Destination Fly4free: Norway

The land of midnight sun and stunning northern lights is rich in spectacular landscapes, like deep fjords, snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers. From wildlife watching to dog-sledding, Norway offers visitors an incredible mix of attractions.

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Skiing

There is an old saying that "Norwegians are born with skis on their feet". Skiing, be it cross country, alpine, or the jumping type, is enormously popular here. Geilo, Voss and Myrkdalen are some of Norway's top ski destinations. Ever since the end of the 1800s, Holmenkollen and the surrounding area have drawn crowds of ski enthusiasts every winter. Here you can even jump in a ski simulator to find out what it feels like to head down the world’s toughest downhill ski slopes. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo. Inside the ski jump there is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum.

Lillehammer, a host to the 1994 Winter Olympics, is also a perfect destination for winter sports, like skiing, skating, curling and sleigh rides. It offers 300 miles of Nordic ski trails, as well as alpine ski centres. You can also go summer skiing at Folgefonna glacier.

Photo: rayints, Shutterstock

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How to get there:
Take a look at the flight deals to Norway:

• From Washigton to Oslo, Norway for just $318 >>
• From New York to Oslo, Norway for $299! 2 in 1 with Iceland for $326 >>
• SAS direct flights from Oslo to Svalbard (Spitsbergen) from €83 >>

Where to stay:
In Oslo we encourage you to stay at Citybox Oslo with very good reviews.

In Svalbard we recommend you to book Gjestehuset 102 for €61 per night! This top rated guesthouse is located in Longyearbyen and offers free Wi-Fi. It is also a short drive from University Centre in Svalbard and the Svalbard Museum. Guests can sit down to breakfast served each morning at the hotel. In the evening, guests are invited to relax in the comfortable lounge bar. Svalbard Airport Longyear is less than a 15-minute drive from the hostel.

What to do:
Norway is outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you like climbing up or skiing down, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re after. Take an epic hike to Kjeragbolten, a giant boulder located on the mountain Kjerag. The rock is suspended above a 984-metre (3,228 ft) deep abyss.

Diverse cycle trails and mountain biking tracks will help you get close to nature and experience the wonders of the Norwegian landscape. The most popular biking trip is riding the Rallarvegen or The Navvies’ Road, a cycle route from “the Roof of Norway” down to the fjord.

For a unique and exciting activity, spectacular glacier hiking on Nigardsbreen or Folgefonna glacier can be the perfect alternative.

Kayaking is a nice way to explore Norway’s magnificent fjords, glacier lakes, rivers and stunning landscapes. White water rafting is an adventure not to be missed. Norway offers a wide range of rafting experiences, from tranquil family rafting to extreme adventures.

Enjoy the snowy Norwegian scenery from a dog sled. You can also try snowshoe hiking and snowmobile safari tours. Driving a snowmobile is a great way to explore Svalbard.

The Jotunheimen region includes Scandinavia’s highest mountains, spectacular waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers and large reindeer populations.

While in Lillehammer, you can visit Peer Gynt’s Cottage and the Malhaugen Park, an open-air museum consisting of 18th century farmhouses, workshops and a stave church.

There’s no better way to see Norway’s stunning landscapes than by train. The best scenic rail routes begin in Oslo, including the Bergen Railway and the Dovre Railway to Trondheim.

Cruising deep fjords past sheer mountain faces is also a popular way to experience Norway’s grandeur. The incredible Hurtigruten ferry system connects the far-flung corners of this great country. It offers voyages along the country’s coastline and fjords (like Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord), with stops along the way.

If you want to get as close as possible to the sea, drive the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road, connecting the maze of tiny islands. You’ll get a chance to visit little fishing villages, wooden churches, and the famous Trolls’ Church Cave.

Within the Arctic Circle you can enjoy the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

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N O R W A Y from LILA B. on Vimeo.