is situated about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, so it experiences both the midnight sun and polar night. Tromsø is reputed to be one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The beautiful cathedral, one of the largest wooden churches in Norway, is located in the town centre in a small square with some interesting statues and sculptures. Take a stroll down Storgatan to the marketplace, where soothing music plays, and the air is filled with the aroma of coffee, fresh bread, and strawberries. The Tromso museum features ethnographic exhibits on the independent cultures of Lapland. The Polar Museum, next door, has exhibits on the story of the Arctic region with a focus on the lives of early hunters, trappers and explorers. Tromsdalen Kirke, commonly known as the “Arctic Cathedral”, is not actually a cathedral at all, but the parish church of the Tromsøysund part of Tromso. It was built in 1965, mainly of concrete, and is designed to look like slabs of ice. The church is one of the most famous landmarks in Tromsø. Tromso is a compact, friendly, and lively town with a picturesque setting on an island. The city has more than its fair share of restaurants, pubs, clubs and theatres to entertain locals and visitors. Tromso is undoubtedly the cultural capital of northern Norway.

About the destination: Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and in recent years, has become the oil capital of Norway. Despite the rapid growth of the town due to North Sea exploration, Stavanger has managed to retain its old charm while offering all the amenities you'd expect in a modern town. The central area around Vågen harbour is usually bustling with activity, especially during the summer months. There are plenty of bars, cafes and places to eat. The old part of town, Gamle Stavanger, is a beautiful collection of old houses built in traditional Norse style. The historic centre of Stavanger includes several artisan workshops and the Norwegian Canning Museum. It's said there are 173 white cottages dating from the 1800's in this area. It's the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. The fantastic Stavanger Cathedral is located right in the middle of the town, between the main harbour and Breiavatnet Lake. The overall style is Romanesque but the eastern side is clearly gothic, with all the specific elements included. The Norsk Oljemuseum shows its interesting side starting from its architecture. The museum is located in an impressive building down the harbour and tells you the history of oil in the North Sea and gives an insight into the industry. Outside the central area, there are lots of parks, open spaces and cycleways to explore the impressive scenery in the area. There's plenty to do in Stavanger itself, which has its own theatre, museums and concert hall. During the summer months, various festivals take place and the centre of town is buzzing with activity.

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.