Norway is internationally known as the land of the midnight sun. The long, freezing winters and breezy summers will ensure a unique experience no matter the time of year you wish to visit. Be warned, winters are cold enough to make even the polar bears shiver, and if you’re brave enough to go up north, the sun will never rise, day or night, for the whole winter season. Depressing? Not at all. The reflection in the snow from the star-dusted sky brings out a bright blue shine and a beautiful fairytale look, different from anything you’ve ever seen before.

Polar bears, penguins, whales and reindeer can be spotted in their natural habitat. Try a whale and sea eagle safari or scooter tours in Lapland. Don’t miss out on some of the traditional food, served just like the Vikings liked it!

The capital, Oslo, is a cosmopolitan city with fancy bars and restaurants, luxury hotels and great shopping. Only thirty minutes out of the city, you’ll find ski tracks, green walking paths and forest all around you. To get from here to the west coast you should consider the train across the majestic white-capped mountains. The scenery reveals untouched nature, and you’ll see both landscape and farms standing like they did hundreds of years ago.

Bergen is the second-largest city, and the western capital. Protected as a UNESCO world heritage, the town is surrounded by seven tall mountains and it’s the gateway to the famous fjords. Don’t miss out! Sail through the Sognefjord, where the enhanced mountains thunder above you on both sides.

About a century ago, Norway was one of the poorest countries in Europe and people fled across the Atlantic to the New World. Today there’s a saying that all Norwegian’s has got an uncle in America, and that can’t be far from the truth. Every summer the cities fill up with energetic yanks looking for their relatives, so if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, try a different season.

Despite their history, Norway is now one of the richest oil nations in the world, and prices are thereafter. This is not the place to go if you’re a backpacker or on a tight budget. Be prepared to pay eighteen dollars for a local beer and close to two hundred bucks for a place to crash. Still, you’ll find it’s worth it!