New for Norway this summer

Visitors to Oslo will have the last chance to see the ‘old’ Holmenkollen ski jump this month before work begins to construct fantastic new facilities. Work will start in August to build two new ski jumps, new cross country and biathlon arenas as well as supporting infrastructure including entrance roads and parking facilities.

Holmenkollen is not only a popular tourist attraction but much used facility and was centre stage in the 1952 Winter Olympics. It is being upgraded in time for the 2011 Nordic World Ski Championships. The project is due for completion before the end of 2009.

The area will be closed to the public during certain periods while the work is carried out. The same applies to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum at the base of the ski jump tower.

Fly direct to Oslo with Norwegian from London Stansted or Gatwick. Fares start from £55 one way including tax. You can also fly direct from Edinburgh from £84 one way including tax. See norwegian.no for more details or to book.

Hurtigruten Launches Midnight Sun Special Offer

Niche Cruise Operator Hurtigruten, has introduced a special offer on selected departures from July to October on its Coastal Adventure Trip. Customers can experience the natural phenomenon where the sun remains visible in the sky for up to 24 hours whilst enjoying a spectacular voyage along the Norwegian fjords.

From only £499 per person (saving up to £200pp), the Coastal Adventure trip departs Stansted on selected dates in July, August and September.

The five-day voyage in the far north of Norway starts from Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle and sails to Kirkenes close to the Russian border and back. Different ports of call are visited each way and highlights include Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town and Honningsvåg where an optional excursion to the North Cape is available.

The price includes return flights from Stansted, three nights half board accommodation on the ship, one night’s b/b accommodation in Tromsø, transfers and taxes. Based on two sharing. For more information or to book go to Hurtigruten.co.uk.

Fairytales In Landscape Project – Part of Stavanger 2008

Fairytale festivities will be offered in the beautiful landscape at Lundsneset near Stavanger this summer - a project for Stavanger’s European Capital of Culture year. The production of Fairytales in Landscape is the largest artistic venture ever undertaken by the Rogaland Theatre.

Seated in a brand new permanent outdoor theatre, the audience will be treated to the play ‘These Eyes’ written by one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary dramatists, the Norwegian Jon Fosse. The play about two young lovers who meet by the sea will be performed from 19th August to 28th August. In a separate area visitors will experience dance, live music and art works based around the fairytale theme.

See stavanger2008.com for more about events planned for the year.

Norwegian Increases Passenger Numbers By 50 Per Cent.

Low cost carrier Norwegian flew 50 % more passengers during the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year.

During the first half of 2008 Norwegian flew 4,341,264 passengers compared to 2,898,318 in the first six months of 2007.

“The increase in the first half year of approximately 50 % more passengers is fantastic. This shows a continuous strong demand in the market and that Norwegian offers services which satisfy our customers”, says CEO in Norwegian Bjorn Kjos.

The total number of passengers flown in June 2008 was 673,195 compared to 575,518 last year, an increase of 97,677 passengers (17 %), and a 28 % increase in passenger traffic. Internet sales accounted for 89 % of tickets sold last month.

To book or find out more about fares, go to norwegian.no.

For further information about holidaying in Norway this summer go to visitnorway.co.uk.