Norway –
Fjords & Arctic Light.

Why Norway?

The World's Most Spectacular Scenery.

Norway consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful countries, and the landscape earns every superlative. The fjords of western Norway – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites – are simply unlike anything else in Europe. Arms of the sea cut between walls of rock rising hundreds of metres on each side, with waterfalls threading down through birch forests and tiny farms clinging to the impossibly steep hillsides. A boat trip through Geirangerfjord is one of the great travel experiences of the world.

Bergen is the gateway to the fjord country and a destination in its own right. The colourful wooden houses of Bryggen, the old wharf, date back to the Hanseatic period and are listed by UNESCO. The fish market on the harbour is one of Europe's great open-air markets. The Fløibanen funicular rises in minutes from the city centre to a viewpoint that on clear days offers a panorama across fjords and islands that stretches to infinity.

The Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle, are among Europe's most visually dramatic destinations. Jagged peaks rise directly from the sea; fishing villages with red and yellow wooden cabins sit on stilts above water so clear you can count the fish; the light in summer – the midnight sun turns the sky orange and pink for weeks on end – is unlike anything at lower latitudes. Winter brings the Northern Lights: green and purple curtains of fire that move across the dark sky in silence.

Tromsø, Norway's largest Arctic city, is the world's premier Northern Lights destination. The aurora season runs from October to March; Tromsø offers organised chase excursions by minibus, snowmobile or husky sled. In summer, the midnight sun makes Tromsø one of Europe's most unusual city-break destinations – bars, restaurants and hiking trails stay busy around the clock.

Tips for Your Norway Trip

• 01Best season: June to August for fjords and midnight sun; November to February for Northern Lights. Both are exceptional.
• 02Budget: Norway is expensive by European standards. Pre-book accommodation and consider self-catering for part of the trip.
• 03Dress in layers: Norwegian weather is famously changeable. Even in summer, pack a waterproof and a warm layer for fjord hikes.
• 04Fjordpass card: If visiting multiple fjord attractions, look into the Norway in a Nutshell route – it combines train, boat and bus in a single pre-booked package.