Glories Of Norway – Oslo to Amsterdam

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.

The seaside town of Lysekil is filled with incredible sights. Among them is Lysekil Church, whose granite was carved by hand and winched into place. The tower alone is 206 feet high and the spire rises more than 300 feet above sea level. Embark on a seal safari and see the rare Bohuslän in its true habitat or visit the Havets Hus, a saltwater aquarium where you can see and get the chance to touch some of the around 100 different species that live in the Gullmar Fjord.

Skagen has a wonderfully rich art history and an even greater collection of modern art galleries throughout the city. Often referred to as the Land of Light, the sun beautifully reflects off of the abundance of sand and water for longer hours than anywhere else in Denmark. Skagen’s beacon is its bustling harbor, which brings in fresh seafood from the northern tip of Jutland, which surrounded by the sea. Experience its magnificent countryside with large white sandy beaches and Denmark’s largest moving sand dune, Råbjerg Mile.

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.

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, and has been called the Petroleum Capital of Norway. Starting in the 1880s, industry grew in Stavanger, primarily based on treatment and exports of fish and fish-products. In the 1960s, exploratory oil-drilling in the North Sea changed the economic situation for Stavanger. With its good harbor and plane connections, Stavanger was well-positioned to take advantage of the increased activity. Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, United Kingdom, have been selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Olden is a village and urban area in the municipality of Stryn in Vestland county, Norway. Olden is located at the mouth of the Oldeelva river at the northern end of the Oldedalen valley on the southern shore of the Nordfjorden.

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.

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.

Hammerfest is a municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. Hammerfest is the northernmost town in the world with more than 10,000 inhabitants. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Hammerfest.

The world’s northernmost village, Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape. It is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls. The Cape is 20 miles from Honningsvag across a stark and rocky tundra landscape, where large herds of reindeer graze on sparse grasses in the summer. This desolate terrain dotted with small lakes is the only area in Norway where landscape and vegetation are genuinely arctic in character.

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.

Leknes is a town in Nordland county, Norway. The town is also the administrative centre of the municipality of Vestvågøy. Leknes was designated a “town” in 2002. The 2.52-square-kilometre town has a population of 3,556 which gives the town a population density of 1,411 inhabitants per square kilometre.

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.

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors and the rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick offers hours of entertainment. Set off on your own to get an historic overview at the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront. Stroll through the numerous galleries and quaint shops looking for unique art, fine hand knitted sweaters made from the wool of Shetland Sheep and beautiful knitted lace. The local-made beer and whiskey is well worth a visit to a pub.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or “the mouth of the Breakie.” The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s bustling capital city, renowned for its culture and traditions. At the center of the city, explore the World Heritage Site of Old Town and its historical area known as `Royal Mile` as you pass delightful multi-storied houses and quaint side streets. You may also visit the impressive St. Giles Cathedral, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, and known for its famous crown spire. Discover the Palace of Holyrood House, Scotland’s primary Royal Palace. Dating from the late 15th century, it is the official Scottish residence of the Queen.

United by seven bridges, Tyne (Newcastle) is an exciting and diverse destination. One would never guess that this once shipbuilding city, is home to a vibrant nightlife, premium restaurants serving cuisine from around the world and fantastic galleries. Visit the Castle Keep, one of the country’s finest examples of a Norman Keep. Or go to The Sage Gateshead for lively entertainment day and night. And with more theaters per person than anywhere in the UK, you will find world-class productions to suit all tastes.

As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.

As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe’s most “radical” city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.