Plenty of natural wildlife such as seals, walruses and even polar bears combined with a history rich in Viking mythology and Norse folklore make Norway a gripping Scandinavian attraction. Each of the country’s three major cities offers distinct appeal, Oslo as the modern capital, Bergen as the key trading port and Trondheim as the traditional centre of Christian pilgrimage. Oslo is by far the country’s biggest city, where you can find all of the facilities and services you could expect to find in any European capital. There are also many unique attractions in the city. In the south, the landscape is made up of forests with many lakes and rivers. Rolling farmlands, enchanted forests and sunny beaches can also be found here next to picturesque villages and the dramatic Western Fjords. Central Norway is also well worth exploring. With the historic city of Bergen as base, it is easy to reach attractions such as Sognefjord, Norway’s deepest fjord and the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Several excellent national parks are also nearby as are the impressive waterfalls at Geirangerfjord. The town of Hammerfest claims to be the northernmost town in the world. Primarily a fishing town, it is also an excellent location from where to view the famous Northern Lights. This is also a great place to spot reindeer, which are very common this far north and you can usually see some grazing in Hammerfest’s graveyard. Norway has a comprehensive and efficient rail network. While it is a little expensive, it boasts some of the most scenic rail routes in the world. In fact, Norway as a destination can be quite heavy on the pocket, with high taxes levied on consumer goods and eating out being rather costly. | 
