Røros (Norway)

A wander around the little streets of the village of Røros is almost like walking around an open-air museum and most of the buildings are actually under the protection of UNESCO.

Because of the stable, if cold, climate, lots of people come to ski in this region of Norway, but since I'm not much of a skier, I looked for adventure elsewhere. We spent a whole afternoon being pulled along in a dog sled through the magical landscapes of the area, something I'll never forget. Make sure you book a few days in advance, particularly if you're travelling around the Christmas period, because the place is full of tourists at that time of year.

If you're a bit of a foodie and you like to sample the local specialities, you'll find plenty to choose from in Røros. I really enjoyed the salted and dried meats, served with crusty bread and a brown Christmas beer. Try 'Frøya’s Hus' - it's a good place to eat and also sells souvenirs. This former farm (right in the middle of the village) serves traditional local dishes.