Visit Scandinavia

Cruising on Hurtigruten

Discover the Norwegian west coast with Hurtigruten. The ships of Hurtigruten have daily departures from Bergen to Kirkenes. Sailing through magical fjords and 34 ports you can experience the beautiful coastline of Norway all year around. During winter you can discover the Northern Lights (September to April). Most of the ports have never been visited by any commercial cruise companies which creates a unique and personal experience. A round trip takes 11 days but shorter trips are also available. To get to Kirkenes or Bergen you can travel by plane or train from Oslo.Find more info at www.hurtigruten.com

Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)

At the Briksdalsbreen you will experience a powerful glacier. You can go right up close to the glacier either by foot or by horse-drawn carriage from the lodge at the entrance of the glacier. This is an adventure not to miss.

Website: www.briksdalsbre.no

Go on a cruise around scenic Lofoten, Northern Norway

The Best of the Arctic offers you an unforgettable cruise through the legendary Troll Fjord in Northern Norway, where the Lofoten’s dramatic scenery can be seen at its very best. You start off by spending a night in an authentic “rorbu”, which is a traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cabin.  Then you will be picked up by a traditional ferry.

Website: www.thebestofthearctic.com/leisure/orcalofoten_4e.htm

Eikedalen Alpine centre

Eikedalen alpine centre is located 55 km from Bergen at Kvamskogen. Eikedalen is the second biggest ski centre in the region of Hordaland after Voss. Eikedalen has 7 ski lifts, 12 different slopes from green to black difficulty levels.The ski centre is also open 4-5 evenings a week (1700-2100).

Website: www.eikedalen.no

Ski in Trysil

Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway. The location ensures a stable climate ideal for winter sports. The season generally starts in late October and ends in late April.

Lifts: 32

Slopes: 65

Longest slope: 5.4 km

Access: 3 hours by bus from Oslo

Website: www.trysil.com

Ski in Lillehammer

Hafjell is located 15 km north of Lillehammer which is a town and a skiing district in central Norway. Lillehammer hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994 and many of the Olympic events took place in Hafjell. The shuttle bus service from Lillehammer centre makes it very accessible.

Lifts: 14

Slopes: 28 and 300km of cross country tracks

Longest run: 7 km

Access: 2 hour 40 minutes by train from Oslo

Website: www.lillehammerturist.no

Ski in Hemsedal

Hemsedal is a village and ski resort in central Norway. The stable inland climate ensures good snow conditions from November to May. Hemsedal includes two skiing areas, Hemsedal ski centre and Solheisen ski centre in Grøndalen.

Lifts: 22

Slopes: 48 and 210 km of cross country tracks

Longest slope: 6 km

Access: 3 hours by train from Oslo

Website: www.hemsedal.com

Norlandia Royal Hotel

The Norlandia Royal Hotel is located on the Lofoten Islands.

Address: Postboks 43, 8301 Svolvær

Tel: +47 76 07 12 00

Fax: +47 76 07 08 50

Email: service@royal.norlandia.no

Website: www.norlandia.no

Christmas the old fashioned way

Get into the Christmas spirit at Bærums Verk in Oslo. Take a short ride with horse and sleigh during the weekends or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings and small shops in old houses from the 17th Century. Experience an old-fashioned Christmas market with lots of handicrafts & designer-goods. Make Christmas tree decorations from sheep's wool or make your very own soap. Meet Norwegian fairytale characters, the Hulder and the Trolls!

Website: www.visitoslo.com

Ski in Norefjell

Norway, the land of mountains, offers excellent ski resorts. ‘Norefjell’ is a good all-round ski resort, which is only located about 11/2h from Oslo. The terrain is suitable for all type of ski and snow lovers. Choose between country skiing, ‘telemark’, down hill skiing, snowboarding and sleigh rides. The winter season normally lasts from November until May.

Website: www.visitoslo.com

Kingcrab Safari in Kirkines

Go on a Kingcrabsafari by snow mobile or by boat, and try ice-fishing in the Barents Sea near Kirkenes, in the far north of Norway. The king crab can grow to 2 metres and gain a weight of 15 kg, so you are guaranteed to see and taste the biggest and freshest crabs in the world! At the end of the trip you can eat fresh crabs for lunch in the restaurant near the fjord. URL  http://www.visitnorthcape.com/

Website: www.visitnorthcape.com/

Norwegian Oil Field Museum

The Nork Oljemuseum is an experience-based museum in the middle of the city of Stavanger where you can see undersea oil fields up close. This is a popular attraction for both children and adults.

Address: Kjeringholmen

Tel: +47 +47 93 93 00

Fax: +47 51 93 93 01

Email: post@norskolje.museum.no

Website: www.norskolje.museum.no

Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter)

The Nobel Peace Centre opened June 11, 2005. The centre was constructed on the grounds of an old railway station near the Oslo City Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony is held on the 10th of December every year. The centre exhibits documents about the past Peace Prize winners and Alfred Nobel's efforts to raise interest in resolving wars and conflicts to achieve world peace. The centre has a lovely café and shop.

Address: Rådhusplassen i Oslo

Tel: +47 48 30 10 00

Website: www.nobelpeacecenter.org

Fram Museum (Frammuseet)

The Fram Museum shows the history of the polar explorers. Here you’ll find the world’s most famous polarship, Fram, from 1892, which is the museum’s main attraction. The ship is displayed in its original condition with interior and objects perfectly preserved. Every visitor is welcome on board Fram.

Address: Bygdøynesveien 39

Tel: +47 23 28 29 50

Website: www.fram.museum.no

Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is situated in south western Norway, northeast of Bergen, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, set 120km from one another are considered as archetypical fjord landscapes and among the most scenically outstanding anywhere. Their exceptional natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1,400m from the Norwegian Sea. The Geirangerfjord stands proudly as one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the world that portrays the forces of nature. The main sightseeing spots include the Briksdal Glacier in Sogn og Fjordane and the Dalsnibba Observatory Access is possible from Oslo, Bergen and Ålesund with the use of trains and buses.