Norway has some of the most epic and varied natural landscapes found in Europe. So what are the best ways to navigate such majestic beauty? Here are my top three picks on how travel in and around Norway to get the most out of this incredibly beautiful part of the world.

1. By water

Fjords are synonymous with Norway. These stunning landscapes are formed by glacial ice carving through bedrock to create narrow inlets of water. The western coastline in Norway is peppered with fjords, each unique in size and shape. Some fjords boast 1000m high cliff faces rising up out of the sea. Combined with stunning waterfalls, this landscape is epic and breathtaking in its proportion and severity. Apart from Iceland and Greenland, Norway is the only other place on Earth where you can see fjords and witness the powerful forces of mother-nature.

Most fjords have settled communities nestled in amongst the massive and surrounding landscapes. While most towns can be accessed by roads, some can only be reached by sea. For this reason, combined with the sheer size of the west Norwegian coastline, I think the best way to see the fjords is by boat. There really is no better way to gain an appreciation for this remarkable landscape, than by sailing or cruising through a fjord.

There are many companies offering fjord cruises and one of the key advantages of these is you’ll get to see some of the best and most popular fjords, but discover less well-known and hidden landscapes and towns.

2. By foot

For those of you who are looking for a more active holiday, you’ve simply got to go hiking in Norway. Discovering Norway on foot gives you a completely different perspective of the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape.

While cruising gives you leisurely access to the fjords and other areas, by hiking in the Norwegian mountains and fjordland, you’ll get a bird’s eye view to sights of this beautiful country. You’ll be able to walk through the highlands and see first-hand the physical impacts of the last Ice Age. On some walking tours, you’ll even be able to hike right up to the edge of glaciers. You can also access lush pastoral areas such as the Flam and Aurland Valleys, which are adorned with forests, farmsteads, waterfalls and picturesque churches.

3. By air

If you can afford it, you may want to take a scenic helicopter flight. Rising from sea level, you’ll be able to see the best Norway has to offer all in one go. You’ll fly the entire length of the biggest fjords and rise from sea level up to the majestic mountains and highlands.

Whatever way you choose to travel throughout Norway, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty of this country, along with quaint and picturesque towns, farmsteads and churches. It really comes down to what type of holiday you’re looking for (active vs leisurely) and how much you’ve got to spend.