Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle

Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants and superb pubs. Nearby you’ll find the quaint town of Windsor, where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.

Whether you prefer outdoor adventure or ancient history, Stavanger offers a wide array of treasures. An easy day hike takes you to Lysefjord, one of the world’s most beautiful overlooks, while Stavanger domkirke is the country’s oldest cathedral, having been built between 1100 and 1125.

Ålesund’s architecture is known far and wide. Turrets, spires, and other whimsical art nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive, fairy-tale-like character. Scenic Geiranger Fjord, one of Norway’s best-known attractions, is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town.

Much of this picturesque town, located at the tip of the Nordfjord, looks as though it is straight out of the 17th century. Its many historic sites include Olden Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of the original stave church dating back to the 14th century, and the Singer Home, former residence of American painter William Singer.

Tromsø, a city in northern Norway, is a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle. It’s famed as a viewing point for colorful Northern Lights that sometime light up the nighttime sky. The city’s historic center, on the island of Tromsø, is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. The 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and soaring stained-glass windows, dominates the skyline.

Deep in the land of the Midnight Sun, Honningsvag is the northernmost town in Europe. And with more than 1,000 cruise ships calling during the summer season, it is also the largest and busiest cruises port in northern Europe. Given its location, be on the lookout for free-roaming reindeer grazing the tundra on the outskirts of town.

Trondheim is a city on the Trondheim Fjord, in central Norway. Dating back to the 11th century, Gothic Nidaros Cathedral features an ornate rose window and a detailed west facade. Nearby, the Archbishop’s Palace Museum houses archaeological findings and sculptures, including gargoyles, removed from the cathedral. Ringve Museum is a music museum in a former manor house and barn.

Acknowledged as one of Norway’s major rose-growing centers, it’s no surprise that Molde is often referred to as the “city of roses.” Warmed by the Gulf Stream and protected by its surrounding hills, Molde is the beneficiary of a moderate climate, which contributes to its lush vegetation. This charming city is also home to the Ramsdal Museum, featuring one of Norway’s most impressive collections of folk art.

Geiranger is remote even by Norwegian standards, with a rugged beauty that will leave you breathless. Winding our way through the Geiranger Fjord feels like the entrance to a secret world, protected by massive, snowcapped mountains on either side. You can also take a side trip to Ørnesvingen or Flydalsjuvet to look down upon this magnificence.

Once the seat of medieval Norway, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold girded by deep fjords, towering mountains and sweeping glaciers. Visit Bryggen Wharf, where you can strike a bargain in one of the many artisans’ workshops, or visit the famous Fish Market for a real treat.

Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants and superb pubs. Nearby you’ll find the quaint town of Windsor, where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.