Northern Highlights - Norway

Heading north for your summer holiday might not sound like an ideal plan, but just across the North Sea the Scandinavian delights of Norway offer vast vistas, acres of space, huge fjords, glaciers, mountains and midnight sun.

How to get there

With the recent disruptions in air travel and ensuing travel insurance claims, many tourists will want to find other, more reliable alternatives to the plane. Just a hop and skip across the murky depths of the North Sea, Norway is in an enviable position for a sea crossing from the UK - whilst there are no direct routes, ferries travel from Harwich to Esbjerg, Denmark; from Denmark there are several ferry companies that can take you to Norway.

Where to go
The geography of Norway takes in vast terrains; take your pick from snow tipped mountains and rocky coastal outcrops to thousands of tiny coastal islands and gigantic fjords. This arctic destination also offers extremes in climate, with the long dark, freezing winters contrasting with the 24 hour sun of the hot summer months - so choose your dates carefully. For a bit of a buzz, the cities of Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø offer a bevy of delights, from theatres and museums through to bars, restaurants and clubs.

Where to stay
Being the least populated country in Europe, Norway offers the secret hermit a chance to get out and about without bumping into too many people. For a bit of comfort, choose from wooden mountain hotels or boutique city gems; for something authentic look for a fisherman's cabin - dotted along the coast, these offer beautiful water vistas. However, wilderness abounds in Norway and if you're prepared to sacrifice some creature comforts, camping is definitely the way to go - 'the right of access' in Norway means that you may go anywhere in open country and put up a tent or sleep under the stars.

What to do
Because of its vast terrain, Norway's main attractions lie outside, in the great outdoors. Wildlife safaris offer the chance to witness sea eagles and whales, elks, ox, moose, bears (including the polar) and sharks. The arctic climate offers opportunities to glacier walk, ski and skate; whilst fishing and sailing make the most of the coastal and river landscapes. The country also harbours a long tradition of hiking, which means little cabins, camp fires and one of Europe's largest networks of marked trails.

Getting about
There's all manner of transportation choices in Norway - exert a little muscle power and take a bike or sail a boat, alternatively hire a camper van and explore the great wilderness of this beautiful country. If you're after a hop on and off service, the public transport system is second to none and the trains, buses and boats are scheduled to correspond with one another.

About the Author

When it comes to buying your travel insurance, one of the best on the market is Post Office@ travel insurance - Named best travel insurance company for fourth year running at British Travel Awards so they come highly recommended.