Comprising of the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard archipelago and the isolated island of Jan Mayen, Norway is a collection of majestic fjords, marauding Vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore. The country's snowy winter months offer visitors in the north the opportunity to traverse vast expanses of tundra by dogsled or catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis blazing across the night sky. Summer brings with it the astonishing spectacle of the midnight sun and the chance to enjoy many outdoor adventures. Year-round visitors can enjoy boat cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago to visit seabird colonies or meander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a polar bear. In contrast to its picturesque natural landscapes, this fascinating country is home to a slew of appealing, cosmopolitan metropolises offering every first-world city delight.
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.
Tucked in the nook of the Hardanger fjord, Ulvik village is idyllically placed against a towering backdrop of soaring snow-capped mountains, mighty fjords and untouched landscape. The surrounding area features magnificent mountain scenery, spectacular views of the gleaming fjord and a lush, fertile countryside brimming with a variety of fruit orchards for which the area is known. The picturesque hills surrounding the village provide endless opportunities for cycling and hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter, while the village itself offers a range of public services, including quaint shops and tempting cafes as well as a slew of galleries exhibiting the works of the area’s thriving arts and crafts community.
Known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’, Bergen is a delightful, picturesque city surrounded by the fjords of Norway's western coast and seven spectacular forested mountains. The landscapes offer an incredible wonderland for outdoor sports; however, for many visitors the highlight is simply wandering along the narrow, cobbled streets, strolling in and out of bustling cafes, nibbling on some of the excellent local dishes and mingling with the friendly locals. There is plenty to thrill history buffs with an abundance of museums and rows beautifully preserved tiny wooden Hanseatic houses painted in an array of cheerful colours. With its dynamic cultural life, excellent range of restaurants, impressive art galleries and booming nightlife, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting ‘trebyen’ (wooden city).
Tucked away on the northern shore of the mighty Sognefjorden in Norway’s Sogn district, the peaceful village of Balestrand offers a quieter refuge than its more touristy neighbours, even during the busier summer season. Any disturbances are likely to be caused by a run-in with a deer or two. The fjord and town are surrounded by incredible, postcard-perfect mountain peaks reflecting on the water, making it a photographer’s paradise. Take a five-minute stroll down from the Balestrand Hotel to the pretty harbour to sample some delicious traditional currywurst at the cute and quirky Viking Ship Wiener Stand or enjoy a huge buffet lunch at the grand 18th-century Kviknes Hotel, which is famous for its small but impressive landscape art collection, as well as its exhibit of extraordinary historic carved wooden furniture.
Located at the eastern end of the beautiful Geirangerfjord, is the tiny village of Geiranger. It serves as a great base from which to explore the scenic surrounds. Like something out of a fairytale, the fjord one of the most famous in Norway. Considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjords, it was added to UNESCO`s list of World Heritage sites. Lined by steep majestic snowcapped mountains reaching 1700 metres in height, Geirangerfjord is the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords. The landscape features wild waterfalls, lush green vegetation and a deep, dark blue fjord. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of wonderful activities including enjoying a fjord sightseeing trip and exploring winding roads with their hairpin bends and breathtakingly beautiful views.
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Sweden enchants with a seamless blend of pristine nature, rich history, and cosmopolitan sophistication. Nestled between Norway and the Baltic Sea, the country offers everything from walled medieval towns and Viking ruins to elegant fortresses and royal palaces. Adventurers can explore snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vast unspoiled forests, while the far north presents encounters with the indigenous Sami, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, and the surreal midnight sun. Stockholm dazzles with its fusion of historic architecture, contemporary design, and a labyrinthine archipelago, offering a cityscape as dynamic as it is elegant. From intimate lakeside retreats to sophisticated urban experiences, Sweden invites travellers to discover a land where nature, culture, and modern luxury converge in perfect harmony.
Sweden’s ever-evolving capital city of Stockholm is built on an archipelago of islands at the meeting of Lake Malar and Salt Bay, and two-thirds of its area is comprised of water, parks and woodland. The medieval ‘Old Town’ contains old-world houses; a magnificent gothic cathedral; and countless other historic buildings lining its cobbled streets. Some of the best historic sites in Stockholm include the Vasamuseet, which houses the enormous 1628 worship, Vasa; the spectacular Kungliga Slottet palace; and the incredible open-air museum, Skansen, which offers insight into traditional historic Swedish life. The city is also a high-tech, futuristic metropolis at the forefront of international design and technology. Party the night away at the famous outdoor club Tradgarden; sip rose at a floating bar at Strandvagen, the city’s most glamorous street; or immerse yourself in the gaming world at basement venue Ugglan.
Set on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most charming and idiosyncratic capital cities, largely due to its unique geographical location on a group of peculiarly shaped islands and peninsulas projecting out into the Baltic Sea. The majority of attractions are conveniently clustered on a central peninsula which, while not exactly an ancient ‘Old Town’, boasts some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. The city springs to life in summer when the sun continues to shine long after midnight. Winding streets play host to an array of tempting sidewalk cafes and bistros serving bizarre Finnish delicacies such as beaver sausage and dried reindeer. If that proves a little too exotic, check out the legendary Design Museum or try the saunas at the famous Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall, known for its spectacular architecture and unique atmosphere.
Denmark forms the bridge between Germany and Sweden in Europe, dividing the North and Baltic Seas, and is famous for its happiness: it can be found in the top five of just about every international quality-of-life index. Along with this, the country is synonymous with some of the world’s most progressive ideas regarding politics, sustainability, and egalitarianism. And yet, the Danes have managed to retain a sense of their old-world charm: wonderfully preserved old town centres remain strewn with half-timbered houses and medieval castles, side by side with some of the world’s most forward-thinking design. Even Copenhagen, the country’s ‘ubercool’ cosmopolitan capital, fosters the kind of friendly know-your-neighbour atmosphere one would typically associate with a small village rather than a metropolis. The surrounds are equally charming, with gorgeous rolling hills scattered with traditional farmhouses and churches.
Set on Denmark’s coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen, the country’s capital, is no ordinary city. Despite its size, it is home to many areas with a distinctly village-like quality. It has all that one would expect from a modern city, including state-of-the-art architecture and cutting-edge infrastructure. At the same time, its modernity is juxtaposed with a host of Danish cliches and a historic city centre. Rows of sherbert-hued townhouses adorned with flower boxes and lace curtains line ancient canals playing host to fleets of quaint, rickety houseboats. Add an incredibly innovative design scene, a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly road system and culture, and a slew of stylish bars, clubs, and galleries. It is easy to see why so many visitors are seduced by the charms of this atmospheric seaside city.
