Norway: 2024

A fabulous visit to this Scandinavian country, with five days in Bergen, twelve days on a coastal ferry, making 32 stops on the way up to the Russian border and another 32 stops on the way back, and then five days in Norway's capital city, Oslo.

BERGEN

Five days in Bergen, Norway's second largest city (pop ~300,000) and home to Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toured the old city (established around 1000 CE) on foot and scooter to find scenic views, interesting buildings, learn some history, and get to know the layout of this cool city. It is situated on the western side of Norway and was the departure port for my coastal cruise. It is nestled among seven mountains (Bergen means "mountains" in Norwegian) around a natural harbor. I headed up the Floibanen Funicular to get this view of Bergen and the harbor.

More about Bergen: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LcN8vPewx9Yvu8bFA

BRYGGEN, ("the dock") preserves these colorful dockside buildings. They were a set of Hansiatic trading posts established here around 1350, and they are part of the oldest section of Bergen

Bryggen: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eogy8WUHxVSAzZ5HA

This is Grieghallen: Edvard Grieg is widely considered to be one of Norway's most famous classical composers. His music, often inspired by Norwegian folk songs, helped establish Norway in the international music scene. He was born and lived in Bergen.

THE COASTAL FERRY

Then I jumped on a Hurtigruten coastal ferry and for twelve days sailed all the way up the north Norwegian coast waaay past the Arctic Circle to the Russian border and then back again. This "cruise" features the dramatic fjords, islands, and coastline of the northwestern coast of Norway. We made quick, 15 minute stops at little fishing villages like Torvik...

Two to four hour stops at medium sized towns like Svolvær, in the Lofoten Islands

And six to eight hour stops at significant destinations or larger cities like Tromso

We sailed through UNESCO sites like Geiranger Fjord.

Saw lots of glaciers...

...and picturesque mountainside farms

We crossed the Arctic Circle (that's the marker)

...with appropriate Arctic Circle crossing ceremonies like Lucia's ice baptism

We enjoyed night lights like this harbor view at Nolde...

...saw a few very old buildings, like this Stave Church

and waterfalls like this one.

More about the Hurtigruten coastal ferry here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LZYTiFf6tVA74jkn6

I wrapped up the coastal trip by taking a "Norway in a Nutshell" tour. You take a train, a ferry, a bus, and another train to visit the small town of Flam, pictured here...

... sailed through this steep-sided fjord (the Nærøyfjord, near Flåm). It was an amazing boat tour through Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO- listed fjord near Flam. This fjord and another one called Geiranger Fjord, also a UNESCO site, are two of the world’s longest and deepest fjords.

...and soaked up stunning views like this one of the Nærøydalen Valley, also near Flåm. If your time in Norway is limited, take the Norway in a Nutshell Tour. Totally worth it!

The Nutshell Tour: https://photos.app.goo.gl/588bMdgY2XMAuemv9

Then it was time to take a scenic railroad trip over to...

OSLO

Oslo, Norway's capital city, was probably my favorite city on the entire Nordic trip. On the waterfront is the amazing Opera House, which seems to emerge like an iceberg from the fjord it is next to.

Oslo Architecture: https://photos.app.goo.gl/31Pbry8SUKUZXvZH9

This is the Nobel Peace Centre, where winners of the annual Peace prizes are announced. (The others are announced in Stockholm)

Right through the center of town, the Akerselva River offers many kilometers of riverside strolling, biking, and paddling. These kayakers are heading under several large buildings and will emerge next to the Opera House

There's a lot of cool art and sculpture to be enjoyed in Oslo. The Munch (pronounced Moonk) Museum is home to over 25,000 pieces of art created by Edvard Munch, probably Norway's most well-known artist. On display at "The Munch" are three versions of "The Scream." This painting was stolen some forty years ago; fortunately it was recovered and is on display here, under very controlled conditions. A different copy of this painting sold for $120 million (USD) twelve years ago

The Munch Museum: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8gwKT1sPJdxMsddE9

Oslo Art and Sculpture: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QN4r6JMUVxtpMwnr7

Norwegians love being outdoors too. They claim credit for the expression "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear!" Two beautiful parks for hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, and camping are located at the end of city subway lines. The Frogner line had many people on board with bikes, hiking and camping gear; they were heading here, to the Frognesteren Park, a very nice place to recreate!

More about Oslo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vV8tUSUWGUEG3foh8

An Amazing Country! I'd love to go back for more. Someday, I hope!

Navigation:

Nordic Overview:

https://lotsofamazingplaces.blogspot.com/2024/10/amazing-places-in-nordics.html

Iceland:

https://lotsofamazingplaces.blogspot.com/2024/10/amazing-places-in-iceland-2024.html

Norway:

https://lotsofamazingplaces.blogspot.com/2024/10/amazing-places-in-norway-2024.html

Sweden:

https://lotsofamazingplaces.blogspot.com/2024/10/amazing-places-in-sweden-2024.html

Denmark: