Norway

About the destination: Oslo is lively and contemporary, featuring a mix of architectural styles, a cutting-edge nightlife, and top-tier museums. Situated between the Oslofjord and the forests, nature is a focal point in the capital, where you can enjoy sailing, skiing, and hiking just a short distance from the city center. This is certainly a destination for those who love the outdoors and wildlife. As you sail past lush green islands and towering rock formations, the city reveals itself - spreading out from its compact center around the docks to the forested sides of the nearby hills. Oslo's beauty is enhanced by its diversity, with a mix of modern and ancient buildings that give the city a unique feel. The steel-and-glass Munch Museum contrasts with the old-world charm of the City Museum and the rugged medieval walls of the Akershus Fortress, which looms over the fjord. Most visitors will find it hard to choose from Oslo's many museums, which cater to nearly every interest: a close encounter with Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, an opportunity to experience the life of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a glimpse into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. Oslo is undoubtedly the cosmopolitan center of Norway, with a rapidly expanding café and bar scene, top-quality restaurants, and nightlife options that range from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock. The capital's flourishing restaurant scene has earned it four Michelin stars. The Grünerløkka district, located near the Munch Museum, is filled with bustling sidewalk cafés and stylish bars. A thriving, truly lively city, the cosmopolitan center of Norway truly offers something for everyone.

About the destination: Tromso serves as the administrative, commercial, and educational hub of northern Norway. It ranks as the seventh largest city in Norway in terms of population and houses the world's northernmost university, brewery, and botanical garden. The city is situated approximately 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, experiencing both the midnight sun and polar night. Tromsø is renowned as one of the prime locations in Europe to witness the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. The city's stunning cathedral, one of the largest wooden churches in Norway, is nestled in the heart of the city in a quaint square adorned with intriguing statues and sculptures. A stroll down Storgatan leads to the marketplace, filled with the soothing sounds of music and the enticing aroma of coffee, fresh bread, and strawberries. The Tromso museum showcases ethnographic exhibits highlighting the unique cultures of Lapland. Adjacent to it, the Polar Museum displays exhibits narrating the history of the Arctic region, focusing on the lives of early hunters, trappers, and explorers. Tromsdalen Kirke, colloquially known as the “Arctic Cathedral”, is not actually a cathedral, but the parish church of the Tromsøysund area of Tromso. Constructed in 1965 primarily from concrete, its design resembles slabs of ice. The church stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Tromsø. Tromso is a compact, welcoming, and vibrant town, beautifully situated on an island. The city boasts an abundance of restaurants, pubs, clubs, and theaters to entertain both locals and tourists. Tromso is undoubtedly the cultural heart of northern Norway.

About the destination: Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and has recently emerged as the country's oil capital. Despite the rapid expansion due to North Sea exploration, Stavanger has successfully preserved its old-world charm while providing all the amenities of a modern city. The central area around Vågen harbor is typically bustling with activity, especially during the summer. There are numerous bars, cafes, and dining spots. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, is a beautiful collection of traditional Norse-style houses. The historic center of Stavanger houses several artisan workshops and the Norwegian Canning Museum. It is said that there are 173 white cottages from the 1800s in this area, making it the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. The magnificent Stavanger Cathedral is located right in the center of the city, between the main harbor and Breiavatnet Lake. The overall style is Romanesque, but the eastern side is distinctly Gothic, complete with all the specific elements. The Norsk Oljemuseum, with its intriguing architecture, is located in an impressive building by the harbor and provides a history of oil in the North Sea and an insight into the industry. Beyond the central area, there are numerous parks, open spaces, and bike paths to explore the stunning local scenery. Stavanger itself offers plenty to do, with its own theater, museums, and concert hall. During the summer, various festivals are held and the city center is abuzz with activity.

About the destination: Bergen, with its stunning scenery and vibrant cultural traditions, clings tenaciously to the hills surrounding its deeply indented fjord, making it unique among European cities. Once the capital of Norway, Bergen has always played a leading role in the nation's history. Nestled between mountains and bordered by water, the town center stretches between the harbor Bryggen and Torgalmenningen, the main square. Bergen’s most sensory spot is the Torget, at the foot of the harbor, where your nose will guide you to what's being sold. Here, you can select fish from open tanks and watch as traders net, weigh, and clean your chosen catch. Looking towards the right side of the harbor, you'll see the pointed gables of Bryggen’s roofline. This row of heavy-timbered medieval buildings, typical of Hanseatic architecture, has survived numerous disastrous fires since its construction in the 16th century. Today, Bryggen features restaurants, bars, and arts-and-crafts workshops. The Hanseatic Museum, housed in one of the best-preserved buildings, offers an intriguing glimpse into the commercial activity of those times. Starting from Torget or Bryggen, you can explore the maze of houses on the slopes of Mount Floien. A steep hike above these houses will reward you with increasingly spectacular views of Bergen and the fjord beyond. Welcoming Bergen offers numerous places for an evening beer or glass of wine. This beautiful and charming city boasts a dynamic cultural life and lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place to explore the Sognefjord and other fantastic Norwegian fjords.