Norwegian Cruise 101

Some of the most remarkable places in the world are places we would never imagine traveling to.  Norway and the Scandinavian region lays home to some of the most beautiful places in the world.  The people are humble and kind, the landscape is amazing and maybe most importantly the governments are sane. 

Norway is affectionately named the land of the midnight sun.  Similar to Alaska they have 24 hour daylight in the summers.  It is land where the Northern Lights are a common sight and the architecture is very unique  The history throughout the land dates back centuries and it is a place of amazing natural beauty that is eye catching and inspiring.  We will discuss some of Norway's most absolute places to visit while on your cruise.  If you have not booked your cruise make sure these places are on your list.

The North Cape contains some of the most pristine beauty in the world.  Only a mere 1000 miles away from the North Pole, the North Cape blends the Arctic Ocean with stunning cliffs that rise hundreds of meters out of the ocean.  You must visit Honningsvag which is the most northern village in the world and actually lies in the Arctic Circle.  You Norwegian Cruise will take you through some areas and villages that have existed unchanged for centuries.  

A long time favorite is to take a boat up into the ports of Norwegian cities and towns.  Bergen is one of them you will not want to miss.  As one os Norway’s largest cities it is the Medieval culture center for the country.  Bergen has a charm of its own from the fish port to the wooden buildings that have been burned down and rebuilt numerous times.  

This was the first Viking capital of Norway and now resides as the country’s center of education.  This region and many others in the country have been occupied for thousands of year.  For the typical American who is use to a town being formed in the 1800’s they are awe struck when they first walk through a town that has been around since the 900’s.  The feeling is truly amazing to know that for thousands of years people have been living and walking in the same town that you are in.  

Alesund is primarily a shipping town that has existed for centuries.  Like Alesund, many towns and villages in Norway were built primarily of wood.  The infamous Alesund Fire practically destroyed the town over night.  All the wood that made up the buildings went up very rapidly and left Alesund in ashes.  The towns people were strong and chose to rebuild.  Rebuilding consisted of a lot more stone this time.  

Tromso is a beautiful community with the majority of the city located on an island.  The images of this city are stunning.  This area has been inhibited since the ice age and the Vikings traveled here around the late 800’s.  If you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights this is the place to go.  Tromso is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights for a long period of time.

Just the name of this town makes it cool.  Hammerfest is primarily a shipping town.  Hammerfest has a rich history to it.  Being occupied as a fishing and hunting settlement many grave sites date back to the Stone Age.  During the late 1890‘s the town was struck by fire and wiped out one half of the buildings.  They rebuilt, then during WWII the Germans occupied Hammerfest.  After being bombed and evacuated the Germans destroyed the town and wall buildings were destroyed except a small chapel that was built in 1937.  They again rebuilt.  The name of the town reflect the strong will of the people.  Hammerfest also lays claim as the northern most town in the world along with Honningsvag.  

I hope you enjoy your time on your Norwegian Cruise.  Safe Travels!!!