An Epic Self Drive Adventure in Norway Fjord

About the destination: Oslo is lively and contemporary, featuring a mix of architectural styles, a cutting-edge nightlife, and top-tier museums. Situated between the Oslofjord and the forests, nature is a focal point in the capital, where you can enjoy sailing, skiing, and hiking just a short distance from the city center. This is certainly a destination for those who love the outdoors and wildlife. As you sail past lush green islands and towering rock formations, the city reveals itself - spreading out from its compact center around the docks to the forested sides of the nearby hills. Oslo's beauty is enhanced by its diversity, with a mix of modern and ancient buildings that give the city a unique feel. The steel-and-glass Munch Museum contrasts with the old-world charm of the City Museum and the rugged medieval walls of the Akershus Fortress, which looms over the fjord. Most visitors will find it hard to choose from Oslo's many museums, which cater to nearly every interest: a close encounter with Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, an opportunity to experience the life of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a glimpse into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. Oslo is undoubtedly the cosmopolitan center of Norway, with a rapidly expanding café and bar scene, top-quality restaurants, and nightlife options that range from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock. The capital's flourishing restaurant scene has earned it four Michelin stars. The Grünerløkka district, located near the Munch Museum, is filled with bustling sidewalk cafés and stylish bars. A thriving, truly lively city, the cosmopolitan center of Norway truly offers something for everyone.

About the destination: Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and has recently emerged as the country's oil capital. Despite the rapid expansion due to North Sea exploration, Stavanger has successfully preserved its old-world charm while providing all the amenities of a modern city. The central area around Vågen harbor is typically bustling with activity, especially during the summer. There are numerous bars, cafes, and dining spots. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, is a beautiful collection of traditional Norse-style houses. The historic center of Stavanger houses several artisan workshops and the Norwegian Canning Museum. It is said that there are 173 white cottages from the 1800s in this area, making it the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. The magnificent Stavanger Cathedral is located right in the center of the city, between the main harbor and Breiavatnet Lake. The overall style is Romanesque, but the eastern side is distinctly Gothic, complete with all the specific elements. The Norsk Oljemuseum, with its intriguing architecture, is located in an impressive building by the harbor and provides a history of oil in the North Sea and an insight into the industry. Beyond the central area, there are numerous parks, open spaces, and bike paths to explore the stunning local scenery. Stavanger itself offers plenty to do, with its own theater, museums, and concert hall. During the summer, various festivals are held and the city center is abuzz with activity.

About the destination: Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and has recently emerged as the country's oil capital. Despite the rapid expansion due to North Sea exploration, Stavanger has successfully preserved its old-world charm while providing all the amenities of a modern city. The central area around Vågen harbor is typically bustling with activity, especially during the summer. There are numerous bars, cafes, and dining spots. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, is a beautiful collection of traditional Norse-style houses. The historic center of Stavanger houses several artisan workshops and the Norwegian Canning Museum. It is said that there are 173 white cottages from the 1800s in this area, making it the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. The magnificent Stavanger Cathedral is located right in the center of the city, between the main harbor and Breiavatnet Lake. The overall style is Romanesque, but the eastern side is distinctly Gothic, complete with all the specific elements. The Norsk Oljemuseum, with its intriguing architecture, is located in an impressive building by the harbor and provides a history of oil in the North Sea and an insight into the industry. Beyond the central area, there are numerous parks, open spaces, and bike paths to explore the stunning local scenery. Stavanger itself offers plenty to do, with its own theater, museums, and concert hall. During the summer, various festivals are held and the city center is abuzz with activity.

About the destination: Flåm is a village in the municipality of Aurland, in the province of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, which is in turn an arm of the Sognefjord. The town of Flåm has been a popular tourist destination since the late 19th century. It currently receives approximately 450,000 visitors a year. Major attractions include the fjord boat trip and the Flåmsbana, a 20km train between Flåm and Myrdal, being one of the most uneven railways in the world (including several spirals). An old train station houses a museum dedicated to Flåmsbana. The Rallarvegen route, linking Haugastøl with Voss, is also one of the main tourist attractions, especially for cyclists. Access by car to Flåm can be done by the European route E16 connecting Oslo and Bergen.

About the destination: Sogndal is a town in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It's situated on the northern coast of the Sognefjorden in the traditional region of Sogn. The town of Sogndalsfjøra, with a population of 3,455 in 2012, serves as the administrative hub of Sogndal municipality. Other towns include Kaupanger, Kjørnes, Fimreite, Nornes, and Fjærland. Sogndal Airport, Haukåsen is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southwest of Kaupanger. The local dialect spoken in Sogndal is known as sognamål. In 1917, a farmer in Sogndal unearthed the Eggja stone, a tombstone with runic inscriptions that hold significant importance for the history of the Old Norse language.

About the destination: Traditional pinnacle structures speckle the cobblestone roads of Alesund, a vibrant harbor encircled by emerald-green fjords and wooded mountains. After being completely destroyed by fire in 1904, Alesund was reconstructed and extravagantly adorned with the assistance of Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. The Norwegian architects overseeing the rebuild were greatly influenced by Jugendstil, the German variant of Art Nouveau, making the town one of the finest remaining examples of this fluid, highly individualistic, turn-of-the-century design. Furthermore, Alesund is the ideal location to discover some of Norway's most renowned natural and cultural attractions. Alesund's stunning Art Nouveau architecture is recognized globally. Narrow lanes are packed with buildings crowned with turrets, spires, and gables that feature dragonhead and curlicue decorations. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns globally, Alesund was honored with the prestigious Houens National Memorial Prize in 1998 for preserving its unique architecture. The Alesund Museum, located in the town center, showcases the city’s rich history with ship models and vintage attire. For a stunning view of Old Alesund, the harbor, and the mountains beyond, take a walk up to Aksla hill. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the island of Runde, a haven for birds. Alesund is a contemporary city with a diverse cultural scene and thrilling cafes and restaurants. The sea, the fjords, the mountains, the numerous islands, all so picturesque and welcoming, and the multitude of turrets, spires, and beautiful decorations that give the town its unique character are like something out of a fairytale.

About the destination: Oslo is lively and contemporary, featuring a mix of architectural styles, a cutting-edge nightlife, and top-tier museums. Situated between the Oslofjord and the forests, nature is a focal point in the capital, where you can enjoy sailing, skiing, and hiking just a short distance from the city center. This is certainly a destination for those who love the outdoors and wildlife. As you sail past lush green islands and towering rock formations, the city reveals itself - spreading out from its compact center around the docks to the forested sides of the nearby hills. Oslo's beauty is enhanced by its diversity, with a mix of modern and ancient buildings that give the city a unique feel. The steel-and-glass Munch Museum contrasts with the old-world charm of the City Museum and the rugged medieval walls of the Akershus Fortress, which looms over the fjord. Most visitors will find it hard to choose from Oslo's many museums, which cater to nearly every interest: a close encounter with Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, an opportunity to experience the life of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a glimpse into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. Oslo is undoubtedly the cosmopolitan center of Norway, with a rapidly expanding café and bar scene, top-quality restaurants, and nightlife options that range from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock. The capital's flourishing restaurant scene has earned it four Michelin stars. The Grünerløkka district, located near the Munch Museum, is filled with bustling sidewalk cafés and stylish bars. A thriving, truly lively city, the cosmopolitan center of Norway truly offers something for everyone.