Cruise and Maritime Voyages

Surrounded by towering mountains the tiny village of Flåm, with some 500 inhabitants, nestles at the head of Aurlandsfjord, the innermost arm of the mighty Sognefjord. Its popularity as a tourist destination began in the late 19th century with the arrival of steamships carrying English and German passengers including Europe’s royals attracted by the salmon fishing in the Flåm River. Today’s visitors are drawn to Flåm for a chance to ride on one of the world’s steepest and most spectacular railways. A masterpiece of engineering, Flåm Railway twists and turns through the steep-sided Flåm Valley amidst some of Norway’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.
 

The picturesque village of Balestrand on the mighty Sognefjord has drawn visitors since the latter half of the 19th century. Many were artists drawn by Balestrand’s beautiful, natural setting and the contrasting changes of light. Some stayed and built characteristic wooden villas with dragonheads and other ornamentation on the roofs along the fjord on King Bele’s Road. Many beautiful paintings by well-known and visiting artists hang in the lounges of the distinctive Swiss-style Kvikne’s Hotel, which was built in 1877. Optional excursions from Balestrand feature dramatic mountain scenery, untamed waterfalls and dizzying mountain roads.

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city. Yet with a population of less than a quarter of a million, it has the feel of a small town. It is beautifully sited against a backdrop of seven mountains and the funicular ride to the summit of Mount Fløien affords wonderful panoramic views of Bergen and Norway’s attractive coastline. Overlooking the harbour the colourful Bryggen wharf is the face of Bergen. The characteristic wooden gabled buildings were once the home and offices of Hanseatic merchants but today house shops selling crafts and traditional souvenirs.