Oslo and Southern Norway holidays

What you can find in Oslo and southern Norway that you won't find elsewhere?

Oslo is often the first glimpse of the natural delights of the coveted country of Norway and as soon as you touch down in the city the tone will be set for your stay. Surrounded by wild beauty, it's as close to nature as a metropolitan city can be - welcome to the land where the landscape reigns supreme. From here, travel to the south of the country, a true green paradise in the summer, known for its craggy coastline and lust for adventure, where a whole host of outdoor activities are waiting for you to sink your teeth into. Visit Raet National Park in south-eastern Norway for a major dose of the astounding natural beauty on offer from idyllic islands to pristine pebble beaches.

Who are Oslo and southern Norway holidays best for?

A city both modern in design and culture, Oslo is a bustling centre of creativity, innovation and design that regularly tops lists of the world's trendiest cities. It's a hipster hotspot, where in-the-know visitors and budding artists make themselves at home in the city's coolest restaurants, bars and museums. Contrast this with its outstanding natural features and Oslo and southern Norway have universal appeal. Outdoor enthusiasts will never tire of the country's ceaseless surroundings that beckon you to climb, swim and hike. The region of Telemark - two hours outside of Oslo - is a prime example, where lofty mountains and glassy lakes are thrown together to provide the perfect environment for adventure seekers.

The best ways to discover Oslo and southern Norway:

A short stay in Oslo is best spent soaking up the essence of the city. Take a look at its many cultural institutions including The National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, then compare the dizzying architecture of downtown with the quaint, colourful houses of the villages nearby. Sample the delights of the Oslofjord on foot, bike, boat or helicopter, then take a 10 minute boat to the peninsula of Bygdøy - on the west side of the city - where you can swim, walk and lounge the day away on its pretty beaches. Oslo can also be the first step in a slightly more epic Norwegian journey across the south of the country, where some of the most beautiful spots are to be found.

Special things to do in Oslo and southern Norway:

- You can only get to the island of Lille Herben with a short boat ride, but we promise you it's worth the trip - especially if it's for dinner under the stars. Book a table and enjoy platter after platter of delicious seafood enveloped by the sound of the shores and the sight of the sky in the casually merry atmosphere of other lucky diners.

- Take to the rails and travel to the picture-perfect village of Geiranger on the Dovre line. It'll take a day to get there from Oslo, but the journey through the Norwegian landscape is a wonder to behold. We're willing to be that you'll be glued to the windows as the train passes through a dizzying array of natural spectacles from beautiful valleys and graceful mountain ranges to misty waterfalls and thick woodlands.