40 great things to do when in Norway

1. Hike Preikestolen
2. Taste licorice ice cream at Gangstad Gårdsysteri
3. Sleep in a lighthouse
4. Sail the entire coast of Norway on the Hurtigruten
5. Roam through the Vigeland sculpture park in Oslo
6. Fish for your own dinner at Havfruen in Trondheim
7. Climb the longest wooden staircase in the world
8. Watch the midnight sun
9. Visit the world’s largest halibut farm
10. Drive through the world’s longest road tunnel at Laerdal
11. Hunt for trolls along the Trollstigen mountain road
12. Explore the Jugendstil architecture of artsy Ålesund
13. Ride the famous Flåm Railway
14. Sunbathe at Bergen’s best beach at Helleneset!
15. Go to Hell! (Hell, Norway)
16. Hike up to the ultra-isolated Skalefllå farm in Geirangerfjord
17. Drive through the incredibly scenic Gudbrandsdalen
18. Go whalewatching in Andenes
19. Go hiking in Jotunheimen!
20. Ride the ferry through spectacular Lysefjord
21. Party in 24-hour sunlight in the summer
22. Explore Trondheim’s canals and cobblestone alleys by citybike
23. Visit a century-old farm (and taste the bread!) at Gulburet
24. Go clubbing in Oslo and see how hard Norway parties at night
25. Catch the dive show at the Atlantic Ocean Park in Ålesund
26. Drink from St. Olaf’s blessed spring (and be healed!) in Valldal
27. Admire the dandelions
28. Visit Holmenkollen, Norway’s iconic ski jump, and the fascinating ski museum
29. Ride a bike all the way down the Flåm valley
30. Visit Undredal stave church, one of the oldest in the country
31. Try the goat cheese chocolates at Fjordnær Geiranger Sjokalade
32. Go white-water rafting in Voss
33. Discover Norway’s Viking history
34. Conquer your fear of heights with a climb up Kjerag
35. Drive from Oslo to Bergen and count the dozens of tunnels you go through
36. Eat reindeer, a local delicacy
37. Attend the ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo
38. Swim in the fjords (not as cold as you think!)
39. See the famous Northern Lights in the winter
40. Ski all year round – after all,  they invented it
41. Take the train and gawk at the landscapes that pass you by

For those of you who would like to explore the many wonderful cities in this country, you can get cheap flights to Norway from almost anywhere in the world. If you’re reading this from the Middle East, Etihad Airways offers regular deals on flights to Abu Dhabi from Norway all year round.

5 top tourist attractions in Denmark

The National Gallery of Denmark

Image source: Visit Copenhagan

The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) is Denmark’s largest art museum, featuring outstanding collections of Danish and international art from the past seven centuries. Exhibits range from photography and installation art to media and contemporary art.

Tivoli Gardens

Image source: Wikipedia

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Copenhagen Central Station, Tivoli Gardens is easily accessible and a must-see tourist attraction. A cascading waterfall, open-air film screenings and lots of rides and adventures, Tivoli Gardens is a great place to entertain the little ones. You will also find green areas (ideal for picnics), lakes, fountains and beautiful flowers, for the perfect relaxed afternoon.

The Little Mermaid

What's Denmark's biggest attraction, but also the smallest? The Little Mermaid, of course.
At Langelinje Pier you will find the wonderful bronze and granite sculpture (which turned a century old in August 2013) sitting gracefully.  The Little Mermaid symbolises the fairytale by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen ()which was later a Disney movie) – it’s the story of a young mermaid who fell in love with a prince who lived on land, and often came up to the edge of the water to find  him.

Legoland

Image source: Travel Tour Guide

The original Legoland in Billund (150 miles west of Copenhagen) is one of the best attractions in Denmark for both adults and children. Almost everything is made up of millions and millions of Lego blocks. Ever since it opened its doors to the public in 1968, Legoland has brought endless locals and tourists flocking to its gates to enjoy countless attractions, indoor activities, exhibitions, and new thrill rides – fun for all ages.

The Strøget in Copenhagen

Image source: Copenhagen Portal

Europe's longest shopping street is also one of Denmark's most popular tourist destinations.  As the longest pedestrianised shopping strip in the whole of Europe, you will find everything from designer and high-street clothing brands, jewelry stores, souvenirs. If you don’t fancy shopping, Strøget is also a great place to grab a coffee or a spot lunch.

Once you arrive, enjoy the best of Denmark by coach, rail, boat or foot for fabulous tours of the cities.  For flights, check out Etihad Airways, flying daily from Abu Dhabi to Denmark.