Norway’s Fjords and Mountains

THE START OF A HOLIDAY IS ALWAYS EXCITING

But when the start is the sight of the most beautiful RMS Queen Mary 2 transatlantic ocean liner in dock at Southampton – beckoning and welcoming you to board and sail away with her to the fjords and mountains of Norway – the excitement is just unbearable!

So come on, let’s go!

Our first couple of days are at sea – a chance to relax into the ship’s routine and find their lovely, quiet lounges and lively bars, shop, catch a show, watch a movie and do a deck walk. In between, good food, great wine and new friends….

Our first stop is Bergen – we took the funicular up Mount Floein for a panoramic view of the city. We had time to go out on the lake there in a canoe, and we made our first acquaintance with Norway’s folk Iore pixies - trolls - of which we were to meet many more!

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and it’s known as the gateway to the fjords. There is an interesting fish market in the harbour. The main shopping area of Bergen was rebuilt after a fire in 1916, and it’s well worth looking around the main square Torgallmenningen at the fabulous art nouveau architecture.

 

Our next port of call was Alesund – this is art noveau at its best. Another fire in 1904 fanned by a gale destroyed the city, mostly built of wooden structures causing the population of Alesund to flee in the middle of the night. After the fire the town was rebuilt in Jugendstil style (the German version of art neauveau) with turrets, spires and ornamentation.

Then to Flam where we are in heart of the fjords. This beautiful small town is nestled deep in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls – this is Norwegian paradise. We took the breath-taking train journey – and watched in awe as the scenery unfolded from our big picture window. Down in the town we walked to a tiny beautiful wooden church, said to be Norway’s oldest, having been built in 1667.

 

 

Alas, all too soon we reached our final port of call – Stavanger. They discovered oil in Stavanger, so it is known as the petroleum capital of Norway. The city is a collection of islands, inter laced by bridges and a lovely blend of old and new. Most famous here is the shopping street, Ovre Holmgate with its row of colourful houses.

But before we sailed into Southampton there was our final day at sea – afternoon tea and a masquerade ball …. leaving us with our memories of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 sailing majestically through the fjords and mountains of Norway.

Will you follow me? I’d be delighted to advise you and book you on this wonderful cruise – just give me a call!