Book a ferry ticket to Norway

Norway is foremost a land for those who love nature and in the wilderness that lies between the main urban centres there are such delights as ‘Lostedalsbreen', Europe's largest glacier, and the Dovrefjell, the home of Grieg's mythical Mountain King. Far above the Arctic Circle , lies the spectacularly situated town of Tromso, where the sun never rises in winter or sets in midsummer and for the active there are numerous outdoor activities on offer such as skiing, hunting, fishing and rock-climbing. Even the less energetic can marvel at the spectacular beauty of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless steep-sided valleys, high mountain lakes and dramatic views.

Norway also offers a rich cultural experience for those keen to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings. Oslo , the capital has a spectacular setting at the head of a 70-mile long fjord. It is the oldest Scandinavian capital, founded by the 11th century Norwegian king, Harald, who established it on the site of an earlier Viking settlement around 1050.

There is nothing that Oslo can do about its dark sub-arctic winters but, in recent years, it has largely shaken off its dull, small-town, parochial image, without losing its air of informality. Recently liberalised drinking laws have helped create a lively nightlife and oil money has provided support for arts and culture, making it a thriving and vibrant city .

Oslo 's climate is surprisingly mild for its latitude. Summer temperatures often hover around 20ºC (68ºF) but in winter, these fall to just below freezing. Winter is dark and gloomy, although there is always snow on the numerous ski trails close to the city. During the long summer days, when the sun drops only briefly below the horizon and it never gets truly dark, the inhabitants spend much of their time outdoors. Summer temperatures are perfect for exploring the parks and hiking paths, or relaxing on the beaches of the fjord.

The best approach to Oslo is by sea, sailing up the fjord, where fishing and small sailing boats vie with ferries and merchant ships for space on the sea. Although it is not noted for its grand architecture, Oslo 's history lives on in its medieval buildings like the Akershus Slott, which stands across a park from the1930s-style Rådhus (City Hall). A highlight of any tour is the Slottet ( Royal Palace ), which elegantly dominates the view west along Karl Johans Gate past the Storting (Parliament).

Bergen is Norway 's second city and one of its most attractive and is known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords'. It has a delightful natural setting, with seven imposing mountains surrounding it on three sides and the island-dotted North Sea on the fourth. On a clear day, the approach to the city by sea or air is a fabulous experience.

The locals – known as Bergenseners – are friendly and widely regarded as the most outgoing of Norwegians. They are immensely proud of their city, its history and traditions.

The peak tourist season runs from May to September and although the area has the dubious honour of experiencing one of Europe 's highest average annual rainfall counts this should not spoil a visit as there is plenty to do indoors. Bergen is a city generously endowed with museums, galleries and other cultural institutions – the arts figure large in the city's life and it was a European City of Culture in 2000.