| 1. Fjords, Glaciers and Mountains |
The west coast of Norway is fjord country, a place of extreme natural beauty where you will also find mountains, unique rock formations, fjords and glaciers. If you choose to visit fjords like Romsdalsfjord, Sognefjord and Lysefjord you are going to be impressed. The best way is to take a cruise around the area. Alternatively you can hike on the immense Jostedalsbreen glacier, located in the national park of the same name or trek up the mountains and through the beautiful green valleys in the area.
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| 2. Troll's Tongue, Odda |
If you take the drive to Odda, near Stavanger, you can find the Troll's Tongue which is also know as the Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen after a short hike. Nothing prepares you for when you step out onto this ledge of rock and look over the edge. Look down and there is an eye watering sheer drop below you and a view to die for ahead. Here you can’t help but marvel at the forces that created this viewing platform for the world beneath us.
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| 3. Solastranda Beach outside Stavanger |
When most people think of Norway they imagine mountains and glaciers, snow and ice, but there is much more to this beautiful country you’d never expect there to be including beautiful, pristine beaches where you can relax or enjoy various watersports. The best of the many beaches around Stavager is Solastranda Beach but there are dozens of beaches around Stavanger in south-west Norway, the sandy shores of Selje in the west, the Huk and Paradisbukta Beaches outside Oslo and the shores of the Arctic North Cape, often deserted, to choose from. Hire a car and visit some of them for beauty and tranquillity.
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| 4. Bergen |
A beautiful city, more a large town with quaint multicoloured streets of old Norwegian houses and called the Gateway to the Fjords, Bergen is famous in its own right and offers wonderful experiences for travellers. Travel up the mountain in the town's funicular railway, shop and haggle at the local fish market or visit Troldhaugen and Fantoft Stave Church. Bergen has a great selection of restaurants and cultural activities to choose from too.
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| 5. Nidarosdomen Cathedral Trondheim |
This vibrant university town is also a hub of culture and technology. Founded over a thousand years ago there is plenty to see but the must-see part of Trondheim is the historic Nidarosdomen Cathedral. This was for many centuries the most important place of pilgrimage in northern Europe and was the place of coronation for Norwegian royalty. Other attractions include the Archbishop's Palace, the Ringve Museum and the Stiftsgården Royal Residence, which was constructed in the 1700s.
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| 6. Island of Sørøya, Hammerfest |
This mountainous region and the island of Sørøya are places you won't forget. Way up north in the area called Finnmark the island is desolate, barren but staggeringly beautiful. Here survival is the key for those that make a living. You can hike the island or on the mainland or head to Seiland National Park, which includes some impressive glaciers.
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| 7. Marmorslottet in Glomdalen, Arctic Circle |
A place almost designed just for winter activities. Here you can go dog sledding, ice fishing or snowmobiling. There is also hiking, ice diving, fishing, rafting and island hopping. You can also discover caves like Setergrotta or in the bleak wintry blizzards venture out to the Myken Lighthouse. The less energetic can also take a coastal cruise or visit villages like Honningsvåg.
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| 8. Nordseter, Lillehammer |
Lillehammer is famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Only a few hours from the bustling city of Oslo you will easily find the complex used during the games. Here you can stay and enjoy the beautiful but icy Norwegian winters as well as ski the Olympic slopes. The town of Lillehammer itself is modern with much to offer including great nightlife and an open air museum ( a bit warmer to visit in summer!)
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| 9. Alesund |
In 1904 the city of Ålesund was destroyed in a fire but the rebuilding of the city was quite an achievement as this picturesque port city is now acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful places in Europe. After the fire, German architects were brought in to rebuild the area in the Art Nouveau style popular at the time and the result is a city full of pastels, turrets and gables. Here you can shop, visit museums or trek to the summit of Mount Aksla and this beautiful city won’t disappoint in what it has to offer.
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| 10. The Midnight Sun, North Cape |
If you visit Norway in June, a trip to the so called ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ is a must. From the Arctic Circle to the isolated islands of Svalbard you can join midnight sun safaris and cruises to watch the sun dip to the horizon but never set. Because of the near 24 hours of daylight it’s a favourite place for activities from golf to fishing. Sleeping can be a problem here so choose a hotel that has black out blinds – you have been warned!
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