Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star – the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale – the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.

The crooked, pastel-coloured warehouses of Bergen’s World Heritage waterfront lean together charmingly, welcoming visitors to this city at the heart of Norway’s most extraordinary cinematic landscapes. It may be the country’s second largest city, but the villagey feel here always provides a warm welcome – even when the weather is living up to its famously damp reputation. Bergen’s colourful waterfront, Bryggen, is a ramshackle line-up of incredible Hanseatic warehouses, built following the devastating fire of 1702, which ransacked the city. These iconic warehouses have stood proudly ever since, with Bergen growing and expanding around the colourful facades. Behind them, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and wooden decking waits, alive with artisan craft shops and bustling galleries. Fløyen mountain watches over the city, and you can take a short but steep hike up to the panoramic viewpoints, or jump on the funicular, which trundles visitors up and down the incline. At the top, spectacular views of Bergen jutting out into the dark seas below unfold before your eyes. Wait until evening to see the sunset painting glorious golden light across the city and waves, and Bergen’s lights flickering into life. Nærøyfjorden, a deeply etched fjord nearby, is perhaps Norway’s most photographed and iconic piece of scenery. A cruise through the base of this spectacular narrow fjord, parting the glass-smooth inky waters, is an utterly humbling experience, as the claustrophobically-close slopes rise imposingly over you. Sognefjord also stretches out nearby, and is Norway’s longest fjord, adorned with plunging waterfalls and vibrant farms during summer.

If we haven’t said it already, Norway’s luxury is its sheer natural beauty. And at the very top of the pile is the all-inclusive Flam, a destination that is home to Glacial waterways lined by evergreen forests amidst jagged mountains and sheer cliff walls. Situated inland, on the arm of the 204-kilometre Sognefjord, the village has just 400 inhabitants. Its little size does not belie its gigantic heart, and Flam’s expansive loveliness knows no bounds. In fact, UNESCO has dedicated the Sognefjord as a World Heritage Site for its exquisite natural beauty. There are many ways to imbibe in the beauty of this destination. Some of the more peaceful among you will enjoy just drinking it all in from the veranda or deck of your ship, while adrenaline bunnies will most probably want to jump in a Zodiac and gain first-hand experience that way. But beware! Travelling the shores of one of the deepest fjords may be exciting but it is also fast, wet and bumpy! Most visitors will not want to miss out on a one-hour train journey that has been describes by more than one source as being “the world’s most beautiful”. The Flam railway is iconic and will have you holding your breath as your travel through steep, winding roads, around massive mountains, and past gushing rivers and waterfalls. Scary? A little. Picturesque? No question. Worth it? Most definitely.

The village of Olden clings to the banks of the Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and lovely valleys. Boating on the fjord, hiking on nearby scenic mountain trails, as well as salmon and sea-trout fishing in the River Olden combine to make this small town an enjoyable holiday destination. The summer season brings visitors to the area who are interested in glacier skiing on the Briksdal Glacier and the Jostedal Glacier, Europe’s biggest. Enthusiasts enjoy not only challenging skiing but the ride up to the glacier aboard local horse drawn carriages. These powerful, yet compact, miniature horses are accustomed to climbing up this mountainous terrain. Most of us would consider it a bit too enthusiastic actually swim in the waters found pooled atop these slopes. These chilling pools are a bit more “refreshing” than most of us would like, for they feature tiny icebergs that float along past those brave enough to actually swim here. The scenery along the fjord is varied, featuring well-kept farms and verdant orchards which stand in stark contrast to the startling whiteness of the glaciers and the gray rock faces of towering mountains. The adjacent lake provides summertime watersports for Norwegians and visitors alike. Olden was, for many years, home to American landscape artist William H. Singer, scion of a Pittsburgh steel family. A philanthropist, Singer underwrote such endeavors as the construction of a much-needed road and the very important regional hospital.

Witness Norway at its awe-inspiring best, while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful fjords. Geiranger nestles at the end of the majestic Geiranger fjord, itself a branch of the Storfjorden, the Great Fjord. While only 300 hardy souls live in the village when winter is biting, Geiranger’s population swells exponentially in the summertime, when the village becomes one of Norway’s most visited locations – providing a welcoming base for visitors coming to revel in the fantasy fjord’s glory. View less Sweeping horseshoe bends unveil the full majesty of Geiranger fjord, one of two Norwegian fjords singled out for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Soak it all in, as you sail the ten-mile stretch of glorious scenery, decorated with cascading flows of water. The Seven Sisters is perhaps the most celebrated – sprawling down 250 metres like a flowing head of silvery hair. Look out across from these seven flows to the bottle-shaped waterfall known as The Suitor – legend says he tries eternally, to win the affections of the Seven Sisters opposite. Sail onwards, and you can feel the fresh spray on your face, up close and personal to another spectacular flow – Bridal Veil Waterfall. Geiranger’s fjord’s banks are decorated with abandoned farms, including Knivsflå, and Skageflå. Or you can experience life on a working cheese farm at Herdalssetra. Winding hairpin mountain roads offer some of Europe’s highest fjord views, while the Dalsnibba mountain – which stands close to the fjord – offers spine-tingling views from an epic 1,500-metre high pedestal. Get as close to the edge as you dare, and let this one-of-a-kind landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks and wide fjords utterly overwhelm you.

Sail along veiny fjords, deep into the heart of Norway’s spine-tingling scenery. Hellesylt is a quiet fishing town, practically swallowed whole by the blockbuster landscapes around it. A wide, sprawling waterfall roars through the village, adding thundering drama to the quiet cluster of farmhouses, which huddle among emerald fields and a theatrical landscape. Embark on epic hikes, kayak adventures, or simply sit back to open your eyes wide and soak it all in with a coffee. View less Located deep within Norway’s sinewy network of world-renowned fjords, which lace in from the west coast, Hellesylt waits for you at the terminus of Sunnylvsfjorden. Pretty white churches cling precariously to the dropping banks of the fjord, and while Sunnylvsfjorden is gorgeous in its own right – it feels practically restrained in comparison to the showpiece majesty of nearby Geirangerfjord – which branches off close to the town. Quintessential Norway – and utterly humbling – it’s perhaps the most beautiful stretch of fjord anywhere in the world. Strewn with waterfall veils, including the celebrated Seven Sisters Fall – which strings rainbows across its clutch of narrow flows – sailing in the base of this steep theatre of natural splendour is a true privilege. However, you choose to explore the landscape of curving lush green scenery, crumpled peaks dusted with snow, and gushing waterfalls, your time in this epicentre of Norwegian splendour will be a true highlight of your trip.

Twin beams shine out from a pair of scenic lighthouses – welcoming you to Arendal’s coastal charm. Life moves a little slower in this tree-sprinkled Norwegian town of fresh sea air and scattered skerries. As you arrive, you’ll sail between the picturesque island fragments all around Arendal, before your ship comes to rest below the welcoming gaze of the the town’s pea-green church spire. View less The call to explore the area’s natural treasures is never far away, and whether it’s jumping on ferries to flit between the surrounding islands, or wandering across pebble-strewn beaches to soak in sweeping views out towards Denmark and Sweden, there are limitless possibilities. Take a boat out to Merdo island where, free from cars, you can enjoy beachfront strolls past burgundy-roofed houses, and crunch coarse sand underfoot as you walk. The harbour area – known as Pollen – is the social hub of Arendal, and the perfect spot for an evening drink, following a wander through the gorgeous Tyholmen district’s pretty lemon and maroon shaded timber houses. The narrow spire of Trinity Church rockets up behind it, to complete a beautifully curated waterfront scene. You’ll often hear music on the breeze as the nights grow longer and warmer, and Canal Street swings into life. The summer’s Jazz Festival is a much loved event, held as the town’s population begins to swell in size with an influx of visitors arriving to enjoy the summer shows, warmer weather, and opportunities to get out and explore some of Norway’s most beautiful coastal scenery.

The capital of Norway since 1299, Oslo is the nation’s largest city. Located on an island-studded fjord, with its forest-clad hills and lakes in the hinterland, Oslo provides recreational opportunities that few capital cities can match. According to historians, the city was founded in 1050 by Harold III. In later years, Hakon V declared Oslo the capital of Norway and built Akershus Castle. As the country’s capital, Oslo is the royal residence, seat of government, Supreme Court, and also the site of Norway’s oldest university. Through its 950-year history, the city suffered many fires, including an especially devastating one in 1624. As a result, Oslo presents a mixture of several architectural styles. Visitors will find a full range of activities among the numerous galleries, museums, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo’s attractions can be reached on foot; ferryboats departing from the harbor can easily reach the Bygdøy peninsula.

The capital of Norway since 1299, Oslo is the nation’s largest city. Located on an island-studded fjord, with its forest-clad hills and lakes in the hinterland, Oslo provides recreational opportunities that few capital cities can match. According to historians, the city was founded in 1050 by Harold III. In later years, Hakon V declared Oslo the capital of Norway and built Akershus Castle. As the country’s capital, Oslo is the royal residence, seat of government, Supreme Court, and also the site of Norway’s oldest university. Through its 950-year history, the city suffered many fires, including an especially devastating one in 1624. As a result, Oslo presents a mixture of several architectural styles. Visitors will find a full range of activities among the numerous galleries, museums, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo’s attractions can be reached on foot; ferryboats departing from the harbor can easily reach the Bygdøy peninsula.

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star – the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale – the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.