Oslo

Norway’s capital and largest city creeps up on you and makes you very glad you came. Possessed of a staid reputation and by no measure Scandinavia’s most beautiful city, low-key Oslo nonetheless has lots to see and do - it just doesn’t make such a big fuss about it.

Unlike most European cities, Oslo isn’t full of architectural wonders, but some districts, such as Frogner, offer elegant examples of historical architecture. The city is also replete with notable museums and monuments, as well as plenty of green spaces.

Central Norway

The central part of Norway takes in the country’s highest mountains, largest glacier and most spectacular fjords. Unsurprisingly, this region is the top destination for almost all travellers to the country. The historic city of Bergen is the main jumping-off point for the western fjords.

From here you can visit Sognefjord, Norway’s longest (200km) and deepest (1300m) fjord; the scenic Hardangerfjord; the massive Jostedalsbreen glacier; spectacular waterfalls at Geirangerfjord; and Trollveggen, a jagged and often cloud-shrouded summit near Åndalsnes that is considered the ultimate challenge among Norwegian mountain climbers.

In addition, there are resorts, excellent national parks, and road trips through some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the 470km (291mi) train journey on the Oslo-Bergen railway: this scenic trip is Norway’s finest, and passes through mountain ranges and the windswept Hardanger plateau.

Risør

This cluster of historic white houses built around a small fishing harbour is one of Norway’s most picturesque villages. It’s popular with artists and tourists, and is a summer hangout for Norway’s yachties. Visits to nearby islands can be made by inexpensive water taxis. One such island is Stangholmen, which has an old lighthouse with a restaurant and bar. Risør is on the curving southern coast, south of Oslo.

Tromsø

The ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ is a stark contrast to the sober communities dotting the northern coast of Norway. It’s a spirited town with street music, cultural happenings, more pubs per capita than any other place in the country and many ‘northenmost’ claims. Snow-capped mountains provide the scenic backdrop, the town has a swag of period buildings and the Tromsø Museum is a good place to learn about Lapp culture. There’s also fine skiing here in winter.