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 Tromsø 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.

Norwegians love to hike and ski through their landscape, from misty forests and snow-covered peaks to an enormous glacier. You’ll find a network of trails and lodges across the country, and you can go wild camping almost anywhere. Cycling, kayaking, fishing and glacier walking are also popular things to do in Norway. Or head to Voss for extreme sports such as whitewater rafting.

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.

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.

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.

The best time to visit Norway is between June and August, when the days are long. The wide range of summer activities attracts the biggest crowds, so autumn can be a quieter alternative for hiking. Spring brings raging waterfalls and blossoming orchards. If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, Norway’s winters are also magical.

A cheap holiday to Norway is doable. A local beer can set you back around 100 Norwegian kroner (kr), and you can find a coffee at half that price. It’s also possible to have an inexpensive meal for about kr200 — keep an eye out for waffles or the famous petrol station hot dogs.