Expedition Cruise to Norway | Norwegian Fjords under the Northern Lights

De compacte stad Stavanger, gelegen in het zuidwesten van Noorwegen, wordt de ‘Oliestad’ van Noorwegen genoemd, omdat het wordt beschouwd als Europa's energie- en oliehoofdstad. Deze Noorse kustplaats heeft een charmant historisch stadje en een spectaculair omringend landschap met prachtige fjorden, opvallende bergen en ongerepte witte stranden. Stavanger is het perfecte vertrekpunt voor het verkennen van buren, zoals de wereldberoemde Preekstoelrots, 'Preikestolen', bij Lysefjorden. Dwaal door de 12e-eeuwse kathedraal van Stavanger, geniet van een wandeling langs de pittoreske waterkant van de haven en ontdek meer dan 100 houten erfgoedgebouwen in het stadscentrum, naar verluidt de best bewaarde gebouwen in Noorwegen en zelfs Europa. Mis een bezoek aan het Norwegian Canning Museum, Norwegian Petroleum Museum en het Stavanger Art Museum niet.

Known as the 'gateway to the fjords', Bergen is a delightful, picturesque city surrounded by the fjords of Norway's west coast and seven spectacular forested mountains. The landscapes offer an incredible wonderland for outdoor sports; for many visitors, however, the highlight is simply wandering the narrow, cobbled streets, having a drink in the bustling cafés, enjoying the excellent local food and mingling with the friendly locals. There is plenty to thrill history buffs with a plethora of museums and rows of beautifully preserved small wooden Hanseatic houses painted in an array of cheerful colours. With its dynamic cultural life, excellent range of restaurants, impressive art galleries and vibrant nightlife, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting 'trebyen' (wooden city).

The perfect port city of Alesund is located on the west coast of Norway, surrounded by the snow-capped Alps, turquoise fjords and a beautiful archipelago. The town offers art-worthy scenes from every angle, with its brightly coloured patchwork of houses scattered along the quay, backed by towering snow-capped peaks. The surrounding landscapes offer a huge range of adventures, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, sea kayaking and more. Take a boat trip to Hjorundfjord, go night skiing in the Sunnmore Alps, take the challenging Slogen hike or hike to the lookout point on Mount Aksla for panoramic views. Alesund is filled with heritage architecture, notably many vibrant art nouveau buildings, and is dotted with an array of fascinating museums to explore. Other highlights include a wonderful local culinary scene, a picturesque lighthouse and numerous record shops.

Located in central Norway on the southern shore of the Trondheimfjord, Trondheim is a fascinating historic city known as Norway's cultural, religious and technological centre. With its wide streets lined with bright wooden warehouses and stylish boutiques, cafés and restaurants, Trondheim offers a feast for the eyes and taste buds. The city's main attraction is the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, widely regarded as the most spectacular church in Scandinavia. Other must-sees include the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the historic fortress island of Munkholmen and the medieval Archbishop's Palace, which houses the incredible exhibition Norwegian Crown Regalia. Night owls will enjoy the vibrant, youthful nightlife, while outdoor and ski enthusiasts will enjoy the range of ski slopes in the city's beautiful surroundings.

Gelegen in de provincie Nordland, aan de westkust van Noorwegen, vormt Leknes een ideale toegangspoort tot de spectaculaire Lofoten-archipel. Het plaatsje ligt centraal op het eiland Vestvågøya, te midden van een landschap dat bijna onwerkelijk mooi is. Steile bergtoppen rijzen hier op uit zee, ruige kliffen wisselen af met parelwitte zandstranden en tussen de bergen liggen glinsterende meren verscholen.
Rondom Leknes ontdekt u het iconische landschap van de Lofoten, met karakteristieke rode vissershuisjes aan de voet van imposante bergmassieven. Langs de kust ziet u houten rekken vol kabeljauw, waar de vangst van de wintervisserij in de frisse zeelucht wordt gedroogd, een eeuwenoude traditie die nog altijd deel uitmaakt van het dagelijks leven. Wanneer de avond valt, kleuren de laatste zonnestralen de bergtoppen goud en ontstaat een bijna magisch decor. Een bezoek aan de omgeving is bovendien niet compleet zonder de legendarische maalstroom, een van de krachtigste natuurlijke draaikolken ter wereld.

Norway forms the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and conjures up images of majestic fjords, marauding vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore. The winter months offer visitors to the north the opportunity to traverse vast tundra by dogsled or catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis, which colours the night sky. Summer brings the amazing spectacle of the midnight sun. Visitors can enjoy year-round boat trips to the Svalbard archipelago to visit seabird colonies or wander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a polar bear. This fascinating country is also home to a whole host of attractive, cosmopolitan and world-class metropolises that are well worth a visit.

They have been called 'the islands of the gods' and 'the most beautiful place on earth' - and if you visit the Lofoten archipelago, you will realise why. Located just off the coast of northern Norway, this is a wonderland of steep, jagged peaks rising from a cobalt blue ocean. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow and the white sandy beaches glisten under rain showers. The summer months bring meadows of wildflowers and deep green valleys. For lovers of outdoor activities, the Lofoten archipelago is a veritable parade. You can go hiking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, horse riding, skiing or even whale watching, and if you are lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the northern lights here. For a cultural experience, visit the picturesque fishing village of Nusfjord with its 19th-century wooden huts on the waterfront under rugged cliffs.

Nordland, situated in Northern Norway on the Scandinavian peninsula, is a county boasting both natural and historical riches. The Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, known for its dramatic, glacier-filled scenes and rare Arctic Fox, is a must-see for nature lovers. At the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, people managed to find a way to survive near-impossible conditions through the practices of fishing and eiderdown harvesting and continue to do so 1500 years later (Find out more at E-Huset Museum). Experience life as a Viking at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Vestvagoy, or delve into the life and works of renowned Medieval poet Petter Dass at the stunning avant-garde Petter Dass Museum in Sandnessjoen. Visitors wanting an adventure without the sweat of hiking or skiing should make sure to book the spectacular Nordland Railway trip from Bodo to Trondheim.

Set at the heart of Norway spreading out from the Norwegian Sea, the Sor-Trondelag region is blessed with an enticing combination of spectacular natural, historical and cultural drawcards. Delve into Viking heritage (this was one of their most important areas), see enthralling rock carvings at sites in Verdal, and discover the religious significance of Stilkestad in the country's past. The region continues to pay homage to its roots in the form of delicious traditional cuisine, especially in the city of Trondheim, where culinary enthusiasts can look forward to award-winning cheeses, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a smorgasbord of incredible coffee shops. Seven national parks, dense forests, fertile farmlands and awe-inspiring rivers offer a paradise of outdoor exploration. The river of Namsen, with its magnificent scenes and abundance of salmon, is a top destination for nature lovers.

Spreading along the North Sea, and containing the large city of Stavanger, Norway’s Rogaland county presents a wonderland of nature, heritage, and culture all within relative proximity. Several jaw-dropping natural sites are chief among the area’s drawcards. Pulpit Rock (Prekestolen), a gigantic flat-topped formation, towers above the Lyseford, an attraction in itself - an icy paradise of glaciers, fjords and waterfalls winding through stunning mountains and postcard-perfect pastoral scenes for 40 kilometres. In Sokndal, enjoy the flavoursome offerings of the land with a choice of fishing, berry picking and mushroom foraging. Stavanger, a thriving hub of arts, entertainment and history, is a great base from which to explore the region that provides all the modern comforts and thrill one would want from a city, within easy reach of the county’s wild frontiers.

Vestland (voorheen Hordaland en Sogn og Fjordane) is een provincie in Noorwegen, die zich uitstrekt vanuit het centrum van de westkust en Bergen omvat, de op een na grootste stad van het land. De landschappen hier worden gekenmerkt door torenhoge, met sneeuw bedekte toppen, die dalen tot helderblauwe rivieren en meren, omzoomd door wilde, weelderige bossen en perfecte pastorale scènes. Afgezien van volop mogelijkheden om te wandelen, kajakken, fietsen en zwemmen, kunnen bezoekers zich ook verheugen op tal van idyllische warmwaterbronnen. Voor een meer ontspannen manier om van het uitzicht te genieten, kunt u een van de verbluffend mooie routes voor chauffeurs nemen of de schilderachtige treinreis van Flam naar Myrdal. Historische topattracties (waaronder vele) zijn de houten huizen die op de werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO staan in Bergen en het fascinerende Njardarheimr Vikingdorp in Gudvangen, waar bezoekers alles te weten kunnen komen over de traditionele gebruiken en levenswijzen van de oude volkeren.
 

Molde is the capital of More og Romsdal, a Norwegian province located in the south-west of the country. The province is home to about 5% of Norway's total population and you will find beautiful vast nature consisting of mountains and impressive fjords. A well-known city in the province is Ålesund, a picturesque fishing town also known as the Venice of Norway due to the many canals running through the centre. More og Romsdal is a great destination for nature lovers, but also for fishing enthusiasts. Indeed, the fjords are home to many species of fish such as cod, halibut and redfish.

The northern reaches of Norway are known as Northern Norway. It is comprised of the two northernmost counties: Nordland and Troms og Finnmark. Stretching from mainland Europe's northernmost point near the North Cape to the Helgeland region in the south, the region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the rich traditions of the ancient Sami people, and variety of activities. Visitors can view the midnight sun, spot the northern lights in the clear night sky, or jump on a whale safari. Don't miss the opportunity to sample traditional reindeer stew or world-class seafood such as king crab, enjoy skiing or dog sledding in winter and surfing or hiking in the summer. Other highlights include the magnificent mountains Torghatten in Helgeland, Møysalen in Vesterålen, or the Lyngen Alps.

Western Norway is a large area known for its incredible scenery. It stretches along the entire west coast south from Trondheim to the mountain passes. Famous for its deep fjords, mountain scenery and rich traditions, visitors flock here to take in Norway's treasures. Western Norway's undeniable natural attractions are the two UNESCO-listed fjords, Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord. Visit the bustling city of Bergen, explore the Norangsdalen Valley and Oye, and explore the picturesque coastal town of Alesund. Don't miss the chance to see Sognefjord - Norway's longest fjord stretching over 200 kilometres.

Alesund Municipality is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. The port city of Alesund is a true gem, with its stunning concentration of Art Nouveau architecture overlooking the crystal blue sea, and fishery has been central to the town's culture for centuries. Sunnmøre Museum gives visitors a masterful look into the past, with replicas of artefacts spanning from Viking to Medieval times. Marvel at the area's landscape from the Fjellstua viewpoint and obtain awe-inspiring vistas at 418 steps high. Island hopping to Nordøyane and Ona is also another great way to explore all that Alesund Municipal has to offer, including Sula Island's Devold factory and Mount Sulafjellet; then Giske Island with Alnes Lighthouse and nearby beaches. Finally, proximity to Hjørund and Geiranger Fjords-the latter of which is on UNESCO's World Heritage list-underscores why Alesund Municipal is a must-see destination.