Norway
Norway's scenery is its main attraction, particularly the fjords of the southwest and the North Cape (Nordkapp) which is a popular spot from which to observe the Midnight Sun of midsummer. However, the principal cities, among them Oslo (the capital), Bergen and Trondheim, offer a good choice of museums, historical sites and architectural interest for the visitor. The often mountainous inland countryside is ideal for those in search of true wilderness. Unless winter sport is the reason for visiting the country, its appeal is strongest in the months between May and September.Oslo
Oslo, which celebrated its millennium in the year 2000, is Norway's most populous district, providing a home for more than one-tenth of the country's inhabitants in a mere 700th of its total area. For all this, urban and industrial development only occupies one-eighth of the land within the city boundaries, the rest consisting mainly of woods, islands in Oslo Fjord, and lakes.
The city has a strong arts culture, with a good choice of museums and galleries. The Munch Museum is the main draw among these, others include the National Gallery; the Norwegian Museum of Applied Arts; the Thor Heyerdahl Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, both on Bygdøy Island to the west of the city center; the Viking Ships Museum; Oslo City Museum; and the Norwegian Home Front Museum, which tells the story of the country's occupation during World War II. Bergen
Former Hanseatic port and medieval Norwegian capital, the city's appeal centers on the Hanseatic Bryggen harbor-side district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many buildings dating from the 17th century and earlier. Cable cars take visitors to the summit of Mount Ulriken, and a funicular railway climbs Mount Fløyen to give outstanding views over the city and coastline. Museums abound, and there is a large aquarium. Additionally, a broad choice of boat excursions plies the waters around the city, which is Norway's busiest tourist destination.
Stavanger
Center of the country's North Sea oil industry, Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city after Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, with 96,000 inhabitants. Old Stavanger is Europe's largest collection of wooden buildings. Other attractions here include the Norwegian Oil Museum, the unique Fish Cannery Museum (complete with sprat-smokehouse), and the Rogaland Art Gallery.