Sweet, floral and musky, heather was voted the national flower of Norway in 1976. Used in cosmetics for its distinctive scent, its petite purple flowers bloom around autumn and are a quintessential element of Norway’s unique topography. They are extremely resilient and can even thrive below freezing temperatures.

On most travellers’ bucket lists are the Aurora Borealis, a celestial northern spectacle of opaline-green lights that can be spotted at night across Norway. Some of the best hubs to catch them include Bodø, awarded European Capital of Culture in 2024 and Tromsø, much further north but with plenty of international flights. Svalbard, a Nordic archipelago, is the only place in the world where you can experience these shimmering emerald wonders at any time of day. 

With a high surface area of rugged coastline, littoral zones and thousands of islands, Norway is historically known for fishing which informs its gastronomic scene. Seafood, especially salmon, has been popular since the Viking age and is found in many excellent restaurants, particularly in Oslo. We recommend Eero, a Michelin-Guide rooftop restaurant that takes a zero-waste, fin-to-gill approach, serving many tasty seafood bites.

The Oslo Opera House is an astonishing example of contemporary architecture, designed by Norwegian practice Snøhetta. Constructed from striking white Italian Carrara marble, it offers panoramic views of the capital. Until April 12th, it hosts ‘The Cunning Little Vixen’ by Czech composer Leoš Janáček - a melancholic yet playful exploration of life’s cyclical nature, brought to life through a rich and evocative score.

Experience the magic of the first snowfall, ‘den første snøen faller’, or the wind rush through your hair as you lean out the window of the brand new Norient Express set to make its maiden voyage this autumn. A six-day journey starting in Bergen and ending in Trondheim, this electrically powered train traverses through fjords, mountains and cities and is redefining sustainable rail travel. 

Complete your Nordic stay at Hotel Continental Oslo, close to the National Museum of Art, where you can see Munch’s ‘The Scream’. Book more of our handpicked luxury hotels on ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you will receive members-only VIP benefits such as room upgrades at no extra cost.