1200 miles from the North Pole, Honningsvag is the largest fishing village in Finnmark. From here it is only a short drive to the North Cape (left). It is here that you can stand on the 1000 feet high cliffs to see what many have written about but few have seen; the midnight sun. Hanging above the Arctic Ocean, the sun casts an eerie, hazy glow - it is a sight that will never be forgotten. And we were so lucky to see this sight on one of only four days in the year when the conditions were just perfect. Our ship passed the cliffs of the North Cape at Midnight after leaving Honningsvag..
Hammerfest is the world’s most northerly town since it was awarded a city charter on 17 July 1789. It is therefore North Norway’s oldest city. The borough has approximately 9200 inhabitants and a surface area of 844 km2 and covers the islands of Soroya, Kvaloya and Seiland. It is the natural centre for the region
The Polar Bear Club at Hammerfest (above) and a view of the most attractive harbour (above right)
Molde and the Atlantic Road. For more than a hundred years Molde has been known as the “Town of Roses” because of its luxuriantly flowering rose gardens. The town faces South on the Romsdalsfjord. The Atlantic Road (below left) is an hour’s drive North of the town and is a series of Islands which have been linked by a road. Four of our friends joined us in a Taxi ride to visit the mist enshrouded area....
Geiranger is an attractive Fjordland town in its own right. Beyond this port, however, is where the beauty lies. It is set on the spectacular Geirangerfjord where you can hear, then see a glacial stream, turned waterfall, plummeting hundreds of feet over sheer rock into Horindalsvannet, Europe’s deepest lake. Soaring above is Mount Dalsnibba and just a short walk from the town will set you amidst some of Norway’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
The Costa Atlantica and the Thomson Celebration at anchor in Geirangerfjord
The beauty that is Geirangerfjord
Balestrand with its beautiful backdrop of mountains, waterfalls and foliage, is one of Norway’s most captivating settings, its tranquil, friendly atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing stroll through its charming streets, or longer hike through the surrounding mountains. Sit by the shoreline and you can drink in the scenery all day long. Go further a field and you’ll see a dramatic coastline panorama that can only be found in Norway.
Balestrand (left and centre above) and the rainy streets of Bergen (right)
Thank you Arctic Norway for a wonderful holiday.
