Norway

The ultimate playground, Norway’s great outdoors offers up endless opportunities to feel at one with nature. Shake off the mental cobwebs with a hike to the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Hornelen, a blood-rushing 860 metres above the fjord below. Less energetic but a once-in-a-lifetime experience, sail to Vesteralen, which is found on the very edge of the continental shelf, for one of Northern Europe’s best whale watching experiences. The largest sea mammal in the world, it’s hard to beat the sight of a giant humpback, pilot, or sperm whale tale breaching the Norwegian Sea.

All that fresh air is sure to stimulate a big appetite and Bergen, which is the country’s second-largest city is home to a true Norwegian gem: Cornelius seafood restaurant. Feast on the freshest seafood on a menu inspired by the day’s weather while soaking up spectacular views of the fjord, mountains, rocky outcrops known as skerries, and local fishing boats. For dinner with a loftier view, take the Loen Skylift to the very top of Mount Hoven where an eponymous restaurant serves up fabulous dishes showcasing local ingredients at 1,011 metres. Charcuterie platters, fish soup, cured salmon and even reindeer ragu are among the many seasonal flavours.

Swap water for train tracks and an excursion aboard the vintage Flåm Railway. Touted as one the world’s top ten most beautiful rail journeys, a one-hour trip takes you from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up into the high mountains at Myrdal. Camera at the ready to capture the stunning Western Norwegian scenery, the train also stops for a five-minute photo opp at the famous Kjosfossen waterfall. No Norwegian itinerary is complete without some cultural immersion and Njardarheimr village in Gudvangen is a recreated Viking settlement dedicated to the northern god Njord. A living cultural historical site, visit the village chieftain, watch craftsmen at work, and try your hand at axe throwing.