Stavanger brings us to the intersection of historical and natural wonders. A stroll through the old town reveals one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlements while the town is also the gateway to the dramatic fjord, Lysefjord, best explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the fjord Pulpit Rock offers another stunning perspective.
When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen. Its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and it’s also a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.
Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, Flåm is the gateway to the spectacular Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site.
The crown jewel of all the Norwegian fjords is Geirangerfjord. The entire area, from the snow-covered mountain tops to the clear, blue water, were included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Among the extraordinary features are the Seven Sisters waterfalls, jutting out from the cliff sides in seven separate cataracts and creating a curtain you can walk behind.
Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway’s major cities. It’s a lovely city with a long history. Its magnificent Nidaros Cathedral is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence, is one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe, and the publicly accessible garden around the east side is one of Trondheim’s loveliest corners.
Around the breathtaking Lofoten Archipelago we’ll witness more than a million seabirds, including sea eagles, puffins, arctic terns, and others. The small fishing town of Leknes offers an unexpected culinary adventure. From the commonly found stockfish to wine varieties made from blueberries and mountain fruits, there’s a unique flavor for every foodie profile.
In addition to its fjords and glaciers Tromsø delights with its sophisticated cultural life and architectural delights. A superb example of blending the built environment with the natural setting is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural marvel made up of aluminum-coated concrete panels, making it a stunning façade resembling an iceberg.
