Cruise to an activity holiday in Norway

Norway's beautiful fjords, lakes, mountains and stunning landscapes make it one of Europe's best places to go to for an activity holiday in unspoilt natural surroundings.

Holidaymakers can expect to see steep mountainsides dropping down to flowing fjords, with activities offered including canoeing, cycling, fishing and plenty of wilderness to explore on foot.

Among the operators offering activity holidays in Norway are cruise specialist DFDS Seaways.

With week-long breaks from £139 per person including accommodation and transport, the holidays represent very good value for holidaymakers wanting to get away from it all without breaking the bank.

The tour operator has launched new activity holidays for 2007 to southern and western Norway, where holidaymakers can spend two nights on the DFDS ship and the rest of their stay at their destination.

Holidaymakers looking to enjoy hiking, canoeing, rowing, paddleboating and beach volleyball can stay at either the Vradal Resort or Quality Straand Hotel in Vradal.

Hikers can head up Haegerfjell Mountain for some great views of Lake Nisser. The beach, Straand Sommerland is around 800 metres from the Vradal Chalet Park.

At the Quality Straand Hotel, which is right by Lake Nisser, there is a heated swimming pool, sauna, fitness room and two restaurants.

Prices start from £139 per person for the Vradal Chalet Park, and £327 per person at the Quality Straand Hotel per person for five nights' hotel accommodation and two nights onboard ship.

For more information on Vradal in Norway visit www.vraadal.com

Holidaymakers heading the Voss area of Norway, in the country's western fjords, can also enjoy activities on the water.

River paddling, sports rafting, windsurfing, parasailing or sea kayaking on the two famous fjords of Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord are all within easy reach from the Fleischers Hotel, which has a history of accommodating royalty and nobility.

Prices start from £386 per person for three nights at the hotel and two nights on board.

For information on the Voss area, see www.visitvoss.no

Further up the western fjords, located between Bergen and Alesund, is the Jostedal Glacier National Park. Ideal for hikers, there are many marked walks in the surrounding woods and fields, with fitter holidaymakers able to set their sights on exploring the glaciers.

Holidaymakers can stay in the Stardalen Cottages for £249 per person for seven nights, available over the summer.

For more information on the DFDS cruise breaks visit www.dfds.co.uk

For more information on holidaying in Norway visit www.visitnorway.com