Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Norway Part 1 - January 2024

When I set out on this journey I had three goals in mind. To discover new countries and cultures, to give back by volunteering and to continue to explore and expand on my bucket list. For 2024 I added a four goal, to get out of my comfort zone and try new activities. There is no better place in the world to start the new year than in a brand new country - Norway.

Oslo

It was an easy flight from the UK to Oslo. Hopped off the airport tram into a snowstorm. After checking into my hotel for the next few days, I explored the neighborhood and checked out the Christmas Market.

With the Oslo pass in hand, I checked out several museums in the Bygdoy area. During the summer months a ferry connects downtown Oslo to Bygdoy. The rest of the year it's an easy tram ride which is included in the Oslo pass. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum). Norsk Folkemuseum . You will find 160 historic buildings situated in beautiful surroundings. Walk between different parts of Norway, from cities to the countryside, while you envision the joys and struggles of everyday life through the centuries. The highlight is the Gol stave church, built in the 1200s.

The Kon-Tiki Museum houses objects from Heyerdahl's expeditions as well as the original Kon-Tiki raft. Thor Heyerdahl is one of history’s most famous explorers. In 1947 he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki. He later completed similar achievements with the reed boats Ra, Ra II and Tigris, through which he championed his deep involvement for both the environment and world peace. He was also responsible for important archeological excavations on the Galapagos and Easter Islands. The Kon-Tiki Museum

The major shopping area in Oslo is situated around the Karl Johan Gate. It runs from the central station to the royal palace. It's a beautiful stroll any time of the year.

Norway in a Nutshell

There are several ways to get from Oslo to Bergen, You can fly, drive, take a bus, take a train but the most beautiful way to travel between these two cities is via the Norway in a Nutshell trips. The Norway in a Nutshell® tour. The itinerary for Norway in a Nutshell varies a little depending on which route you do, but each schedule involves:

• A train ride on part of the Oslo-Bergen railway, described as one of the world’s great railways journeys.

• A bus ride through mountain roads filled with gorgeous waterfalls.

• A boat ride through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord

• A train ride on the Flåm Railway, a stunningly scenic branch line which travels from the banks of the Aurlandsfjord at Flåm up to join the main Oslo-Bergen railway at Myrdal.

Bergen

During my 17 days in Norway, I visited many towns and cities. By far my favorite is Bergen. It has so much to offer in terms of maritime and military history, walkable downtown and lots of outdoor activities. Any trip to Bergen needs to include a tram ride up to the top of Mt. Floyen to get majestic panoramic views of the city.

Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway and the gateway city to explore the fjords. Remnants of the old wharf still stands. It was fun walking around the old Hanseatic Wharf and Bergenhus Fortress (both a military fortress and the royal seat) which dates back to the 1500's.