Things to See in Norway

Heddal stave church is Telemark's most visited attraction. It's an impressive structure and possibly dates from 1242, but parts of the chancel date from as early as 1147. Of great interest are the 'rose' paintings, a runic inscription, the bishop's chair and the altarpiece.

This fascinating open-air museum contains around 150 buildings from different regions, mostly dating as far back as the 13th century. Though the buildings themselves are authentic, they're juxtaposed in a Disney-eqsue recreation of a fictive landscape. Even so, if you drink a few Aass beers and squint, you'll swear you've stepped back a few hundred years.

For a freakish sensory overload, enter the Emanuel Vigeland Museum containing his life's work and mausoleum - a specially designed vaulted chamber where you duck under a low door (and thus pay tribute to his ashes, interned above) to enter an eerie nave with almost zero lighting.

This national park is one of Norway's best wilderness destinations. It has a network of hiking trails leading to some 60 glaciers and to the country's loftiest peaks (the 2469m/8100ft Galdhøpiggen and 2452m/8044ft Glittertind). The trails pass through ravine-like valleys, deep lakes and plunging waterfalls. Huts and private lodgings are along many of the routes.

A visit to Oslo is incomplete without taking in the medieval Akershus Castle and Fortress. As you wander around the castle you'll find tiny rooms where outcast nobles were kept, in stark contrast to the far more elaborate dining halls and staterooms on the upper floors.