DESTINATION GUIDES

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Norway is well known for its maritime heritage and this is no different when it comes to cruise. There are few lines who wouldn’t recommend a tour of as a perfect voyage and its universal appeal has meant that the majority of cruise lines operate in the area. As the fjords of Norway are deep water this creates the unique proposition of a coast line where nearly every port is accessible to all but the largest ships and gives many larger cruise lines the opportunity to visit smaller ports with a more exclusive vibe.

The Norwegian port authorities are well aware of this and much has been invested to make sure that as many ships as possible can dock in these locations. This includes the world’s first extendable piers or SeaWalks at some of the ports. Itineraries vary in destination and length but due to the proximity to Great Britain, ex-UK voyages as short as 7 days are entirely possible. The Norwegian line Hurtigruten also offers unique voyages up and down this stunning coastline and is used as a genuine mode of transport for supplies, cars and people throughout Norway. At the most northerly point of the country lies Tromso and the Nordkapp, both of which are on the gateway to the Arctic Circle. Svalbard is a part of Norway and viewings of Walruses, Seals, a number of Seabirds and Polar Bears are not out of the question in this region and in fact are often expected.

As the name of this section suggests a key attraction of Norway and the north is the stunning Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. This brilliant phenomenon can be seen in the north across the winter and is one of the natural wonders of the world, with the lights seemingly dancing across the sky. The lack of man-made light means that on dark nights, sea voyages are the best way to see this incredible effect.

History Unlike much of the rest of Europe, the has not been dictated by the great Empires such as Rome and Greece, but instead by the local tribes which later came to dominate much of Northern Europe as the Vikings. While trade took place which increased the wealth and power leading to this later greatness, the were markedly different using their own alphabet, runes, and dictating trade of their resources through the control of their powerful chieftains. The exchanges of resources also included some fighting as mercenaries for Rome.

www.cruiseexperts.org Key Ports With the increasing of Norwegian power through trade and colonisation, accompanied by a series of brutal raids on their neighbours, the country Bergen, Norway went through a period of significant advancement that has since become Trondheim, Norway known as the . With their advanced chain mail armour and a Tromso, Norway frenzied belief that those who died in battle would be honoured higher than they ever could be in life, the Vikings advanced out across Northern Europe Kirkenes, Norway searching for land to cultivate which resulted in their claiming of Iceland and Reykjavik, Iceland many of the Hebridean Islands. Their exploration was seemingly unlimited Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway and the Icelander Leif Ericson is widely regarded as the first European to land in North America nearly 500 years before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Key Attractions Arctic Cathedral Across the Middle Ages Christianity came to Norway and this led to peace and stability in Norway’s relations with the rest of Europe, subsequently Tromso increasing trade and starting the Golden Age of Norway. However the Black Death ravaged Norway in the 1400’s, wiping out a third of the population Bryggen and reducing the wealth of the country. By the time the disease had passed Bergen the country had been unified with Denmark and was ostensibly under the control of the powerful Hanseatic League. The first union of what is now known as Scandinavia was unsuccessful for Norway as the decision to Nordkapp Sculpture wage war on Germany led to widespread trade blockades and rebellions North Cape across the country. However, despite this the Norwegians were too weak to withdraw from the union and consequently remained at war. Blue Lagoon Reykjavik The union of Denmark and Norway continued for many centuries but Norway was not able to regain the power that it had held during its golden age. In the 1800’s the invasion of Norway by led to a new union, Wildlife & Glaciers in which the Norwegians were yet again the weaker party. However, by Svalbard the early 1900’s the union had been dissolved by a unanimous vote of Norwegian parliament and a new king was appointed, hopefully leading to Nidaros Cathedral a new age. Through the adventures of Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nandsen and Otto Svedrup, Norway again become known as pioneers and explorers Trondheim and Amundsen became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911. After a shocking invasion during the Second World War, despite its declared neutrality, Norway surrendered and came under German control. Following Best Times to Go this the country became far more nationalist and started to promote the It is important to note that while the Winter Scandinavian agenda and the development of Norway in a significant way. is the best time to see the Northern Lights, The country experienced its highest level of growth ever and this was inclement weather in this region can make expanded when oil was discovered in the 1960’s. Since then Norway has passages difficult and obstruct visibility & become a major exporter of oil across the globe and consequently is a key enjoyment. For those who just wish to see the economic power within the European Economic Area. region as opposed to the Aurora Borealis, the summer is also fascinating, especially in the Arctic as guests can experience the Midnight Sun. As a fairly isolated nation and one that’s climate dictates it cannot be Peak Season: October to May overly dependent on livestock, much of the Norwegian cuisine has been developed based on what raw materials are available. Much of the produce (For Northern Lights) that is available is cured, using the processes of drying, salting, smoking Shoulder Season: June/September and fermenting and this is often fish or meat. Key to the Norwegian diet and worth trying also is the staple grovbrød which is similar to whole wheat but darker. Most in Norway will include bread, especially Key Information and . Languages: Norwegian, English Widely Spoken – Icelandic in Iceland

Currencies: Norway Krone/ Icelandic Krona

Visa Required: No for EU Nationals

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