Norway

Half Day City

Explore the wonders of Bergen, the jewel of Norway’s west coast, on this 4 hour sightseeing tour. Begin the Tour at the city harbor, where modern quays stare across the water towards the colorful, historic warehouses of the Bryggen. Ranging in age up to 300 years old, their tightly nestled gables once housed a bustling exchange that made Bergen the most important city in Norway. The city’s fish market is still active here, and there is a museum dedicated to the Hanseatic League, the Baltic Sea trading union that controlled much of the maritime economy in the 15th century. Next, visit St. Mary’s Church, the city’s only remaining building from the medieval period. Finish the day with the Bergenhus, a former fortress on the waterfront that was built as a residence for the Kings of Norway.

4 hrs

Half Day Troldhaugen

Travel into Bergen’s countryside and watch Norway’s history come to life on this 4 hour day trip. Heading south out of the city, pass through a series of scenic suburban valleys on the road to Troldhaugen. The estate of composer Edvard Grieg, Troldhaugen holds a special place in the fabric of Norwegian heritage. During the 19th century, Grieg was responsible for creating a wealth of notable pieces during the Romantic movement, and in the process helped awaken and promote Norwegian national consciousness and identity. The estate houses his tomb, as well as a museum documenting his legacy. Also in the area is the Fantoft Stave Church. Originally built in the mid-12th century, its design is an iconic symbol of Christianity in Norway, and Scandinavia in general.

4 hrs

Full Day City

See all that the historic city of Bergen has to offer with this 8 hour day of sightseeing. First, explore the city’s harbor along the shores of Vagen Bay. This area is the oldest part of the city, with buildings dating to the 12th century. The most notable sights are found in the Bryggen, where rows of steeply gabled warehouses crowd the narrow medieval streets. Although most of the buildings are restorations, originals ranging up to 300 years old do exist. The area was the center of Bergen’s trade with the Hanseatic League, making it a hub of medieval Northern Europe. A museum dedicated to this legacy is housed in one such building, and the town’s fish market, a thriving focus of city life for centuries, is just to the east. Continuing into the suburbs, the estate of Troldhaugen is next. It was here that composer Edvard Grieg, a leader of the 19th century Romantic movement, completed much of his work. Now a museum, the estate houses his tomb as well as several exhibits documenting his legacy. The final stop is the Fantoft Stave Church, a reconstructed example of Norway’s most iconic Christian architecture.

8 hrs

Half Day City

Explore the history and culture of Norway with this 4 hour tour of the nation’s capital. Start the tour at the Edvard Munch Museum. The museum houses an unmatched collection of the artist’s work, including his internationally recognizable The Scream. Head north of the city center to reach the Holmenkollbakken winter sports facility, home to one of the world’s most advanced ski jumps. Returning to the city, visit Frogner Park. Here, amidst sprawling yet precisely arranged gardens are the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. Totaling over 200 works in bronze and granite, the collection presents a survey of human forms and emotions. Finally, conclude the day at Oslo’s Radhus, or city hall. A monumental red brick structure built in the Functionalist style, the building plays host to the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize.

4 hrs

Half Day Bygdøy

Extending into the harbor west of downtown Oslo is the Bygdøy peninsula, where a number of museums and estates make it the perfect destination for a 4 hour day trip. Five major museums can be found in Bygdøy, each dedicated to exhibiting a different part of Norway’s history, especially its legendary maritime tradition. First is the Kon-Tiki Museum, which details the exploits of Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and houses the raft he used on his 1947 voyage to Polynesia. The Fram Museum is next, and is built around that vessel, used on Roald Amundsen’s expedition to the south pole. The Fram traveled both farther north and south than any other wooden ship in history, and is preserved intact. Nearby is the Norwegian Maritime Museum, where a large array of exhibits cover all aspects of seafaring, both in Norway and worldwide. Another famous ship is on display at the Viking Ship Museum, where the collection is dominated by the Oseberg Ship, a Viking longship excavated completely intact. Finish with the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air complex with examples of architecture transported from all eras and all corners of the country.

4 hrs

Full Day City

A national capital by all definitions, Oslo offers travelers experiences of all things Norwegian. With this 8 hour tour, explore the country’s artistic and cultural heritage through the capital’s main attractions. Downtown Oslo is first, where the Radhus, home to city hall and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, towers over the waterfront. Next, visit the Munch Museum, where the works of one of Norway’s most celebrated painters are presented, including The Scream. The best of Norwegian sculpture can be seen in Gustav Vigeland’s installations as Frogner Park. Outside downtown, the Holmenkollbakken Ski Arena shows the country’s passion for winter sport. Finish the day on the Bygdøy peninsula, where the city’s museum district documents a rich national legacy of architecture and seafaring. Not to be missed are the Norsk Folkemuseum, with preserved buildings from all eras and areas of Norway, and the various maritime museums, housing ships including the Fram and Kon Tiki.

8 hrs

Day One

Day one begins with a seemingly endless parade of natural beauty. By train, ascend into the mountains of the Hardangervidda to the town of Myrdal. There you will change to the famous Flamsbahn Mountain Railway, which winds towards the village of Flam and the tip of the Aurlandsfjord. Next the Fjord Express steamer takes you past towering cliffs and deep into the Sognefjord to Balestrand. Here you will find your accommodations at the renowned Kvikne's Hotel, with its fabulous fjordside setting.

Day Two