Located just north of Lillehammer, you find the ski resort of Hafjell. The resort was the site for the giant slalom and slalom events during the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.

Alpine skiing in Rondane, Norway – Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic life/Innovation Norway
“High standard slopes”

Berend Blanket from the Netherlands is here with his wife and two children and another family of five. They have rented a cabin and are here to ski.

- The slopes are perfect for us. The children can ski the gentler slopes while we try the steeper more challenging ones and meet them at the bottom, says Berend.

The Blanket family has been coming to Hafjell several years in a row.

- We come here because of the excellent snow conditions and the high standard slopes. We like to book well in advance and know we can rely on the weather conditions, explains Berend.
Other resorts

In a country famous for its winter athletes, Hafjell is far from the only resort worth spending your holiday at. With more than 200 modern alpine ski resorts to choose from, you should be able to find one to suit your needs.

Andreas Rødven, general manager of the Norwegian Ski Resorts’ Association is sure that the Norwegian resorts offer value for money.
Quality checks

- Quality checks we have carried out during the last couple of years show that tourists visiting our ski resorts are very pleased. Their overall experiences compared with their expectations are extremely good, says Mr Rødven.

He explains that Norway has tip top resorts offering safe skiing for both new beginners and the advanced. In addition most resorts have high standard accommodation, restaurants, pubs, shops and lively after ski venues.

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

Sailing into the Norwegian fjords, you find yourself in a landscape that very few places can offer. You sit on deck and glide through the majestic scenery, with steep cliffs towering over you on both sides. High above you, water and glaciers form beautiful waterfalls that dance down the almost vertical mountain sides.

Beneath you swims what could be dinner. You cast your line into the fjord and seabirds flap around the boat as you reel in the freshest of mackerel. On narrow rock ledges stand small, abandoned crofts, testament to the tough and lonely life lived here until recently.

There are small villages spread throughout this area, and the people here make the fjords easily accessible. When you jump off the boat at the end of a fjord, you are free to go on a guided glacier walk or mountain tour, or find your own way to restaurants serving local food. It might be the season for sheep’s head.

Loenvatnet in western Norway, Norway – Photo: Frithjof Fure/Innovation Norway

Stretches of the fjord and mountain areas of the west coast of Norway are on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Bold colours and fresh air lead many to declare these areas among the most beautiful anywhere in the world.

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

If you thought that springtime signals the end of the skiing season, remember that there are high-altitude resorts in Norway where you can have fun on snow all summer long.

However, early starts are essential. The glaciers can be icy at first, but softens with the first rays to provide hours of good skiing. By about midday, the slopes might turn to slush – a perfect time for a cold beer, a swim and to sunbathe.
The three largest summer ski centres in Norway:

Stryn
The centre has a great terrain park that attracts snowboarders, jibbers and twin tip skiers from around the world. In addition there are several slopes varying in difficulty level.

Two lifts take you up to nearly 1,600 metres above sea level. From here you have wonderful views of mountains, green valleys, waterfalls and fjords. There are also possibilities for cross-country skiing from the top. Close to the centre lies the Old Strynefjell Road, one of Norway’s scenic national tourist routes.

Galdhøpiggen
Located below Norway’s highest mountain Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres above sea level) and on the Juvbreen Glacier, this is the summer ski centre with the highest altitude in Norway. Here you have possibilities for powder even during the summer. The centre has one slope suitable for snowboarders, downhill skiers andTelemark skiers.

Folgefonna
Enjoy skiing on the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest glacier on mainland Norway. Here you can go cross-country skiing, alpine skiing or try tricks and jumps in the centre’s terrain park. From the slopes you have a magnificent view over fjords and mountains.

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

Historic Bergen. Narrow and winding roads leading down to the Sognefjord. The old stone bridge north of Vadheim. Lake Jølster. A detour to Fjærland. Våtedal framed by mountains.

Across the mountains to Nordfjord with remarkable views on both sides to Olden. An excursion to the Briksdalbreen Glacier, a branch of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier which is mainland Norway’s largest glacier, is a must.

Past Europe’s deepest lake, Hornindalsvatn, to Hellesylt with its magnificent waterfall and on the Geirangerfjord to Geiranger. Serpentine roads take you to the top of the 1,500 metres high Dalsnibba Mountain before you continue along the turbulent Otta river to Lom with its stave church and mountain museum.

The Sognefjell Road through Jotunheimen climbing to 1,440 metres above sea level. The majestic Sognefjord and the Vikafjell Road to Voss with medieval church and ancient Mølstertun farmyard. Finally through the Bergsdalen Valley on a narrow, winding scenic road, followed by a motorway along the Sørfjorden to Bergen.

On this tour you travel through two national parks: Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen.
Road From/to Distance
E 39 Bergen – Byrkjelo 249 kilometres
Rv 60 Byrkjelo – Hellesylt 109 kilometres
Rv 63 Geiranger – Grotli 37 kilometres
Rv 15 Grotli – Lom 59 kilometres
Rv 55 Lom – Kaupanger 152 kilometres
E 16 Gudvangen – Voss – Bergen 157 kilometres
Total: 763 kilometres

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world, and nowhere on earth are there more than in Western Norway. For this reason, the region is commonly referred to as Fjord Norway. However, fjords can also be found in Central, Northern and Eastern Norway. Even the capital of Norway, Oslo, has its own fjord; the Oslofjord.

The fjords are nature’s own work of art, formed when the glaciers retreated, and sea water flooded the U-shaped valleys.

Mild climate
Thanks to the warming Gulf Stream, the Norwegian fjords enjoy a mild climate and remain virtually ice-free. Seals, porpoises and an abundance of different fish swim in the fjords, while eagles and other birds soar the skies above.

The fjords, which consist of saltwater, are often very deep in their upper and middle reaches. Take the Sognefjord as an example – it drops 1,308 metres below sea level, making it Norway’s deepest fjord. Because fjords are so deep, they permit navigation by large ships, allowing you to experience their beauty at close range.

Fertile soil
Along most fjord shores there is lush flora and fertile soil. Many places the land has been farmed for thousands of years. Orchards of flowering fruit trees along the Hardangerfjord in May is an image of paradise.

The Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord
UNESCO has included the fjords of Norway, exemplified by the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, on its prestigious World Heritage List.

The Nærøyfjord is at one point 250 metres across, while mountains tower up to 1,800 metres above its tranquil waters. The Geirangerfjord is known for its beauty and magnificent waterfalls, the best known being the Seven Sisters.

Gudvangen and Geiranger, the two innermost villages of these two fjords, are among the most popular cruise ship ports in Scandinavia.

National Geographic and Chicago Tribune
It is not only UNESCO who views the Norwegian fjords as exceptional. National Geographic Magazine has named the fjords “the best unspoiled travel destinations in the world”. And the respected American newspaper Chicago Tribune has included Norway’s fjords on its list Seven Wonders of Nature.

Leading the park scene is Hemsedal. Voted as “one of the best terrain parks in the world” by the international snowboard press, the park is widely known for its high standard.

Big jumps, fun boxes, two half-pipes of up to 100 metres in length, two quarter-pipes and rails make Hemsedal an ideal playground for the thrill seeker. There is also a separate park for beginners.

Adrenalin kick in the capital
For those seeking to combine big city life with daredevil jumps and tricks, you should visit Oslo. Within half an hour’s reach from the bustling city centre you have two excellent terrain parks – Tryvann Winter Park and Varingskollen.

You will find one of Norway’s largest terrain parks at Oslo Winter Park Tryvann. The park’s main attraction is a half-pipe with international standards. Varingskollen’s park includes big jumps, boxes, corners, rails and slides.

Fun for the kids
Fugleleiken terrain park at Geilo is one of the very best in Norway. It includes a super pipe of international standards, rails, jumps and big jumps.

To cater for children, Geilo has its own children’s park. This park is also excellent for beginners. It includes a half-pipe, jumps, box rails and a fun box.

Another good place for snowboarders and freestyle skiers is Hafjell. The park has 15 jumps, six rails, a wall ride, big jumps, a mini pipe and a half-pipe.

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

Local fisherwoman Regine, was happy to take us out on Lofoten’s deep waters where the big fish run.

Many other locals do the same, and you will not have a problem with arranging a fishing trip.

- It is not really a big one, says Regine. Seconds later we have a 10-kilo cod on board.

deepsea_194x279Catching a fish this size is not unusual in these waters. Using echo sound you can see the fish on a monitor in the boat and prepare your hunt for the really big ones.

If you do not like boats and deep waters, just rent a rod, and find a good spot on shore. At the best spots in Northern Norway it is not uncommon to get a nibble on every third or fourth throw. However, chances are bigger to get the really big ones out at deep-sea.

Cod, mackerel and coalfish are the most common kinds, but if you are lucky, the more exotic wolffish and halibut will find your bait.

Rules and regulations
Coast and deep sea fishing is free of charge. However, no more than 15 kilos of fish filets or fish products can be exported from Norway per person. Form January 2010 there will be regulations in minimum sizes for some species.

Safe fishing
Even if the weather is fine in the morning it does not mean that it will stay that way all day. Check the weather forecast or ask a local before you leave. If the clouds darken and start to gather, it is a good idea to head back. It is smart to tell someone where you are going.

Remember lifejackets if you are going out in a boat.

Information by http://www.visitnorway.com

- The perpetual daylight is utterly surreal. You feel like you have so much more time, my July month in Norway has felt like one endless day, says Simon Wilson from England.

He is visiting Lofoten and is making the most of the long days.

- Yesterday I played golf at 11:30 pm, and the day before I went for a long walk at 2 am. It doesn’t matter what time it is when there’s 24 hour daylight. I can catch a bit of sleep when I feel like it, and to be honest, I don’t need much sleep now, as the sun gives me an extra boost, explains Simon.

Magical midnight sun

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon which means that the sun does not set during the summer months. In other words, given fair weather, you can see the sun for a continuous 24 hours.

The duration of the midnight sun depends on how far north you are. At the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordland, you can see the midnight sun from 12 June to 1 July, at the North Cape in Finnmark you can see the sun from 14 May to 29 July, and at the North Pole the sun does not set for six months.

Midnight sun safaris and cruises

There are several cruise lines visiting Norway. An excellent way to experience the Norwegian coast, is to go on a cruise with Hurtigruten (The Norwegian Coastal Voyage) You can sit on deck and just enjoy the midnight sun.

You can also choose a midnight cruise in Finnmark or go on a midnight sun cruise in Lofoten. These trips will take you out on the open sea to experience the special light.

Bird watching at the North Cape

The North Cape is a special place to experience the midnight sun. The only things seperating you from the North Pole are the sea and the Svalbard Islands.

There are several activities to choose from in the North Cape area, one of them is a cruise to the bird island of Stappan.

Golf above the Arctic Circle

In the Lofoten Islands, you can play golf at Lofoten Golf Links all night long, and watch the wildlife as you play.

Whale safaris

Many of the providers of whale safaris in daytime, will take you out at night-time as well. Vesterålen in Nordland is one of many places you can go on a whale safari in midnight sun.

Hiking

An excellent way to experience the arctic nature is to hike in midnight sun. The light gives the mountains a magical look at night-time. Many routes that are recommended in daytime, are even more interesting in the middle of the night. Themidnight sun walk to Keipen outside of Harstad is an alternative with guide.

Fishing

Taking a boat out for fishing in the middle of the night is a good way to experience the special light from the midnight sun. This is also a good time to catch fish.

There are endless possibilties to hire a boat for fishing along the coast, just contact the local tourist office or the place where you stay, or even ask a local fisherman. Or you can try fly fishing in midnight sun in Vadsø in Finnmark.

Approximate dates when you can see the midnight sun
Where: When:
The Arctic Circle 12 June – 1 July
Bodø 4 June – 8 July
Svolvær 28 May – 14 July
Harstad 25 May – 18 July
Bardufoss 23 May – 19 July
Andenes 22 May – 21 July
Tromsø 20 May – 22 July
Bossekopp 19 May – 24 July
Vardø 17 May – 26 July
Hammerfest 16 May – 27 July
Berlevåg 15 May – 28 July
The North Cape 14 May – 29 July
Longyearbyen (Svalbard) 20 April – 22 August

Information by http://www.norway.org

Sailing into the Norwegian fjords, you find yourself in a landscape that very few places can offer. You sit on deck and glide through the majestic scenery, with steep cliffs towering over you on both sides. High above you, water and glaciers form beautiful waterfalls that dance down the almost vertical mountainsides.

Beneath you swims what could be dinner. You cast your line into the fjord and seabirds flap around the boat as you reel in the freshest of mackerel. On narrow rock ledges stand small, abandoned crofts, testament to the tough and lonely life lived here until recently.

There are small villages spread throughout this area, and the people here make the fjords easily accessible. When you jump off the boat at the end of a fjord, you are free to go on a guided glacier walk or mountain tour, or find your own way to restaurants serving local food. It might be the season for lamb.

Stretches of the fjord and mountain areas of the west coast of Norway are on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Bold colours and fresh air lead many to declare these areas among the most beautiful anywhere in the world.

Information by http://www.norway.org

The West Coast
Few places in the world offer such magnificent scenery as the fjords of western Norway. Many of them are deep and narrow, with mountains rising sheer out of the water and waterfalls cascading from great heights. But you will also find more open, “friendly” fjords, where rich farmland and fisheries have created prosperous communities.

The diversity of the Norwegian fjords is also visible in other ways. In the summer, you can start your day skiing on the Folgefonna glacier and end it swimming in the sea. There are places where blossoming fruit trees meet snow-capped mountains. You can experience the art of nature in the waterfall known as the Bridal Veil together with the art of engineering in the hairpin bends of the Ørneveien or Trollstigen roads. You can also look forward to visiting the towns of Bergen and Stavanger, where charming wooden houses and a modern shipping and petroleum industry exist side by side.

Information by http://www.norway.org