| Norway is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where | | | | April are the ideal months. |
| many people's lives are dominated by the sea as in | | | | Glacial attractions: Even in summer, you can |
| the days of the Vikings. The smaller cities are | | | | experience the majesty of ice. Jostedalsbreen glacier |
| undiscovered gems. | | | | is easily reached from the fjord country north of |
| Here are Ten reasons to visit, to help start your holiday | | | | Bergen. |
| planning and further research | | | | Food and drink: Prices might be high but you'll dine well |
| Cruising: The best way of experiencing the coast and | | | | on breakfast and dinner buffets where fish, seafood |
| fjords is on a cruise ship. Hurtigruten (Norwegian | | | | and maybe reindeer take pride of place. It's best to |
| Coastal Voyage) operates departures up and down | | | | take your own drinks however! |
| the coast on every day of the year, with cruise ship | | | | Vibrant cities: Oslo has all you might expect from a |
| standards. | | | | capital city, but Bergen has the advantage of a real |
| Fjords: Deep inlets from the sea give the coast its | | | | maritime feel and fascinating medieval history. |
| character, and you'll enjoy walking, cycling and scenic | | | | Island life: A trip to the remote Lofoten Islands is |
| tours if you base yourself at Hardangerfjord or | | | | unforgettable. Fishing is still the main industry and they |
| Geirangerfjord. | | | | are served by Hurtigruten coastal ships. |
| Arctic Adventure: The north of Norway lies above the | | | | Furthest north: The visitor centre at the North Cape |
| Arctic Circle, experiencing the midnight sun in June/July | | | | tells you this is the furthest point north on the European |
| and weeks of almost constant darkness in December | | | | mainland, but another promontory nearby claims the |
| January. Go whale watching in summer or | | | | same distinction. |
| snowmobiling in winter. | | | | Norway has got to be one of the most scenic |
| The Northern Lights: This meteorological phenomenon | | | | countries in the world, and one that is increasingly easy |
| occurs in winter when the night sky is lit up in a | | | | to reach as more air links open up - now is most |
| dazzling display. Your best chance of observing them | | | | certainly the time to think about a holiday in Norway- |
| is on a cruise ship or far from civilisation. | | | | it's easy to arrange an independent trip, or of course |
| Winter sports: The leading ski resorts of Hemsedal, | | | | you will find many specialist tour operators to Norway |
| Lillehammer, Geilo and Voss have a reliable snow | | | | who feature city breaks, cruises and special interest |
| record and good facilities for beginners. March and | | | | holiday packages. |