Norway: fjords and Vikings

Oslo, the capital of Norway, combines nature, history and culture in a unique way. Surrounded by forests and the Oslo Fjord, it offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking and cruises. Highlights include the Royal Palace, the lively Karl Johans gate, Frogner Park with Vigeland's sculptures, and world-famous museums such as the Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. With a cosmopolitan food scene and lively neighbourhoods such as Grünerløkka, Oslo is an eclectic destination that satisfies every type of traveller.

Lillehammer is a charming town known for its connection to Norwegian winter sports and culture. Famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, it offers attractions such as the Maihaugen, one of Norway's largest open-air museums, celebrating local history and traditions. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Olympic ski jump at Lysgårdsbakkene or ski in the nearby mountain resorts.

Ålesund is a coastal city in western Norway, famous for its extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. Situated on several islands overlooking the ocean, it offers breathtaking views, including the view from Mount Aksla, which dominates the city and the surrounding fjord. Ålesund is also a gateway to the Norwegian fjords, such as the famous Geirangerfjord, making it an ideal destination for nature and culture lovers.

Bergen, Norway's second largest city, is known as the 'gateway to the fjords' due to its strategic location on the west coast. Founded in 1070, it is rich in history and culture, with the Bryggen district, a UNESCO heritage site, as a symbol of its Hanseatic trade past. Surrounded by seven mountains and numerous fjords, Bergen offers a unique mix of nature and urban life. The Fløibanen funicular railway and the Ulriken cable car lead to breathtaking viewpoints, ideal for admiring the city and its surroundings.

Stavanger, located on the south-west coast of Norway, is a vibrant and dynamic city, known as the centre of Norway's oil industry. In addition to its economic importance, Stavanger is famous for its quaint old town with white wooden houses and its proximity to natural wonders such as Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and the Lysefjord. The city offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and festivals such as Nuart dedicated to urban art.