What's New

In an overpopulated world, Norway remains one of the most sparsely inhabited nations. Yet despite its relatively low profile, Norway has entered the post-millennium world with more glitter and polish than ever. Its cities, especially Oslo, are taking on a new look with daringly avant-garde office buildings and hotels. Foreigners continue to pour in at a rapid rate, waking up the sleepy taste buds of old Norway with spicy fare that relies heavily on Mediterranean foods. And Oslo, Bergen, and other cities no longer shut down at nine in the evening; young Norway flocks to bars and clubs until the early hours.

Here are some new developments likely to affect your vacation.

Oslo

More changes are occurring in fast-moving Oslo than anywhere else in Norway. One thing that changes every year are prices, which frequently rise. As the center of a North Sea oil empire, Oslo is one of the world's costliest cities.

Accommodations -- The prestigious hotel chain Clarion Collection has taken over the venerable Hotel Savoy, Universitesgata (tel. 23-35-42-00). Since the hotel under its previous management had already received a major renovation, no big changes have been announced as of yet to this landmark address.

The Best Western showcase Hotel Bastion, Skippergaten 7 (tel. 800/528-1234 or 22-47-77-00), was also taken over by Clarion in 2006. Under its new owners, this hotel has moved up to become one of the most sophisticated in Oslo, sporting a chic designer decor.

The biggest news was generated by the Thon chain, which moved aggressively in 2006 to take over the moderately priced Rainbow chain hotels. Thon now runs some of the best reasonably priced hotels in Oslo. If one is fully booked, a reservation can be made in another comparably priced establishment.

Thon's new hotels, where improvements are anticipated, include Hotel Cecil, Stortingsgate 8 (tel. 23-31-48-00); Hotel Europa, St. Olavs Gate 31 (tel. 23-25-63-00); and Hotel Stefan, Rosenkrantzgate 1 (tel. 23-31-55-00).

Thon has struck again: Late in 2006 it opened the first budget hotel to be constructed at Gardermoen airport. It's the Thon Hotel Gardermoen, Balder Allé 2 (tel. 64-00-45-00). Rooms are modern, comfortable, and tasteful, and a shuttle links the hotel with the airport, only a 5-minute ride away.

Attractions -- World headlines were generated at the Munch Museet, Tøyengate 53 (tel. 23-49-35-00), when Edvard Munch's world-famous The Scream (one of four versions) was recovered. It had been stolen in February of 1994 and was reclaimed from thieves with little damage. Valued at $75 million, the painting was uninsured at the time of its theft. It is now once again hanging in its proper place at the Munch Museum for all the world to see.

One of Oslo's newest attractions is the Nobel Peace Center at Radhusplassen (tel. 48-30-10-00), which presents data and photographs on former laureates such as Nelson Mandela. Both permanent and temporary exhibitions are featured here.

Bergen

The hot new hotel address in this capital of the west is the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Slottsgaten 1 (tel. 55-60-11-00), which opened in 2006 right along the Bryggen harborfront. The antique structure of a retired transportation hub was recycled into a first-class hotel of grace and charm, the architects respecting the style of the building while installing state-of-the-art facilities and plumbing.

In other hotel news, the long-standing and cost-conscious Hotel Ambassadeur has been given a new lease on life as the P Hotel Bergen, Vestre Torvgate 9 (tel. 55-90-08-90). Even though minor upgrades have been made, the hotel remains one of the most affordable in high-priced Bergen.

In terms of attractions, the Fløibanen, Vetridsalm 23A (tel. 55-33-68-00), which carries passengers from the Fish Market to Fløien, the most famous of Bergen's seven hills, has been considerably upgraded. New cable cars have been installed for the first time in the funicular's 85-year-old history. Two modern carriages with glass ceilings and panoramic windows take visitors to the top.

Geilo

Of all the resorts between Oslo and Bergen, the most excitement was generated by the revamping of the Nye Vestlia Resort at 3580 Geilo (tel. 32-08-72-00), which has installed the best spa facilities in central Norway. One of the country's best-known interior architects, Helene Hennie, was hired to bring new life into this long-existing hotel. An avant-garde structure has added 24 luxurious suites and 22 elegant doubles to the existing room count.

Hammerfest

For those adventurous travelers making their way to the North Cape, the Skansen Mat og Vinstue has opened at the Rica Hotel Hammerfest, Sørøygata 15 (tel. 78-41-13-33). The chef promises to present his diners with "a touch of the Arctic." The small, intimate restaurant has an open kitchen and a roaring fireplace in its center.

Stavanger

Business clients arriving in oil-rich Stavanger and looking for one of the town's leading restaurants, Elizabeth, need not be disappointed. The same place is here, only it's come up with a more fitting name for its Spanish cuisine. Bilbao, Kongsgate 41 (tel. 51-53-33-00), dispenses the most savory Spanish cuisine in town in both a formal restaurant and a bodega.

Tromsø

In the hard-drinking party town of the north, the Clarion Collection is increasing its presence with the recent takeover of the Hotel With, Sjøgata 35-37 (tel. 77-66-42-00), which used to be run by the Comfort chain. The new owners are making improvements and calling more attention to their skylit top-floor lounge, a most dramatic place for a winter night's drink.

Trondheim

Buying out the Rainbow chain, the aggressive Thon chain has taken over some of the most affordable hotels in Trondheim and improved them for a new generation of visitors. The most significant reclamation is the landmark Hotel Gildevangen, Søndreg Gate 22B (tel. 73-87-01-30), which has been a hotel since 1930. Renovations throughout much of 2006 and early 2007 have erased all traces of a devastating fire that swept through this structure in 2005.

Near the market square, the old Tulip Inn Rainbow has now become the Thon Hotel Trondheim, Kongens Gate 15 (tel. 73-50-50-50). During the life of this edition, Thon plans to reduce the overall number of rooms in order to make the existing accommodations larger.