Stavanger originally grew rich from its fishing industry, though these days it’s Norway’s oil boom that is powering the city’s economic growth. In spite of this modern gold rush the historic centre of Stavanger retains its charm, and the spectacular Lysefjord is within easy reach of the city.

Haugesund dates back to Viking times, and the surrounding region is known as the birthplace of Norway, where King Harald Fairhair first united the country under one ruler. Highlights include the reconstructed Viking farm at Avaldsnes, the Arquebus War History Museum and the Haraldshaugen Monument.

Olden is a lovely little village surrounded by green meadows and rippling mountain scenery, at the mouth of the Oldeelva river. The most popular excursion is a trip to the nearby Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen glacier.

When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II agreed to foot the bill to rebuild it. The result was the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that you see today, which blends elements of the German 'Jugendstil' with Viking flourishes.

Svolvær is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands, though with just over 4,000 inhabitants it’s hardly a bustling metropolis. From the picturesque harbour you can strike out into the stunning Lofoten countryside, where dramatic mountains tower above rustic little fishing villages.

The beautiful Trollfjord, just 100 metres wide at its entrance, slices through Austvågøya island, which lies between the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos. The trolls themselves are said to hide amongst the rocks during the day, emerging only at night.

Tromsø’s location well within the Arctic Circle means the summer months are lit by the Midnight Sun, a compensation for long dark winters. Explore the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses, see the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral, or take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for a fantastic view.

The port of Honningsvåg is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape, and enjoys 24-hour daylight in summer. Aside from tourism, fishing is the major industry in this part of Norway, and the region is also said to be inhabited by trolls.

Although Alta lies in Norway’s far north, the city has a surprisingly mild climate. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock carvings at the Alta Museum, some of which date back over 6,000 years, and the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, with its aurora-inspired interior.

Harstad is situated on Hinnøya, Norway’s largest island, and is one of the most important cultural and commercial centres in the north of the country. The town hosts several annual festivals, and the surrounding landscape of forests, mountains and fjords is perfect for outdoor adventure.

Bodø, just to the north of the Arctic Circle, is the largest city in Nordland county and the gateway to northern Norway. The town itself is not the most exciting place, but the surrounding scenery is striking and the islands to the north are home to the world’s densest population of white-tailed sea eagles.

Trondheim’s wooden buildings look much as they would have done in the Middle Ages, rebuilt in the same style and layout throughout history. Here also Norway's national sanctuary, Nidaros Cathedral, was built over the grave of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint, with parts dating back to the 12th century.

The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.

The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.