Norway

What you need to know before you go

    Norway is a place of truly striking natural beauty, no matter the season. In summer, the rolling green hills gleam like emeralds while, in winter, the fjords have a stark, rugged charm. The great outdoors of this Scandinavian nation are indeed great and include one of the only parts of Europe where you can see wild polar bears, as well as the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.

    You don’t have to be a polar explorer to appreciate Norway, though. Cities like Oslo and Bergen have the same cosmopolitan feel as many other European cities. They are packed with great man-made attractions, ranging from modern sculptures to historical palaces. While the country is quite large and towns are widely spread, the transport network around the country is excellent, making it easy to explore.

    Top destinations in Norway

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    • Oslo

      Oslo’s maritime legacy stretches back to its foundation in 1048 by King Harald III. This trading metropolis in Norway’s southeast has provided a safe harbor for travelers through the centuries. Viewed from the still waters of the Oslofjord, the skyline displays the architectural diversity that gives today’s city its unique style.

      The city of Henrik Ibsen and Jo Nesbo has played a major role in Norwegian cultural life. The Edvard Munch Museum showcases many of the artist’s most iconic paintings, including “The Scream,” while the cutting-edge new opera house attracts the cream of the world’s singers and directors.

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    • Bergen

      Bergen is a port city set among the rugged fjords of Norway’s western coast. Like other Scandinavian destinations, it’s become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its original and energetic culture. Visit the Kode 3 Museum to see a superb collection of work by legendary artist Edvard Munch.

      Bergen’s North Sea location means that it’s always been a thriving trade center, and you can learn more about that at the Hanseatic Museum, set in one of Bergen’s oldest timber buildings. For a bird’s eye view of the city, take the funicular railway up to the summit of Mount Floyen.

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