8 Nights Europe, Northern

Tromso, Norways gateway to the Arctic, is surrounded by deep blue fjords and snow-capped mountain peaks. Explore this lively city, linked to the mainland by a gracefully arched bridge. Visit the fascinating Polar Museum or the arctic aquarium Polaria. Be blown away by panoramic views on a cable car ride up to Storstein Mountain, or hike up one of the trails that run through the Lyngen Alps. Cruise to Tromso, Norway and stop into a cafe and refuel with carrot and cardamom marmalade on toast. If you visit between September and April, you might be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, Honningsvag is surrounded by fjords and waterfalls, offering views across the sea to the Svalbard Islands and the North Pole. First settled more than 10 thousand years ago, today youll find a modern downtown area around the harbor. Shops sell local crafts, including traditional Sami jewelry, as well as sleek Scandinavian home decor. Jump onboard a Norwegian fjords cruise and watch the indigenous Sami people herd reindeer through the area, and explore the history of the area at the Nordkappmuseet. Then, head to one of the restaurants in the harbor area for king crab risotto.

The city of Alta lies in an area with a relatively mild climate in the otherwise cold north. Here you can experience Sami culture up close, see UNESCo protected rock carvings, spend the night in a ice hotel or hunt for the northern lights.

Narvik or Ahkanjarga is the third-largest municipality in Nordland county, Norway by population. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Narvik.

The northern gateway of the western fjords lies at the edge of the Romsdalsfjord. From here you can view the Trollveggen, whose jagged, clouded peak is considered the ultimate challenge among Norwegian mountain climbers.

Fjord-Norway's capital is a spectacular amphitheatre that clambers up the sides of seven mountains and overlooks the sea. It is the ideal starting point for discovering the dramatic fjord country of Western Norway. Bergen hosts the International Music Festival, the largest annual cultural event in Norway.

Breathtaking Kristiansand was first settled in the early 5th century, with its modern iteration founded by King Christian IV in the mid 1600s. Home to many cultural, music, and arts festivals, the Norwegian city pulses with creative energy. Several museums celebrate local history and natural features, and the trails of Odderoyja are a wonderful way to breathe in fresh air while mingling with locals. Historic Oddernes church is a blend of architectural styles.

The oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities has some of Europe's best museums and offers a reprieve from the intense Norwegian wilderness - although panoramic vistas exist. Oslo is primarily modern in design and architecture, and it is noted for its many museums, historic buildings and public statues, including Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum.