Blessed with dramatically steep-sided fjords, rocky coastal islands, grand glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and jagged cliff edges, Norway is a natural wonderland ripe for adventure.
From the serenity of cruising sheltered waters, to hiking, cycling and skiing its mountainous terrain, this awe-inspiring landscape promises year-round action. Duck into the hustle and bustle of some of the many picturesque and historic ports and savour the fresh local produce of salmon, shrimp and cod in traditional wooden taverns. Renowned for their friendliness, the Norwegians are ready to lavish you with Scandinavian hospitality.
STAVANGER
Stavanger's old centre has some of the most beautiful and best-preserved wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, many dating back to the 18th century. It is chocolate-box pretty, with a bustling waterfront from which to savour the long summer evenings. Stavanger is the perfect starting point from which to explore the nearby Lysefjord and for tackling the classic hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
BERGEN
Bergen welcomes visitors to its narrow, colourful streets and beautifully sheltered harbour. A scenic city with a nautical spirit, it features colourful markets and unbeatable seafood. The wharf side area of Bryggen is particularly charming, lined with bright warehouses and quirky restaurants, cafés and artists’ workshops.
ALESUND
The home base for Norway's largest
cod-fishing fleet, Alesund sits on a narrow, fishhook-shaped sea-bound peninsula. Despite its primary source of income, this is no regular Norwegian port. After a devastating fire in 1904, the city was
rebuilt in curvaceous Jugendstil – art nouveau – style and today remains Scandinavia's most complete and harmonious example of the era. Alesund is also known for its panorama, which counts 222 peaks!
GEIRANGERFJORD
Cruising through the Geirangerfjord takes you past incredible mountain farms and the majestic Seven Sisters waterfall. UNESCO placed Geirangerfjord on its World Heritage list in 2005 and it’s easy to understand why such beauty needs to be preserved. Along the fjord, there are many activities available. You can trek the spectacular Jostedalsbren glacier that is easily reached via helicopter or go summer skiing in Stryn.
You can canoe your way up the fjord in total peace and tranquillity, stopping along the way to fish for salmon.
For another perspective on the landscape, hire an old vintage car and drive the stunning 7km of the Rv63 country road from Åndalsnes to Geiranger. As the road twists down the almost sheer slope in 11 hairpin bends, each one gives a yet more impressive glimpse along the narrow fjord.
MOLDE
Molde, hugging the shoreline at the wide mouth of Romsdalsfjorden, is known as the 'Town of Roses' for its fertile soil, rich vegetation and mild climate. But the town's chief claim to fame is its annual jazz festival, held in July. Modern Molde, though architecturally unexciting, is a pleasantly compact place wtih coastal landscapes that recall New Zealand or Seattle's Puget Sound. To test the comparison, drive or take the one-hour signed walking trail up to the Virden overlook, 400m above the town.
Undoubtedly a must-see destination because of its jaw-dropping beauty, Norway also tantalises with the prospect of catching the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights – a natural phenomena that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE CHARTER TEAM ON CHARTER@CECILWRIGHT.COM
OR CALL +44 20 7408 1001
+377 97 98 76 60
When to go?
For the adventure enthusiast, June and July are ideal due to the very long days (sometimes only a couple of hours of dusk, depending how far north you are). For the nature enthusiast, September offers the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Which Yacht?
LEGEND
77.4m Icon (1974, refit: 2016)
26 guests & 19 crew
EUR 460,000 per week
