The northern light

THE autumn is upon us and you’re thinking of where to go for a quick break, a pick-me-up after the stresses of the summer and before the dark days of winter.

But why not make a change from the dull old routine? Stop looking southward, as we Irish always do, and turn your gaze to the Northlands. Southern Europe is worn out after the summer. Go north instead, and find fresh air, sparkling skies, wonderful food, friendly people, beautiful craftsmanship, living history. Discover Trondheim in the Norwegian region of Trøndelag. It’s a lovely place to visit at any time of year, but now, when the 24-hour sunshine of midsummer has given way to clear bright days and starlit nights, and the cold of winter is still a long way away, it’s irresistible. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights?

The received wisdom is that Norway is expensive. Norway is not in the eurozone (it’s got plenty of resources of its own, including oil, so doesn’t need to be) and has its own currency, the Norwegian Krone, or crown. The current rate is about eight krone to the euro. Hotels can certainly cost a little more than here, but they are always spotless, welcoming, and offer huge healthy breakfasts, usually in buffet style. Yes, you can find restaurants charging high prices for meals, but that’s no novelty. You can also find exceptionally good value. Generally, it’s about on a par with Ireland on most levels.