Norway is a country that is as beautiful as it is rugged. The best way to sample all this country has to offer is to use a car hire service and head out into the mountainous wilderness. Around the same size as Germany, Norway has much to offer; be it the spectacular coastline or daunting arctic tundra. Just remember to fit snow chains to your hire car.



Touring the striking fjords is for me the best Norway has to offer. The coastal towns, at the foot of imposing mountains offer picture perfect views. When using a hire car, take advantage of the remoteness of these fjords; during the summer months a picnic at the shore in this pristine landscape is a pure joy.

As you head up the coast in your hire car it soon becomes clear why the Vikings, who predominantly originated in Norway, were such a hardy civilisation. Not only would you have to be a master sailor to navigate the system of fjords, but head inland to the mountain ranges; and freezing temperatures soon send a chill through your spine.

Skiing has increasingly become a tourism trade in Norway. Despite nearly all Norwegians owning at least one set of skis, it is only recently that tourists have started to flood into the alpine resorts. This can be seen as the perfect excuse to hire a car, complete with roof rack and head for a weekend of extreme sports.

The far north of Norway is within the Arctic Circle meaning at the seasonal extremes parts of the country experience perpetual daylight or darkness. Be careful when touring in your hire car as with no dusk or dawn, reminding yourself to take a break while driving can be difficult.

The capital of Norway is a unique city; with the Oslo Fjord on one side and mountain ranges on the other it offers a combination of experiences that would be difficult to best anywhere in the world. If staying in the city I would not recommend the use of a hire car in this instance.

Public transport is efficient and you can see much of the city's attractions by foot. The TusenFryd Amusement Park and the Nobel Peace Museum are attractions of note. The Nobel museum has exhibitions on the various laureates as well as information on the life and work of Alfred Nobel.

In the northern extremes of Norway a hire car would be better substituted by a snowmobile as for most of the year the tundra is covered with snow. The chance to go on a 'snow safari' is an experience not to be missed as reindeer and elk are common; whether it is on a snowmobile or dog sled it is extremely enjoyable.

One trip that should definitely be undertaken in your hire car while in Norway is a journey to Roros; this old mining city is a world heritage site and has superb examples of well preserved wooden buildings. Wandering the city has been described as like stepping back in time. Roros also has a wealth of outdoor activities including fantastic hunting and fishing while the craftsmen of the city will ensure you return with ideal gifts for Friends and family.

Norway historically has been a nation that has actively hunted whales, this is still true today but eco-tourism is fast replacing the harpoons with cameras. During the summer months there are opportunities to swim or kayak with vast pods of killer whales, this has been described as one of the most humbling experiences imaginable. Minke whales are also viewable in Norway, this does however mean leaving the hire car behind and using your sea legs to head out into the sometimes rough North Sea.

Norway is an ideal tourist destination, using a car hire service will enable you to see as much as possible during your visit. With a wealth of activities it is presents the chance for a truly unique holiday experience. Added to the beautiful scenery the history of this nation, predominantly the Viking period gives a fascinating insight into the Dark Age explorers. With such a difference between seasons, Norway will have you returning regularly to experience all this county has to offer.