The Norwegian fjords

Oslo lies at the head of a fjord scattered with islands, framed by wooded hills and glittering water, and is the capital of Norway: an elegant, walkable city where Scandinavian design, culture and nature live in perfect balance. Its historic heart is Karl Johans gate, the pedestrian avenue running from the central station to the Royal Palace (Slottet), flanked by the National Theatre and the University. Nearby stands Akershus Fortress (Akershus festning), the medieval castle overlooking the harbour and recalling eight centuries of history. The reborn waterfront has turned the Aker Brygge district and the modern Tjuvholmen peninsula into a string of restaurants, galleries and seafront promenades. Here too rises the celebrated Opera House (Operahuset), whose sloping white marble roof descends to the water like an iceberg you can walk up. Oslo is a remarkable capital of museums: the Munchmuseet holds the works of Edvard Munch, creator of "The Scream", while a ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula reaches the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum (the polar expedition ship) and the Kon-Tiki Museum. Not to be missed is Vigelandsparken, the park gathering hundreds of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. For nature lovers, the Holmenkollen hill offers its famous ski jump and sweeping fjord views, while the forests of Nordmarka invite hiking and cross-country skiing just minutes from the centre. In summer, boats reach the fjord islands for days of sun and swimming, while the food scene blends fresh seafood, covered markets such as Mathallen and a lively coffee culture. Between fjord and forest, Oslo is best savoured slowly, letting the constant dialogue between city and nature surprise you.

A renowned mountain resort halfway between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo is one of Norway's most beloved ski destinations, set on the edge of the Hardangervidda plateau. Lying at over 800 metres above sea level, it offers snow-covered slopes, modern lifts and miles of cross-country tracks, while in summer it becomes a paradise for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. The nearby Hardangervidda National Park, the largest mountain plateau in Europe, opens up boundless vistas and encounters with wild reindeer. The village retains an elegant, welcoming atmosphere, with charming hotels, restaurants serving game and Nordic specialities, and a refined tradition of alpine hospitality. Geilo is the perfect destination for those seeking sport, relaxation and a connection with nature in every season.

Bergen rises among seven hills and the fjords of the western coast, the gateway to Norway's most spectacular scenery. The kingdom's ancient capital and a thriving Hanseatic port, it preserves in the Bryggen district its famous colourful wooden houses lining the harbour, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the narrow lanes of the old merchant warehouses, ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for sweeping views over rooftops, islands and open sea, and browse the stalls of the Fisketorget, the historic fish market where you can taste salmon, king crab and seafood soups. Bergen is also the ideal starting point for exploring the great fjords, from the Sognefjord to the Hardangerfjord, with their sheer cliffs and waterfalls. A city of rain and light, Bergen blends Nordic elegance with a maritime soul in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Førde lies at the heart of Sunnfjord, where the river Jølstra flows down towards the fjord after leaving the clear waters of lake Jølstravatnet, in one of the greenest regions of western Norway. The district's main town, it combines the liveliness of a small Norwegian hub with the calm of a landscape of valleys, waterfalls and rounded mountains. The Jølstra river, well known among salmon anglers, runs through the town and sets its rhythm, while the surroundings offer trails through woods, lakes and mountain pastures that culminate in the spectacular vistas of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, reachable on a day trip. Førde is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby fjords, where rock walls plunge into the water and villages preserve the authentic atmosphere of the Norwegian coast. Between summer hikes, fishing and winter stillness, Førde is the gateway to Sunnfjord and the perfect starting point for those seeking Norway's most genuine nature.

Ålesund unfolds across an archipelago of islands facing the ocean, celebrated as Norway's most beautiful Art Nouveau town. Rebuilt after the fire of 1904 in refined Jugendstil style, it boasts turrets, floral ornaments and colourful façades mirrored in the harbour's canals. From the Aksla viewpoint, reached by climbing 418 steps or by car, the eye sweeps over elegant rooftops, the surrounding islands and the Sunnmøre Alps on the horizon. The town is also the gateway to the majestic Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its plunging waterfalls, and a departure point for open-sea excursions. Between distinctive architecture, the flavours of the freshest seafood and grand scenery, Ålesund charms with its sophisticated maritime allure.

Lillehammer stretches along the northern shores of Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, where wooded valleys and gentle slopes form a scene of alpine calm. The town owes its worldwide fame to the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, which left it sporting facilities still in use today and the lively spirit of a snow-sports capital. Its beating heart is Storgata, the cheerful pedestrian street dotted with cafes, shops and colourful wooden houses, while nearby the Maihaugen open-air museum gathers more than a hundred historic buildings that recreate Norwegian rural life of the past. In winter the slopes and ski jumps draw skiers and enthusiasts, while in the warmer months the lake and surrounding forests invite hikes and days out in the open air. Lillehammer brings together sport, tradition and nature in a single destination of genuine charm.