Norwegian Fjords
Norse mythology regarded fjords as gifts from the gods. Although nowadays it is widely accepted that glacial erosion is responsible for creating them, it’s hard to blame anyone for attributing a divine origin to these stunning natural landmarks. Striking waterfalls plummeting down rocky cliffs surrounded by thick forests and verdant meadows, colorful villages on the shores of cobalt-blue waters, and majestic glaciers defiantly cutting through the landscape paint the typical postcard beauty of this Scandinavian nation. More than a thousand fjords carve the coasts of Norway, from the southwestern ends of the country to the frigid reaches past the Arctic Circle.
Akureyri
Akureyri were the sandbanks that projected into the harbour; in earlier times there were no fewer than five of those. Four have now disappeared, however, owing to the diligence of the Akureyri people in reclaiming land from the sea. The northernmost one, Oddeyri Point, is still in place, though, and a clear landmark in the town. It was in the inner harbour, in the safe shelter of Oddeyri Point, that the merchants of earlier times preferred have their ships lie at anchor. And the harbour depth allowed the largest vessels to anchor in close proximity to the shoreline so that a fully laden rowing boat would reach land within a few minutes.
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Alesund
The coastal town of Alesund is the commercial capital of the More og Romsdal district. But more important, it is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, which some claim make Alesund one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. Today, narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, in 1998 Alesund was awarded the coveted Houens National Memorial Prize for the preservation of its unique architecture.
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Andalsnes
Andalsnes is a modern town with a history deeply shaped by WWII. Located at the mouth of a fjord, the town is a hotspot for climbing, fishing and skiing. Visit Andalsnes on a Norwegian Fjord itinerary or arrive via the scenic Rauma Railway.
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The Arctic Ocean is the centerpiece of the Circumpolar North. Lands bordering this region include those of Alaska, Canada, Greenland/Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Throughout this immense area, economic developers search for oil, gas, zinc, silver, coal, and similar marketable products. In Alaska, especially, a major problem restricting this development is land withdrawal - millions of acres having been set aside for national or regional parks, military reserves, forests, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.
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Bear Island
Off the coast of Northern Norway, at the western border of the Barents Sea, a part of the Arctic Ocean, lies Bear Island (Norwegian: "Bjørnøya"). The island is the southernmost island of the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard, situated halfway between the arctic circle and the north pole. When the Dutch navigator Willem Barents discovered the island 9th June 1596, a polar bear was killed at the landing site, for which reason the island got its name. Its access, which is not eased by its rocky shores, is restricted; usually one would reach it by boat. The only inhabitants are those (numbered 9) who work at the meteorological station.
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Bergen
Bergen is set like a jewel amid seven mountains on the majestic Byfjord. The historic Hanseatic Wharf and 12th-centry fortress gives visitors a glimpse of the influence of the old commercial center. You can attend a piano recital at the home of composer Edvard Grieg.
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Berlevag is a municipality in the county of Finnmark, Norway. The sea and the islands along this part of Finnmarks coastline are home for thousands of sea birds. As well as the large sea bird colonies with thousands of nesting birds, there are also areas of unspoilt nature consisting of mountains, moor lands and marshes. This enables birdwatching in a natural environment.
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Bodo
Bodo is a city and a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Salten region. Norwegian Aviation Museum and Salten Museum are located in Bodø. Salten Museum has four exhibitions: The Lofoten Fisheries, a Sami exhibit, a Viking treasure, and an exhibition about Bodø's history from 1816 to 2000. The Bodo Cathedral was built in 1956, representing post-war architecture, whereas the Bodin Church just outside the city centre dates from the 13th century, representing a typical medieval stone church.
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Brattahlid
The settlement of Brattahlid was one of Greenland’s wealthiest, founded by Erik the Red himself. Today the town of Qassiarsuk occupies the site of Brattahlid.
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Cork
The magnificent Cobh Harbor is just a short drive from Cork. An enchanting place, the main district of Cork sits on an island formed by the diverging channels of the River Lee. The city itself is filled with a multitude of picturesque quays and bridges. Cork is the ideal spot to outfit yourself with Irish tweeds, kiss the Blarney Stone or simply relax and enjoy the charming countryside.
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Eidfjord
Eidfjord is a scenic delight. The village of Eidsdal here has served as the junction of eastern and western Norway for countless centuries. Take the thrilling bus ride along the banks of the Eie River before climbing into the stupendous Mabodal Canyon. At the very summit, you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the thundering Voringfoss Waterfall.
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English Channel
The English Channel is the part of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the island of Great Britain from northern France, and the North Sea from the rest of the Atlantic. In French it is called La Manche ("the sleeve"). It is about 350 miles long and at its widest is 240 km (150 miles). The narrowest point is only 34 km (21 miles), from Dover to Cape Gris-Nez.
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Eyjafjordur
Eyjafjordur is the longest fjord in central northern Iceland. It is located in the second most populous region of Iceland. The name literally means: "Island Fjord" which is derived from Hrísey island.
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Flam
Located along the dramatic Aurlandfjord, the fruit growing region near Flam presents the incongruous sight of orchards and snow-capped peaks. Ride an electric railway into the mountains for breathtaking vistas.
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Geiranger
A cruising destination for nearly 100 years, Geirangerfjord offers one of Norways most breathtaking combinations of massive mountains, towering waterfalls and scenic waterways. In Geiranger, farmers work along narrow mountain ledges, oblivious to the heights.
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Gravdal
Nestled between the jagged range of Lofoten Islands is the tiny fishing hamlet of Gravdal with its wild, almost alpine grandeur. Fishing is still the main industry and many small villages with houses built on stilts over the water dot the landscape.
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Grundarfjordur
The village Grundarfjordur is situated on an exceptionally beautiful bay. The bay is nearly encircled by impressive and graceful mountains, which offer spectacular variations. French fishermen were granted a base in Grundarfjordur from 1800-1860 and they built a hospital and a church there during that period. Fishing and fish processing is the main occupation, commerce is important, and the tourist trade increases steadily and the village offers accommodations and caters to most of the tourists' needs. Whale watching cruises and deep sea angling are popular and good trout fishing is in nearby lakes. Grundarfjordur was a trading post throughout the centuries and ruins of the old trading houses can still been seen.
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Gudvangen
The charming village of Gudvangen lies at the end of the magnificent Naerofjord. Nearby, the Kilefoss Waterfall cascades into a superfine mist as it tumbles from a cliff face mearly 2,000 feet above the valley floor.
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Hammerfest
Hammerfest – the world’s northernmost town – is one of the most important travel destinations in North Norway. Over 250,000 tourists visit the town annually. The borough has approx. 9200 inhabitants, and a surface area of about 844 km2. It covers parts of the islands of Sørøya, Kvaløya and Seiland, and since it was awarded city status in 1789, it has been the natural centre of the region. Trade and industry is characterised by fishing, fish processing, the Snøhvit field (LNG), service industries and tourism.
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Heimaey
The Westman Islands are a group of 15-18 islands, depending on how they are classed, and about 30 skerries sand rock pillars, located off the mainland's south coast. The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions along a 30-km long fissure lying southwest to northeast. The largest island is Heimaey, 13.4 km2. Most of the islands have steep sea cliffs, and are well vegetated. Bird hunting and egg collecting are traditional to the islanders culture.
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Hellesylt
A fruit growing center, Hellesylt sits at the head of Sunnyvenfjord, where a mighty watefall cascades into the sound from massive granite cliffs. Nearby are colorful fruit orchards, Europes deepest lake and mountain scenery of timeless beauty.
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Honningsvag
Norways northern-most settlement is the picturesque fishing village of Honningsvag. Cross the empty expanse of Arctic tundra to the North Cape. There you will stand atop a a 1,000-foot sheer granite cliff at the literal European end of the earth.
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Hornbjarg Bird Cliffs
Mt. Hornbjarg is one of the greatest seafowl abodes of the country.
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Husavik
Husavik is a small town in the north of Iceland on the shores of Skjalfandi bay. Husavik has become a centre of whale watching in the north due to whales of different species that frequently enter the bay. It is also home to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, which contains specimens from every mammal that lives in Iceland.
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Ilulissat
Beautifully situated in the the Disko Bay close to the gigantic icebergs from the world's most productive glacier we find in Ilulissat, North Greenland's largest town. Ilulissat is where ancient and modern Greenland meet in the most harmonic way. 5000 sledge dogs, and two modern fish factories provide employment for the population. A landing strip runs alongside the old sledge track to Thule. Whether you visit Ilulissat in March when the temperature is minus 30° C below zero (22°F) or in July when it might rise to 17°C (63°F)in the shade you will find an abundance af activities to enjoy - perhaps a sledge trip to one of our nearby villages? Or a boat trip in the unique light of the midnight sun. Greenland tends to enter the soul, and many of our guests come back year after year. Up here the sky is high and the scenery varies from quiet evenings at the edge of a lake to the thunder of "calving" icebergs.
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Kirkenes
Kirkenes is the center of the municipality of Sor-Varanger in Finnmark county, Norway. Tourist attractions include Grenselandsmuseet (The Border Country Museum), which shows the history of war and peace along the Norwegian-Russian border, Sami art exhibitions by the artist John Savio and a history of the mining industry in the area.
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Kjollefjord
Kjollefjord is the largest village in the municipality of Lebesby, Norway, on a fjord of the same name.
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Kristiansund
Kristiansund is built on three separate islands, this picturesque fishing village is a charming collection of colorful houses, quaint shops and several lighthouses.
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Lofoten Island
Nestled between the jagged range of Lofoten Islands is the tiny fishing hamlet of Gravdal with its wild, almost alpine grandeur. Fishing is still the main industry and many small villages with houses built on stilts over the water dot the landscape.
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Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, the archipelago experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude.Lofoten offers unique rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities. It has 24 hours of daylight in the summer and has Alpine-style ridges, summits and glaciers, but at a height of less than 1,200 meters
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Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway and also its capital. The settlement was founded in 1906 by John Munroe Longyear, main owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. "Byen" is Norwegian for "the city". It was destroyed by the Germans in 1943 and rebuilt after World War II, with the old foundations still visible in some places. Until the early-1990s the coal mining industry was the major employer in Longyearbyen. The daily life circled only around the mining business. Today, the community offers a wide range of activities and facilities. There is a swimming hall, a climbing wall, a big sports hall, a grocery store, three pubs, three hotels, one church, several tourists shops, a cinema (Sundays) and one night club, and a squash court.
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Lysefjord
The Lysefjord is located in the county of Rogaland, south in Fjord Norway, on the west coast of Norway.
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Magdalena Bay
This unique fjord surrounds you with magnificient mountain peaks and glacial vistas. Listen to the giant glaciers groan as they give birth to icebergs.
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Magdalenafjord
Located on the northwest coast of the island of Spitsbergen, Norway, Magdalenafjord sits about 750 miles from the frosty North Pole. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the ebony shades of the rugged snow-peaked mountains nearby, which stand in stark contrast to the blue-tinged glacier skimming off into the sea. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Magdalenafjord and the surrounding Svalbard archipelago were prime whaling locations, and were later mined for coal. Fortunately, the majesty of the fjord's dramatic scenery was undisturbed and it remains a haven for wildlife, such as Arctic terns, whales, dolphins, seals and walruses.
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Maloy
Maloy is located on the south-eastern side of the island of Vagsoy, which the municipality is named after, and is connected to the mainland by the bridge Maloybrua. It is one of the most important fishing ports in the region. In 1997, Maloy was allowed by the municipality to call itself a town.
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Molde
Molde enjoys, as a beautiful backdrop, the mighty range of the snow-capped Romsdal Mountains. These peaks provide for an unusually temperate climate, in fact mild enough to have earned Molde the title of "City of Roses." This climate, warmed by the distant Gulf Stream, also accounts for Molde's popularity as a tourist destination for the last 100 years. Apart from this gorgeous setting, Molde offers attractive parks and gardens.
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Murmansk
Murmansk is a city and seaport in the extreme northwest part of Russia, on the Kola Bay, 12 km from the Barents Sea on the northern shore of the Kola Peninsula, not far from Russia's borders with Norway and Finland. Murmansk is the administrative center of Murmansk Oblast. The port remains ice-free year round due to the warm North Atlantic drift ocean current and is an important fishing and shipping port
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Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq offers a beautiful view of the Qassiarsuk sheep farms on the other side of the fjord. The green fields and slopes explain why Erik the Red chose the name Greenland. He settled at this very spot in Qassiarsuk with his family in 985 and named the site Brattahlid. To this very day the ruins from the Norse era are clearly visible, as are the elegant reconstructions of Erik's farmstead and Thjodhildur's Church.
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Narvik
In the heart of fjord country, where Ofotfjorden cuts deep inland from the mountainous northwest coast, lies the port of Narvik, a small, peaceful town surrounded by astonishing beauty.
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Nevlunghavn
This gem on the Norwegian coast has less than 600 inhabitants, but during summertime thousands of guests visit this idyllic village. There are cafes and shops, a sandy beach and several interesting art galleries in the old shrimp factory. Close to Nevlunghavn is Molen, a huge moraine from the glacial age with 14 huge Bronze Age and early Iron Age burial places made of rolling stones. The site is so striking, it is often used in fashion photo shoots. Also nearby is Norway's smallest town, Stavern, affectionately known as "The Dimple of Norway." Its charmingly quaint streets and wooden houses are still intact, and the town has been home to many of Norway's most well-known and celebrated artists including Herman Wildenvey and Jonas Lie and our very own Captain Dag Dvergastein.
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North Cape
North Cape is a monumental experience and offers a fascinating view from 307 meter above the North Atlantic Ocean, sometimes illuminated by the midnight sun. North Cape is something extraordinary - the climatic conditions, the dramatic cliff itself and the fact that one is located on the utmost point of Europe, enhances the experience.
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Nuuk
As the capital of Greenland, Nuuk is the center of its trade, shipping, industry and administration. Nuuk, also known as "the promontory," is located at the tip of a large peninsula by the mouth of the gigantic Nuuk Fjord. The town is the oldest in Greenland, built by the Danish missionary Hans Egede in 1728. With a population of more than 13,000 people, Nuuk is considered Greenland's largest town.
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Ny Alesund
Svalbard means cold land, which is what the Vikings thought of Spitzbergen when they named the archipelago in 1194 AD. Ny Alesund isn´t really a town, but it does have a post office. And you can have your letters stamped with the world´s northern-most postmark. And see where famous Norwegian explorer Amundsen embarked on his lonely flight to the North Pole in 1926.
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Olden
Situated along the innermost arm of the Nordfjord, this picturesque village of western Norway is surrounded by some of Scandinavia´s most captivating scenery. Here lies the largest glacier in all of Europe, the Jostedal, towering nearly 6,200 feet over a deep valley. The green fields, serene lakes and cascading falls of this region are simply breathtaking.
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Ornes
Ornes is a small village in the municipality of Meloy, Norway. Its population is 1,538. It is a station on Hurtigruten between Nesna and Bodo.
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Oye
Oye lies near the head of the Norangsfjord, inland of Alesund and close to Leknes. The Norangsfjord is a branch of the Hjorundfjord, one of the most visually impressive fjords in Norway. From here you can visit the majestic Norangsdal valley.
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Reykjavik
According to legend, Ingolfur Arnarson threw pillars engraved with images of pagan gods overboard from his Viking ship, vowing to settle wherever the pillars washed ashore. They landed at Smoky Bay where the first settlement of Reykjavik was established around 870 AD. The name Reykjavik, or "Smoky Bay," refers to the numerous geysers emanating from the thermal springs beneath the capital. Today, Reykjavik is a modern city but its past is preserved at many fine museums including the Arbaejarsafn.
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Rorvik
Rorvik is a port town in the Vikna archipelago on the Norwegian coast. There are several museums in Rorvik and a hotel. Telenor Mobil is an important employer, as is public service, fishing and commercial salmon fish farming.
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Rosendal
Located between Stavanger and Bergen in the mountainous Hordaland region is Hardangerfjord which, 183 km long and with a maximum depth of 830 m, is one of Norway's most beautiful fjords, noted for its spectacular scenery and majestic nature. At the entrance to Hardangerfjord, on the southern shore, is the little village of Rosendal (part of the municipality of Kvinnherad) where the Norwegian landscape is at its most characteristic: deep and narrow fjords, foaming waterfalls, and the Folgefonna, the third largest glacier in Norway.
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Sisimiut
The Arctic climate af Sisimiut has a temperature range of up to 20 degrees Celsius in the summer and down to - 35 degrees Celsius in the winter. Sisimiut is the most northern icefree town in the winter and the most southern town for dog-sledging. The main trade is fishing. Small and large trawlers and as well as cutters have their main port in Sisimiut. They fish shrimps, salmon, Greenland Halibut and cod. Hunting is also another mean of livelihood. Animals that are normally hunted are seals, walrus, Beluga Whale, narwhale, reindeer and musk oxen. The Royal Greenland factory is the largest within Greenland and is also the most modern shrimp-shelling factory in the world.
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Skjervoy
Skjervoy is a municipality in the county of Troms, Norway.The church of Skjervoy dates from 1721, and is the oldest wooden church in the county of Troms.
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Spitsbergen
Svalbard is both larger and further north than most people realise. The archipelago is located about halfway between Troms and the North Pole. Did you know that Longyearbyen is the northernmost place in the world that you can visit on a regular scheduled flight?
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Stavanger
With its famous cathedral, Stavanger holds a special place in the heart of most Norwegians. For it was here that the country was first united by the Viking king Harald Harfagre. Modern day Stavanger is the major center of Norways important oil industry and although partly damaged during World War II, much of old Stavanger remains intact. A relaxing stroll along Stavangers narrow, cobblestone streets reveal brightly painted houses and colorful flowers.
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Stavern
In Stavern, Norway’s smallest town, affectionately known as “The Dimple of Norway”, the unique and charmingly styled streets and wooden houses are still intact. This town was home to many of Norway’s most well known and celebrated artists including Herman Wildenvey and Jonas Lie.
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Surtsey
Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland. It was formed in a volcanic eruption which began 130 meters below sea level, and reached the surface on 14 November 1963.
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Svalbard
Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Europe, about midway between Norway and the North Pole.
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Svartisen Glacier
The Svartisen glacier is the second largest glacier in Norway.
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Svolvaer
Svolvaer is the unofficial capital of Lofoten and the administrative centre of Vågan Municipality (9200 inh) in Nordland County, Norway. This small town (population on 1 January 2005: 4,197) is a favourite starting point for tourists visiting the islands. Svolvaer was given township privileges in 1918, but this was discontinued following a merge with neighbouring municipalities in 1964. Township was declared again in 1996. Approximately 200,000 tourists visit Svolvaer each year. There is a small airport near the town, and Svolvaer is a port of call for Hurtigruten.
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Tromsoe
At this ancient whaling capital and base for expeditions to the North Pole, you'll enjoy Tromsoes appealing frontier atmosphere.
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Trondheim
Trondheim exudes history from every pore of her stave churches and cobbled streets. Take in the splendid Nidaros Domen, built in 1066 over the grave of St. Olaf. Its the most magnificent cathedral in Scandinavia. The Royal Familys vacation palace is here too. Its the largest wooden building in Norway.
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Ulvik
Ulvik is steeped in history, but is most famous for the fantastic views from the terrace at the Brakanes Hotel. Recommended is a visit to the Eidfjord Nature Centre, Voringsfossen Waterfalls and even the Folk museum at Utne. Also available within easy driving distance is Voss, with its own folk museum, cable car and shops, plus the craft centre at Norheim and local walks. The Stream Nest at Osa, home of the worlds purest water, pretty troll gardens - worth a visit and only 15 minutes drive. The hotel itself offers an optional 1hr cruise on the Ulvik Fjord, plus a locally based Sea Plane offers flights over the Hardangervidda National Park and Glacier.
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Vigur Island
This is the second largest island of the Isafjordur Bay. Vigur Island is the home of a family of farmers who also live off the treasures of the island.
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Vik
The Norwegian village of Vik stands on a huge bay between the sea and the mountains of Sognefjord, and is believed by many to be where the Viking civilisation originated. Similarly to the nearby village of Flam, it is located at one of the most beautiful spots on the spectacular Sognefjord, 'the fjord of all fjords'.
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