Stavanger
Norway's fourth largest city, with over 110,000 inhabitants, Stavanger is a gorgeous city full of beauty and wonder. Stavanger was founded in 1125, built around the landmark St. Svithuns Cathedral. The Cathedral still stands, and is now called the Stavanger Cathedral; it remains a cultural highlight. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Stavanger served as a religious center of Norway, and people from all over came here to be spiritually cleansed and to pray. Stavanger was tremendously influential, but it was not until the 1500?s that the region really began to expand and grow in terms of population. It was at this time that timber sales from Stavanger to other areas in Norway and beyond took off, providing an enormous economic boost to the city.
The name Norway comes from the word Norvegr, which means the way to the north. This term was used over 1,000 years ago by the Vikings as they described the shipping route of Norway. Today the country is referred to as the Land of the Midnight Sun because of the long days during the summer and long nights during the winter. In the wintertime, it is not uncommon to have darkness last for over seventeen hours. The scenery in Stavanger is glorious, especially the glaciers and mountainous regions. Destinations to ski, hike, and explore are plentiful, and there are a number of fantastic sightseeing locations as well. If you are looking for a hopping nightlife, Stavanger is not for you. But if you are looking for adventure, excitement, and beauty, then look no further.
Geiranger
Geiranger has been called the best fjord viewing location in Norway; a picturesque location full of sights that you will never forget. The landscape of Geiranger is remarkable, and everyone you encounter will be eager to help you while you explore the region. The people are quite friendly, but they do not want you to stay forever. Norway is not a melting pot, and it wishes to stay that way. Immigration is heavily discouraged through strict policies, and the entire country only averages around twenty people for every square mile of land. The weather is somewhat severe, as it is bitterly cold much of the year.
Some of the best skiing in the world can be found in Norway, and this sport, along with observing the gorgeous countryside, are the two main reasons for visiting Geiranger. There is not an abundance of activities or things to do, that's for sure. But you can still have a marvelous time enjoying the intrinsic beauty of the area. The Norwegian people are among the best educated in the entire world, and when the children are born they are taught to ski along with being taught to walk. Even with the icy weather, Norwegians spend a great deal of their time outdoors, and you will be expected to do the same if you visit Geiranger! This is definitely one of the last natural frontiers on the continent. Glaciers, lakes, and mountains cover over 70% of the land in Norway. Because of the peculiar length of the days and nights, Norway has been given the name Land of the Midnight Sun. The summer days can approach nearly 24 hours of straight sunlight, and in the winter the nights can last over 17 hours.
Hellsylt
One of the highlights of the fjord lands, tiny Hellesylt sits at the head of Geirangerfjord, the westernmost section of the fjords. It is located on one of the most enchanting offshore islands of Norway. A fjord is a sharp gash in the land formed by withdrawing glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Today, the fjords serve as stunningly dramatic scenery that is uniquely Norwegian. Hellesylt is the oldest Viking port in Norway, and today, the history is evidenced by the rustic beauty and pastoral charm that leaves visitors with the feeling that they have traveled back in time. Near the rural community, a glacier-fed stream falls over the sandstone front of the fjord, flowing into thousands of feet of rainbows and bubbly water. This majestic area, with its out-of-this-world glaciers and mountain-engulfed lakes, was the inspiration that launched Henrik Ibsen's drama Brand. Ibsen was so enthused about the scenery here that he used the small town as the backdrop for his awesome literary work. The land of Hellesylt is rough and stunning. It is dramatic and untamed, yet lush and delightful. The waterfall here is marvelous, and the residents are as lovely as their land.
Trondheim
Trondheim is a fun and diverse city full of great sights and fabulous eateries. The city is an ancient and beautiful one, and much of the architecture dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The citizens of Trondheim are very proud of their heritage, and maintaining a link to the past is extremely important to them, which is evident as you travel throughout the city. The subject matter of the local museum exhibits particularly reflect this, and both the Natural History and Archaeology museum and the Trondelag Folk Museum are magnificent. Although the the exhibits might be modern, the displays all focus on the past, and even the showcases about present-day Trondheim manage to incorporate aspects of life in Norway centuries ago. The old bridges that lace the city center are fantastic, and much of the architecture is truly inspiring.
King Olaf I Tryggvason founded Trondheim during the 10th century. The king imposed a strict regime on the townspeople, but it served to give them pride in their city and a strong work ethic, both of which continue to influence the inhabitants of Trondheim today. The people are friendly and are always willing to help you if you are in need or have a question. Trondheim has the third largest population of any city in Norway, due in large part to the location of a major university in the city that attracts students from all over the country. Before the 1200?s, Trondheim was actually the capital of Norway, and the powerful medieval ambiance is still felt by all who travel within its city walls.
Honningsvag
Honningsvag is the northernmost village in the world, and that is definitely their claim to fame. The lovely citizens of Honningsvag hold the North Cape Festival every year celebrating their culture and heritage, as well as the uniqueness of their wonderful town. If you like fishing, then you will adore Honningsvag, because the harbor is beautiful, and the fish are leaping at the chance to get a bite of what's on your hook. This harbor region provides access to the entire North Cape, and in fact, Honningsvag itself is the actual gateway. In 1944, the German Nazis came through this area and literally destroyed the city. Everything was completely demolished except for the chapel, and the some of the locals still recall the carnage. Thankfully, both the chapel and the spirits of the strong-willed members of this close-knit society survived the attacks, and today Honningsvag is a wonderful and charming town with no upheaval or unrest. You are sure to have an extraordinary time in this exquisite northern environment, full of aesthetic beauty and friendly Norwegians. The falling snow and crisp, fresh air will clear out your lungs and reinvigorate you into a whole new person. A trip to Honningsvag is a blissful and life-affirming adventure.
Tromso
Tromso is the largest city in northern Norway. After much archaeological study, Tromso is thought to date back 9,000 years. Today it is a technologically advanced city that still maintains an aura of charm and simplicity even in the midst of its bustling activity and industry. Tromso boasts of having a population of well over 50,000, and the most tourism annually in the country.
This is a cosmopolitan city that, because of its thriving nightlife and reputation for fun, has earned itself the nickname Little Paris. It is the kind of place where tourists and locals alike stay up and socialize all night, then somehow manage to work and explore the town during the daytime hours. Like most all of Norway, Tromso is as picturesque as can be. It is famous for its snow-capped cliffs and is ground zero for many polar expeditions that leave from the city. However, the climate here is not harsh in the least. The city maintains a nice climate throughout most of the year and never feels as cold as it may look. During summer months, daylight lasts well into the late evening, giving people there even more reason to stay up late and enjoy their surroundings.
Tromso is a busy port of call where tourists and traders come in and out constantly. It is a fishing town, with its main exports being shrimp and herring. As you might imagine, this makes for some spectacularly succulent dining possibilities. The streets are always filled with workers and tourists, and everywhere you look there is something new that you have yet to taste, hear, smell, see, or touch. This city appeals to the senses in every way imaginable. With glorious scenery, delicious cuisine, friendly locals, and high quality Norwegian goods, you will be hard pressed to experience boredom here.
Flam
Flam is located deep in Sognefjord, in the heart of southern Norway. It is the longest of all of the fjords in Norway. The fjords formed after the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago. After the glaciers withdrew, the waters of the Norwegian Sea crashed in, creating sharp gashes in the land that are what we now know as fjords. Today the fjords serve as stunningly dramatic scenery that is uniquely Norwegian. Located just a short distance from Oslo, Flam is the only fjord town accessible by rail. It is famous for its namesake Flam Railway; but this lovely town is mainly a small railway terminal with a population of only 450. The residents of Flam pride themselves on the warm, friendly atmosphere they maintain and the beauty and placidity of their land. As anyone who has ever visited Flam would agree, it is a town that shows off some of Norway's most gorgeous scenery. Snow capped mountains tower above the sleepy town and glorious topography. Flam Valley is a place of gushing waterfalls and fantastic peaks. It is a charming inlet on the water where every view is a beautiful one. Most of the structures in Flam are situated right on the water, making for picturesque views from every place.
Bergen
Bergen is a picturesque city in the gorgeous country of Norway. Located in the western region of this glorious land, Bergen is a beautiful and diverse area full of natural wonders. The museums are fantastic, and the Bergen Art Museum in particular is a real gem. The visual splendor of Bergen is remarkable, and you will never tire of this extraordinary city. The fjords are magnificent, and the longest fjord in Norway is Sogne, located just to the north of Bergen. Many of the old buildings in the heart of the city are beautifully constructed and are charming spots just waiting to be explored. The eating and shopping in Bergen are both excellent, as there are a number of high quality restaurants and stores to peruse. The jewelry and clothing in Bergen shops are extremely nice, and in some locations you will discover great hard-to-find items. A combination of natural and man-made beauty makes the Hanseatic Wharf area one of the most spectacular port areas in the world. Wherever you go in Bergen, you are sure to be amazed, and the waterfront of the city is particularly impressive.
King Olav Kyrre established Bergen as a Viking harbor in 1070. It was by far the most important port in all of Norway for import, export, and general usage. In the thirteenth century, Bergen was officially declared the capital of Norway. In 1241, the Hanseatic League was established in order to create monopolies on certain segments of European trade. Bergen joined forces with several German cities and became one of four main trading powers and one of the primary ports for salted fish and timber on the continent, making the area incredibly powerful and prosperous. This rich heritage has survived the centuries, and Bergen continues to be a thriving city. Just recently, it was declared one of the three tidiest cities in Europe, which is quite an honor indeed. If you like cleanliness, crisp air, and an abundance of sights and adventures, then Bergen is a perfect city for you. There is definitely a lot of rainfall in this port city, but you are sure to be cheered up by one of the friendly locals, who will insist that you join in for a laugh and a drink at one of the local hangouts.
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