Private Tour of Norway

Set on Norway’s breathtaking southern coast, and surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the Marka region and the rippling waters of the Oslofjord, Oslo is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of both winter and summer activities. However, mother nature is not the only artist at work in this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Norway’s capital is also home to a rich and prolific arts community and is filled with world-class galleries such as the astounding National Gallery Norway and the intriguing Munch Museum. Other popular attractions include the Viking Ship Museum, home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, and The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Europe’s largest open-air museum. Throw in a thriving nightlife and a unique culinary tradition and you get a smorgasbord of Nordic delights.

Tucked away on the northern shore of the mighty Sognefjorden in Norway’s Sogn district, the peaceful village of Balestrand offers a quieter refuge than its more touristy neighbours, even during the busier summer season. Any disturbances are likely to be caused by a run in with a deer or two. The fjord and town are surrounded by incredible, postcard-perfect mountain peaks reflecting on the water, making it a photographer’s paradise. Take a five-minute stroll down from the Balestrand Hotel to the pretty harbour, to sample some delicious traditional currywurst at the cute and quirky Viking Ship Wiener Stand, or enjoy a huge buffet lunch at the grand 19th Century Kviknes Hotel, which is famous for its small but impressive landscape art collection, as well as its exhibit of extraordinary historic carved wooden furniture.

Known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’, Bergen is a delightful, picturesque city surrounded by the fjords of Norway's western coast and seven spectacular forested mountains. The landscapes offer an incredible wonderland for outdoor sports; however, for many visitors the highlight is simply wandering along the narrow, cobbled streets, strolling in and out of bustling cafes, nibbling on some of the excellent local dishes and mingling with the friendly locals. There is plenty to thrill history buffs with an abundance of museums and rows beautifully preserved tiny wooden Hanseatic houses painted in an array of cheerful colours. With its dynamic cultural life, excellent range of restaurants, impressive art galleries and booming nightlife, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting ‘trebyen’ (wooden city).

Norway’s traditional region of Akershus lies in the southern part of the country and borders on Sweden in one part. Arguably the top landmark of the area, after which it is named, Oslo’s enthralling Akershus Festning is a must-see; where a Medieval castle, fortress, and other buildings stand watch over the harbour. Apart from the numerous well-known offerings of the capital, locations such as Asker and Sandvika provide thriving city centres known for their fantastic art galleries and excellent coffee, surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes perfect for skiing, fjord activities and hiking. In the Follo area, just 20 minutes from Oslo, enjoy picturesque coastal towns, and in Romerike, head to the birthplace of the Norwegian constitution at the Eidsvoll 1814 visitor centre.

Vestland (previously Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane) is a county in Norway, spreading out from the centre of the west coast and encompassing Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. The landscapes here are characterised by towering, snow-dusted peaks, plummeting to bright turquoise rivers and lakes, fringed by wild, lush forest and postcard-perfect pastoral scenes. Apart from ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and swimming, visitors can also look forward to numerous idyllic hot springs. For a more leisurely way to soak up the views, take one of the astoundingly beautiful routes for drivers, or the scenic railway trip from Flam to Myrdal. Top historic attractions (among many) include the UNESCO-listed wooden houses in Bergen and the fascinating Njardarheimr Viking Village in Gudvangen, where visitors can learn all about the ancient peoples’ traditional customs and ways of life.