Norway vacation rentals

So much to discover in magnificent Norway

A once-in-a-lifetime destination that counts storied Viking heritage, celestial light shows and dramatic natural landscapes among its highlights, Norway deserves a place on any travel bucket list. The country's steep-sided fjords, jagged coastline and mountainous terrain sit alongside the buzzing capital of Oslo, where cutting-edge architecture blends effortlessly with a growing hipster vibe. In Bergen, colorful boat houses line a medieval wharf in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen. Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the country's biggest cities or seek a little Scandi-style solitude, Norway vacation rentals will soon make you feel right at home.

Year-round pursuits in Norway

Norway vacation rentals in the south of the country place you on the doorstep of Lillehammer. The resort town is at its best in winter, when popular pastimes include skating, curling and skiing along 100s of kilometers of Nordic trails, though attractions such as the open-air museum of Maihaugen and Peer Gynt's Cottage make a visit worthwhile in summer, too. Those keen to explore the country's hiking routes can find trails aplenty in its 46 national parks, with Jostedalsbreen National Park, home of mainland Europe's largest glacier, among the many popular spots.

Exploring Norway's cities and fjords

It's possible to explore Norway under your own steam, but if you'd prefer someone else to take the reins, local guides fit the bill perfectly. Walking tours of Oslo, taking in the likes of the Opera House and, in the summer months, the Royal Palace, are readily available, some requiring you to pay a set fee, with others operating on a tips-only basis. Fjord cruises depart from Oslo throughout the year, transporting passengers from the vibrant city center to the sheltered bays, steep green cliffs and tumbling waterfalls that are the country's most-famous natural attractions.

Norway's midnight sun and Northern Lights

Sharing the same latitude as Greenland and Siberia, Norway is often thought of as a land of perpetual cold weather. However, the country boasts a reasonably-mild climate, thanks in part to the warmth delivered by the northern Gulf Stream, particularly during the summer months of June through August. The country's far north is something of an exception, though. Extending over the Arctic Circle, northern Norway is home to the fabled midnight sun in summer and the dazzling display of blue, purple, red and green laid on by the soul-stirring Aurora Borealis in winter.

Spotting awe-inspiring wildlife in natural Norway

Catching a glimpse of some of the country's extraordinary wildlife is a must during your stay in a Norway vacation rental. The Svalbard Archipelago is a popular spot for viewing both orca and humpback whales in the winter months of November through January, which ties in perfectly with the best views of the Northern Lights. In summer, the same area serves up one of your best chances to see polar bears in the wild. Sightings are not guaranteed, though, and you may find that it takes a multi-day expedition cruise to deliver that sought-after view of these majestic creatures.