Fjords and the Midnight Sun

About Oslo

It unfolds in the shape of a horseshoe and overlooks about 40 islands that surround the “Sentrum – the city center. And in the background the mountains rise above the city covered with woods and forests and lakes, truly unforgettable views. Like most capital cities in the world, Oslo has many fascinating museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants as well as cruises that sail between the islands in the fjords.

It unfolds in the shape of a horseshoe and overlooks about 40 islands that surround the “Sentrum – the city center. And in the background the mountains rise above the city covered with woods and forests and lakes, truly unforgettable views. Like most capital cities in the world, Oslo has many fascinating museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants as well as cruises that sail between the islands in the fjords.

The city has managed to blend together the “old with the new” and thus the new neighborhoods with modern architecture fit in harmoniously with the historical buildings of the older parts of the city.  Many of the city's main attractions are concentrated in the center and are easily reachable and convenient to get to by foot, or one can easily take advantage of the efficient public transportation system. To get to main attractions, shopping, pubs and restaurants one can follow the main street - Karl Johans Gate, which starts at the Oslo Central Station and reaches the Royal Palace (Slott Kongelige Det) on the other side, passing the Oslo Cathedral which was refurbished and preserved from the late 1600’s. As well, as you continue, you will see Norway's special parliament building “Stortinge” and its well-kept gardens. Adjacent to them is the Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink (free and open usually from the end of November – to the end of February). There is more to the Nasjonalgalleriet (National Gallery) than Edvard Munch’s icon painting "The Scream"!  It is now, after extensive renovations and updates, the largest gallery in all the Nordic countries. From the rooftop you have an incredible view of the Rådhusplassen (city hall square), the fjord and the popular Aker Brygge in the Sentrum area, known for its renovated pier, where entertainment and good food is the rigor of the day.  Oslo’s City Hall Rådhuset, where the annual Nobel Peace Prize is awarded is not only the seat of the city council but has the largest carillon in the Scandinavian countries. Down the street, in student park, Studenterlunden, in front of the National Theatre building, is a (well-deserved) statue of the playwright known as the father of realism, the playwright Henrik Ibsen.  There are a number of fascinating museums here, including the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum (Norskfolke), which is a wonderful open-air museum displaying over 150 traditional houses from around Norway.  The Viking ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset) displays Viking ships that were discovered in various archeological excavations and have been masterfully preserved. The Kon-Tiki Museum displays maps and vessels from the expedition by the same name – which was a fascinating sea voyage on a raft from South America to Polynesia in 1947, which was led by Thor Heyerdahl.  A ship that is a museum! The Fram Museum Oslo is the actual ship that sailed with the Norwegian crew to explore the Arctic and Antarctic regions.  The Bygdøy Peninsula, on the western side of Oslo, has a large public park established by King Karl Johan and is a popular place for recreation and outdoor activities, especially during the spring and summer seasons. As well there are many museums of interest and the port area and the waterfront of the fjord have many exciting attractions in the city. The Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle stands on the eastern side of the fjord, a medieval castle built as a residence and as a fortress. There is a magnificent view of the city as well where you can watch the ceremony of changing of the guard.  Towering over the harbor is Oslo's red-brick Rådhuset (Oslo City Hall) where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.  The city hall, with its picture-windows offering a view of the harbor has alternating art exhibitions on the walls, with murals from everyday life. Next to the City Hall is the Nobel Peace Center, with a permanent exhibition of all the who were awarded the prize as well as temporary exhibitions. Further along, on the west side, is  Aker's Brygge pier (mentioned above) which overlooks the fjord as well as the impressive Akerschus medieval castle/fortress )Akershus Festning) from the early 14th century. The castle was eventually refurbished and renovated to make it suitable as a royal residence-a modern Renaissance castle for King Christian IV (1588-1648). At the end of the pier, on the banks of the fjord, is an unusual architectural structure, the privately owned Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.  Then, if you’re looking for a grand view of the fjord and the city, go down to the southern end, make sure to take your camera and go up to the roof (which is known to be public space) of the Oslo Opera House. This unique building is home to the Norwegian opera and ballet companies. It was designed to look like a white glacier, either sliding into the fjord or arising from the fjord. On the eastern side of the Opera House, you have the Stenersen Museum of Fine Arts together with the Munch Museum. To the west of the city is the Frognerparken (Frogner Park) with more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.  The sculpture garden is in the center of Frogner Manor, which is in the southern area of the park where you’ll also find the Oslo Museum. The Holmenkollen Mountain is a resort area and the 500-meter ski slope is a popular site for international competitions from the 19th century to this day. Holmenkollen is also a residential neighborhood and you can also visit the Ski Museum with the same name, being the oldest such museum in the world.  You can take the elevator to the top of the springboard from which skiers jump and “on a clear day, you can see forever”. North of Holmenkollen, Oslomarka's enchanting forests from the nearby Oslomarka are spread out, allowing for hiking trails into nature adorned with spectacular views Oslo's hidden attraction: Enjoy the eight-km walk along The Akerselva River, which flows through the whole city and into the Oslo fjord. The trail will take you through woods, parks, past waterfalls and over many bridges. The area where old factory buildings stood, getting its energy and being fueled by the many waterfalls, is now a trendy, popular place to get together in the cafes, restaurants, pubs with live music, galleries etc. Kodak Moment: One of the most photographed attractions is a one hundred and fifty-year old chain bridge. A “warning inscription” on one of the posts of the bridge reads:  "100 men I can carry, but l collapse from rhythmic marching." Open year-round and free, on top of a hill, overlooking the east bank of the fiord is the Sculpture Park Ekebergparken, which is also a national heritage park. Trees and natural vegetation make for a magical background, sharing the grounds with unusual works of art by internationally renowned artists.  Grünerløkka neighborhood fondly referred to as "Løkka" by the residents, was originally a working-class suburb and today it is a vibrant and exciting area, the buildings in the neighborhood have been renovated and vintage shops, second-hand shops, designer shops, galleries and cafes fill its streets and many artists have taken over. Grünerløkka is ”the soho” of Oslo wandering the neighborhood, shopping, dining, window-shopping or shopping you will enjoy being in its special ambiance  Oslo and music are synonyms! The city hosts hundreds of concerts and music festivals throughout the year, especially in the summer. Oslo is a city for everyone – you’ll find everything you could possibly dream of for the perfect vacation: culture, nature, special attractions and warm hospitality!

About Geilo

Geilo is a center in the municipality of Hol in Norway, in the valley of Hallingdal. The Bergen Line facilitated Geilo's development as the first skiing resort in the country, and it is still one of the largest. It is also famous for having some of the most luxurious and expensive holiday cabins in Norway. Geilo is primarily a ski resort town, but also offers summer activities. Geilo is in a valley with mountain ranges on each side. The center of the town lies at 800 meters above sea level, and its highest point is 1178 meters above sea level. It is 250 km from Oslo and 260 km from Bergen.

Geilo is a center in the municipality of Hol in Norway, in the valley of Hallingdal. The Bergen Line facilitated Geilo's development as the first skiing resort in the country, and it is still one of the largest. It is also famous for having some of the most luxurious and expensive holiday cabins in Norway. Geilo is primarily a ski resort town, but also offers summer activities. Geilo is in a valley with mountain ranges on each side. The center of the town lies at 800 meters above sea level, and its highest point is 1178 meters above sea level. It is 250 km from Oslo and 260 km from Bergen.

About Bergen

Bergen is a city in Hordaland on the west coast of Norway, on the peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen. The remains of the quays, Bryggen, is a World Heritage Site. The city's Fisketorget (fish market) is a local tourist attraction. Other attractions include the Ruins of the Christ Church, the Ole Bull statue, the Madam Felle monument, the lake Tennebekktjørna beach and the Mt. Ulriken trail. Bergen is also Norway's largest cruise ship port. The city hosts several festivals including the Bergen International Festival.

Bergen is a city in Hordaland on the west coast of Norway, on the peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen. The remains of the quays, Bryggen, is a World Heritage Site. The city's Fisketorget (fish market) is a local tourist attraction. Other attractions include the Ruins of the Christ Church, the Ole Bull statue, the Madam Felle monument, the lake Tennebekktjørna beach and the Mt. Ulriken trail. Bergen is also Norway's largest cruise ship port. The city hosts several festivals including the Bergen International Festival.

About Geiranger

Geiranger is a small tourist village in Sunnmøre in the western part of Norway. Geiranger is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and has been named the best travel destination in Scandinavia by Lonely Planet. Since 2005, the Geirangerfjord area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Seven Sisters waterfall is located just west of Geiranger. The tourist season stretches from May to early September and there are five hotels and over ten camping sites. Tours of the nearby historic farms of Knivsflå and Skageflå are available from Geiranger.

Geiranger is a small tourist village in Sunnmøre in the western part of Norway. Geiranger is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and has been named the best travel destination in Scandinavia by Lonely Planet. Since 2005, the Geirangerfjord area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Seven Sisters waterfall is located just west of Geiranger. The tourist season stretches from May to early September and there are five hotels and over ten camping sites. Tours of the nearby historic farms of Knivsflå and Skageflå are available from Geiranger.

About Trondheim

Trondheim is a city in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. Most of the downtown area of Trondheim is scattered with small specialty stores and shops, however a considerable part of the downtown shopping area is concentrated around the pedestrianized streets Nordre gate, Olav Tryggvasons gate and Thomas Angells gate. Landmarks in town include Kristiansten Fortress, The Munkholmen islet, the statue of Olav Tryggvason in the city's central plaza and the Stiftsgården royal residence. The Nidaros Cathedral is particularly noteworthy for it's cultural and religious significance and for it's gothic architecture.

Trondheim is a city in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. Most of the downtown area of Trondheim is scattered with small specialty stores and shops, however a considerable part of the downtown shopping area is concentrated around the pedestrianized streets Nordre gate, Olav Tryggvasons gate and Thomas Angells gate. Landmarks in town include Kristiansten Fortress, The Munkholmen islet, the statue of Olav Tryggvason in the city's central plaza and the Stiftsgården royal residence. The Nidaros Cathedral is particularly noteworthy for it's cultural and religious significance and for it's gothic architecture.

About Mo i Rana

Mo i Rana is a town and administrative center of the municipality of Rana in Nordland county, Norway. It is located just south of the Arctic Circle and in the Helgeland region of Nordland. Some of the outlying areas of the town include the suburbs of Basmoen and Ytteren in the north and Selfors in the east. The town is called "Mo i Rana" to distinguish it from other places named Mo (including the town of Mosjoen, also in Helgeland) though locally the town is usually just called Mo. The population density is 1,467 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it the largest town in Helgeland and the second largest (after Bodo) in Nordland.

Mo i Rana is a town and administrative center of the municipality of Rana in Nordland county, Norway. It is located just south of the Arctic Circle and in the Helgeland region of Nordland. Some of the outlying areas of the town include the suburbs of Basmoen and Ytteren in the north and Selfors in the east. The town is called "Mo i Rana" to distinguish it from other places named Mo (including the town of Mosjoen, also in Helgeland) though locally the town is usually just called Mo. The population density is 1,467 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it the largest town in Helgeland and the second largest (after Bodo) in Nordland.

About Svolvaer

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vagan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvagoya in the Lofoten archipelago. It is a favourite starting point for tourists visiting the Lofoten islands. Whale watching tours depart from Svolvær in late autumn and winter with a focus on Orcas. Boat excursions to nearby Raftsundet strait and its famous branch Trollfjord is also arranged from Svolvær.

Svolvær is the administrative centre of Vagan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvagoya in the Lofoten archipelago. It is a favourite starting point for tourists visiting the Lofoten islands. Whale watching tours depart from Svolvær in late autumn and winter with a focus on Orcas. Boat excursions to nearby Raftsundet strait and its famous branch Trollfjord is also arranged from Svolvær.

About Tromso

Tromsø is a city in Troms county, Norway. Most of Tromsø, including the city centre, is located on the island of Tromsøya. The Arctic Cathedral, a modern church from 1965, is probably the most famous landmark in Tromsø. Tromsø is in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and is one of the best places in the world to observe the aurora. The city hosts many music festivals year round. Some of the notable ones are Nordlysfestivalen, Insomnia Festival and The Bukta Tromsø Open Air Festival. Other popular cultural summer events are the Karlsøy festival and the Riddu Riddu festival.

Tromsø is a city in Troms county, Norway. Most of Tromsø, including the city centre, is located on the island of Tromsøya. The Arctic Cathedral, a modern church from 1965, is probably the most famous landmark in Tromsø. Tromsø is in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone, and is one of the best places in the world to observe the aurora. The city hosts many music festivals year round. Some of the notable ones are Nordlysfestivalen, Insomnia Festival and The Bukta Tromsø Open Air Festival. Other popular cultural summer events are the Karlsøy festival and the Riddu Riddu festival.

About Hammerfest

Hammerfest is one of the northernmost towns in the world. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Kvaloya, just north of Rypefjord and southwest of the village of Forsol. The town has an ice-free harbor, including the nearby island of Melkøya which is home to a natural gas processing station. It processes gas from the Snohvit gas field in the Barents Sea. Rypefjord is a suburb to the south of the town. The main church for the town and municipality is Hammerfest Church. The "midnight sun" is above the horizon from 15 May to 31 July, and the period with continuous daylight lasts a bit longer. Polar night, on the other hand, lasts from 23 November to 19 January.

Hammerfest is one of the northernmost towns in the world. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Kvaloya, just north of Rypefjord and southwest of the village of Forsol. The town has an ice-free harbor, including the nearby island of Melkøya which is home to a natural gas processing station. It processes gas from the Snohvit gas field in the Barents Sea. Rypefjord is a suburb to the south of the town. The main church for the town and municipality is Hammerfest Church. The "midnight sun" is above the horizon from 15 May to 31 July, and the period with continuous daylight lasts a bit longer. Polar night, on the other hand, lasts from 23 November to 19 January.

About Honningsvag

Honningsvag is the northernmost city of Norway. It is located in Nordkapp Municipality in Finnmark county. Honningsvag is situated at a bay on the southeastern side of the large island of Mageroya, while the famous North Cape and its visitors center is on the northern side of the island. The town is a port of call for cruise ships, especially in the summer months.

Honningsvag is the northernmost city of Norway. It is located in Nordkapp Municipality in Finnmark county. Honningsvag is situated at a bay on the southeastern side of the large island of Mageroya, while the famous North Cape and its visitors center is on the northern side of the island. The town is a port of call for cruise ships, especially in the summer months.