Baltic Jewels & the Midnight Sun

  • From £12,990
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  • 29 Days
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  • 19 Guided Tours
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  • 8 Countries

Bergen, Norway

Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots, is located in the heart of western Norway, nestled between seven gargantuan mountain peaks. It is also the gateway to the country’s magnificent fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen was Norway’s capital during the 13th century; today, it is the second-largest city in Norway. Not to be missed is a stroll through the picturesque outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, where the fresh catch of the sea awaits—from cod and prawns to local caviar and icy oysters.

Videos

Tour Edvard Grieg’s Bergen home with Christian Grøvlen

Explore the former Bergen estate of world-famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg with Christian Grøvlen, director of the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen. Follow Christian as he guides us through the home, the composer’s hut and the chamber music hall known as Troldsalen. As a special treat, Christian—who is also a renowned pianist—performs a piece by Grieg himself the beautiful Opus 54. At the conclusion of our visit, John Hovland, sales manager for the museum, answers viewers’ questions.

The World of Edvard Munch

Join Karine on a journey into Oslo’s renowned Munch Museum, where you will enter the world and mind of master expressionist Edvard Munch, painter of The Scream and more than 40,000 pieces of art.

The Distinctive Bunad, A Statement of Norwegian Pride

The traditional Norwegian bunad is one of the country’s most iconic expressions of cultural identity. Join Karine as she explores the history behind this unique attire.

Shrimp Peeling in Bergen

Join two shrimp-peeling experts as they demonstrate their different methods. Try both and see which technique works for you. Then savor your hard-earned meal with white bread and a glass of chilled white wine!

Norway’s Penny Loafers

Join Karine as she explores the origin of this much-loved shoe known as Weejuns in America, so named in honor of its Norwegian ancestry. Learn how it made its way to America and how it played a role in Norway’s World War II history.

King Haakon of Norway’s Daring Escape in WWII

Follow the riveting story of King Haakon, who evaded the Nazis during their invasion of Norway, then continued to lead his people from the UK throughout the conflict.

Husmanskost: A Taste of Norway

Over the centuries, Norwegians created national dishes based on the seasonal availability of ingredients. Karine and the manager of Frognerseteren share some typical husmanskost dishes.

Gjetost: Norwegian Goat Cheese

Meet some of Norway’s four-footed locals, and learn about this quintessential Norwegian brown goat cheese as Karine shares the story behind gjetost.

Friele: The Taste Norwegians Love

Go behind closed doors with Karine for an insider’s look at the process that brings Friele, Norwegians’ favorite coffee, to life and learn about the fascinating art of “cupping.”

Explorer Leif Eriksson

Join Viking as we chronicle the story of Leif Eriksson, the Norse navigator who set out to explore the seas west of Greenland and discovered America, 500 years before Columbus.