Aurora Spirit: a magical journey to Norway’s Arctic north

Drammen is the seventh most populous municipality in Norway but most international tourists only know the city’s name because it’s the terminus of the Oslo Airport express train.

There are off the beaten path destinations, and then there’s Antarctica. One of the driest, coldest and windiest places on the planet, the majestic icy wilderness attracts scientists from around the world keen to study the unique environment.

In much of Europe, summer 2023 will be remembered as a season of bad news for the travel industry. Wildfires have brought a new kind of danger to many southern resorts already suffering from a heatwave, forcing the British government amongst others to issue travel warnings at the height of the summer vacation period.

Upon its christening in May, Swan Hellenic’s new SH Dianasailed north from Amsterdam to explore some of the lesser visited spots along Norway’s seemingly endless coast. Thanks to the expedition ship’s small-size, its 10-night Norway Explored voyage went deeper into fjords than most cruise ships can manage (the first leg of the voyage is covered in this post).

A new restaurant in the middle of the Hardangerfjord in Norway is wowing — and scaring — TikTok. 

As you wind your way along the narrow coastal road of Langøya island in Northern Norway’s Vesterålen archipelago, you wonder how anyone could possibly live here.

Let’s not beat around the bush: Norway is expensive. However, the historically weak krone has made it a bit less so recently, and even if exchange rates change, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget without missing out on the fantastic experiences the country has to offer.

With their chic cities, dramatic landscapes and high quality of life, the countries of Scandinavia remain objects of worldwide fascination. Yet if you’re looking to dip your toe into Nordic waters, where do you begin?

Enter the Jarlsberg “Perfect Pairing” sweepstakes by September 12, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a four-night trip for two people to Oslo, Norway, including air and hotel.

Ever wish you could buy a rail pass for the skies? This summer, Norwegian regional airline Wideroe is once again offering a seasonal fly-all-you-want Norway air pass covering all of its routes. The airline flies a relatively dense route system throughout Norway, plus flights to/from Aberdeen, Goteborg, and Kobenhavn.

If you were going to design a child- or family-friendly destination for travelers, it would look something like Norway. Norway has famously family-friendly working and pay conditions and this commitment to inclusivity extends to travel.

Norway’s enchanting capital, Oslo never fails to capture the hearts of visitors. It’s a place where the charms of the past blend seamlessly with the thrills of modern life, where the natural beauty of fjords and mountains contrast with a bustling city life, and where visitors can enjoy cultural attractions ranging from museums and galleries to exciting shopping and dining destinations. Oslo’s far from the biggest city in Europe, but your experience of the city can vary wildly depending on where you stay. From lively areas like Frogner and Aker Brygge to quieter neighborhoods that’ll make you feel like a local, these are the Oslo Airbnbs to book.