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Bergen, Norway
This is a classic Norwegian town full of colorful charm. You
can wander up narrow streets into the surrounding hills or
enjoy Gamte Bergen, the old town, with cobbled streets and
wonderful little shops and bakeries.
Flam, Norway
Tucked at the end of a fjord, tiny Flam huddles between steep
peaks and deep, still water. From its gingerbread rail
station, an electric train zigzags through mountaintops and
tunnel after tunnel, emerging on the "Roof of Norway."
It's an amazing experience. Return by the same route, or take
one of the world's most scenic drives through the Romsdal
Alps.
Geiranger, Norway
You will never forget sailing into the grandest fjord in all
Scandinavia. The waters are glassy and lacy waterfalls dance
down from dizzying heights on either side. Tiny farms cling
impossibly to sheer mountainsides. And at the end is a
friendly town and a roadway to the crest of the mountain
called Eagle's Nest, for a bird's eye view of the waterway
seen from the sky.
Hardangerfjord, Norway
This magnificent fjord is the second largest in Norway, a vast
waterway inland between the towering mountains of the
Hardanger Plateau - snowy above yet colorful below with
orchards and farmsteads. The fjord branches into numerous
small "fjordlets" and impressive waterfalls tumble
into the clear blue waters from far above — including the
massive Vorings Falls with a vertical drop of almost 500 feet.
Hellesylt, Norway
One of the highlights of the fjordland, tiny Hellesylt lies at
the head of Sunnylvenfjord. Near the village, a glacier-fed
stream plunges over the sheer granite face of the fjord,
cascading in thousands of feet of rainbows and foam. This
majestic area, with its breathtaking glaciers and mountain
lakes, inspired Henrik Ibsen's immortal drama Brand.
Honningsvag/North Cape, Norway
Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag is
the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast
forests, dramatic fjords and crashing waterfalls, bathed in
the eerie light of the Midnight Sun. Just up the coast is the
North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking
views towards the Barents Sea and the polar north.
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway
In Spitsbergen's main settlement located at the head of Advent
Bay, you'll experience the "Land of the Midnight Sun"
as you look out on a coastline full of seals, walrus, and
whales, not to mention thousands of species of seabirds.
Molde, Norway
From the waterfront of Molde, the City of Roses, look up and
count the ring of snowcapped peaks that circle you. Listen to
the magical sound of fiddles playing while beribboned children
dance. Understand why Vikings chose this place to make their
homes, to farm and settle here and build a town.
Oslo, Norway
Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently
selected as the city with the highest quality of life in
Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures:
beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the
emotional power of the Munch Museum and the Viking Ship
Museum, together with forested mountains and secluded coves,
all within the city limits.
Stavanger, Norway
The southern gateway to the Fjordlands, Stavanger is also the
home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil
fields. View its medieval Cathedral, and other highlights of
the town, or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista
point high above the fjords.
Trondheim, Norway
Norway's royal residence since 997 AD, when King Olaf I
founded Trondheim, the city still boasts Stiftsgarden, the
huge wooden palace. A century later, St. Olaf II began to
perform miracles for the people, making Trondheim a major
pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral,
where the Norwegian kings are still crowned, which is
certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches. |
