Lonely Planet Norway

Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the essence of its appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

The drama of Norways natural world is difficult to overstate. Impossibly steep-sided fjords of extraordinary beauty cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior. The fjords fame is wholly merited, but this is also a land of glaciers, grand and glorious, snaking down from icefields that rank among Europes largest. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norways interior resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses, and yields to rocky coastal islands that rise improbably from the waters like apparitions of childhood imaginings. And then, of course, theres the primeval appeal of the Arctic. Such landforms provide a backdrop for some of Europes most charismatic wildlife polar bears (in Svalbard), reindeer and musk oxen to name just three and the setting for many a picturesque wooden village. Together they lend much personality, if any were needed, to what is an astonishing topographical story.

In Norway experiencing nature is very much an active pursuit, and Norwegians passion for exploring their natural world has created one of Europes most exciting and varied adventure-tourism destinations. Some activities may only be for the young, energetic and fearless, but most such as world-class hiking, cycling and white-water rafting in summer; dog-sledding, skiing and snowmobiling in winter can be enjoyed by anyone of reasonable fitness. On our travels weve encountered 93-year-old snowmobilers and whole families with young children racing down rapids. Whether youre here in summer when the options are more varied, or in winter for the soul-stirring spectacle of the northern lights, these activities are both reason alone to visit and an exhilarating means of getting away from the crowds and close to nature.

The counterpoint to so much natural beauty is found in the countrys vibrant cultural life, which celebrates local traditions and draws in the best from around the world. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and brimful of architecture that showcases the famous Scandinavian flair for design through the ages. At the same time, a busy calendar of festivals, many of international renown, are worth planning your trip around.

And yet if one topic above all others dominates conversations among travellers to Norway, its the formidable cost of travel here. Make no mistake: Norway is one of the most expensive countries on earth, which is yet another reason why saving up to come here is akin to planning the trip of a lifetime. But is it worth it? Absolutely: Norway will pay you back with never-to-be-forgotten experiences many times over.

Geirangerfjord

The 20km chug along Geirangerfjord ( ), a Unesco World Heritage Site, must rank as the worlds loveliest ferry journey. Long-abandoned farmsteads still cling to the fjords near-sheer cliffs while ice-cold cascades tumble, twist and gush down to emerald-green waters. Take it from Geiranger and enjoy the calm as you leave this small, heaving port or hop aboard at altogether quieter Hellesylt. Prime your camera, grab a top-deck open-air seat and enjoy whats literally the only way to travel its secluded reaches.

ANDERS BLOMQVIST

Lofoten Islands

Few visitors forget their first sighting of the Lofoten Islands ( ), laid out in summer greens and yellows, their razor-sharp peaks poking dark against a clear, cobalt sky. In the pure, exhilar-ating air, theres a constant tang of salt and, in the villages, more than a whiff of cod, that giant of the seas whose annual migration brings wealth. A hikers dream and nowadays linked by bridges, the islands are simple to hop between, whether by bus, car or ideally bicycle.

CRAIG PERSHOUSE

Hiking the Jotunheimen

The high country of central Norway ranks among Europes prem-ier summer destinations. Although there are numerous national parks criss-crossed by well-maintained hiking trails, its Jotunheimen National Park ( ), whose name translates as Home of the Giants, that rises above all others. With 60 glaciers and 275 summits over 2000m, Jotunheimen is exceptionally beautiful and home to iconic trails such as Besseggen, Hurrungane and those in the shadow of Galdhpiggen, Norways highest peak. Jotunheimens proximity to the fjords further enhances its appeal.

ANDERS BLOMQVIST

Bryggen, Bergen

Set amid a picturesque and very Norwegian coastal landscape of fjords and mountains, Bergen lays a strong claim to being one of Europes most beautiful cities. A celebrated history of seafaring trade down through the centuries has bequeathed to the city the stunning (and Unesco World Heritagelisted) waterfront district of Bryggen ( ), an archaic tangle of wooden buildings. A signpost to a history at once prosperous and tumultuous, the titled and colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen now shelter the chic boutiques and traditional restaurants for which the city is famous.

JAN STROMME

Svalbard

The subpolar archipelago of Svalbard ( ) is a true place of the heart. Deliciously remote and yet surprisingly accessible, Svalbard is Europes most evocative slice of the polar north and one of the continents last great wilderness areas. Shapely peaks, massive icefields (60% of Svalbard is covered by glaciers) and heartbreakingly beautiful fjords provide the backdrop for a rich array of Arctic wildlife (including around one-sixth of the worlds polar bears, which outnumber people here), and for summer and winter activities that get you out amid the ringing silence of the snows.

RALPH HOPKINS

Pulpit Rock

As lookouts go, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock; ) has few peers. Perched atop an almost perfectly sheer cliff that juts out more than 600m above the waters of gorgeous Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock is one of Norways signature images and most eye-catching areas. Its the sort of place where youll barely be able to look as travellers dangle far more than seems advisable over the precipice, even as you find yourself drawn inexorably towards the edge. The hike to reach it takes two hours and involves a full-day trip from Stavanger.