Perched at the head of Oslofjord, the Norwegian capital is home to grand public buildings and the historic Holmenkollen ski-jumping hill. The Nobel Peace Centre details the story of each and every prize winner while 9th-century Viking ships and burial artefacts are displayed at the Viking Ship Museum. Learn about legendary Norwegian adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl, at the Kon-Tiki Museum, then dine on innovative Nordic fare in the waterfront eateries of Aker Brygge.

Home to a large number of Norway’s heritage-listed farms, Sel covers one of the most scenic parts of the Gudbrand Valley. It centres around the picturesque town of Otta and encompasses Norway’s oldest national park, Rondane, while the glacial-cut landscapes of Jotunheimen lie just to the west. See traditional crafts being demonstrated at the Jørundgard Medieval Centre and get your adrenalin pumping during a white water rafting adventure along the Sjoa River.

At the entrance to the stunningly beautiful Geirangerfjord, Ålesund is a lively port town that’s renowned for its Art Nouveau buildings. Its colourful streets are surrounded by water and a picturesque place to wander, with sweeping views from the Fjellstua lookout that’s reached along a steep staircase. Learn about the architectural history in the former pharmacy of Jugendstilsenteret and explore the impressive boats and traditional homes that feature in the open-air Sunnmøre Museum.

On the doorstep of Geirangerfjord, Stranda is a picturesque town that’s surrounded by charming villages and farms that seemingly cling to the fjord’s steep slopes. Witness the dramatic plunge of the Seven Sisters Waterfall or rent a kayak to slowly paddle through the breathtaking surrounds, with stunning views on offer from the fjord’s elevated walking trails. For a glimpse into Norway’s traditional farming culture, make a trip to the deserted farm of Me-Åkernes in nearby Sunnylvsfjorden.

Positioned on the northern shore of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sogndal is a stunningly beautiful rural region that stretches north to the glacier-carved landscapes of Jostedalsbreen National Park. Learn about the local boat building traditions at the Sogn Fjordmuseum and explore the open-air agricultural displays and medieval buildings of the Sogn Folkemuseum, then soak up the majestic beauty of Sogndal either on foot or during a fjord boat cruise.

A major trading hub for the Hanseatic League, Bergen nestles between seven hills on the edge of a breathtaking fjord. At its heart lie the wooden houses of UNESCO-listed Bryggen while a funicular whisks visitors to the top of Fløyen Mountain for sweeping city views. Explore the house where Edvard Grieg once lived and go hiking through the magnificent landscapes of Sognefjord, then discover Bergen’s underground nightlife at its student bars and clubs.

Despite being nicknamed Norway’s “Oil City”, Stavanger retains plenty of charm with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings and charismatic waterfront. At its heart stands the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral while the colourful street of Øvre Holmegate serves as a vibrant shopping hub. Witness a mock oil platform and submersibles at the fascinating Norwegian Petroleum Museum, then splurge at one of the city’s Michelin-star restaurants while immersing yourself in the local foodie culture.