Flåm, Norway

Beautiful Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 127 mile-long and up to 4,300 foot-deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature.

The name Flåm means “little place between steep mountains,” and at the end of the 1800’s many cruise ships with English and German travelers found their way here to experience Norwegian fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The ships’ passengers laid the foundation for hotel operations and a steady stream of tourists, who were transported in two-wheeled buggies through the spectacular scenery. The Flåm Railway, which passes through the beautiful, narrow Flåm valley, is regarded as a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering. The only thing lacking when the railway line between Oslo and Bergen was opened in 1909, was a branch line to the Sognefjord. In order to assure a transport route to the fjord, work began on the Flåm Railway in 1923. It took over 20 years to complete and came to be known as one of the world’s most fantastic stretches of railroad.

With nature-based activities, many nearby attractions, exciting culture and historic traditions – Flåm has much to offer. From the port of Flåm it is only a short walk to a trip on the famous Flåm Railway.

• Flåm/Myrdal Railway: offers one of the most exciting journeys in Scandinavia, 12 miles long with some 20 tunnels, rising to a height of 2,845 feet; it represents an amazing feat in engineering. The trip to Myrdal takes approximately 40 minutes, slightly longer on the descent, and provides some terrific views.

• Sognefjord: the longest of all Norway’s fjords, Sognefjord thrusts deep into the inner heart of the country, some 110 miles in length. With depths of up to 4,000 feet it is truly the “Father of Fjords” one of Norway’s featured landscapes, left as a relic of ancient Ice Ages when massive movements of thick ice packs inexorably carved out an exit to the sea.

Ålesund, Norway

Ålesund is located on the northwest coast of Norway, midway between Bergen and Trondheim. Situated at the mouth of the Stor fjord, the town is adjacent to the Jorund and Geiranger Fjords. Overlooking Ålesund is Mount Aksla, offering magnificent views of the picturesque harbor and fjords. Ålesund’s architecture is known far and wide. Turrets, spires, and other whimsical Art Nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive character like something from a fairy tale. The scenic spectacle of the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s best-known attractions, is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town.

The town is built upon three islands connected by a network of bridges. It occupies two of the outer islands of the west coast, Aspo and Norvs, which enclose the picturesque harbor. Founded in 1824, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most important fishing stations, particularly for herring fishery.

Ålesund has a rich assortment of natural and cultural attractions. The variety of sights and the short distances between them allows visitors multiple options. Everything from Viking history, fisheries, architecture, to flora and fauna, can be found in Ålesund, including:

• Mount Aksla: provides bird’s eye views of Ålesund and the surrounding countryside. Over 400 steps lead up to the look-out point, offering splendid views of the town, the fjords and the jagged Sunnmore Mountains.

• The Art Nouveau Center: located in the town center, the center documents the tragic fire of 1904 and the consequent rebuilding of Ålesund in the Art Nouveau style.

Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is a fascinating combination of the best of the old and new. Modern architecture and trendy, stylish cafes as well as ancient cobblestone walkways, museums and rows of 18th century whitewashed wooden houses can be found here. The cruise ship docks are conveniently located in the center of town, just minutes from this charming city’s many attractions.

Stavanger is considered the oil capital of Norway. The first platform to drill for oil in the North Sea came to Stavanger in 1966 and caused quite a sensation. No one knew then that the petroleum industry would become one of Norway’s main industries or that Norway would become one of the world’s leading oil-producing countries. At the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, visitors can learn about geology and technology, while experiencing the excitement and drama of the oil adventure. Stavanger’s city center is small and intimate, with narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly open spaces.

 

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is located on the Aker River at the head of the Oslo Fjord. Oslo is Norway’s capital city and leading seaport as well as the principal commercial, manufacturing and cultural center. Modern in design and architecture, it is famous for its many parks, public statues and museums. The variety in Oslo’s architectural cityscape provides for some striking, and often hauntingly beautiful sights. While most of the forests and lakes surrounding Oslo are in private hands, there is great public support for not developing those areas.

Parts of Oslo suffer from congestion, yet it is one of the few European capitals where people live with the wilderness literally in their backyard or with access to a suburban train line that allows the city’s many hikers and long-distance skiers to simply step off the train and start walking or skiing.

The city’s most prestigious architectural highlights include the 13th century Akershus Fortress, the Parliament Building, the Town Hall, the National Theater and Royal Residence. Visitors can also experience the history of the Viking people and their culture first-hand with a trip to the National Gallery, Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Holmenkollen ski jump.

Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland

The Royal Burgh of Kirkwall is the capital of the amazing Orkney archipelago, situated on the northern coast of Mainland Orkney. Population of Kirkwall is about 8,500. Kirkwall is a stunning place filled with history. It has been around for many hundreds of years and was perhaps first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046. The name Kirkwall is loosely derived from the old Norse name ‘Kirkjuvagr’ which meant ‘Church bay’. It is a harbor town situated on the northern coast of Mainland Orkney. Kirkwall is the one of the few places in the area which offers ferry services to most of the other islands in the archipelago.

Although Kirkwall is Orkney’s largest town, it is still small when compared to other Scottish towns. There is a lot to see and do here.

Kirkwall’s best feature is perhaps its sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, widely considered the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. The original town is one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town.

Other sites of historical interest in the town include the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace.

To better showcase the rich Norse heritage of the place, there is a museum dedicated to items of local historical interest. There is also a small Wireless Museum which is quite interesting to visit.

Other popular attractions are the Highland Park Distillery, Scotland’s most northerly whisky distillery and the Scapa Bay distillery. 

Bergen, Norway

Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is Norway’s beautiful “Gateway to the Fjords”. What was once the very seat of the medieval kingdom of Norway, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold, encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers.

Filled with history and tradition, Bergen has both small-town charm and an international

atmosphere. Today’s Bergen is quite welcoming, with much of the medieval flavor remaining in Bergen’s harbor. The city is a spectacular amphitheater clambering up the mountain sides, overlooking the sea and embracing visitors. 

 

Geiranger Fjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord is known as the real jewel of the Norwegian fjords. With its characteristic S shape, high waterfalls and abandoned mountain farms, the fjord landscape is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Here you find unspoilt and beautiful nature and cultural experiences the whole year round!

 Majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, beautiful and wild waterfalls, lush, green vegetation and the deep blue waters of the fjord… like something taken from a fairy tale. Geiranger offers fantastic views of one of the most scenic panoramas found anywhere.

Geiranger is where Norwegians escape when they need a vacation. The most breathtaking attraction in Geiranger is the mighty Seven Sisters Waterfall, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from an incredible 5,000 feet. Sitting at the head of majestic Geiranger Fjord, the city is surrounded by towering snow-covered mountain peaks, lush, green vegetation and winding hiking trails often enjoyed by the ambitious vacationer.