Norway: Beyond Oslo
Norway’s long western coastline of deep blue fjords against a backdrop of rugged mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers is without question one of the most spectacularly beautiful places on earth. It also is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights in the winter and the midnight sun in the summer.
Norway offers the chance to experience some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking wilderness areas in comfort or even luxury. Cruise ships carry clients to destinations above the Arctic Circle all the way to the northernmost destination in Europe. And those clients who prefer an active vacation will find Norway offers plenty of opportunities.
Many of your clients may be familiar with Oslo, Norway’s bustling, modern capital city and one of the world’s largest cities in terms of square miles. But there is much more to a visit in this stunningly beautiful country. We invite you to explore some of Norway’s other delights.
Bergen
Bergen is the center of Norway’s fjord country and the embarkation point for the Norwegian Coastal Cruises. The city’s heritage is apparent in its old wooden houses and cobblestone streets. The painted wooden buildings along the picturesque harbor, Bryggen (the Wharf), date from medieval times and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enjoy panoramic views, visitors can take the funicular to the top of Fløyen, one of seven mountains overlooking the city.
Bodø
This town, just north of the Arctic Circle in the Land of the Midnight Sun, is the last stop on the northern railway line and is the port for boats traveling to the nearby Lofoten Islands. These islands were carved out of rock by the Ice Age glaciers and are Norway’s most popular winter fishing grounds.
Geiranger
Geiranger, a village with a stunning setting of mountains and waterfalls, sits at the head of the Geirangerfjord. A popular hike is to the nearby Storseterfossen, where hikers traverse between the rock face and a cascading waterfall. One of Norway’s most scenic routes is the Trollstigen (Troll’s Path).
Did you know? May 17th is the Norwegian National Holiday. The day is celebrated as “The Children’s Day” and has no political events at all. May 17th is a huge deal in Norway. People dress up, often in their national costumes. There are many children’s parades. Everyone carries a flag and eats way too many hot dogs and ice cream. –Lene H. Minyard, CTA, Norway Travel Specialist, Perfectly Planned Journeys
Honningsvåg
Situated north of the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Honningsvåg is Norway’s northernmost village. Excursions by bus take visitors to the Nordkapp (North Cape), a high, rugged plateau that is Europe’s northernmost destination and a place where the sun never drops below the horizon from mid-May until the end of July.
Lillehammer
This lovely resort village on the northern edge of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics. Lillehammer offers a wide range of outdoor sports year-round, from skiing and ice skating in winter to swimming, boating, and fishing in summer.
Great Tip: To save money while traveling in Norway, take advantage of the amazing breakfast that most hotels offer. If you eat a big and hearty breakfast, you will not need a big lunch. If you are hungry, stop by a grocery store for a warm fish cake, moose cake, or a burger and enjoy lunch out in nature somewhere like a true Norwegian. –Lene H. Minyard, CTA
Rjukan
From sun mirrors and a funicular to a famous WWII site, this little industrial town has a lot to offer visitors. Rjukan has been designated a World Heritage Site due to its significance during WWII and its association with the Heroes of Telemark, the Norwegian resistance. –Lene H. Minyard, CTA
Tromsø
Tromsø, the largest city inside the Arctic Circle, has been the jumping-off point for polar expeditions over the years. Among its chief attractions is the Ishavskatedral (Arctic Cathedral), a stunning modern building with an eastern wall made entirely of stained glass.
Trondheim
Rich in medieval history, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital. Founded in 997 by the Viking King Olaf Tryggvason, Trondheim is located on Norway’s widest fjord. Its Nidaros Domkirke (Nidaros Cathedral), dating from the 11th century, is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia and houses Norway’s crown jewels.
Norway is a year-round destination your clients will enjoy, so it’s important to educate yourself on this breathtaking region in Scandinavia. For a detailed study of Norway, enroll today in The Travel Institute’s Northern Europe Destination Specialist Course, a Free Benefit with your yearly subscription of The Premium Access Library. And those who are certified will earn 10 CEUs upon completion of the course.
