Backpacking around Norway - Norway Travel Guide

You've probably heard of its Midnight Sun, blue-eyed blondes and spectacular terrain - but don't believe everything you hear about Norway. Namely that it's ridiculously expensive, because, just as not all Norwegians are blonde (or naturally so anyway), not everything in Norway is expensive.

Yes the price of alcohol is enough to have even the most hardened drinker jumping on the wagon, eating out can be pricey and other consumables (film, batteries and toiletries) overpriced, but accommodation and travel - compared to some European countries - are quite reasonable. And cheap flights into the country's capital Oslo make Norway an ideal and affordable place for a Scandinavian adventure.

While small compared to other world capitals, Oslo's steeped in history, with a vibrant nightlife and relaxed feel. It's got something for everyone no matter the season - in winter there's accessible and affordable skiing in the city's hills (downhill runs and miles of cross-country trails - some lit for night skiing), while in summer the hills become a mecca for hikers and the city's bay and wonderful parks beckon.

In fact Vigeland Park with its bronze and granite sculptures of giant, naked, tumbling humans is worth a visit on even the dreariest winter's day. Named after the Norwegian sculptor of these mind-boggling works of art - seeing truly is believing - the park is just one of Oslo's must-see attractions. And it's free. You can also see Norwegian painter Edward Munch's famous 'Scream' painting in the National Gallery (it's closed Tuesdays though) and take a look at the medieval castle at Arkershus Fortress for free. Also worth a visit (for quite a reasonable admission fee) are the Viking Ship Museum which houses excavated Viking ships, and the Norwegian Folk Museum where you can wander through life in 17th and 18th century Norway.

Sightseeing in and around Oslo won't set you back too much, but make sure you know just what you're spending. A mix-up with the exchange rate had my friend and I believing we were only spending half of what we actually were. A half-Scottish, half-Swedish waiter at TGI Fridays set us straight before too much damage was done to our bank accounts (although it was a little too late to take back those £8 shots).

And that's one of the great things about Norway - almost everyone speaks English. It's taught at school so all young Norwegians are fluent and while older citizens may take a little persuading to engage in conversation (this might also have something to do with the fact Norwegians are notoriously reserved people), most speak basic English. In fact, knowing just one phrase - snakker du engelsk? (do you speak English) - is enough to get by on in most tourist destination and the larger towns.

Oslo's public transport network of trains, trams and buses are tourist friendly, but reading signs and timetables might cause some confusion though as, while some Norwegian words resemble their English counterpart, not all do. Sometimes they can be downright misleading - if you're after the toilet it pays to know that herrer is Norwegian for men.

It's also relatively easy to navigate yourself around the rest of Norway. The hugely popular 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour is a perfect way to see some of the countryside if you're short on time or money. For just under £150 you travel by train through Scandinavian forest and the Alpine resort of Geilo before connecting with the Flam Railway for a spectacular 20 km ride, winding down the mountains to the fjords. A ferry ride down the fjords (where some mountains reach 1,800 metres), a bus ride, connecting train and some amazing scenery follows before reaching the quaint city of Bergen. Set on the harbour and with the mountains looming in the background, Bergen gives Oslo a run for its money.

The only thing left for you to do is find accommodation, take in the sights and decide when you'll make the scenic seven-hour train ride back to Oslo. Oh - and start planning your next Scandinavian adventure.