114 P&O CRUISES 2016
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Uncover the Troll-hunter’s paradise.
These lands of legend, ice and fire aren’t shy when it
comes to revealing their stunning natural splendour. In
fact, they like to flaunt it at every turn, with each new
vista competing to out-do the last for sheer jaw-dropping
beauty. However, if the myths are to be believed, there’s
more than just stunning scenery to be spotted. Keep your
eyes peeled...
Alesund, Norway
Alesund is the stuff of legends. A devastating fire
in 1904 left only 230 original homes intact, but
out of ashes was born a mix of colourful buildings,
fairytale turrets and spires. Stretching across
three islands at the gateway to the magnificent
Geirangerfjord, it’s one of the best examples of
Scandinavian Art Nouveau style. You can trace
the town’s trend setting style at the Art Nouveau
Centre, one of several museums in the town. The
pick is the open-air Sunnmøre Museum with its
quirky collection of replica Viking ships. On a rainy
day visit the vast Atlantic Sea Park – one of the
largest saltwater aquariums in northern Europe.
Speaking of which, the town loves to celebrate
its reputation as the home of cod fishing, so
throughout the summer expect a smattering of
music and food festivals among its smorgasbord
of delights.
Alta, Norway
A world of adventure awaits in Alta; here, you
could run with the pack on a dog sledding safari,
or follow herds of reindeer from a snow mobile.
Winter is known as the blue season, after the
distinctive blue light that contrasts sharply with
the snow’s brilliant white. Nicknamed the Town of
the Northern Lights, Alta is the site of the world’s
first Northern Lights observatory and in winter is
the perfect place to witness this most astonishing
of events.
Andalsnes, Norway
It’s all about the dramatic scenery in Andalsnes.
Sheltered by the towering Romsdal Alps, this small,
friendly Alpine town lies at the northern end of the
sparkling Romsdalsfjord at the mouth of the River
Rauma. From its mountainous peaks, see staggering
panoramic vistas of serene green valleys dusted
with snow. Just south of Andalsnes, the famous
Trollstigen road winds through pretty villages and
scenic fjords. Dig out your camera – from the
stone bridge viewing platform there are some truly
stunning views of the Stigfossen waterfall cascading
over the Trollveggen (Troll Wall). At nearly 6,000
feet it is the highest vertical drop in northern
Europe. Another way to see the Troll Wall – and
even more dramatic Alpine scenery – is to take the
Rauma Railway steam train which leaves from a
station right by the cruise port.
Bergen, Norway
Lose yourself along the eastern shore of Vågen
Harbour, otherwise known as Bryggen. With its
rows of pastel-coloured gabled buildings, this
charming UNESCO World Heritage Site is an
enchanting spot attracting artists, craftspeople,
bijou shops and trendy boutiques. With its backdrop
of inviting mountains strung out like pearls, you’ll
probably want to climb, so walk from the pier up
to Nygårdshøyden, home to the University Library
and some beautiful buildings, like the piano-shaped
Grieg Concert Hall named after Edvard Grieg. In the
park you’ll find many of the city’s art museums, a
lake and the town hall. For the final push, board the
funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløien to be
rewarded with some truly spectacular views.
Flaam, Norway
Translated as “little town between steep
mountains”, Flaam is exactly how you would expect;
tucked in at the head of the Aurlandsfjord and
hemmed in by spectacular towering peaks. What
the name missed out are those majestic tumbling
waterfalls, lush pastures and winding, salmon-
filled rivers, but that may have been a bit of a
mouthful. Having built a town in such beautiful but
remote surroundings, the problem of accessibility
was solved by the Flaam Railway, a meandering
masterpiece of engineering rising 2,845ft through
20 tunnels to Myrdal station. One of the most
beautiful railway journeys in the world, and originally
built to carry mail rather than people; we can only
be thankful that email hadn’t been invented when
they laid the first sleeper.
Geiranger, Norway
The shiny jewel in the fjords’ crown. The
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and quite simply, it’s absolutely stunning. Majestic,
snow-flecked mountain peaks, tumbling waterfalls
and lush, green trees – the view really does take your
breath away as you glide the mirrored waters on
your cruise ship. But you can’t come all this way and
not get up close. There are several ways up – one
is driving round the winding mountainside roads,
around 11 hairpin bends past farms, villages and
churches, clinging to the steep hillside. The second
(and more rewarding way) is via the zig-zag path
to the spectacular 100-foot Storsæter Waterfall,
cascading down the mountainside.
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