Norway City Breaks

A guide to Norway

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 short break makes for a fantastic way to get a taste of the urban, historical and contemporary face of the country. Cities in Norway boast medieval architecture, engrossing museums, ancient churches, authentic cuisine and a strong sense of Scandinavian folklore and tradition. The largest and most frequented of the country's cities is 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.

Experience an urban Scandinavian holiday

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 weekend away. While Nordic countries have a reputation for being expensive, it is still possible to enjoy an affordable few days 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 destination for culture-lovers, 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 also 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.

Visit one of Norway’s stunning small cities

Bergen, the second largest Norwegian city, is encircled by brooding fjords and rolling hills, and 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. Other fantastic Norwegian destinations include Stavanger, Trondheim, and Fredrikstad; all great for any type of short weekend away.