Norway holidays

Take a city break to Norway and stroll along Oslo’s glistening harbourside and soak up views of the fjord. See the medieval Akershus Fortress, step back in time on a visit to the Viking Ship Museum and tuck into delicious seafood in stylish Scandi restaurants. Venture west to beautiful Bergen – famous for its UNESCO-listed harbour and the start pointing for cruises along Norway’s fjords. For spectacular views, hop on the Fløibanen funicular and head up to the top of Mount Fløyen.

Hire a car and discover rural Norway – a land of mountains, lakes and deep valleys – ideal for summer getaways and outdoor adventures. In winter, skiing is the perfect way to soak up the magical snow-covered scenery. The rugged peaks and waters of Norway’s world-famous fjords are the biggest draw. Head for the North Cape and Tromso to see the midnight sun and meet the reindeer-herding Sami people in a spectacular waterside setting.

Explore the winter wonders of Norway on an epic ski holiday. Whether you are looking for the ultimate ski weekend or an unforgettable family trip, discover a destination plentiful in snow with skiing for all levels. Trysil is a wonderful resort for families, Oslo Vinterpark will satisfy the need for a weekend ski break and the luxurious resort of Geilo provides the perfect blend of spa and ski.

1. Drop into the Nobel Peace Center, which pays homage to the originator of the international peace prize, the Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. Visit the museum’s fascinating exhibitions, events and guided tours inspired by the Nobel Peace Prize laureates' ideas and work.
2. Visit the Munch Museum to see works by Norway’s most famous artist. Set in a dramatic new sloping-roofed building on the waterfront, the museum has an impressive collection, as well as complementary exhibits. The National Gallery also houses works by Edvard Munch, including a version of the Scream.
3. Tour the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Inside Frogner Park lies an extraordinary collection of bronze, granite and cast-iron sculptures created by artist Gustav Vigeland. Among the 200 pieces are iconic works such as the Angry Boy (Sinnataggen in Norwegian), the Monolith (Monolitten) and the Wheel of Life (Livshjulet).
4. Swing by Kulturhuset. The city’s key cultural hub for events, exhibitions, talks and debates is also home to one of the city’s biggest bars, spread across three floors, making it a fine place to kick back with a cocktail. Dedicated spaces are set aside for gaming and working, while DJs spin cool tunes most weekends.
5. Visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum. This private contemporary art museum is especially strong on 1980s American art, with the likes of Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons and Tom Sachs all present. It’s dominated by Koons’ golden ceramic sculpture of Michael Jackson and Bubbles, plus there are large works by Damien Hirst, Sigmar Polke and Anselm Kiefer, among others.

• There’s no shortage of great ski resorts within easy travelling distance of the capital. For a family-friendly ski holiday in Norway, make the journey to picturesque Trysil. Just under a 3-hour trip from Oslo, this glistening ski resort offers six miles of sensational pistes, with a mixture of leisurely green runs, cruise-worthy blues, red trails on top of the mountain and challenging black runs – there is something for all abilities.
• Venture out to Geilo ski resort, just over three hours from Oslo. With 20 miles of uncrowded pistes to play on, this place is great for a ski weekend getaway. Soak up the snowy Scandinavian scenery, discover open slopes and ski between the trees. After an active day on the mountain, savour an evening curled up by a crackling fire with coffee and cake. Vestlia Resort, Geilo is set in the quieter side of the resort with ski-in and -out access, a huge indoor play area, a large kids’ pool and waterslide, and plenty of winter activities nearby. Another good option is the Highland Lodge, Geilo. This unique design hotel offers a magnificent spa and pool area to relax in, plus a free shuttle serving the slopes just five minutes away.
• Located close to Lake Vinstre in the popular ski resort of Beitostolen. Learners can hit the green runs, while more experienced skiers can carve the reds. Although there are just 13 miles of pistes, it’s worth the trip for the landscape. You can also try cross-country skiing across 200 miles of trails for a change, then enjoy the wonderful mountain village atmosphere, with cosy pubs for apres ski. Within walking distance of the slopes you'll find the Bergo Hotel which oozes classic Norwegian charm. Enjoy the sweeping mountain vistas of Jotunheimen from the sauna and make use of the Radisson Blu’s pool just along the road, for a small charge. Alternatively try the Radisson Blu Resort Beitostolen itself. Just across the road from the ski lifts, the hotel has a cosy fireplace with comfy chairs, and a well-equipped gym and wellness area with a sauna.
• If you’re looking for a ski break in Hemsedal, check out the Skarsnuten Hotel, Hemsedal. Pairing modern Scandinavian design with old-world service, this hotel is nestled on the edge of the mountain and offers splendid views over the resort.
• Situated just 70 miles from the capital, Norefjell is Oslo’s nearest mountain resort and is also home to Norway’s greatest vertical drop. The Norefjell Ski & Spa offers ski-in and -out accommodation, a Nordic-inspired spa and a 16-metre climbing wall.