Norway is Europe's great parkland: a dramatic mix of mountains, seas, forests and fjords. While the country has tidy cities, historic buildings and distinctive artists, nature is clearly its prime attraction. We think it's one of the loveliest countries in the world, summer or winter, and
the prime travel destination in Scandinavia.
The country has astonishing variety: The serene rural landscapes around Oslo are nothing like the deep fjords along the western coast, and the countryside along the zigzagging roads to Bergen could not be more unlike the stark, barren land around Alta or the sunny coves of the south coast.
Shore Excursions
Norway has long been established as a cruise destination. Perhaps one of the best ways to see the country is by spending some time, or possibly even your entire visit, on an organized cruise. A large range of cruises exists to suit different budgets, from relatively humble tours to grand, luxurious cruises. If you're looking for a more private and lavish experience, you can hire an antique yacht of considerable size, with a full crew (if your budget can stretch that far). We recommend contacting the Norwegian Tourist Board, which maintains a substantial list of operators (http://www.visitnorway.com). Cruise Norway, a company created by Norwegian port authorities, operates a Web site dedicated to delivering information about cruises in Norway, as well as major port towns en route (http://www.cruise-norway.no).
