Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
welcome toNorway
Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the essence of its appeal is remarkably
simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth.
Stirring Landscapes
The drama of Norway's natural world is difficult to overstate. Impossibly steep-sided fjords
ofextraordinary beautycutgashesfromajaggedcoastline deepintotheinterior.Thefjords'
fame is wholly merited, but this is also a land of glaciers, grand and glorious, snaking down
fromicefieldsthatrankamongEurope'slargest.Elsewhere,themountainousterrainofNor-
way's interior resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses, and yields to rocky
coastal islands that rise improbably from the waters like apparitions of childhood imagin-
ings. And then, of course, there's the primeval appeal of the Arctic. Such landforms provide
a backdrop for some of Europe's most charismatic wildlife - polar bears (in Svalbard),
reindeer and musk oxen to name just three - and the setting for many a picturesque wooden
village. Together they lend much personality, if any were needed, to what is an astonishing
topographical story.
The Call of the Wild
In Norway experiencing nature is very much an active pursuit, and Norwegians' passion
for exploring their natural world has created one of Europe's most exciting and varied
adventure-tourism destinations. Some activities may only be for the young, energetic and
fearless, but most - such as world-class hiking, cycling and white-water rafting in summer;
dog-sledding, skiing and snowmobiling in winter - can be enjoyed by anyone of reasonable
fitness. On our travels we've encountered 93-year-old snowmobilers and whole families
with young children racing down rapids. Whether you're here in summer when the options
are more varied, or in winter for the soul-stirring spectacle of the northern lights, these
activities are both reason alone to visit and an exhilarating means of getting away from the
crowds and close to nature.
