Norway Guide Norway is a magical land of extremes: bottomless fjords, endless days and limitless forests. Sited between the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Circle, the land of the Vikings resonates with a sort of romanticism not found anywhere else and offers the visitor the colourful, warm intimacy of its historic towns. From the Northern Cape to Oslo, the leitmotiv is the beauty of nature, echoing the virginal beauty of the world before the dawn of humanity. Five ideas for discovering another side of Norway -  In Oslo, wander through the upper decks of the Fram, the legendary ship of the explorer Amundsen, the first human known to have reached the South Pole. -  Also in Oslo, take a glass of Aquavit at the Grand Café, seated right next to the table favoured by the celebrated Norwegian dramatist Ibsen. -  Venture into the forest, following a marked trail, gathering and sampling bilberries and raspberries among the birch trees or along the edge of a fjord. -  Savour the almost Mediterranean atmosphere of the morning fish market at Bergen, best viewed at sunrise. -  Head north out of Bergen to discover the spectacular fjords of Norway: the colossal landscapes of Hardangerfjord, Nordfjord and Sognefjord will take your breath away. Time difference GMT + one hour in autumn and winter, GMT + two hours in spring and summer. To call Norway Dial the international code followed by 47 for Norway and the 8 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: Oslo: - Spring: 15° C - Summer: 22° C - Autumn: 10° C - Winter: -2° C Bergen: - Spring: 8° C - Summer: 18° C - Autumn: 10° C - Winter: 2° C Holidays - 1 January: New Year - Easter Thursday, Friday and Monday (dates vary) - 1 May: Labor Day - 17 May: National Day - Ascension (date varies) - 23 June: Summer solstice - 25 and 26 December: Christmas Getting around The best way of getting around Norway is by hiring a car. But beware of drinking and driving and make sure you wear a seatbelt as penalties are stiff. If you decide to travel from Oslo to Bergen, the train takes you through some beautiful scenery. (5˝ hr journey). You can get around Oslo's small town centre on foot. The tram is the best method of public transport. A small ferry sets off from the quay in front of the town hall for the museum peninsula (a beautiful crossing of less than 10mn).You can also see the town by taxi. Norway Tourism Office Oslo: Akershus tourist board Schweigaadsgt, 4 Oslo, Norway N-0185 Bergen: Slottsgt, 1 Bergen, Norway N-5003 Norway on the Web http://www.tourist.no See our Cultural calendar Back