A Land of Natural Phenomena

The Frænfjorden fjord is an escape to a different world, scattered with islands and with only a few tiny villages to remind you that life exists here. These views are some of the best in the region, with incredible wildlife to spot and fabulous hikes.

Alesund is spread across two islands at the entrance to the geirangerfjord and has been named norway’s most beautiful city. After a devastating fire in 1904 wiped out 805 old buildings, locals rebuilt the town in the very desirable art nouveau style. The town is even a member of the ‘reseau art nouveau network’ bringing together art nouveau cities such as budapest, helsinki and vienna. Taste the local fish delicacies in alesund’s best fish restaurant ‘Sjobua’. Climb the 418 steps from the central park to admire the views of the town and harbor from the top of mount aksla or simply meander through streets admiring the imaginative ornate buildings in town.

It is easy to see why the breathtaking Geirangerfjord has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list. This dramatic creation of mother nature offers deep blue water surrounded by imposing now covered mountains, impressive waterfalls creating a veil of mist and never ending rainbows for your delight. Enjoy a hike in this fairytale scenery, brave the rapids on a rafting excursion, explore the banks by canoe or simply relax from the upper deck of your yacht and take in the beautiful setting.

Thanks to its ideal protected location on the island of Vagsoy, Maløy has become Norway’s second largest fishing port. It is a lively coastal town and one of the busiest exportation harbors in Norway. Pass by the World War II monument in the town square and meander through the streets without names, most of the streets in Maløy only have numbers, not names.

Florø is a charming small town that flourished in the 19th century due to its intensive herring fishing activity symbolized by the three herrings in the town’s coat of arms. Fishing is still an important port of the town’s economy, in addition to shipbuilding and service industries to the petroleum industry. As it is off the beaten track, it is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and many tiny inhabited islands.

Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord, lies in the heart of the Norwegian countryside and extends over 100nm inland to the Jotunheim and Jostedalsbreem national parks. You will find many of Norway’s major attractions along this fjord, whether it be the UNESCO sites, national parks or Norway’s highest waterfall and the largest glacier in Europe.

Balestrand is located along the impressive Sognefjord, one of the greatest in the world measuring 205km long. It is renowned for artists visiting the town as early as the 1800’s who were inspired by the extraordinary light and breathtaking scenery. Kviknes hotel (1877) with its imposing façade facing the fjord and king Bele’s road are a good example of how international painters, lords and emperors have left their mark on the architecture in Balestrand.

Nestled in a deep tributary of the world’s largest fjord Sognefjord, is the beautiful town of Flåm. Flåm means ‘little place between steep mountains’ and it is just that. This small town offers nature lovers steep mountains, roaring waterfalls, charming settlements and a sense of being in the heart of the traditional fjords. Here you can go fishing, hiking or visit Otternes Bygdetum, a living museum with 27 buildings dating back to the 1600s.

Bergen is Norway’s most majestic city and it is the gateway to the country’s grandest fjords. An endless rainbow of painted wooden houses greets guests at this UNESCO-protected port. Hardy visitors may join locals for a bracing dip above the 60° degree parallel. A soak in the Jacuzzi offers a post-swim treat. Due north sits Sognefjord. At 205km long and nearly a mile deep, its navy blue expanse is trimmed by tumbling green meadows. Better still, it abuts little Nærøyfjord, rated by National Geographic as the world's most awesome natural site.

A former European capital of culture, university city Stavanger combines breathtaking fjords with snow-topped mountains and white-sand beaches. Taking in the views from atop the world famous Preikestolen, 600 metres above sea level, should be on everyone’s bucket list – it’s been named the most breathtaking viewing platform in the world. Stroll round the city’s charming white clapboard houses and restaurants or explore the Lysefjord and Sola beach by tender.