Norway is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where many people’s lives are dominated by the sea as in the days of the Vikings. The smaller cities are undiscovered gems. Here are reasons to visit, to help start your holiday planning and further research

Cruising: The best way of experiencing the coast and fjords is on a cruise ship. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) operates departures up and down the coast on every day of the year, with cruise ship standards.

Fjords: Deep inlets from the sea give the coast its character, and you’ll enjoy walking, cycling and scenic tours if you base yourself at Hardangerfjord or Geirangerfjord.

Arctic Adventure: The north of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle, experiencing the midnight sun in June/July and weeks of almost constant darkness in December/January. Go whale watching in summer or snowmobiling in winter.

The Northern Lights: This meteorological phenomenon occurs in winter when the night sky is lit up in a dazzling display. Your best chance of observing them is on a cruise ship or far from civilisation.

Winter sports: The leading ski resorts of Hemsedal, Lillehammer, Geilo and Voss have a reliable snow record and good facilities for beginners. March and April are the ideal months.

Glacial attractions: Even in summer, you can experience the majesty of ice. Jostedalsbreen glacier is easily reached from the fjord country north of Bergen.

Food and drink: Prices might be high but you’ll dine well on breakfast and dinner buffets where fish, seafood and maybe reindeer take pride of place. It’s best to take your own drinks however!

Island life: A trip to the remote Lofoten Islands is unforgettable. Fishing is still the main industry and they are served by Hurtigruten coastal ships.

Norway has got to be one of the most scenic countries in the world, and one that is increasingly easy to reach as more air links open up – now is most certainly the time to think about a holiday in Norway- it’s easy to arrange an independent trip, or of course you will find many specialist tour operators to Norway who feature city breaks, cruises and special interest holiday packages.

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway. It is also a municipality, and a county of its own. Oslo is not one of the most appealing cities, compared to other European capitals, but this spacious city has a quite few prime sights, particularly museums and no shortage of outdoor attractions and activities around the city.

Byporten Shopping has a unique blend of shops. Oslos newest shopping centre is situated right beside Oslo Central Station and includes more than 70 shops, 10 restaurants, a Scandic Hotel, Norways largest Mique store, Norways largest Egon Restaurant and an underground car park. Paleet Shopping Centre is the most elegant shopping and food court at the upper part of the main street Karl Johans gate. It includes 45 shops and 13 restaurants with a range you will not find anywhere else. Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built around 1300 and modernized in the 17thC. It holds the Resistance Museum and Defence Museum, displaying a history of the Nazi occupation and the Norwegian resistance in WWII. Even if war is not your favourite subject the site is green and pleasant, and the view overlooking the city and harbour is worthwhile. During the summer, it hosts events such as concerts, dances and plays.