Norway Trip Photo Highlights

Started in Bergen, Norway

Bergen is famous for Bryggen, the old wharf and fish market area with its row of colorful wooden houses.  We took the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen to hike and enjoy the sight of the city down below and had a great dinner in the old district.

The Cruise Has Started

My single room has plenty of space and a nice window.  Our traveling group met for most dinners – sometimes with a multi-course meal at a set time and other times at a mammoth buffet.  Clearly this is not a party boat, but that is fine.  The bar area is never crowded and there are areas to sit and read or play card or board games with others.

The first full day we took a several hour bus tour to see fjords, waterfalls, and mountains up close.  And we learned a lot about trolls!

Trondheim to the Arctic Circle 

We went on our own to see Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city.  Established over 1000 years ago!  We visited the Nidaros Cathedral and walked along the cobblestone streets by the water.  We passed the Kjeungskjar Lighthouse after we left.

The next day we crossed the Arctic Circle (marked by a monument on a small island) at 66° 33’ North and had a small celebration onboard and a visit from Thor. 

Lofoten, Tromsø, and the Land of the Reindeer  

Short stop in Lofoten where we went to Magic Ice, where the bar, benches, sculptures, and even the drink glasses are made of ice.  Then through a very narrow fjord at night and on to Tromso. We headed further north and took an excursion to learn about the Sami culture.  The Samis are the indigenous people of the region and many still move with the reindeer as they migrate each year.

The Far North  -  Russia and North Cape   

At the end of the line lies the town of Kirkenes near the Russian border.  We took an open wooden boat to the border which is marked by two posts (the boundary is at the midpoint between the posts).  DO NOT cross into Russia, even by an inch!  By the next morning we were at The North Cape – the northern-most point in Europe reachable by car.

Headed Back to Bergen  

Several days and many short stops to get back to Bergen.  Saw a white reindeer, celebrated Andy’s birthday, and enjoyed the scenery.  Saw fish farms and a mountain with a natural hole through it.  Had a great excursion to see the Norwegian Sea Eagles (photos in a separate gallery).  Then more relaxing on-board.