Norway City Breaks

Famed for its stunning natural landscapes, with sweeping rivers, glacial lakes, majestic mountains, deep-blue fjords and ancient forests, Norway undeniably makes a fantastic holiday destination for anybody in love with the outdoors. To experience the other side of Norway however, a relaxing break makes for a fantastic way to see the urban, historical and contemporary face of the country. Cities in Norway boast medieval architecture, engrossing museums, ancient churches, authentic Norwegian cuisine and a strong sense of Scandinavian folklore and tradition. The largest and most frequented of Norway’s cities is the capital, Oslo; an eclectic mix of old and new, world-renowned museums and vibrant nightlife, outdoor activities and indoor relaxation, which can provide something to suit everybody’s tastes.

 

Oslo sits nestled between a beautiful fjord and acres of dark, Scandinavian forest.  It has a laid-back, care-free atmosphere, ideal for a soothing, stress-free city break. While Nordic countries have a reputation for being expensive, it is still possible to enjoy a cheap city break here by taking steps such as booking self-catering accommodation, buying the majority of your food in supermarkets rather than eating out, and enjoying the many spectacular free activities to take part in. Oslo makes a fantastic cultural city break destination, with museums devoted to the city’s Viking history, artist Edvard Munch (the Munch Museum contains the artist’s world famous painting, The Scream), and playwright Henrik Ibsen amongst others. The city has a burgeoning café-culture scene, top-quality restaurants and vibrant nightlife. The music scene here is diverse and engaging, ranging from opera and jazz to indie rock and electro. And of course, stepping out of Oslo you will immediately find a wealth of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, walking, kayaking, sailing, cycling and more, making this a great base for an activity break.

 

A city break in Norway does not only have to be about Oslo. Bergen, the second largest Norwegian city, is encircled by brooding fjords and rolling hills. It is a picturesque, captivating city that centres around the Bryggen (an enchanting wharf and UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Vagen harbour. Bergen has a friendly atmosphere, fantastic museums, welcoming locals, and a vibrant social scene. The town looks beautiful with its traditional wooden houses climbing the hillsides, and can be admired from above by taking one of the cable cars which criss-cross the city. Short breaks in Bergen during the summer are becoming increasingly popular, so make sure you book your accommodation early if you want to visit here. Other fantastic Norwegian city break destinations include Stavanger, Trondheim, and Fredrikstad; all great for any type of holiday, from family city breaks to romantic city breaks.