Helårskatalog COM 2023

Norway Longing for

Freedom in the great outdoors fishing & camping

Western Norway’s cultural gems Bergen & Stavanger

Enjoy and explore Kristiansand & southern Norway

Experience the majestic Pulpit Rock

MS Bergensfjord & MS Stavangerfjord

A comfortable start to your vacation

On our environment-friendly cruise ferries

MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord, your Norwegian vacation starts when you step aboard.

When you sail with us, you can look forward to a wide range of delicious food and drink with something for every taste. The Seaview Bar & Nightclub opens its doors every day to great music and entertainment for guests of all ages. In the Tax-Free Shop, a wealth of great offers awaits you, and in our Fashion Store, you will find clothes, jewellery and accessories for men, women and children alike –all from select quality brands.

A good sleep is important – and we make sure you can get it on board. Choose between 20 different types of cabins on our cruise ferries – from simple airseats to a suite with a double bed, sleeping couch and a panoramic view.

HIRTSHALS-KRISTIANSAND

Fjord FSTR

The fastest route to Norway

Our state-of-the-art catamaran, Fjord FSTR, brings you from Denmark to the south coast of Norway in just 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Even though the journey with Fjord FSTR seems to fly by, you will find plenty to do on board. At the front end of the ship, you can relax in our exclusive Lounge where, for a small extra fee, you can get a comfortable seat for the entire journey, including a wonderful view of the sea and a buffet where you can enjoy cold and hot food and drinks.

Our Tax-Free Shop is also worth a visit – here you can always find great offers to tempt you, and in our large Bistro and Café area in the middle of the ship, you will find everything your heart desires – from juicy burgers and vegetarian and vegan snacks to specialty coffee of Starbucks quality.

Environmentfriendly future

As a pioneer within climateconscious traveling, we put great effort in sustainable alternatives for passenger shipping.

Did you know…

• ...that Fjord FSTR has 32% less emissions than her predecessor?

• ...that our cruise ferries MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord almost exclusively sail on environment-friendly liquid gas and produce their own power for the guest cabins?

The jewel of the coast:

Kristiansand

Just a few hours’ ferry journey from Denmark, you can visit the southern Norway gem Kristiansand – a perfect holiday destination for young and old.

If you bring your children here on vacation, Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park should be highest on your agenda. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, pay a visit to the white sands and palm trees of Bystranden – the City Beach – just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, or take a quiet stroll through the impressive natural beauty of Ravnedalen park.

Don’t miss a visit to the charming historical district, Posebyen. The preserved buildings in this quarter are more than 300 years old and constitute the oldest continuous collection of wooden buildings in northern Europe. Explore the narrow streets, admire the intricate details of the wooden architecture and drink in the fascinating history of this unique part of the city.

Photo: Adam Read, Yngve Ask/Visit Sørlandet, Dyreparken i Kristiansand and Gettyimages.

Coastal idyll Picturesque

Southern Norway is characterized by a series of picturesque coastal villages with characteristic white wooden houses and an impressive archipelago with welcoming islands that tempt you with summer adventures.

This is of course why the area is also known as the “Norwegian Riviera”.

For several years, this area has been one of the Norwegians’ most popular and beloved destinations, but it is only recently that international tourists have discovered southern Norway’s special charm.

The landscape along the southern Norway coast is quite extraordinary. The many tiny islands and rocks make the area ideal for angling trips, swimming, sailing, canoeing,

kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, as well as for hiking and biking with views across the spectacular scenery.

Go on an outing to the southernmost point of Norway and discover the enchanting lighthouse Lindesnes Fyr. This historical gem not only offers a great view over the fascinating coastal scenery, but also an intriguing glimpse into Norway’s rich maritime history in the adjacent museum.

New 2023!

From the summer of 2023, you can travel to Kristiansand with us all year round – in summer four times a day.

Stavanger

Western Norway’s vivid cultural centre

Near the famous Lysefjord, the cultural gem Stavanger awaits. Here you can enjoy a fascinating mix of history, art and breath-taking nature that enchants its every visitor.

Drink in the charming atmosphere of the historical district Gamle Stavanger. This quarter of the city consists of 173 preserved wooden buildings from the early 19th century. Stroll through the winding streets where lavish flower gardens, arts and crafts make up a colourful contrast to the white-painted facades. Here you can experience Norwegian history and tradition up close!

Stavanger is the heart of the Norwegian oil industry. At the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, you can learn everything about the fascinating history and the huge significance this industry has had for Norway. Interactive displays and fascinating exhibits make a visit here an educative and exciting experience for young and old.

Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway, Espen Grønli/Norsk Oljemuseum and Richard Larssen/Visit Norway.

Fargegata

Translating to “the street of colours”, this street in Stavanger is a must for art lovers and photographers who want to explore the creative side of Stavanger. The street has been painted in all the colours of the rainbow and offers a joyful mix of creative, small stores, street art and culinary delicacies in a quite unique atmosphere.

Natural paradise on the fjord

In the area around Stavanger, one nature highlight follows the other. Enjoy a cruise on the majestic Lysefjord or experience exceptional hiking routes that draw thousands of visitors to the area every year. Discover the impressive Månafossen, the largest waterfall in the area, which gushes 92 metres down into a gorgeous lake – or climb the 4,444 steps of the world’s longest wooden staircase in Flørli to stare in wonder across the spectacular fjord scenery when you reach the last step of the staircase at a height of around 700 metres above sea level.

The Pulpit Rock – Norway’s natural wonder at Lysefjorden

The most beloved tourist attraction in the region – and one of the most popular attractions in Norway – is without a doubt the spectacular rock formation known as Preikestolen – the Pulpit Rock. The 604-metres-tall cliff towers almost vertically above the waters of the Lysefjord and ends in a square, flat plateau.

A short but worthwhile hike will lead you to this iconic viewpoint that will enchant you with its beauty and the panoramic view across the fjord. Preikestolen is not just a beloved destination for adventurers and travellers from all over the world but also a place for quiet and wonder that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits it.

Photo: Brian Tallman Photography, Carmen Cristina Pettersen Carpio/Region Stavanger, Daniel Møller/Ut i Sandnes and Gettyimages

Bergen

Where culture, nature and history come together

In Norway’s second-largest city, mountains are the name of the game. Situated at the edge of the Bergensfjord, the city is surrounded by no less than seven mountains that form a majestic backdrop for a city teeming with cultural treasures and telling the history of centuries-long trading traditions.

One of the most famous attractions in Bergen is the historical district, Bryggen, that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical Hanseatic quarter makes an impressive sight with its colourful tall wooden buildings from the 14th century. Today, they are home to small stores, galleries and restaurants that make for a nice,

interesting stroll. Nearby you will find Bergen’s famous Fish Market where fresh fruits of the sea and regional delicacies are on offer. Here, visitors can try Norwegian specialties such as smoked salmon and dried fish and purchase handmade souvenirs.

For a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding landscape, take a trip with Fløibanen, a funicular that takes you from the city centre to the top of the mountain Fløyen. A breath-taking panoramic view will open before you and invite you to explore the numerous hiking routes that start here.

Photo: Casper Steinsland, Pål Hoff/Visit Bergen, Martin Håndlykken and Gettyimages.

Adventures among Fjords & mountains

Norway’s second-largest city is known as the “Gate to the fjords” – and with good reason. The city on the west coast of Norway is an ideal point of departure if you wish to experience the breath-taking natural beauty of the Fjord Norway region.

The Hardangerfjord

The Hardangerfjord is the fourth-longest fjord in the world and the second-longest in Norway. This incredibly beautiful fjord winds its way through a wild and impressive landscape. The region is, among other things, renowned for its orchards that nestle along the banks of the fjord and turn into a sea of blossoms in spring.

Odda – the “valley of waterfalls”

Waterfalls hold an irresistible force of attraction to many people – and in Oddadalen, also known as the “Valley of waterfalls”, you will find them aplenty. Nestled between majestic fjords and mountains, the valley is a paradise for nature lovers with its many fascinating waterfalls placed like beads on a string.

Among the most impressive waterfalls are the Vøringsfossen that thunders more than 180 metres into the deep and makes a spectacular spray, and Låtefossen that splits into two streams and flows under a picturesque road bridge.

Traveling to the Viking Age

Ready for time travel? In the Viking village of Njadarheimr, you can immerse yourself in the life of Vikings all year round. Wonder at the authentic Viking houses, crafts and traditional skills – or try your own hand at being a Viking by dressing in authentic clothing and participating in different activities alongside the Viking villagers.

Photo: Robin Strand/Norphoto, Scott Sporleder/Matador Network/Fjord Norway, Vikingbyen Gudvangen and Gettyimages.

Anglers’ paradise

In Norwegian waters

In Norway, you will find some of the best angling spots in the world, in fresh as well as in salt water. Here you can enjoy great deep-sea fishing with local tour boats or relish in the quiet as you throw your line into a rushing river among the deep forests and tall mountains of the endless Norwegian outdoors.

The Norwegian coastline is longer than the Equator, and so the country offers countless excellent deep-sea fishing spots where you can almost be certain to hook a hefty fish. From the Finnmark region in the north to Kristiansand in the south, life under the surface of the sea is unbelievably diverse. Try to catch one of the cods that call these waters their home, throw out your line for a black or silver pollock or enjoy the king of flatfish, the halibut, for dinner.

The fresh-water angling in Norway is also of the highest quality. The endless rivers and enormous lakes offer plenty of excellent angling opportunities where incredible natural surroundings and the excitement of the chase come together to give you an amazing experience. If you decide to try your angling luck in the rushing waters of a river, you can look forward to catching salmon, trout, grayling, minnow and char.

Try your luck, for instance, in the river Hemsil at Hemsedal, which is seen as one of the best trout angling spots in the world.

Another great option is the lake Mjøsa in Gjøvik north of Oslo, where you can catch more than 20 different species – among others the mighty Mjøsa pike or trout with a weight of up to 15 kg (30 pounds).

Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway, Marius Rua/Buckethaus/Explore Trøndelag and Gettyimages.

Camping

Freedom in the great outdoors

Above all, camping in the far north of Europe means: endless freedom and unbelievable nature experiences at your fingertips.

Norway has more than 1000 camping sites, often with breathtaking views of fjords, lakes and mountains. You can choose between everything from minimalist and functional campsites for your tent or camper to fully equipped camping sites with sanitary facilities, electricity and playgrounds.

If you prefer to experience nature all on your own, you can do so without any cost at all: In Norway,

Allemannsretten – Everyman’s right – means that everyone has the right to enjoy the unspoiled nature and camp anywhere in the open, as long as you respect the environment and do not cause any damage.

Set up camp in the quiet of a spectacular mountain scenery, at the bank of a deep blue fjord or along the coast where the rushing of the waves will lull you to sleep – your next camping adventure has no limits!

A marvellous

Winter paradise

When the days grow shorter and nature goes to rest, Norway turns into a true Winter Wonderland.

A skiing holiday in the ‘cradle of skiing’ is a great experience for the entire family, no matter if you prefer the varied alpine slopes of worldfamous ski resorts or first-class cross-country skiing through the stunning beauty of Norway’s winter scenery. But even without boards under your feet, there is lots for you to experience in the Norwegian winter landscape.

Dog sledging

The dream of being pulled through the glittering snow behind a team of excited sledge dogs can come true

in Norway! Learn how to harness your own sledge dog team or just lean back in a snug, comfortable sledge while the powerful dogs joyfully pull you through the wintery countryside.

Snowmobile safari

Many Norwegian ski resorts have special areas for snowmobiles and offer guided tours of varying lengths and duration. Racing through the snowy white landscape with the snow whirling around you is a great action-filled experience that you will not soon forget!

Northern lights

Seeing the magical colourful lights that dance mysteriously across the night sky – this is an experience that is high on most people’s bucket lists. Norway has several areas where you can experience this spectacular phenomenon up close. Enjoy the incredible sight of the bright colours that ripple across the night sky and let yourself get lost in the beauty of the northern lights.

Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik, Even Lundefaret and Håvard Myklebust/fjellfotografen.net/Fjord Norway.

Christmas magic

Enchanting winter days in Norway

No matter if you dream of strolling through one of the many Christmas markets with a hot mug of Norwegian mulled wine or prefer quiet Christmas days in a snow-covered timbered cottage in the mountains – in Norway, even the biggest Grinch will get into a holiday mood.

Kristiansand

At the large traditional Christmas market in the southern Norway capital, you can explore countless booths with regional arts and crafts, Christmas presents and Norwegian delicacies. Among the historical white wooden buildings in the Posebyen district, Christmas trees and decorative branches join with festive lights to recreate the nostalgic charm of the days of old. Do not miss the free Christmas concert that enchants the festive crowd from the tower of the neo-gothic cathedral next to the market every afternoon of the last two weeks of December.

Bergen

In Bergen, historical buildings, festive lights, an impressive Ferris wheel, charming Christmas traditions and an abundance of delicious Christmas goodies come together to form a jolly holiday celebration for all your senses. Next to the beloved Christmas market, you can visit the largest gingerbread city in the world – almost half the citizens of Bergen contribute to its creation every year!

Stavanger

In the colourful artistic city of Stavanger, no less than two Christmas markets with authentic charm and lots of fascinating booths await you in the city centre: in the old town district Gamle Stavanger and in the city park, Byparken. You can also take a trip to the Christmas town (Julebyen) Egersund, famous as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Norway.

Photo: Robin Strand/Visit Bergen, Martin Granum/Kvadraturen.no and Christine Ide Photography/Visit Osteroy.

Unusual excursions

Norway’s hidden gems

Norway is famous for its large, spectacular attractions, from the Pulpit Rock over the Sognefjord to the Nidarosdom cathedral. But the country also offers a variety of hidden gems that can add a unique touch to your vacation and give you unforgettable holiday experiences.

Stegastein (1)

Stegastein is a unique viewing platform that reaches 30 metres out from a cliff at a height of 650 metres over the Aurlandsfjord. Here you can enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view across the surrounding mountains and the beautiful fjord far below you.

Vidsyn (2)

The fascinating Vidsyn sculpture watches from the top of the mountain Vierlinuten near Rauland. At the mountain top, you can get up close to the finely sculpted figure that is famous for the way its eyes will be looking at you, no matter if you stand to the left or right of it. Walk slowly past the sculpture – and you will feel its eyes following you!

Gaustatoppen (3)

The tallest mountain of southern Norway towers impressively over the small village of Gaustablikk and the hilly forests of Telemark. In clear weather, you can see a sixth of the entire country from its top. And you do not need to be an experienced or fit mountaineer to get here – you can ride all the way to the top with the Gaustabanen, a unique historical funicular that has been built inside the very mountain itself.

Stegastein

Gaustatoppen

Tømmerrenna in Vennesla (4)

North of Kristiansand, you can go on a hike in an actual timber chute. The chute was built in 1952 to transport large tree trunks from the surrounding forest to the nearby river, and today, it is the longest and only one of its kind in all of Norway.

The sun mirror of Rjukan (5)

The town of Rjukan is nestled at the end of a deep valley and is in shadow from surrounding mountains for most of the year. In 2013, a 100-year-old idea became reality when the town’s sun mirror was put into operation. The mirror is placed on a mountain top above the town and now, during the winter months it sends sunlight straight down onto Rjukan’s town square.

Villa Fridheim (6)

The Villa Fridheim near Norefjell is Norway’s only fairy tale museum. The beautiful building itself looks like something out of a fairy tale, and in combination with the impressive interior decoration it creates an evocative backdrop for your adventures exploring Norway’s exciting fairy tales and sagas.

The Kjosfossen fall (7)

Visit the mysterious fall Kjosfossen during a trip with the Flåm railway line. Here you can not only experience the spectacular scenery but also a mystical atmosphere created by an enchanting music-anddance show and the mythical story of the “Huldra”, a Norwegian female spirit of the forest.

Photo: Gettyimages, Torild Morland/Travel Stock and Svein Hurum/Villa Fridheim.

Tømmerrenna

Sonnenspiegel

Villa Fridheim

Photo: Svein Ulvund, Sverre Hjørnevik, Frithjof Fure/Fjord Norway and Gettyimages.

Nærøyfjord

Sognefjord

Hardangerfjord

The magical

Fjords of Norway

Norway is famous all over the world for its deep blue, tranquil fjord scenery. Here we present to you some of the country’s most fascinating fjords.

Nærøyfjord (1)

The Nærøyfjord is the most beautiful and wildest branch of the Sognefjord –and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A sail through the 17-km-long fjord, which is only 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, is known as one of the most dramatic fjord cruises in Europe with its view to steep, snow-covered mountains, roaming waterfalls and an alternating cultural landscape.

Sognefjord (2)

The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. It reaches all the way from the coast north of Bergen to the mighty mountains of Jotunheimen National Park and the blue ice of the glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park. The mountains surrounding it are teeming with snug little villages, charming historical buildings and excellent eateries that offer meals based on local produce.

Geirangerfjord (5)

Hardangerfjord (3)

The Hardangerfjord is the fourth-longest fjord in the world and the second-longest in Norway. The beautiful fjord winds its way through wild, impressive scenery, and the region is worldfamous as the cradle of a number of Norway’s national symbols such as the Hardanger fiddle and Hardanger embroidery. The region is also renowned for its bountiful farming areas where especially apple growing and cider brewing take a special pride of place.

Lysefjord (4)

The Lysefjord is located near Stavanger and is most famous for its spectacular tourist attractions such as the Pulpit Rock and Kjerag, but the 40-km-long fjord also offers numerous other nature and culture attractions. Climb the world’s longest wooden staircase (with an impressive 4,444 steps!) in Flørli, visit the prehistoric village Landa Park, go on a guided kayaking trip among the steep mountain banks of the fjord, or enjoy the spectacular fjord (and the Pulpit Rock from below) on a fjord cruise from Stavanger.

Like the Nærøyfjord, the Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers you a true cornucopia of spectacular nature experiences. The road along the fjord winds its way through one hairpin turn after the other and brings you to a series of breath-taking viewing points. Step out onto the Geiranger Skywalk, Europe’s tallest constructed fjord viewing point at a height of 1500 metres above sea level, or make a stop at Flydalsjuvet where you can watch the many cruise ships that visit the fjord pass by.

Lysefjord

Geirangerfjord

Experiences – that give you a rush

Norway’s spectacular waterfalls

Some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls can be found in Norway! Here we present to you a small selection – from true giants to hidden gems.

Kjærrafossene (1)

The Kjærrafossene waterfalls in Kjærra Fossepark are famous for their salmon fishing. The numerous salmon that jump up against the rushing water is a spectacular sight.

Flakkefossen (2)

The Flakkefossen waterfall in Birkenes was earlier used for transporting timber and is now a beloved excursion point. You can drive all the way to the head of the fall or walk from Birkenespark along the rushing water.

Kvåsfossen (3)

The Kvåsfossen waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in southern Norway. Here you can enjoy the view of the water that falls down and through the rock formations – or visit the salmon tunnel inside the mountains where you can get up close and personal with the large fish through a glass wall.

Rjukanfossen (4)

The Rjukanfossen waterfall was one of Norway’s first tourist attractions. With its drop of 104 metres, the waterfall is an impressive sight. Today, its water is used for energy production through the hydroelectric plant Vemork.

Langfossen (5)

The Langfossen waterfall is an impressive sight with its no less than 612-metre fall into the Åkrafjord. It was named the world’s most beautiful waterfall in 2006, and a particular highlight at the fall is the hike to the top where the water thunders down into the deep.

Vettisfossen (6)

With a free fall of a total of 275 metres, the Vettisfossen is Norway’s and northern Europe’s tallest unregulated waterfall. The Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet named it the most beautiful waterfall in all of Norway in 2014.

Stavanger

Kristiansand

Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen (7)

The Vøringsfossen is one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway. The water drops 182 metres into the deep from the high mountain plateau Hardangervidda and then winds its way through the narrow Måbedalen valley – offering a view that looks like something out of The Lord of The Rings!

Steindalsfossen (8)

The Steindalsfossen is famous far outside Norway’s borders – among other things because a path lets you walk along the mountainside behind the waterfall to enjoy the rushing water up close.

Photo: Gettyimages.

Vettisfossen

Langfossen