Scanning the mountainous landscape, I inhale the cool, fresh air and note how the snow caps the weather-worn peaks above us.
People on MS Ambition’s deck reach for cameras or phones to record the view. Docked by the tiny settlement of Flåm, we sailed along Sognefjord into Aurlandsfjord overnight. Looking back along our route, the fjord’s still water reflects steep, tree-clad slopes popping with colour.
A photogenic land
Disembarking on a sunny morning, I’m conscious there’s loads to photograph here. Like an excited child overwhelmed by a choice of new toys, I don’t know whether to head to the shoreline to frame our cruise ship in the autumn landscape, go straight to Flåm’s wooden church or dash to the floating sauna.
I’ve already booked to ride the Flåmsbana, or Flåm Railway, on its 12.5-mile route to Myrdal. One of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world, the hour-long rail journey also has a reputation as one of the most beautiful.
The free-to-visit museum by the platform displays artefacts including an electric locomotive and tells the story of the physical, technical and legal challenges of constructing the railway. Built from 1924 to 1940, it has 20 tunnels. One of the highlights along the winding route is viewing the Rallarvegen, or Navvies’ Road, snake into the valley.
Once used by workers to transport materials, it’s now popular with hikers and cyclists. As we rise towards Myrdal, people on mountain bikes navigate the Rallervegen’s hairpins – observing their exertions almost makes me feel guilty about my return ticket.
We pause at Kjosfossen Station, briefly disembarking to see its waterfall. According to Norse legend, Huldra, a forest spirit, seduces men in the woods. While dallying for one last photo, I hear my name. Not from Huldra; it’s my partner calling me to the train.
The year of outdoors
In Norway, 2025 has been named Friluftslivets år, meaning “the year of outdoor activities”. It aims to inspire people to experience nature, try new outdoor activities and find “outdoor joy”. Clubs across the country are inviting people to participate in outdoor activities.
Nature and wellness activities outdoors are among the reasons why people visit Norway. It’s also a destination that appeals to couples seeking romantic breaks and families on road trips.
Nina Kjønigsen, PR Lead at Visit Norway, says: “In a time where the temperatures in some areas on the continent are simply too hot in summer, many are starting to travel north to enjoy comfortable temperatures.”
Urban areas also draw travellers. “Our cities are very walkable and filled with art and architecture, great food and restaurants, and there is a short distance from the shopping and bustle to nature – so you can get both.
“Our hotels offer great breakfasts included in the price and here you will find homemade breads, local cheeses and other products,” she adds.
From tip to toe, Norway measures 1,100 miles and most don’t realise how far it is to travel from south to north, warns Kjønigsen.
Snaking along fjords and through UNESCO Global Geoparks, driving tours make for an enjoyable way of exploring.
Norway aims for all new cars to be battery-powered by the end of 2025, which makes it easy to find electric charging points.
What’s new
Flights: From April 11, Norwegian Airlines will operate two flights a week between London Gatwick and Ålesund, a city famed for Art Nouveau architecture at Geirangerfjord’s mouth. norwegian.com
Finnair’s new thrice-weekly route between Helsinki and Kirkenes, 350 miles north of the Arctic circle, will ease access to northern Norway when the route starts on April 1. finnair.com
Hotels: The boutique Lundins Hotel in Skudeneshavn, a fishing village at the entrance to Boknafjorden, northwest of Stavanger, is located in a wooden building dating from 1853. lundinshotell.no
In June, the 300-room Dock 69°39 by Scandic, will open in Tromsø. Its tenth-floor restaurant will have panoramic views. scandichotels.com
Top experiences
Bergen breaks: Jet2CityBreaks has expanded its range of short stays in Bergen. Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord can be accessed during full-day boat tours. jet2holidays.com
Forest living: Book a stay in cosy A-shaped cottages near Alta. Holmen Husky’s recently opened forest suites have five-metre-high windows giving views of local woodland and northern Norway’s night sky. holmenhusky.no
Luxury adventure: 62°NORD’s new nine-day Svalbard Signature Adventure offers an opportunity to experience the Arctic wilderness in style. Two days in the Sunnmøre Alps and a private jet transfer from Ålesund to Longyearbyen, are followed by dog sledding and snowmobiling on tundra. 62.no
Be well: Visitors to Oslo can unwind at the newly reconstructed Tøyenbadet, with waterslides, saunas, a hot tub and seven pools. The opening of the Bristol Spa will add to the Norwegian capital’s wellness offerings. hotelbristol.no
Sky’s the limit: Low light pollution, climatic conditions and high latitude combine for outstanding aurora borealis viewing in northern Norway. Hurtigruten has two departures in 2026 for its 15-day Astronomy Voyage, with astronomer and astrophotographer Tom Kerss. hurtigruten.com
Book it:
Intrepid’s nine-day Northern Norway Explorer tour starts in Oslo and ends in Tromsø, priced from £2,921pp.
The deal includes five nights in hotels and three in seasonal rorbu houses; walks at Trondheim, Bodø and Svolvær; a Trollfjord Cruise and Sea Eagle Safari; and a Tromsø e-bike tour.
intrepidtravel.com
