Norway - fresh air, freedom and fjords

Famous for its mighty Fjords and its Viking past, today Norway ranks as the wealthiest country in the world, with the largest capital reserve of any nation. But its extensive resources and financial clout are only one aspect of Norway's riches. This land is overflowing with natural beauty, culture and heritage. And our road to this unique adventure begins along Norway's rugged Atlantic coastline.

The Atlantic Road - welcome to the west coast

Locally known as the 'Atlanterhavsveien' this road is a source of great pride and has been voted Norway's Construction of the Century. This remarkable feat of engineering links the cities Molde and Kristiansand (and a number of villages in-between), through an inspired combination of graceful bridges, land-fill sites and island roads. You'll experience the full splendor of Norway's west coast as The Atlantic Road twists and turns across ocean and land like a sea serpent.

Molde & Romsdal

Molde is the commercial and cultural hub of Romsdal County and you’ll be spoilt for choice here. For nature lovers and fisherman this is a paradise to behold. Crystal clear lakes, endless unspoiled views, magnificent waterfalls and yawning caves that seem to be lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. And for families, sports fans and jazz enthusiasts the list of attractions is equally limitless. There’s even a church for trolls.

Kristiansand

The white wooden houses of Kristiansand’s delightful old town are as typical of the region as the sound of waves crashing against the shore. From this bustling harbour you can take a boat trip to a neighbouring island or indulge in some fresh quayside seafood.

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is surrounded by one of the world’s most stunning natural attractions. Jaw dropping fjords are common enough in Norway, but Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord represent some of the Ice Age’s finest work, and have been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. They can be toured by boat, kayak, bike or car, and are certainly worth the visit.

Stavanger

Stavanger has all the natural beauty that you’ll find elsewhere in Norway, but it has beaches and shopping too. As well as chic boutiques, you’ll find traditional crafts alive here. Take your pick from handmade clothing or ceramics and glassware.

Oslo

Norway’s capital has everything you’d expect from a modern European city, with its 5 star hotels, shopping, Michelin rated restaurants and a lively nightlife to match. But it has a distinct advantage: with a population of 575,000 it’s not hard to find a parking space or reserve a table for dinner.

Tromso – capital of the arctic

Tromso in the north of Norway offers some unusual opportunities. If you fancy a round of night-time golf or a whale safari in the wee small hours, you’ll be in the right place. In the summer months it’s known as the land of magical midnight sun because it simply never sets. The quality of the light here has inspired writers and artists for centuries, and the longer days give you the opportunity to discover and do more.

The Lofoten Islands

There are daily flights to Lofoten, but as the sea is so integral to the way of life here, it seems most appropriate to arrive by boat. And if whales are what you’re looking for you’ll find plenty of variety here. Take the car and tour these seven islands at your leisure. Despite being so close to the Arctic Circle the Lofoten Islands enjoy a milder climate than you’d expect thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream.

Finnmarksvidda – and The Northern High-Lights

Finnmarksvidda is one of Norway’s largest mountain plateaus and the home of reindeer elk and the indigenous Sami people. You can learn much about their local customs and traditions on a snow mobile safari. And you can experience a truly mystical event, which the Sami are lucky enough to take for granted. Camp out beneath the stars and wait for the universe’s very own light show – the Aurora Borealis itself.