Est. 1970
Norway
Norway is one of Europe's most adventurous and luxurious destinations, a little populated but scenically stupendous country where outdoor experiences are the focal point of tailor-made tours in both summer and winter.
Cruising the stunning Norwegian fjords, which extend all the way up the west coast of the country, is a key Norway travel highlight. And rightly so - they are truly breathtaking. Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are the best known and most visited, and seeing at least one of these three is hugely recommended.
You might also like to try fishing for king crabs in the Arctic Circle under the Midnight Sun, watching sea eagles in the Lofoten Islands, seeing the swirling and shifting Northern Lights while staying in an ice hotel in deep winter, visiting stave churches or small coastal towns, or combining several activities via some of the Norway's most scenic coastal and mountain self-drive routes.
There's also the chance to see polar bears by joining an Arctic expedition cruise in the Svalbard archipelago, a remote outpost of Norway where polar bears outnumber humans.
Back on the mainland, the pretty historic west coast port city of Bergen and the cultured capital of Oslo are two of the most popular starting points for Norway holidays. Both cities are ideal short break destinations, with Viking museums, art galleries and lots of other attractions close at hand. But if time allows it's well worth venturing further afield to see what else Norway has to offer.
The Oslo to Bergen railway is an especially memorable way to travel from one city to the other and can be incorporated into a ‘Norway in a nutshell' tour that includes the dramatic Flam railway and the much-vaunted western fjords.
WEXAS offers a range of luxury holidays in Norway.
Norway luxury holidays
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Norway, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.
Alta
Bergen
Central Norway
Eastern Norway
Kirkenes
Northern Norway
Oslo
Southern Norway
Stavanger
Svalbard
Tromso
Western Norway
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.
Weather
Winters (November to March) are very cold. The rest of the year is mild and pleasant.
Festivals
The people of Oslo gather at the Royal Palace, in traditional dress, as part on the Constitution Day celebration on 17 May. Skiers come to the city for the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in March. Arts festivals are also held, including the Oslo International Jazz Festival in August, the film festival in October, and the Inferno Metal Festival in April. Bergen hosts its own International Festival over twelve days at the end of May, featuring dance, music, and folklore events.
Food & drink
Koldtbord (cold tables) consisting of smoked salmon, fresh lobster, shrimp and hot dishes are often found in hotels and restaurants. Open sandwiches topped with fish, cheese, meats and salads are also popular. Main dishes include roast venison, lutefisk (hot, highly flavoured cod) and herring prepared in a variety of ways. Aquavit (schnapps) is popular to drink, otherwise alcohol is limited and expensive, though wines and beers are available.
Etiquette
Normal social courtesies apply. Arrive for meetings punctually. Await for the host to make a toast before drinking. Gifts following an invitation to someone's home are much appreciated.
Safety
Safe.International airport
(And distances from nearest city): Oslo (GEN) 47 km, Stavanger (SVG) 14 km, Bergen (BGO) 20 km.
Internal travel
Good domestic air network. Coastal towns and fjords served by ferries. Roads of variable quality, especially under freezing winter conditions in the north. Car hire easily available but costly.
Visa
None.Vaccination
Not currently required.Driving
International Driving Permit or national driving licence and log book. Green Card recommended.Capital
Oslo.Language
Norwegian.People
Norwegian (95%), Sami, other.Religion
Evangelical Lutheran.Size
323,802.Population
4,644.457.Population density
14.0.Life expectancy
M 77.16, F 82.6.Currency
Norwegian krone (NOK) = 100 øre.Finance
Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.Business hours
0800-1600 Mon-Friday.Time difference
+1.Voltage
230 AC, 50 Hz.International dial code
+47.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Norway. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.
Highlights of Norway
Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Solar eclipse in Spitsbergen – March 2015
Lyngen Lodge and the Northern Lights
Explore Central Norway with Wideroe
Alta - City of the Northern Lights
Best of the West 5-day self-drive
Basecamp Isfjord Radio 4-day guided tour
Spitsbergen & Tromso
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Norway. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Norway, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.
The Thief, Oslo
Vestlia Hotel, Geilo
Geilolia Cabins, Geilo
Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg, Norway
Dr Holms Hotel, Geilo
Hemsedal Alpin Lodge, Hemsedal
Radisson Blu Hotel, Beitostølen
Fossheim Hotell & Restaurant, Hemsedal
Skarsnuten Hotel, Hemsedal
Siobhan Mercer - Europe Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0618
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (7)
Recommended Itineraries (5)
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