Set on Norway’s breathtaking southern coast, and surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the Marka region and the rippling waters of the Oslofjord, Oslo is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of both winter and summer activities. However, mother nature is not the only artist at work in this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Norway’s capital is also home to a rich and prolific arts community and is filled with world-class galleries such as the astounding National Gallery Norway and the intriguing Munch Museum. Other popular attractions include the Viking Ship Museum, home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, and The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Europe’s largest open-air museum. Throw in a thriving nightlife and a unique culinary tradition and you get a smorgasbord of Nordic delights.
Roughly the size of Denmark, Finnmark is Norway’s northernmost county, the coldest and most sparsely populated spread over its vast expanse. The area is known for its fascinating wealth of history. The Alta Museum, wedged between the UNESCO-listed cliffs decorated with 6000 Stone Age carvings, gives visitors an insight into Sami culture, military history, the Alta hydroelectric project and the northern lights. Meanwhile, the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society in Hammerfest offers exhibits on Arctic hunting. An untamed coastline sprinkled with fishing villages, enthralling fjords, and the impressive Finnmarksvidda plateau further inland provide plenty in terms of nature, with the Stabbursdalen National Park’s magnificent icy canyon, lush pine forests wandering elk a real highlight. Make sure to see the spectacular Northern Lights Cathedral, an impressive pyramid structure and iconic architectural wonder featuring a 4.3 metre-high bronze Christ.
