Unless you are a glutton for dark, bitter nights, summer (from May through September) is the time to visit both countries. Icelandair (800/223-5500; www.icelandair.com) and SAS (800/221-2350; www.scandinavian.net) offer daily flights from North America to Reykjavík and Oslo, respectively.
WHERE TO STAY
101 Hotel
This downtown hotel opened last year in high Icelandic style. The minimalist bar downstairs is so cool, it's hot. DOUBLES FROM $359. 10 HVERFISGATA, REYKJAVIK; 011-354/580-0101; www.101hotel.is
Hótel Borg
A perennial favorite in the city center, with restored Art Deco flourishes and fantastic service.
DOUBLES FROM $360.
11 POSTHUSSTRÆTI, REYKJAVIK;
011-354/551-1440; www.hotelborg.is
Hotel Bastion
Celebrated designer Anemone W. Våge created the warm residential style of this newly renovated downtown property.
DOUBLES FROM $220.
7 SKIPPERGATEN, OSLO;
47-2/247-7700; www.hotelbastion.no
Grand Hotel
A palatial, copper-topped building, with 19th-century glamour and history to match.
DOUBLES FROM $335.
31 KARL JOHANS GATE, OSLO;
800/223-5652 OR 47-2/321-2000;
www.grand.no
WHERE TO EAT
Vox Restaurant
This popular newcomer serves Continental dishes with a regional twist, such as puffin breasts with foie gras.
DINNER FOR TWO $250.
2 SUDURLANDSBRAUT, REYKJAVIK;
011-354/444-5050; www.vox.is
Sult
The menu changes often at this city standout; summer favorites include arctic snapper.
DINNER FOR TWO $150.
26 THORVALD MEYERS GATE, OSLO;
47-2/287-0467
Femte i Andre
The Strand Hotel's harbor bar.
2-4 STRANDKAIEN, BERGEN;
47-5/559-3300
WHAT TO DO
Blue Lagoon
Summer hours for the geothermal spa are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ENTRY FEE $16.
240 GRINDAVIK, SVARTSENGI, ICELAND;
011-354/420-8800; www.bluelagoon.com
Munch Museum
53 TØYENGATA, OSLO;
47-2/349-3500; www.munch.museum.no
Amy Farley
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