Ålesund
Charmingly eccentric-that is how the Norwegian town of Alesund is often described. What makes Alesund so unusual is its architecture. The town center boasts a somewhat outrageous collection of pastel-colored buildings, many with towers and turrets. Not so unusual, perhaps, except for the fanciful flourishes of human faces, pharaohs and dragons that peer down upon fascinated passersby.
The story of how these strange and altogether delightful buildings came to be is as remarkable as the structures themselves. In 1904, a fire consumed the town center and left 10,000 people without homes. Undaunted, the citizens saw an opportunity to re-imagine their city. Local architects, trained in Germany, helped rebuild the town in a surge of reconstruction lasting three years. The influence is certainly that of the Jugendstil movement. The style most closely resembles Art Nouveau. The result: uncommonly wonderful.
Alta
Alta, stretching along the inner part of the fjord, enjoying a sheltered climate, daytime summer temperatures are often comparable to southern parts of Norway, and lowland areas in Alta are mostly sheltered from the winter storms.
Andalsnes
The Norwegian town of Andalsnes is called "the village between the fell and the fjord". It is literally perched between Romsdalfjord and the towering sheer rock cliff of Trollvegen or Troll Wall. It is just one of many spectacular sights near "the top of the world."
Balestrand
A gem of a village, nestling on the shores of the romantic Sognefjord (the world's longest and deepest fjord), and a magnet for British holiday visitors since the 19th century. There's even a charming former English church! Framed by mountains, tumbling waterfalls and summer flowers, this is undoubtedly one of Norway's loveliest settings.
Barentsberg
A few miles down Isfjorden from Longyearbyen is Barentsberg, where around 2000 Ukrainians live in a desolate village on the steep fjordside. The omnipresent silence is only punctured by screaming kittywakes.
Bergen
Situated on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is called the "Gateway to the Fjords," as it is an ideal starting point for touring the world-famous Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord. As the birthplace of musical geniuses Ole Bull and Edvard Grieg, Bergen is also considered to be the cultural capital of Norway. Its physical beauty is enhanced by the city's wonderful blend of old and new architectural styles and an overall 18th-century charm.
Bodo
This is an important Norwegian trading centre at the "top of the world" en route to the "Gateway to the Artic." In this part of the world, the vistas are more extensive, the scenery more splendid and the nights brighter than you would have ever thought possible.
Eidfjord
A wonderfully peaceful village at the head of Eidfjord, an arm of western Norway's serene Hardangerfjord, whose glassy waters and towering cliffs encompass some of the country's finest fjord scenery. From here you can travel to Voringsfoss, Norway's best-known waterfall and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Mabodal Valley.
Fjaerland
An idyllic farming village at the bottom of Fjaerlandfjord (a branch of Sognefjord), and within reach of two arms of the awesome Jostedal Glacier: the Supphellebreen (where you can walk to the very edge of the ice) and the creaking blue-iced Boyabreen.
Flam
The tiny village lies hemmed in on three sides by the towering walls of the longest and narrowest fjord in Europe, the Aurlandsfjord. Flaam’s appeal is its magnificent surroundings, ranging from fertile farmland to crystal-clear streams and towering mountains.
Flaam is also the terminus of one of the most exciting train rides in the world -the Flaam Railway. Climbing 2,850 feet in just 12 miles, past cascading waterfalls and through 20 tunnels blasted out of towering mountains, the journey offers incredible views and thrills. The Flaam Railway operates year-round - a great tourist attraction during the summer and a local lifeline during the deep winter months.
Geiranger
Enclosed on both sides by towering walls of craggy rock, Geirangerfjord is one of the most majestic sights in all of Norway. Ascend Mt. Dalsnibba for breathtaking views of Norway¹s mountains, lakes and waterfalls.
Gravdal
Gravdal is a very child friendly place with access to a small beach, the ocean, mountains and a couple of football-fields, a basketball court and a gymnasium with a handball court.
Gravdal is in general a very quiet village set to the tune of the sound of children's voices, playing every time the school bell rings!
Gudvangen
Exploring Norway’s fjord region is a memorable experience for even the most seasoned traveler. Cutting deep into the mountainous terrain, craggy rock walls and overhanging cliffs characterize the scenic wonder of the fjords.
Gudvangen lies at the head of the Naerøfjord, an offspring of the Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord. Waterfalls line the steep mountainsides and goat farms lie scattered about the green valleys. Surrounded by peaks as high as 5,000 feet, Gudvangen is an important ferry point and a popular stopover for motorists. While Gudvangen is little more than a tiny hamlet, it is a popular gateway for scenic mountain trips starting or ending in this port.
Hammerfest
The world’s northernmost town suffers from brutal winters when night lasts for several months. To brighten the situation, Hammerfest purchased a generator in 1891 from Thomas Edison, making it the first town in Europe to have electric street lights.
In addition to the constant struggle against the harsh elements in this inhospitable region, Hammerfest suffered from a devastating fire in 1891 and destruction by retreating German forces at the end of World War II. Each time, the town was stubbornly rebuilt with the result that today Hammerfest is a surprisingly bright and rather elegant town with an open and unique atmosphere.
The main hub is around the harbor and Strandgatan, the town’s main street that runs parallel to the quay. With the frequent arrival of coastal steamers, an array of supermarkets, cafés and some surprisingly chic clothing and souvenir shops cater to the tourists stopping here on the way to the North Cape.
The most notable attractions include the Meridian Column, erected in 1852 in memory of the first survey to determine the earth's exact size and shape, and the fountain in the town hall square, a gift from the former U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Charles Ulrick Bay (1946-1953) whose mother was born in Hammerfest. The town is also home to the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, featuring exhibits illustrating the story of Hammerfest as a trapping center.
Harstad
The small town of Harstad located on Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya, is surrounded by craggy, snow-topped mountains. With about 22,000 inhabitants, Harstad grew into a successful and productive herring and fishing port during the 19th century. Today, the engineering industry also plays an important part in the local economy, with shipbuilding and repair yards servicing regional and visiting ferry and fishing fleets. As a result, the sprawling docks present a tangle of supply ships and cold storage plants.
Harstad’s greatest attraction is the Trondenes Church dating from the 13th century. Originally built as a fortress church, its design incorporates massive, 70-inch-thick walls. Since its early history, the church was used as a local gathering place.
One of the town’s proudest achievements is its school for the experimental growing of flowers and vegetables. The school is the world’s northernmost of its kind. Surrounding Harstad is important farmland, serving as the breadbasket for northern Norway and supplying nearby marketplaces with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Harstad’s pretty setting of hilly streets, rainbow-colored wooden houses and splendid mountain views attracts a sizeable crowd each summer, especially during the annual International Music Festival held here.
Hellesylt
The small village of Hellesylt is an old Viking port located at the head of the Sunnylvenfjord on the northwest coast of Norway. Here, glacier fed streams cascade over towering granite cliffs and descend to the calm waters of the fjord. The thundering waterfalls, majestic snow-capped mountains, still lakes, and breathtaking crystalline glaciers, inspired Henrik Ibsen's dramatic masterpiece, "Brand."
Hollandsfjord (Cruise)
View the magnificent Svartisan Glacier from the comfort of your own Fjord.
Honningsvag
At one time a major fishing harbour - when it boasted the title of 'the world's most northerly town' - the port of Honningsvag lies far within the Arctic Circle, amid the stark grandeur of Finnmark's coastal frontierlands, and is the last stop before the remote North Cape itself, just 21 miles away.
Jondal (Hardangerfjord)
Jondal lies on the southern side of the Hardangerfjord halfway into this long and striking fjord. From here you can take the spectacular mountain road to the magnificent Folgefonn Glacier and indulge in summer skiing. This charming resort village is too far off the beaten track for many cruise ships, but we think it's worth the detour with its splendid views of the Hardangerfjord.
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Kristiansund
Lying on three of the 82 islands forming the municipality of Grip, this colourful and cosmopolitan fishing port - painstakingly rebuilt after wartime damage - has a centuries-old seafaring tradition. In the fascinating harbour area of Innlandent island is the town's oldest preserved quarter, including its 17th century customs house.
Leknes (Lofoten Islands)
A remote little town with a long straggling main street and the principal settlement on Vestvagoy, one of the mountainous archipelago of the 70-mile long Lofoten Island chain - whose serenely beautiful seascapes and fjord waters draw many summer visitors to this idyllic corner of Norway. Composed of some of the world's oldest rocks, divided by fjords during the Ice Age, the islands are the setting of fertile farmlands and a jagged coastline dotted with fishing villages and ancient rocks - rising sheer from the sea to over 3,000 feet in some places.
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Longyearbyen
The Svalbard Islands have officially been a part of Norway only since 1925. Spitsbergen, the largest of the islands, might have remained largely a wilderness were it not for the discovery of coal in the late 19th century.
Longyearbyen, the capital and seat of the local authorities, was named for the American John Monroe Longyear, who established a mining operation here in 1906. Today, coal mines are operated by two companies: one Norwegian and the other Russian, providing the major source of employment to Svalbard’s residents.
Around the island the scenery includes stark mountain peaks and spectacular glaciers.The summer season with its continuous daylight is the time for many species of birds to nest on the steep cliffs. A number of sea mammals, including white whales, seals and walruses, spend the summer in the waters around Spitsbergen.
Maloy
Hilly Vagsoy Island, at the entrance to Nordfjord, is the tranquil setting of little Måløy - a fishing and trading centre with a number of interesting landmarks and countless historic buildings.
Måløy also lays claim to Norway's finest beach -named 'Norway's Most Splendid' by the press, while timeless Silda Island nearby is an escapist's dream.
Molde
This "Town of Roses" is a delightful place to begin your drive into the Romsdal Alps. Once you reach your lofty viewpoint above the Fjords, your guide will lead you down idyllic pathways.
Mosterhamn
Mosterhamn is a typical, small Norwegian coastal town. Here you'll find an old stone church, dating back to 1150, which is thought to have been built to mark the site where King Olav the Saint conducted a national assembly and first declared Norway a Christian nation.
Nevlunghavn
Nevlunghavn is a village in Larvik municipality, Norway.
Nevlunghavn has grown together with the adjacent village Helgeroa. The two villages have a combined population of 1,573
North Cape
North Cape is a cape on the island of Mageroya in northern Norway, in the municipality of Nordkapp. Its 307 m high, steep cliff is often referred to as the northernmost point of Europe
Ny Alesund
Tiny and remote, Ny Alesund is the perfect gateway to the natural scenic wonders of massive Spitsbergen. Designated as an international base for research in natural sciences and also a centre for Norwegian Arctic research.
Olden
At the head of three valleys amid the sublimely peaceful surroundings of the Inner Nordfjord, idyllic Olden is the key to a not-to-be-missed journey up to the frozen cascade of the million-years-old and ever-advancing Briksdal Glacier, best-known of the gigantic Jostedal's many icy arms.
Oslo
At the head of the Oslofjord, which boasts many densely wooded islands, lies the impressive Norwegian capital of Oslo. This inspiring city is the site of many of Norway's finest historic and cultural achievements.
Towering above our dock near the city center is the imposing Akershus Fortress and Castle. Graceful Viking ships, the Munch Art Museum and Gustav Vigeland's awesome sculpture collection are among the rich treasury of attractions this city has to offer.
Sandane
In Sandane make your acquaintance with Norway's waterfalls, neat landscape and doughty people.
Skarsvag (North Cape)
Travel across the tundra from the port of Skarsvag to the northernmost point in Europe. From the 1000-foot cliffs of the North Cape, you can gaze at the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean.
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Sogndal
After cruising through the tranquil Sogndalsfjord, you reach Sogndal, which lies at the northerly tip of the fjord. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to make the most of the wonderfully clean air. Here too, you'll find a number of ancient burial grounds and an interesting 11th century runic stone.
Sognefjord (Cruise)
Sognefjord in the North Sea is a beautiful district of vistas and fjords. The Sognefjord is the second largest fjord in the world after Scoresby Sund on Greenland, and the largest in Norway.
The fjord's beauty and the surpassing magnitude of its landscape has made it very popular among tourists, who power much of the local economy in summer season.
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Spitzbergen
Spitsbergen (formerly known as West Spitsbergen) is a Norwegian island, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, situated in the Arctic Ocean.
As Spitsbergen lies within the arctic circle, it is also one of the places in the world where, in June, the sun shines for 24 hours a day.
Stavanger
For centuries, Stavanger and its surrounding areas have played a leading part in Norway's maritime history - from the time when Viking kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through the period of the "White Sails," steamships and modern super tankers.
As a result of its prime geographical location, Stavanger is considered the most important oil city in Norway.
Svolvaer
The towering islands of the "Lofoten Wall" stretch for more than a hundred miles along Norway¹s coast. In Svolvaer, discover a picturesque harbour overlooking the Vestfjord. Visit a Norwegian Fishing Village where age-old seagoing traditions are preserved.
Tromso
The most northern of Norway's rugged islands, Tromso delights the senses with the true wonders of the polar environment -- glistening glacial ridges, the icy clear waters of Lake Prestvatn, even windswept valleys where reindeer roam free. Amidst the beauty, there is fascinating history to be found as well -- from ancient northern settlements to signs of sacrificial sites and cults that pre-date Christianity.
Trondheim
In this picturesque capital of the Viking kings, founded in AD 997, Norway's rulers are still crowned. Visit Tondheim's enormous, copper-roofed Nidaros Cathedral which took 600 years to build. Cruise scenic Trondheimsfjord, Norway's widest fjord that is featured often in the historical Sagas.
Ulvik
Deep in the narrow Ulvikfjord - a peaceful arm of the Hardangerfjord - enchanting little Ulvik nestles in the heart of one of Norway's most fertile fruit-growing regions, where countless hillslope and fjordside orchards are silhouetted against the breathtaking mountain panoramas of the fjords.
Vik
Vik, nestled on a bay of the Sognefjord, features a 12th-century stave church where Christian architecture meets Nordic paganism, and neither has quite given up all notion of winning the other over. Behind the village, mountains rise rapidly for spectacular views of the fjord, the village and the surroundings.
