Top Things to See
Norway is a country which is endowed with both a fascinating history and amazing natural beauty. The country has whole regions that can be recommended as sightseeing destinations based purely on the landscape and geographical features while an endless collection of historical buildings also come high on the list of places worth checking out.
 Fjordland and the Southwest
Offering some truly awesome scenery, Fjordland and the southwest is a significant Norwegian tourist area which is a must for anyone who likes to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. Cruise ships give visitors the chance to travel along the coast taking in the magnificent Førdefjorden, Hardanger Fjord and Nordfjord on the way from Stavanger to Bergen. A trip inland takes you to the majestic Hardangervidda Mountains and national park while further north lays the Jostedalsbreen glacier and national park.
 Bergen
Once the capital of medieval Norway and a Hanseatic port, Bergen has plenty of sights worthy of mention including Mount Ulriken, the top of which can be reached by cable car and Mount Fløyen which can be reached by funicular railway; both offer breathtaking views over the city. The city itself has many examples of fine architecture dating from the 17th century as well as a good selection of museums.
 St Mary’s Church (Mariakirken)
If you take a trip to Bergen, you should make the effort to visit Mariakirken, the city’s oldest building. Built in Romanesque stone, this beautiful church has an interior featuring a magnificent Baroque pulpit that was a gift from the Hanseatic merchants in 1676. Also inside are some wonderful old frescoes. From the outside, features worthy of mention include the distinctive twin towers.
 Akershus Slott
Akershus Slott is a medieval castle located in Oslo that dates back to 1300 and still features much of its original stonework. Inside the castle, which was formerly a royal residence, visitors can view the royal mausoleum in which King Haakon VII, King Olav V, Queen Maud and Queen Märtha are all buried together. Wander around the elaborate dining halls before climbing to the top of the castle ramparts to be amazed by the stunning vistas.
Top Things to Do
 Take a trip to the Tryvann Vinterpark resort
If you’re heading to Oslo during the winter season, you may like to consider spending a day or a weekend at the Tryvann Vinterpark resort. You do not need to be an accomplished snow sport enthusiast as there is a ski school at the resort which gives absolute beginners the chance to learn the basics. You don’t even need to set foot on a pair of skis at all as off-piste activities include ice-skating, tobogganing and sledge riding. Equipment for both skiers and snowboarders is available to hire at the resort.
 Take the Bergen City Guided Tour
Leaving from the Bergen Tourist Information Office, the tour of the city takes visitors around all of the main attractions in and around the centre including the open-air Bergen Museum and Troldhaugen, the former residence of internationally famous composer Edvard Grieg. Tours take a total of three hours from beginning to end and are a great way to see many sights that you would otherwise have to pursue individually.
 Take the Fjord and Coast Tour to Rosendal
On this interesting tour, visitors are taken to the Rosendal area which is situated at the bottom of the majestic Melderskin Mountains. Views on the way are breathtaking, taking in the best of the mountain ranges before arriving at Rosendal where Scandinavia’s smallest manor awaits exploration and the beauty of its rose garden has to be seen to be believed.
 Splash out on a traditional Norwegian meal
Even if you spend the greater part of your holiday eating on the cheap, you should set aside funds for at least one evening out at a decent Norwegian restaurant where you can fully appreciate the great food that the country has to offer. Enjoy a three course meal in which you should almost certainly try a fish dish such as grilled mountain trout or smoked salmon quiche before enjoying a mouthwatering dessert such as cardamom coffeecake, caramel pudding or krumkaka.
 Take a hiking and camping trip
Hiking and camping are immensely popular in Norway during the warmer months on account of the right to access law which permits entry to most areas of non-private land. Throw your stuff in a backpack and take off into the Norwegian wilderness where, after an enjoyable trek, you can set up for the night at one of the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association’s many mountain cabins. The same organisation (known as Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) in Norwegian) also offers guided tours as well as maps and route information.
| 
