Fresh fish from the rivers and sea, as well as animal meat from the forests feature heavily in Norway’s superb cuisine. The simple mutton and cabbage dish, Fårikål, is a classic favourite, while lapskaus is a hearty stew featuring beef, potatoes, carrots, suedes and leeks. Kjøttkaker are delicious meatballs made with minced beef and various spices, and served with potatoes, cabbage and brown sauce. Fiskeboller i Hvit Saus (fish balls with bechamel sauce) are hugely popular throughout Norway and comprise a combination of haddock, cod, milk, eggs and cornflour.

A unique Norwegian cheese that's definitely worth trying is Brunost which has a distinct sweet flavour, similar to caramel. Tilslørte Bondepiker is a scrumptious layered dessert featuring whipped cream, apple sauce and breadcrumbs roasted in sugar, while Trollkrem (troll cream) is a wonderful concoction comprising lingonberries, sugar, egg whites and vanilla extract.

Aquavit is a much-loved liquor, made from potatoes and grain, glogg is a hot drink similar to mulled wine and you’ll also discover a myriad of top-quality beers, which is not surprising considering the Norwegians have reputedly been brewing it for more than 3,000 years!

The high season in Norway is between mid-June and August, when tourist numbers peak, the days are long and you’ll be able to witness the fabled midnight sun. Summer temperatures can reach 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Some people opt to visit the country during the shoulder months of May to June and September and October when the weather is still excellent and crowd numbers are significantly lower.
Weather conditions in the low season during November and April can be truly bitter, with many attractions and ski slopes temporarily shut down. Winter temperatures average -6.8 degrees Celsius, with regular snow, frost and rain. The best time to witness the spectacular Northern Lights rippling across the sky in Norway is from early November to February when there’s no shortage of very dark nights.

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, making perfect for thrilling action on the waves including skiing, yachting, kayaking and canoeing and whale-watching expeditions. Popular inland activities on land include canyoning, trekking, angling, telemarking, white water rafting, fjord paddling, eagle-spotting safaris and mountain biking. Amazing natural spectacles in Norway include the midnight sun during the summer in the north of the country and the Northern Lights during the winter. Take to a catamaran, rib boat or canoe to explore the spectacular fjords, including Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or go hiking or climbing in Norway’s towering mountain ranges. Explore the magnificent glaciers, such as the mighty Jostedalsbreen or visit the country’s huge waterfalls, including Vettisfossen with its impressive single drop of 275 metres.
Major attractions in Norway include the Royal Palace and Opera House in Oslo, Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Frogner Park, Jotunheimen National Park and Ekebergparken Sculpture Park. Key attractions for a feast of family fun include Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, The Flam Railwaythe Viking Ship Museum, Fjellheisen Tromso cable car, Tusenfryd Amusement Park. Norway’s main cities of Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim and Bergen are hives of activity with a plethora of exciting things to see and do.