TRAVEL Notebook
Scandinavian HAVEN A
Breathtaking views, quiet coves and beautiful beaches – no not Scotland, we took a trip to Norway. Words by COLLEEN REID
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country easily rivalling Scotland for beautiful scenery, this is definitely the location for you if you’re looking for a picturesque outdoor getaway. The Scandinavian country boasts mountain walks just minutes outside of most major cities and set against the spectacular famous fjords creates the perfect tranquil break. Each part of the country offers a unique visiting experience with the west know for its fjords and outdoor activities, the east for its mountains, the north, of course, for the spectacular northern lights whilst the south is where to spend summer with villages dotted around a scenic coastline. Lastly, central Norway is where you can really appreciate the country’s history and heritage. Benefiting from up to 24 hours of daylight in the summer time, Norwegians spend most of their time outdoors, so we did too! With stunning coastlines to be cycled and mountains to be explored, it was time to get back in touch with nature on this relaxing but actionpacked holiday. The deep fjords scattered throughout the land create not only the perfect Kodak moment, but also an ideal location to let him catch the dinner whilst you have a go at kayaking in the clean waters. 90 SCOTTISH WOMAN MAGAZINE
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In the evenings, we dined on traditional Norwegian cuisine. Meat and game are very popular and I even dared to try reindeer, moose and fowl, finding myself pleasantly surprised at their appetising taste. As a first-time visitor to the country I found myself speechless at the stunning scenery and with so much to see, you could spend days and weeks exploring this beautiful country. If you prefer to wait until the warmer months to take a trip north, take advantage of airline Widerøe’s Explore Norway ticket, the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around. Choose from 35 locations to visit from Stravanger in the south or fly north and stay in a traditional Lavi tent with Sami people. Prices start at £312 for a two-week exploration of the scenic country including flights from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to Bergen and Aberdeen to Stavanger. So, venture a little further north for your break, whatever the weather, and relish in the beautiful and peaceful scenery Norway has to offer. Fly to Bergen and Stravanger throughout the winter months direct from Aberdeen for around £73 each way, for more information or to book visit www.wideroe.no.
Photographs: Top by Reisemal Stryn, bottom right by Bergen Tourist Board/Geir S. Johannessen
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