NORWAY - WORLDWIDE TRAVEL INFORMATION
Posted February 17th, 2012
LATEST WORLDWIDE TRAVEL NEWS
NORWAY
Information and photos provided by Cruise Norway AS
Update February 2012
News from Haugesund
Haugesund is a new cruise port of call, situated between Stavanger and Bergen and surrounded by the Norwegian Fjords. The town centre, with a wide range of shopping possibilities, is just a short walk from the quay.
Haugesund is a young and vibrant town but with its roots dating back to Viking times. The Viking, Harald Fairhair, united Norway as a kingdom here. The Haugesund region is called the “Homeland of the Viking Kings, Norway´s birthplace”.
Haugesund offers a great range of tours that are based on history, culture and wild landscape.
HISTORY
Avaldsnes - called Norway’s oldest throne because King Harald Fairhair made this town his main residence after he had unified Norway into one kingdom around 870 AD. At Avaldsnes you can experience The Viking Farm, St Olav´s Church from the Middle Ages, and the Nordvegen History Center.
Vigsnes Mining Museum - Did you know that the copper used in the Statue of Liberty in New York came from Karmøy? Information about this and the history of the mining community, which consisted of about 3000 inhabitants in the 1800s, can be obtained at the Mining Museum in Visnes.
The charming town of Skudeneshavn - The “old town” is a idyllic place, consisting of 130 well preserved white wooden houses, originating from the 1800s.
CULTURE
The cultural program includes events such as the Sildajazz Festival, Iron Man, the Norwegian Film Festival, Harbour Days in Skudesneshavn and Haugesund, the World’s Longest Herring Table, the Salty Seas Race Weekend and one of Norway´s biggest Christmas Markets.
WILD LANDSCAPE
Åkrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall which, in March 2011, was voted one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in the world by CNN. With its 612 metre drop (2008 feet), Langfoss is the fifth largest waterfall in Norway.
News from North Cape
Nordkapphallen (North Cape Hall) is open all year round and is a tourist centre for visitors to the North Cape. The centre offers a host of facilities. The Supervideograph wide-screen system shows a film by Ivo Caprino about the four seasons at the North Cape. There are exhibitions in the underground tunnel about the North Cape's long history as a destination for travellers. St Johannes Kapell is the world's northernmost ecumenical chapel and, when combined with the "Nord Cape Suite", it is a popular venue for weddings. There is also a vast selection of items to choose from in the exciting souvenir and gift shop.
The Compass restaurant provides good food and a fantastic view of the Arctic Ocean. The restaurant seats 250, which is good capacity for functions and banquets. The Grotten Bar is like a vast cave, hewn into the North Cape cliff. The Grotten can seat 350, which means that it can be used for conferences, concerts and similar events. The coffee house is a nice place to enjoy a good cup of coffee and freshly baked waffles.
News from Røros
Røros in winter: The mining and farming activities within the town boundaries have created a unique mountain settlement which has earned Røros a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Røros is one of Europe’s oldest preserved wooden towns with around 100 protected buildings.
The town center hosts a thriving handicraft community, workshop outlets, quaint little boutiques and good cafés and restaurants. Make a point of sampling the delicious locally produced food which is served in virtually every restaurant in Røros. This is one of Norway’s leading regions for locally produced food.
There are certain things you can depend on –like how abundant the snow is in Røros during winter. A snow-clad Røros appears, if possible, even more exotic.
The sparkling white winter is magical and you cannot leave Røros without having seen it from a torch-lit convoy of sleigh-pulling horses through Røros’ narrow, snow-covered streets. You sit snugly under a sheepskin rug as the sound of sleigh bells echoes around the houses.
The guided walk provides you with a basic introduction to how the old mining community has developed and in the old smelter building at Malmplassen in Røros town centre you can learn more about the history of Røros and about Røros Copperworks.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announces that Destination Røros, Norway is one of three finalists for the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Stewardship Award. Every year the industry leader World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recognises the very best in sustainable tourism with the globally renowned Tourism for Tomorrow Awards which are among the very highest accolades in the global travel & tourism industry.
Destination Røros is a finalist in the category Destination Stewardship, and has received this prestigious recognition for the destination’s outstanding work with a sustainable tourism programme which incorporates social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, as well as managing a multi-stakeholder engagement. The other finalists are Misool Eco Resort, Indonesia and Tanabe City, Japan.
This year’s winners and finalists will be honored at the awards ceremony in Tokyo, Japan in mid-April. This is one of the most distinguished and notable awards within the global travel and tourism industry, says Linda M. Ramberg, Director of Tourism. The local tourism and travel industry should be proud – and celebrate, she says. - This is immense recognition not only of the efforts made in recent years, but also of the inherited culture in the Røros region and the sustainability of an entire community. Four years ago, stakeholders in the destination company participated in an extensive strategic process to identify our strengths and opportunities. Sustainability became one of the focal points of our work and we are proud to see the enthusiasm among the local businesses involved in this work that has led us to yet another global acknowledgement.
News from Oslo
THE WORLD WINTER CAPITAL
Oslo - host of the Winter Olympics in 1952 and four Nordic Ski World Championships - have now hosted another exciting event, the World Snowboarding Championships.
Oslo Winterpark was the venue where the international competitors rode in February. The competitions were the halfpipe, quarterpipe and slopestyle and took place in Oslo Winterpark and in the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
ASTRUP FEARNLEY MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
In September 2012 Astrup Fearnley Museum will move into a new building at Tjuvholmen designed by world renowned architect Renzo Piano. Located in a park along the waterfront of Oslo it will embody the collection of the museum, temporary exhibitions as well as a shop and cafe.
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a privately owned museum in Oslo which collects and presents contemporary international art. The Museum was opened in 1993, but the Collection has a history that dates back to the 1960s. Over the last decade, the Museum has concentrated intensively on American contemporary artists – Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney and younger artists like Paul Chan, Frank Benson, Nate Lowman and Dan Colen, to name just a few.The new Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art at Tjuvholmen will be one of Oslo’s most exciting attractions.
MUNCH 2013
2013 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edvard Munch.
By way of national celebration, the artist's work and significance will be honored, and knowledge of Munch, his life and work will be promoted nationally and internationally with the aim of creating further interest in and appreciation of the artist known as the "Father of Expressionism". Events to commemorate the anniversary will take place throughout 2013, and we will update you with details on when and where as they are publicized.
HADELAND GLASSWORKS
Hadeland Glassverk is celebrating its 250th anniversary
Throughout 2012 we will be holding a number of exiting events for the general public. Together with the Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Association, Hadeland Glassworks is inviting visitors to a sales exhibition, Traditional Arts and Crafts, which will be held in the Art Gallery in the period 4- 26 February. The exhibition will focus on Norwegian arts and crafts and decorative arts and more than 40 exhibitors from all over the country will be displaying their products. They will include hide rug makers, knife makers, jewellery designers, potters and textile designers to mention just a few.
SPRING’S MOST BEAUTITUL ADVENTURE
Hadeland Glassworks is inviting visitors to “Princess for a Day” – an exhibition of bridal gowns from the last 250 years to be held from 10 March to 29 April.
The exhibits will include the spectacular gown Gunhild Anker Stordalen wore when she married financier Petter Stordalen in Morocco in 2010. The gown was specially designed for the bride by Donatella Versace.
The Hennes & Mauritz clothes chain has carried one bridal gown in its history. This will also be displayed here. It was designed by Victor & Rolf, Amsterdam, in 2006 as part of the chain’s tradition of inviting world famous designers to create collections for the “average customer”.
We will be exhibiting the leading bridal trends from 1762 till today, 2012.
Wedding and gift tables will be decorated as a source of inspiration for anyone getting married in 2012. Gifts given by or produced at Hadeland Glassverk for the Royal Palace on the occasion of weddings and other major events will also be displayed.
An exhibition called DUET is running parallel to all over events! This is a beautiful exhibition of costumes from Lise Sjåk Bræk and paintings from Anne Langsholt Apaydinli. The artists called the exhibition “DUET” because the two of them are “singing to the same tune’.
News from Bergen
TOURIST INFORMATION MOVES TO NEW PREMISES AT THE FISH MARKET
The information center for tourism, culture and experiences for the whole Bergen region will move into new premises at the Fish Market in March/April. The famous fish market in Bergen is going through major upgrades and will this season welcome all tourists with a new and fresh look.
At the Tourist Information centre you will have a panoramic view of the harbour and the Wharf. You will find exhibitions and presentations of what to see and do in Bergen and Fjord Norway. In addition to free help and advice, you can also buy a range of products and services. You can change most currencies and buy products and services using foreign currency.
BERGEN ART MUSEUM
Bergen has several valuable and impressive art collections, housed in a string of galleries facing the central Lille Lungegårdsvann lake. The galleries display international paintings and art treasures ranging from the classical to the contemporary.
In three separate buildings, Bergen Art Museum presents masterpieces ranging from the 15th century to present day. All buildings are accessible for physically disabled persons. Parts of the museum are available for receptions. For guided tours, please contact the museum.
”Lysverket” presents Norwegian and international art from the 15th century to contemporary art. Main works from the Stenersen Collection are now on display at Lysverket. Also on the premises are a museum shop and the restaurant Bølgen & Moi. ”The Rasmus Meyer Collection” presents Norwegian masterpieces from the 18th century to 1915 as well as a unique collection of Edvard Munch’s paintings along with works by notable Norwegian painters such as J.C.Dahl, Adolph Tidemand, Harriet Backer, Christian Krohg and Nikolai Astrup. ”Stenersen” is the location of temporary exhibitions and a museum shop. Smakverket, the museum café, is open during opening hours.
BERGEN KUNSTHALL - BERGEN CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
Bergen Kunsthall is one of Norway´s largest institutions for contemporary art. Founded in 1838, it is now located in beautiful surroundings at the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake in a modernistic building from 1935 by the architect Ole Landmark. The institution consists of three showrooms: Kunsthallen, the main exhibition area with four spaces, the sales gallery NO.5, and Landmark, a screening room for multimedia, video-art, theater, electronic music and concerts. Bergen Kunsthall´s main ambition is to play a leading role in both the production and presentation of challenging exhibitions and art projects.
WEST NORWAY MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ART
William Singer, American painter and art collector. His art collection in the impressive, exclusive green room, creates an extraordinary opportunity to make your visit unforgettable. The Art of China collection has an exceptional atmosphere with Chinese art and History. Available for occasions such as conferences, company gatherings or receptions. The museum also includes art and design spanning 500 years. Nordic design furniture and clothes, modern art jewellery, Bergen silverware and also Ole Bull’s famous violin made by Gasparo de Salo in 1562.
News from Olden - Nordfjord
(Photo: Ernst Riha)
VIA FERRATA LOEN – NEW ITINERARY
Tours from Port of Olden – Nordfjord for 2012 will offer a wide range of itineraries. Among the itineraries you can experience the beautiful mountains and the spectacular scenery of Loen from the Via Ferrata to Mt. Hoven (1010 m.a.s). An experience for all who seek a little extra excitement. We will also offer a picturesque resort, Yrineset, on the banks of Lake Olden. Here you can catch your own fish for your barbeque.
News from Harstad
(Photo: Øyvind Arvola)
WINTER CRUISES
Harstad is aiming to attract cruise ships during the winter and has enlisted the help of others to provide new winter experiences for our visitors.
Northern Lights trips - at sea or in the mountains, sleigh rides with horses, sleigh rides with dogs, fishing trips, and a variety of winter activities such as; walks with snow shoes, visit to a lavvo (Sami tent), skiing, steerable sledge games in the snow, snow scooters and much more.
In addition, we have attractions that are open all year offering experiences in time and history. Harstad is renowned for its competent guides who help to make your experience unique.
NUPEN
Voted Norway's most romantic place to see the midnight sun.
Nupen - a cultural stopping place, is situated at the border of Harstad and Kvæfjord, it is a popular place to visit, famous for the view to Andfjord and the midnight sun during the season. (from 20th May to 20th July). Nupen has been voted Norway's most romantic place to view the midnight sun by a well known travel magazine, and it is a great place to stop to take some photos.
Your visit can be included in a trip to various other attractions such as Hemmestad Wharf, the Trastad Collection and Røkenes Farm and Guesthouse.
The area also attracts many visitors outside the summer season and is well worth a visit even when the weather is not at its best.
During the winter there is no light pollution here so you have a clear view of the swaying Northern Lights or the fantastic clear starry sky.
News from Kristiansund
(Photo: Terje Rakke)
Once every spring for the last six years the picturesque Norwegian coastal town of Kristiansund has been turned in to a photographer's paradise, with the world's top photographers meeting up to share their work, their experiences or simply to share a glass of wine and a pleasant conversation at the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography, a photographic festival unlike any other.
Built upon four islands surrounding a lively harbor, with majestic mountains on one side and the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other, the colorful and exotic community that is Kristiansund provides the perfect setting for the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography, an event certain to make a long lasting impression on its guests.
“Joining Nordic Light is a great way to recharge your brain. The festival is a delicacy for photography lovers, whether you just like photography or are a hard-core enthusiast”, says Artistic Director Morten Krogvold. "We want to be a festival for everyone who is interested in people, for those who want to develop themselves by listening to other people's stories and to catch a glimpse of the world through others’ lenses. Our festival is not yet the biggest, but it is still the very best. Welcome!" The festival dates are April 24-28, 2012
News from Hardanger
The ports of Hardangerfjord have an image of peace and harmony, with no congestion or stress for the passengers. This is why the Hardangerfjord ports – as the only Norwegian ports – are Partners of the Cruise Gateway project, under the slogan “Towards sustainable growth of cruise shipping in the North Sea region”.
With the huge growth of cruise ship calls, the ports of Hardangerfjord is aware of the danger of damaging the image. This year the fjord is expecting 117,000 passengers, up from 85,000 in 2011. And passenger bookings for next year already amount to 144,000 passengers. Some days in 2013 have therefore been blocked for additional bookings as the number of passengers exceeds 4,000 per day. In this way they can take care of the passengers in an acceptable way, and the pressure on some of the attractions will not be excessive.
2012 will see many cruise highlights in Hardangerfjord; the maiden cruise of AIDAmar, the 3-day call by Saga Sapphire and the Holland America Line’s first calls at Hardangerfjord.