David Nikel - Moon Norway

the Royal Route near the Hjrundfjord.

From the dancing aurora borealis and dramatic Lofoten islands in the north to the majesty of the western fjords and imposing mountainous terrain throughout, Norway in its natural form needs no enhancement. As you sail down a fjord between steep cliffs with sea eagles swooping above your head, youll soon realize very little has changed since the time of the Vikings.

While many destinations build theme parks and other artificial attractions to draw in the crowds, Norway has never needed to do that. But the authorities are working to improve infrastructure, building new highways, tunnels, bridges, and lookout points to enhance the very best of what nature has to offer and make Norway easier to visit than ever before.

Norways cities are full of international influence, and youll find modern architecture alongside historical landmarks. Nowhere is this contrast more evident than Oslo, where the sparkling Oslo Opera House shares the waterfront with the medieval Akershus Fortress. Strike up a conversation (Norwegians speak great English) to discover the contemporary side of Scandinavia.

Norway strikes a magical balance between history, modernity, and natural beauty. Theres no need to embellish what is astounding unadorned.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Oslos Opera House

Geirangerfjord: The pick of Norways many spectacular fjords, Geiranger is renowned for its steep cliffs, tall slender waterfalls, and photo opportunities galore (

Scenic Railways: The Bergen Line () descends through a lush valley to a fjords edge, offering two of the worlds most spectacular rail trips.

Preikestolen Cliff: The hike to this flat cubed cliff, which overlooks the glistening Lysefjord, is one of Norways most popular treks (

Atlantic Road: This captivating eight-kilometer (five-mile) stretch of highway skips over an archipelago of islets and skerries ().

Art Nouveau lesund: The perfect base for a trip to the Geirangerfjord, lesund was rebuilt in the fanciful art nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904 ().

Rros: A living museum high in the mountains, this former copper-mining town remains vibrant, focusing today on sustainable local food ().

Vigeland Sculpture Park: This park within a park features hundreds of stone, bronze, and wrought-iron sculptures, the lifes work of Gustav Vigeland ().

The Lofoten Road Trip: This Arctic archipelago is home to diverse wildlife and picturesque fishing villages, surrounded by the most dramatic scenery that Norway has to offer (

Northern Lights: The chance to see the mystical aurora borealis dance across the sky draws visitors to the High North ().

Hurtigruten Ferry: Running up and down the coast, the ferry serves a dual purpose as an informal cruise through stunning scenery and a vital service for tiny coastal communities ().

ONE WEEK: Visit Oslo, Bergen, and the fjords in between. Taking the Oslo to Bergen railway (the Bergen Line) is the best way to make the most of your time.

TWO WEEKS: Extend your time in the fjord region to include a road trip to lesund and a few nights around the Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen mountain pass. Alternatively, head to historic Trondheim.

THREE WEEKS: Sail up the coast on the Hurtigruten ferry from Bergen, lesund, or Trondheim, and choose to stop at the stunning Lofoten islands, lively Troms, or Honningsvg, from where the iconic North Cape is only a short bus ride away.

Where to Go

Oslo

Norways capital has an expanding list of arts, culture, and music events. The rejuvenated waterfront features a mix of old and new architecture, including the striking