Norway

In many ways Norway is still a land of unknowns. Beyond Oslo and the famous fjords the rest of the country is unknown. Vast stretches in the north and east are sparsely populated, and it is at times possible to travel for hours without seeing another person. Beyond Oslo, which is one of the world's most picturesque capitals, the major cities of interest are medieval Trondheim, Bergen in the heart of the fjords and hilly, northern Tromsø. They are very sedate towns but they are likeable, walkable cities worth time for themselves, as well as being surrounded by startling countryside. The main draw are the western fjords every bit as scenically stunning as they're cracked up to be. Dip into the region from Bergen or Åndalsnes, both accessible direct by train from Oslo, or take more time and appreciate the subtleties of the innumerable waterside towns and villages. Far to the north of here Norway grows increasingly barren, and what tourist trail there is peters out altogether. The vast lands of Troms and Finnmark were once the home of outlaws and still boast wild and untamed tracts. There are also the Sami clans and their herds of reindeer, which you'll see on the thin, exposed road up to the Nordkapp or North Cape, this is the northernmost accessible point of mainland Europe, and the natural end to the long trek north.

Hostels and Student Accomodation

Youth hostels provide the accommodation mainstay – about ninety in all, spread right across the country. The Norwegian hostelling association, Norske Vandrerhjem, Dronningensgate 26, Oslo (22.42.14.10), puts out a free pamphlet detailing addresses, opening dates and prices. Prices vary greatly anything from 90kr to 160kr, although the more expensive ones nearly always include a good breakfast. On average, reckon on paying 110kr a night for a bed, 50kr for breakfast and 80-100kr for a hot meal. Most hostels also have a few doubles for around 300kr. Non-members can use the hostels but pay an extra 25kr a night. Between June and mid-September you should, however, always ring ahead to check on space. Most hostels close between 11am and 4pm, and there's normally an 11pm/midnight curfew.
Use our Hostel Booking form to book your hostel.

Places to see

North of the Arctic Circle, the midsummer sun never sets and the eerie Northern lights can often be seen flickering in the sky, this is a fascinating sight.

Norway's second city is the old seaport of Bergen, whose hilly little centre holds lovely old wooden buildings and a cluster of first-rate museums, not to mention lively bars and numerous restaurants.

Arguably the prettiest of the many lovely hamlets scattered across the fjords is Fjaerland - a gentle ribbon of old wooden houses with the mountains as a backcloth.

The plunging cliffs and thundering waterfalls of the Geraingerfjord make this one of Norway's most dramatic fjords, taking a boat cruise along it is a must.

The Jostedalsbreen glacier is an 800-square-kilometre ice plateau that edges out into the surrounding valleys. A guided walk on the Jostedalsbreen can be one of the most memorable experiences of any visit to Norway.

These two remote islands of the Lofoten archipelago, Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya - are extraordinarily beautiful. Rearing peaks crimp their sea-shredded coastlines, which are studded with the quaintest of fishing villages.

The Munch Museum has the world's most comprehensive collection of Munch paintings, from his early paintings through his woodcuts and great works of the 1890s, including several versions of the famous Scream.

Wind-battered Nordkapp is Europe's northernmost point, an exhilaratingly bleak clifftop overlooking the waters of the Arctic. If you are traveling by bicycle or motor-cycle be sure to get well wrapped up here.

Oslo's Viking Ships Museum has two beautifully preserved Viking longships, retrieved from ritual burial mounds. There's even a spectacular hoard of Norse treasure to go with them, including a couple of exuberantly carved ceremonial sleighs.

Trondheim is one of Norway's most lively towns, a bustling place with excellent restaurants, nightclubs, and perhaps the finest historical building in the whole of the country, the Nidaros Cathedral, parts of which date from the eleventh century.

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