Mighty Fjords & Nordic Grace – Reykjavik to Oslo

Just as Iceland is a unique country, rugged and remote, yet modern and enjoying Nordic standards of affluence, so Reykjavik is a beautifully diverse capital city. As Iceland’s capital and its main center of population, the city of Reykjavik offers a fascinating mixture of the traditional and the very technically advanced. In addition, its natural beauty leaves a lasting impression. Visit the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-colored hills.

Discover the dazzling natural beauty of Isafjordur. With its striking steep mountains on three sides rising dramatically around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Trace the area’s history with a visit to the Maritime Museum in one of the oldest buildings dating back to the 18th century. A delightfully urban atmosphere prevails with major music schools, free concerts and festivals. Bring home fine handmade woolen items, nautical-themed articles, as well as arts and crafts. Feast on fresh baked goods and coffee at one of the many cafés.

Seyðisfjörður is a town and municipality in the Eastern Region of Iceland at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. A road over Fjarðarheiði mountain pass connects Seyðisfjörður to the rest of Iceland; 27 kilometres to the ring road and Egilsstaðir.

Norway’s history is written in the buildings and monuments of Norway’s first capital and third largest city, Trondheim. The Sagas tell us how King Olav Tryggvason of Viking fame founded the city on this ice-free fjord in 997, mesmerized by the winding Nidelva River and lovely forested hills. The timbered architecture of the beautiful 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral is actually built over the tomb of St. Olav, and even today, Norwegian kings are crowned within its massive nave.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund with its cultural, tranquil atmosphere, blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, and natural beauty woven throughout and beyond the city set on the shores of a sparkling fjord. Visit the old town, Posebyn, and admire the small, white wooden houses that speak of a bygone era. Stroll along the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga (fish market), enjoying the maritime history and fresh local seafood. Visit the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens for an overview of Norway’s history dating back to the Ice Age. Then go to Markens gate to browse the shops, making a turn onto Skippergada for a selection of smaller boutiques, galleries and cafés. Look for hand-knit sweaters, fine Norwegian glassware and local crafts in this picture perfect setting.

In 1904, much of Alesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period’s popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Alesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Alesund’s squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town’s rich fishing history and Norway’s contribution to World War II. Buy exquisite Norwegian fashions, jewelry, leather handbags, tapestries and glassworks. Alesund offers a wealth of restaurants serving everything from Norwegian seafood delicacies to international gourmet fare, ranging from Japanese to Italian.

Geiranger is a small tourist town in the western part of Norway in the region called Sunnmøre in the municipality of Stranda. It lies innermost in the fjord Geirangerfjord, which is a branch of Storfjord. Geiranger is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Views include snow-covered mountain peaks, waterfalls, lush vegetation and the deep blue waters of the fjord. Since 2005, the Geirangerfjord has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flåm is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords. It sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. The dramatic Stegastein viewing platform juts out high above the Aurlandsfjord. South of Flåm Harbor, the 17th-century wooden Flåm Church lies in the valley. The Flåm Railway offers valley and waterfall views as it climbs to a station on the Hardangervidda plateau.

Oslo is Norway’s capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo’s 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo’s attractions can be explored on foot.