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Two of our advisors, Barb and Pam, went on separate Scandinavian adventures of a lifetime to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences that this Nordic gem has to offer. Their individual travels painted a vivid picture of Norway’s enchanting cities, serene fjords, and the vibrant lives within.
There are countless ways to soak in Norway’s magnificent beauty! Barb set sail with Hurtigruten, a renowned Norwegian cruise line, sampling the country’s unique charm and even venturing north of the Arctic Circle to the wild and breathtaking Svalbard. Click here to read our sneak peek blog post on Hurtigruten! Meanwhile, Pam embarked on the thrilling “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, seamlessly weaving through majestic landscapes from Bergen to Oslo via the Bergen Railway, an electric catamaran fjord cruise, and the historic Flåm Railway.
Join us as we delve into their firsthand accounts, showcasing how each corner of Norway offers magnificent experiences waiting to be discovered.
Exploring Stockholm and Bergen
Our adventures began with Pam and Barb embarking from Portland, Oregon and each with anticipation for Norway’s wonders. Barb flew British Airways to Stockholm, first enjoying Stockholm’s sights, including the regal arrival of the Danish King and Queen. The Danish royalty arrived in a huge carved rowboat with 8 sailors rowing them up to the palace stairs. Many people came from their offices to watch the arrival! Her walking city tour was postponed because of the it, but Barb ended up on an archipelago boat tour which was great way to get a feel for the layout of the Stockholm.
Stockholm is a beautiful, clean city with wonderful colorful buildings and very narrow passageways which was very apparent throughout Barb’s city walking tour her second day there. She learned that candy canes were invented in Sweden and are originally not cane shaped. Her tour guide led her to the Vasa Museum which is built around the sailing ship Vasa that sank on its maiden voyage out of Stockholm and never left the harbor! Travel Tip: Don’t forget to visit the IKEA in Stockholm! Barb then journeyed on a fast train to Oslo which took only 5.5 hours, before boarding a flight to Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, on the islands of Svalbard in northern Norway.
Pam’s journey took off with an initial flight delay due to a mechanical issue, pushing her arrival in Bergen by a day. Despite the setback, she made the most of an unexpected layover at Amsterdam Airport where she squeezed in a charming canal cruise through Amsterdam’s intricate waterways. When finally landing in Bergen, despite the rainfall that greeted her, Pam instantly felt the enchantment of this historic city.
She had the privilege of checking out two museums – the Bryggen Museum which shows the history of the area after being ravaged by a fire in 1955, and the Hanseatic Museum which gave the history of the commercial German cities that were built across Northern Europe – Bruges, Rotterdam, Lubec, Bremen, etc. Bergen is small enough to walk to the things you would want to see providing you were staying close to the waterfront.
Luckily, there is a Bergen Card that can be purchased to give someone significant discounts or free admissions to museums, attractions, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, etc. With that being said, Pam ended up not getting the Bergen card because it wasn’t going to be a good value based on her interests or fit the timeframe of her visit. Take a look at their website to see if it fits your interests and time in Bergen!
Norway in a Nutshell Tour
For Pam, the journey continued with the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour where she experienced the stunning Nærøyfjord in Gudvangen, Norway, known for its dramatic landscapes and towering mountains, with scenic waterfalls and an electric fjord cruise. The journey through Norwegian nature on the Flåm Railway, is praised as the one of the world’s most beautiful train ride and one of the steepest lines globally, offering a historic 20-km trip.
Additionally, the Bergen Railway, stretching 500 km between Oslo and Bergen, is renowned for its breathtaking views and is Northern Europe’s highest altitude railway line. The weather was again somewhat uncooperative, but she did get good views of waterfalls coming down the side of the fjord from the boat, and the Flåm to Myrdal train stopped for a photo-op at a beautiful waterfall. The whole journey cost about $250 per person for the trip, but it was worth it, even with the weather!
Tour Review
“I thought it was a great experience, though it is a long day—starting at 8:30 AM and ending around 10:30 PM. The scenery is stunning and offers views you can’t get from the train. Everything is well-organized to ensure the day runs smoothly. However, since it’s a popular tour, the boats and buses can be crowded. Fortunately, seats on the train sections are reserved, so finding a spot isn’t an issue.
I found the experience to be worth it. One thing worth mentioning is that for an additional $75 per suitcase, there’s a service that will pick up your bags early in the morning and deliver them directly to your hotel in Oslo (or vice versa). While it’s not inexpensive, it’s definitely worthwhile, especially considering how challenging it can be to manage your luggage through multiple transfers between trains, buses, and ferries.” -Pam Davis, 2024
Exploring Oslo with Pam
Pam had a wonderful time in Oslo, finding the city to be exceptionally clean and welcoming. The locals were incredibly friendly; on numerous occasions, someone would immediately offer their seat on a tram. English was widely spoken, making navigation and communication easy. Pam was pleasantly surprised by Oslo’s multicultural atmosphere, with a vibrant community of immigrants from Africa and the Middle East adding to the city’s diversity.
To make the most of her visit, Pam purchased the Oslo Pass, which provided access to public transport and nearly 50 museums and attractions. Given that Oslo’s sights are spread out, having access to trams and buses proved to be highly convenient. The Oslo Pass made it easy to explore, and Pam found the transportation system to be user-friendly. The 72-hour Senior Pass (for those over 67) cost 720 Kroner, approximately $67, and proved to be a great value. With museum admissions averaging around $15 each, the pass quickly paid for itself. It also offered discounts on restaurants, fjord cruises, and more.
Pam’s itinerary included visits to a variety of notable sites, such as the Munch Museum, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Nobel Center, the National Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Historical Museum with its Viking finds, the Akershus Fortress, and the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Although it sounds like a lot, many of these attractions were conveniently located close to each other, making travel between them straightforward.
However, Pam noted that Norway can be quite expensive. Dining at the outdoor fish market stalls (sheltered under a tarp due to the rain) offered simpler meals starting at around $20, which was relatively reasonable. In contrast, street food prices were often nearly double that. Grocery items were about 1.5 times more expensive than those back here in the United States.
Overall, Pam’s experience in Oslo was both enjoyable and practical, with thoughtful planning and the Oslo Pass ensuring she made the most of her visit!
The Hurtigruten Cruise with Barb
In Longyearbyen, Barb booked the final round of a wilderness safari with an electric snowmobile through Hurtigruten Svalbard. The company provided everything she needed: warm suits, balaclavas, boots, helmets—you name it, she was ready for the cold! The expert guides made Barb and her husband, Paul, feel confident on their first snowmobile ride, even at the end of winter.
Barb embraced the northern charm and wildness of Longyearbyen reminiscent of small ski towns in Europe and the US, snowmobiles all around, small colorful buildings, with a few smaller hotels and local restaurants. The people were very friendly and passionate about the nature that surrounds them. Here is where Barb embarked on a voyage aboard the MS Trollfjord, operated by Hurtigruten Svalbard Express, an enriching and delightful experience, blending the charm of Norway’s coastal beauty to Bergen with exceptional onboard amenities.
The ship features numerous public areas for guests to enjoy. The main indoor observation area spans two floors, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views and ample seating. Additionally, the outdoor observation deck offers a sheltered and pleasant spot to relax on sunny days. The crew’s friendly and attentive service added to the overall positive experience.
Dining aboard was a highlight, with a variety of options to suit different tastes. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in the main dining room, while dinner features a three-course menu dubbed “Norway’s Coastal Kitchen,” focusing on locally sourced and traditional dishes. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, the ship offers a specialty restaurant with a five-course menu available by advance reservation. There is a fee for this restaurant, although guests in larger suites enjoy complimentary access.
Barb explored Ny-Ålesund, where the legendary explorer Roald Amundsen made history by flying over the North Pole, and where the post office nearest to the North Pole is located. She also booked a wildlife cruise and spotted a walrus family lounging on an iceberg. Some fjords were still blanketed in ice, as her visit was during the seasonal transition.
The trip continued with a full day and night crossing from Svalbard to the Norwegian coast. Along the way, they stopped at several picturesque ports on the western Norwegian Coast, sometimes stopping twice a day to unload supplies for the local communities. Hurtigruten offers a range of activities at many stops, from sightseeing by bus to more active options.
For instance:
- In Senja, Barb enjoyed an e-bike tour that took her over a hill and down to a scenic beach.
- In Brønnøysund, a moderately challenging hike provided breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding mountains, including a notable mountain with a large hole attributed to a Norwegian troll in local folklore (though geologists have their own explanation).
On the final day of our cruise, she celebrated Norway’s Constitution Day. Passengers joined the ship’s staff and crew in a festive parade, marveling at the local townspeople dressed in traditional costumes and cheering from the sidelines. The captain proudly carried a Hurtigruten flag throughout the two-hour parade, making for a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary journey.
Thoughts About Hurtigruten Cruises
The Coastal Exploration Team deserves special mention for their dedication to crafting memorable shore excursions. They offer educational lectures and presentations on Norway’s history and culture and are always available to answer questions.
Hurtigruten keeps passengers informed through their app, which provides daily updates and information. Please note that the app requires a connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi to function. Paper announcements are minimal and only issued in cases of schedule changes.
The MS Trollfjord is larger than most vessels on the Norwegian Coastal routes, featuring extended port stays, additional inclusions, and enhanced culinary options. Hurtigruten’s “Northern Lights Promise” ensures that passengers who travel between September 20 and March 31 on an 11-day or longer trip will receive a voucher for a 6 or 7-day coastal cruise if the Northern Lights are not sighted. However, this voucher is not applicable if the Northern Lights are visible from the cabin but if the passenger has chosen not to observe them.
Hurtigruten offers several Aurora Borealis itineraries, including the Coastal Express (Kirkenes to Bergen or vice versa), as well as Norway & Finland and an Astronomy Voyage that includes a visit to the Northern Lights planetarium in Tromsø. Hurtigruten’s voyages can be enjoyed as round trips from Bergen or Oslo or as one-way trips north or south.
“Yes, I would recommend Hurtigruten. Their ships are modern and comfortable, the scenery is breathtaking, and their expedition crew is extremely knowledgeable. They also offer a variety of excursions to suit all interests.” – Barb Baumer, 2024
Conclusion: Embracing the Wonders of Norway
Expedition Team leader on a rock high above the Geirangerfjord, Norway. Copyright: Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Barb and Pam’s adventures through Norway have revealed the timeless beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this Nordic treasure. From the tranquil fjords and historic cities to the culinary wonders and welcoming locals, Norway has left a lasting impression on their hearts. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of a Hurtigruten cruise or the breathtaking views of the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, there’s an unforgettable journey for everyone.
Every tour, city, and fjord tell a unique story, making Norway a must-visit for travelers seeking off the beaten path experiences. As Barb and Pam have discovered, there’s magic around every corner in this captivating country. Don’t just take their word for it—experience Norway for yourself with Willamette International Travel, your gateway to extraordinary adventures around the world!
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Ready for experience to wonders of the Norway? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.
