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.

Situated halfway up the coast of Norway on a narrow peninsula, the little town of Brønnøysund is a pleasant place to stroll the streets and enjoy a drink in a cosy pub. The town’s centrepiece is the neo-Gothic Brønnøy Church, while just offshore are the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands.

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.

The Hardangerfjord region is rich in natural beauty, and is sometimes known as ‘Norway’s orchard’ on account of the many fruit farms growing apples, cherries, pears and plums. There are some fantastic hiking trails in the region, along with sights including the famous Trolltunga rock.

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.

You might not expect to find a beach resort in Norway, but the sunny city of Kristiansand is where Norwegians go for a spot of fun by the seaside. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, including a zoo, and it’s also a good base for exploring the pretty fishing villages of the south coast.