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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Norway

Norway is located in the northernmost tip of Europe, bordered by Sweden, Finland, Russia, the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. A long, elongated country with one of the longest coastlines in the world, Norway can be divided into five distinctive regions, North, South, East, West and Central, which makes for a very diverse country, from the frozen north to the temperate south. The National Anthem attributes the term ‘f urrowed and weather-worn' to Norway and it is easy to understand why, with some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline, hundreds of fjords, inlets, rugged mountains and glaciers . If it weren't for the Gulf Stream, no one but polar bears would thrive this far north. With snow guaranteed from November to April, uncrowded slopes, lift queues virtually unheard of, great quality accommodation and a warm and friendly welcome from the locals, the country is a haven for the winter sports enthusiast. Summer in Norway is also a unique experience, with the Midnight Sun, long, bright days and glorious scenery.

The country is prosperous with a high standard of living and society is family-friendly.

Oslo, the capital, is located in the east and sits at the head of the Oslofjord, an inlet of the Skagerrak. The city is surrounded by green hills and a large forest area called Oslomarka. It is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals and is the business and cultural centre of Norway, as well as being an important shipping city. Norway's largest city is quite relaxed. The city centre is a pleasant mix of old and new architecture with many museums, parks and monuments. It's also a remarkably easy city to get around and great for entertainment and shopping. In Oslo, there are wonderful opportunities to become familiar with the Vikings and their age, especially their sea-worthy sailing vessels. Several of these beautiful long ships can be seen at the Viking ship museum.

Bergen, the country's second largest city, is located on the west coast. The pianist and conductor Edward Grieg lived and worked here and the Edward Grieg Museum is open to the public. Bergen Aquarium has one of the most extensive fauna collections in Europe. Mount Floyen and the Funicular offer magnificent views over the surrounding islands.

Trondheim, situated by the Trondheim fjord, is surrounded by lovely forested hills, with the Nidelva River winding through the town. It has been and still is a popular pilgrimage site, an ecclesiastical centre, a regional capital and a centre for commerce and administration. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway, and is still the city where new kings receive their ceremonial blessing.

Stavangar, Norway's fourth largest city located on the southwest coast of Norway, was a canning and fishing city in the last century that has turned into the oil capital of Norway. Stavangar, often referred to as Norway's largest "small town", where everyone knows someone who knows someone else, is a safe city with a very low crime rate. This is an ideal starting point for visiting the many beautiful sights, mountains, picturesque islands, waterfalls and plains of Rogaland.

Tromsø, the world's most northerly university town, is known as the ‘Paris of the North' and is located between the sharp craggy peaks of the Lyngen Alps. Tromsø combines wild scenery with pulsating, urban life, with more pubs per head of population than anywhere else in the country. The town and its environs have everything North Norway has to offer: mountains and fjords, glaciers, forests, wide open plains, Sami culture, museums, and every sporting activity you can imagine.

Hammerfest is a little fishing town, which claims to be the most northernmost town in the world and a perfect spot to see the Northern Lights.