Flights to Norway

JULY 2022

Splash, spray and sheer delight. Here are some of the best places for anyone who loves to swim, sauna or enjoy delightful beauty treatments and massages.

Fantastic The Well

The Well

This spa complex at Sofiemyr in the Municipality of Oppegård east of Oslo boasts 11 pools, 15 saunas, 25 different treatment rooms, gardens, caves, lounges and a restaurant. Altogether, the three-story spa spans 10,500 square meters. And they’ve not skimped on anything. Everything is luxurious, comfortable and magnificent. Naturally, not only can you enjoy all the facilities, you can also take part in “rituals” in the saunas, such as an Aufguss, in which water enriched with natural essential oils is poured onto the heated stones releasing a burst of vapor with health enhancing properties. Pick and choose from a variety of treatments and massages. If you enjoy swimming, you’ll be pleased to learn that both the outdoor and indoor pools are long enough to ensure you get plenty of exercise. If you feel hungry, you can eat in the spa restaurant or simply drink a beer in the lounge in front of the stove. Art lovers can see selected works from investor Stein Erik Hagen’s large art collection. A day here feels like a whole holiday in its own right. If you like the spa but don’t live in Oslo, they’re now building a hotel next to the spa complex.

Sea at Son Spa

Son Spa

This beautiful little village, about a 40-minute drive from Oslo, with its small, white painted houses, is worth a visit in itself. Here, you’ll find a little piece of idyllic south Norway, with many boats moored here in the summer months. At Son Spa, that opened in 2008, you can recharge your batteries and live la dolce vita. The 2,000 square meter spa complex has a pool, sauna, hot and cold springs, outdoor jacuzzi, all with beautiful views over the fjord. Naturally, there’s a choice of treatments for your whole body. Guests can also join group training sessions in the spa. You can do Tai Chi, strength training and pool exercises. To name a few. The restaurant serves everything from crab claws to reindeer. And yes, you can book an overnight stay.

Farris Bad in Larvik

Farris bad

The Farris Bad spa hotel has won several travel industry awards and from Trip Advisor. No surprise, perhaps? The spa is beautifully situated close to the water in Larvik, west of Oslo. Here you can look forward to bathing rituals and treatments that make you feel body beautiful and full of vitality. Totally delightful. If you fancy doing yoga, they also offer yoga sessions every day.The restaurant serves classic Norwegian fayre: Mussels, langoustine, halibut, duck breast from Holte Gård and wonderful Norwegian cheeses for dessert.

Magnificent and luxurious spa in Trondheim

Britannia

The old Britannia Hotel in Trondheim first opened in 1870, but after closing for renovation, reopened in April 2019. The hotel does all it can to ensure guests have a very enjoyable stay. The Britannia spa has a pool, saunas, ice bath, relax room, jacuzzi and exercise room. The treatments menu includes everything from a back massage to a pedicure. The spa also offers treatments for men and children. Don't miss out on the Michelin-starred hotel restaurant headed by Bocuse d’Or medalist Christian André Pettersen.

If you love skiing and mountains

Norefjell Ski & Spa

If you love skiing, you’ll think Norefjell Ski & Spa is heaven. You can ski here all winter and combine speed and snow with fantastic treatments in the spa. If snow is not your thing, you can head straight to the pool or book a massage. Or simply relax. The large panoramic windows will still give you a feeling of being close to nature. You can even enjoy the cold in the outdoor jacuzzi. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can buy a pass for the spa. PS: The hotel has been crowned Norway’s Leading Spa resort and Norway’s Best Ski Hotel.

OCTOBER 2022

These are some of the most popular trails in Norway, so you are unlikely to have them all to yourself. They are however popular for a reason – they offer some of the most spectacular sights Norway has to offer.

Norwegians love to go on hikes, perhaps it is the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT) is the largest organization of its kind in Norway with over 300,000 members. Its unique network of cabins are open to everyone. Members get discounted rates, but the price for non-members is still very reasonable compared to hotels.

There are a total of 550 cabins around the country and they are known for their cozy atmosphere. Some of the cabins are staffed and the hosts offer three-course dinners and can provide local information on the surroundings. Unmanned cabins are either open all the time or can be opened with a main key that you can ordered from DNT. Living in a DNT cabin costs between 200 and 300 NOK per night in an unmanned cabins and a manned cottage is approximately 900 NOK including a three-course dinners.

The Norwegian state-owned forest company, Statskog, also has 70 cottages for short-term rental in beautiful hiking areas in different parts of Norway.

Five hiking trails to discover in Norway

Romsdalseggen

Romsdalseggen offers accessible and spectacular views across the Romsdal mountains and fjords, and the river Rauma which snakes its way down into the valley towards the town of Åndalsnes. The hike takes six to eight hours. After the first climb, you can choose the standard hike along the ridge itself, or the slightly easier route that avoids sections that are a little vertigo inducing. The hike is open from spring until the snow arrives in fall, but should only be done in good weather. Romsdalseggen is a long hike, but for older children with mountain experience, it is a great trip. The so-called “family route” is about six hours long and is a little less exposed than the normal route.

Besseggen

The Besseggen trail provides fantastic views over a wild mountain area. The trail is not particularly grueling, nor is it especially exposed, but you still gain a sense of headiness if you cast your eyes down towards the green waters of the glacial Lake Gjende on one side and the deep blue Lake Bessvatnet on the other. It’s best to spend the night at Gjendesheim and then take the boat to Memurubu across Lake Gjende in the morning and start from there. Besseggen is 16km long and 1,743m above sea level at the highest point. Allow around eight hours for the entire trip. The peak season is July, August and the first two weekends in September. Children aged 7 and above who are used to walking should easily manage the walk.

Photo: Sebastien Goldberg/Unsplash

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Over 270,000 people make the hike to the dizzy heights of this mountain plateau every year. For those used to walking on uneven terrain, the hike will take about two hours. It will take children and less fit walkers around two to three hours each way. The trail rises 330m along its 3.8km distance. The end point is a flat plateau that sits 604m above a sheer drop to the sea. The path is broad, and stone steps have been built at several points along the way. Don’t underestimate the hike though; it’s longer than you think. Perhaps combine the hike with a meal or overnight stay at Preikestolen mountain cabin. The best time to go is between April and October.

Kjerag

Kjerag rises majestically, with a 1,000m sheer drop, above Lysefjord close to Stavanger. The vertical, polished smooth granite face has long been a sight to behold from the fjord, but if you’re looking for a different experience, hike up to to Kjeragplatået and Kjeragbolten. Kjeragplatået is a barren, smoothly-worn rock plateau. The terrain is heavy going and demanding, but a bird’s eye view of Lysefjord is waiting at the top, and from here it is easy to spot the famous Kjerag­bolten or Kjerag Boulder. This much-photographed boulder is wedged between two vertical rock faces and is easy to step onto. The hike to Kjerag is 10km and takes around five hours. The elevation is 750m. This is a pretty tough hike and is not very suitable for children under seven years old. The trip can be done throughout the summer season.

Galdhøpiggen

Norway’s highest mountain offers magnificent views over the Jotunheimen mountain area. But Galdhøpiggen, 2,469m above sea level, is more than a mountain. It is also a symbol of the relationship Norwegians have with their mountains, and most Norwegians know what 2,469 stands for. But you don’t need to be a rock climber to reach the top. From Juvasshytta mountain station it’s a relatively straightforward hike. The round trip takes around seven hours. From Juvasshytta, make your way across the Styggebrean glacier (you will need to be accompanied by a guide for this) and up to the summit. Return the same way or down to Spiterstulen, another cabin. It’s a family-­friendly route that is suitable for children used to walking. Although children have to be aged 7 or older to cross the Styggebrean glacier. At the summit of Galdhøpiggen, there is a station that serves soft drinks and snacks. You can also buy postcards here. The cabin used to be a post office, the highest in northern Europe.

Useful tips for hiking in Norway

Trip planning, cabins and offers in Norway’s mountain country: dnt.no
Cabins and trip advice: statskog.no og inatur.no
For trip planning and advice: ut.no
Outdoor living magazine with the latest news from the scene in Norway: utemagasinet.no
Weather forecasts: yr.no

JUNE 2023

Truly one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the fjords satisfy both thrill seekers and scenery buffs alike. They even appear as the backdrop in several Hollywood blockbusters! Norway’s stunning fjord landscape simply must be experienced first-hand and has a prominent place on every traveler’s bucket list. Here are just a few of our favorites.

In the Douglas Adams sci-fi franchise The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, we learn that our planet was in fact designed and built by extraterrestrials. The author even praises one of the alien architects for the fine job they did with Norway’s coastline and fjords. It’s easy to understand why the author chose this particular place as a symbol of natural beauty since Norway’s rugged fjord landscape boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. National Geographic has even called the west coast of Norway, where the majority of the fjords are located, as “the world’s most iconic destination”. But which fjords are absolutely a must?

Geiranger Fjord

Dramatic, precipitous cliffs, snow-capped mountains and fairy-tale waterfalls make this UNESCO World Heritage site the archetypal Norwegian fjord. There are countless ways to experience the majestic surroundings first hand and take in the unabashed wonder of this force of nature. Follow the Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail as it winds behind the waterfall, get your adrenaline kick on the zipline, take a tour of the canyon, or climb up to one of the area’s viewpoints.

Nærøy Fjord

Nærøy Fjord, part of the long, meandering Sognefjord, is both rugged and alluring. Due to its unparalleled natural beauty, UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in 2005, alongside Geiranger Fjord. Once you get there, the fjord is so spectacular you won’t believe your eyes. The fjord, at its narrowest, is just 250 meters across while the surrounding peaks tower as high as 1,400 meters above sea level. Don’t miss the waterfall with two names: Sagfossen and Lægdafossen. At one point, the water plunges 125 meters down!

Nærøy Fjord. Photo: Tomasz Furmanek / VisitNorway.com

Lysefjord

If you ever watched the Tom Cruise movie Mission Impossible: Fallout, then you’ve surely noticed the iconic Preikestolen, the pulpit-like cliff suspended high above the Lysefjord. Another spectacular rock formation is Kjeragbolten, where a boulder is wedged tight between two vertical cliff sides. These top attractions make the Lysefjord an absolute must for fjord lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike, but if you prefer to view the mountains from the water, you can also take a boat ride down the fjord.

Nordfjord

Nordfjord offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Glaciers, mountains, and islands – you’ll find it all here, including a sandstone sea cliff (Hornelen) and an idyllic beach (Grotlesanden). It’s the perfect place for adventurous families – regardless of your age or skill level. If you’re little ones are tuckered out, the Loen Skylift can sweep you up to a dramatic viewpoint, but if you’re still full of energy, you can make a safe ascent up the rock face with the Via Ferrata Loen, one of Europe’s most expansive climbing trails. Surf lovers will enjoy Norway’s westernmost point, Vestkapp [the West Cape], while adrenaline seekers may prefer the fast-paced descent to the fjord on a mountain bike.

Troll Fjord

If you enjoy a good drama, Troll Fjord in the Lofoten Islands is just the ticket. The steep cliffs drop down into the deep blue waters of the fjord amid a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. The fjord is small, just 2 km long, but its narrow inlet makes it feel secretive. You can only reach Troll Fjord by boat or kayak, but once you finally arrive there, you’ll experience a breathtakingly wild fjord landscape that’s far off the beaten path. The fjord also has a fascinating history. In 1890, the rowboats of traditional cod fishermen and the new steam-powered fishing vessels of the fishing barons faced off in the Battle of Trollfjord.

Hardanger Fjord

In the springtime, a magical spectacle unfolds all along the Hardanger Fjord as hundreds of fruit trees bloom along the slopes of the fjord. Since it’s so far north, the area known as Norway’s fruit capital has a very short growing season that runs from April or, more typically, the middle of May to the middle of June. You’ll definitely want to taste the apple cider that’s produced here. There’s plenty of adventures to be had around the fjord: climb up to the stunning Trollunga rock precipice, explore the vast Folgefonna glacier, ascend the cliffs on one of the via ferrata trails, or just listen to the thunderous roar of the Vøringsfossen waterfall.

Sognefjord

The magnificent Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Located just north of Bergen, it extends 205 km into the interior from the coast and branches into several smaller but equally familiar fjords. There are a number of superb tourist destinations in the area, such as Jotunheimen National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Urnes Stave Church, and Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European continent.

DECEMBER 2022

In west Norway you can test your strength and fitness in demanding mountains to help build an appetite for meals that persuade Michelin inspectors to award stars. Why not explore Bergen and Stavanger this year?

Taste the sea

Nordnes sjøbad

When the sun shines in Bergen everyone rushes outdoors to make the most of it. Nordnes sjøbad therefore is a very popular location, especially as this seawater pool is heated. Winter bathing has become a hot trend in Norway and here you can combine a swim with a sauna.

Fjord kayaking in Norway

Fjord Tours

Bergen is situated between Sogne Fjord and Hardanger Fjord. This geographic location is worth taking advantage of by taking a kayak trip in Nærøy Fjord, an arm of Sogne Fjord. As you silently glide through the water and look up at the 1,800m steep rock faces on either side, you get a real feel for what it’s like to live in Norway. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can book a trip with Fjord Tours, for example.

Stars in sight

RE-NAA

Welcome to the chef show, as it says on the Renaa website. And this is exactly what you’ll get. The Stavanger restaurant has an open plan kitchen with chefs, waiters and diners in the same room with no counters. Everything they prepare is locally sourced from Rogaland and the restaurant has two stars in the Guide Michelin.

Wilderness walks

Preikestolen

West Norway is blessed with sheer mountains, tough climbs and spectacular rock formations. Pulpit Rock, a demanding plateau 604m above sea level on the north side of Lyse Fjord will give you an adrenaline rush you won’t forget in a long time. Maybe it was no surprise that several scenes in Mission: Impossible - Fallout were shot here (although according to the movie, the location was in India).

Viking age

Viking House

Many people think the Vikings were wild and cruel. There’s certainly a grain of truth in that, but they were also an organized society where women held key positions. At Viking House in Stavanger, you can travel back 1,000 years in time wearing a VR headset to see how they lived. Almost. You can also take a guided tour in the footsteps of the Vikings with Guidecompaniet.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Norway is definitely a nation that loves its snow and skiing, which is not surprising given the high mountains that cover much of the country. Here are Norway’s best ski resorts for beginners and experts alike.

For other Scandinavian skiers, it’s easy to be a little envious of Norway for the country’s success on the ski trails and the alpine slopes over the years but mostly for its location, Norway boasts high mountains that cover a large part of the country’s surface and has a genuine and inviting ski culture spanning generations. In Norway, skiing is both an everyday activity and incredibly fun. Skiing is something that people of all ages enjoy on weekends and vacations, whether it’s cross-country, downhill or even ski touring.

Don’t miss the chance to discover Norway by snow yourself. There are many ski resorts of all sizes offering fantastic experiences in our beautiful Scandinavian mountain world. And if you’re prepared to get to the top on your skis—to go ski touring—you can have world-class experiences in magnificent landscapes where steep mountains meet deep fjords. Go ahead!

Flight to: Oslo

Hemsedal

Norway’s most popular ski resort is located just three hours north of the capital, Oslo. The pace never slows here—it’s full speed ahead from morning to late evening. Start the day by hitting the long, well-prepared slopes to warm up enough to take on some of the finest off-piste skiing in Scandinavia. When your legs have given up for the day, perhaps the wildest and most fun après-ski in this northern region starts at full blast and lasts well into the small hours.

Hemsedal, Photo: Shutterstock

Flight to: Scandinavian Mountains Airport

Trysil

Trysil is located just across the border from Sälen in Sweden but offers almost double the vertical drop and even more skiing, with a lift system that has 31 lifts and 68 runs. If you love skiing on the slopes, you’ve found the best place. Few places in Scandinavia can offer slopes as enticing as these for some exhilarating carving, often on wide slopes that are just steep enough.

Flight to: Trondheim

Oppdal

Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim, is home to many world-class cross-country skiers and is truly a winter city. It will also host the World Ski Championships in 2025. But if you prefer downhill skiing, the little gem of Oppdal a couple of hours to the west is an obvious destination. Here, you can enjoy fantastic off-piste skiing, especially with the newly built Vangsliekspressen chairlift, and really nice carving slopes. And when the ski day is over, you could enjoy a stroll around one of Norway’s most charming little towns.

Flight to: Bergen

Myrkdalen

The coastal city of Bergen is one of the wettest places in Europe. This is a good thing for skiers, because when the storms push in from the Atlantic Ocean during the winter, they bring vast amounts of snow to the mountains away from the coast. This is what happens in little Myrkdalen, which is one of the ski resorts in Europe that gets the most snow every winter. This creates fantastic opportunities for powder skiing that are unprecedented in Scandinavia.

Flight to: Harstad/Narvik

Narvikfjellet

If there were a competition for the world’s best urban slope, Narvikfjellet would be the winner. Just outside the city limits, you will find lift-assisted skiing that is among the finest in Scandinavia with a large drop, great slopes and a fabulous off-piste area—all with magnificent views of the Ofotfjord. If you come here in late April or early May, you can also ski in the midnight sun.

Lofoten

Perhaps the best “ski resort” in Norway has no lifts or slopes, but the Lofoten archipelago offers some of the best skiing in the world. Jagged mountain peaks rise over 6,560 feet straight up from the sea. The views from the peaks, where you can see nothing but mountains and ocean in every direction, are an experience that every skier should have at least once in their life. A guide is a must. Our top tip is to stay at the cozy Lofoten Ski Lodge in Kabelvåg, which offers accommodation, guides and fresh fish from the nearby ocean.

Flight to: Ålesund

Strandafjellet

Just over an hour’s drive from the beautiful coastal town of Ålesund is the small community of Stranda, located on the magnificent Storfjorden. The ski area itself is situated on two sides of the same valley and offers both a large drop and tremendous opportunities for off-piste skiing and shorter tours. As if that weren’t enough, Stranda gets a lot of snow every winter. It is a little gem that is well worth discovering for the adventurous skier. The local guide company Uteguiden is more than happy to show you the best of the area in a safe way.

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