Cruise Excursions, Shore Excursions & Ship to Shore Excursions...

April 16-May 31, 2008 4½ hours, $109 Per Person:
Welcome to one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations-the Geirangerfjord-officially praised by National Geographic and placed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. You can experience Norway's spectacular Geirangerfjord from aboard the Hurtigruten, but the real adventure begins at the end of the Geirangerfjord, where a tender boat waits to bring us ashore. This is an active and contrast-filled excursion, with exciting hidden sites behind the fjord's steep mountains. The start is dramatic: At the innermost end of the fjord, we climb Ørneveien ("Eagle Road") and stop to catch our breath at Ørnesvingen ("Eagle Bend"). We gain wide views of the fjord, the magnificent mountains, and De Syv Søstre ("The Seven Sisters") waterfall and are rewarded with beautiful photo ops. The tour continues on the idyllic Eidsdalsvatnet Lake with a calm, wavelapping ferry ride from Eidsdal to Linge. From here, we continue to Ålesund, a colorful and distinctive town known for its special Art Nouveau architecture. We catch an afternoon breeze from the town's highest point, Aksla, the sheltering "town mountain" at whose feet Ålesund lies. From here, we savor the view of the beautiful town and the snow-clad Sunnmøre Alps before the bus returns us to the Hurtigrute Pier in Ålesund.

June 01-September 15, 2008, 7½ hours, $169 per person:
This is another compelling opportunity to experience northern Norway's-and the world's-magnificent fjords. Today, we embark and set off on one of the most beautiful stretches of road-ideal for anyone yearning for the path less traveled. We ascend Ørneveien ("Eagle Road"), taking in its sweeping embrace of sky and mountains and waterfalls (see the description under Geiranger-Ålesund excursion on the facing page) and break for photographs before heading on to Linge. Along the way, we witness the power of the river as it cuts through Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, before we reach the stark and wild, high mountaintops where we relax. Descending down the dizzying Trollstigen (road), we negotiate through all 11 hairpin twists and turns. Once we are safely at the bottom, it's time for refreshments and a bite to eat before we continue on to the gentler landscape of Romsdalsfjord. We are afforded a marvelous view of the mountains and fjord-the pride of Molde-and we return once again to reboard the Hurtigruten. As the Geirangerfjord region was recently designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the perfect time to discover it, as it is still little known and visited and pristinely wild.

January 02-April 15, September 16-December 30, 2008, 2 hours, $29 per person:
Ålesund is a colorful and picturesque coastal town that is renowned for its charming Art Nouveau architecture. It began after a devastating fire in 1904, when the town was rebuilt in the ornate European construction style that was fashionable at that time-a style distinguished by elaborate spires, towers of all shapes, and highly detailed ornamentation. This Hurtigruten excursion is leisurely paced and a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with Norway's beautiful far-north town. We dock at the pier and are met by a local guide who takes us on a very leisurely, pleasant stroll through the streets of Ålesund. Along the way, we explore the town's scenic fishing port of Brosundet, the special Apotekertorget Square, and the exciting and finely decorated main street-all this, and more, to savor the entire town's rich history and lively street life.

April 17-October 2, 2008, 2½ hours, $69 per person:
Few large cities have managed to preserve their intimacy and charm in the same way as Norway's third largest city, Trondheim. Amid its many wooden buildings stands a magnificent stone church. Being an ancient city, it was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason as early as 997. Over the course of a few hours, we become better acquainted with two of the city's premier sights. From the pier, we board a bus with a local guide to the national shrine, Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral). This is Norway's only Gothic-style cathedral and was built over the burial place of St. Olav, the country's patron saint. The incredible architectural details and fantastic art of this national treasure are truly impressive. From Nidaros Cathedral, the bus takes us directly to another cultural gem in the capital of Trøndelag-the Ringve Museum of Musical History. This handsome manor museum was the childhood home of Norwegian naval hero Petter Wessel Tordenskiold and it is surrounded by an idyllic botanical garden offering beautiful views of Trondheim and the fjord. Inside the museum, guides take us on a musical journey through history, where we see and hear many instruments most likely never seen or heard before. This is a delightful and unique display of special instruments from every corner of the world. It is a memorable experience.

January 2-April 14, 2008, 2 hours, $59 per person
"Without Trøndelag all that would be left of the history book of Norway is the cover," claim Trønderne, the people from Trøndelag. This special excursion enables us to discover the Viking town, Trondheim-Norway's first capital. It was founded around 997 by Viking king Olav Tryggvason, who named it Nidaros. By Norwegian standards, Trondheim is a large city but preserves the charms and intimacies of a small town. Trondheim is full of colorful contrasts: monastic ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colorful wharves, and a beautiful red bridge dating from 1861. The Kristiansten Fortress, from the 1600s, stands guard above the town. Trondheim is home to a world-famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, lively nightlife, and countless services. Our bus takes us on a relaxing tour of the town and we make a stop at Utsikten ("The View") to admire the capital from on high. Sightseeing in Trondheim is incomplete without a visit to its premier cultural treasure, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of St. Olav (Norway's patron saint), the construction of the impressive cathedral began as early as 1070. After an insightful guided tour, many people describe this Gothic-style cathedral as the most beautiful church in all of Norway.

June 1-September 30, 2008, 2 hours, $49 per person:
Welcome to one of Norway's largest openair museums, Sverresborg, Trøndelag Folk Museum. The museum surrounds the ruins of the medieval castle of Zion, built by King Sverre Sigurdsson in 1182-83. Here, you will find Norway's northernmost stave church and get learn what life was like, in town and country, in the 18th to 20th centuries. We begin our walk through history at the simple but beautiful Haltdalen stave church, built in 1170, when Norway was still a Catholic country. Our tour continues past the castle ruins, with sweeping views across the Trondheimsfjord, to a yard surrounded by wooden buildings: farmhouse, cowshed and barn, traditional storehouse on pillars, cookhouse and smithy. We tour the farmhouse and then continue to the "Old Town," with historical buildings from the center of Trondheim. We visit the beautiful 18th century Gramgården for a taste of traditional krumkake cakes and tales of old Trondheim. The tour ends at the visitor center, to view the "Pictures of Life" exhibition-illustrating life in Trøndelag over the last 150 years-and its shop, stocked with a selection of high-quality handicrafts, such as linens and ceramics, and a selection of books and cards.

May 1-September 30, 2008, 5 hours and 45 min, $159 per person:
Norway is a mythical land filled with many contrasts and seasonal landscapes and in this excursion, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a world that seems frozen in time. We set sail for Ørnes and about half an hour before reaching the port, the Hurtigruten stops to allow a select few to transfer to another, smaller vessel. This versatile vessel then slips easily between islets and skerries. The most impressive views along the way are best enjoyed on deck. Be sure to bring your camera, because this icy world is the domain of sea eagles. Svartisen is Norway's second largest glacier and has been attracting tourists for well over a hundred years. We are aboard the vessel for a little over an hour before going ashore. Arriving at Svartisen Tourist Centre, we enjoy the beauty of the ice world, and partake in a hot beverage and varied buffet of delicious desserts. The journey beyond this point travels along the very pretty Helgeland Coast where we have closeup views of the local community. Our travel here is either by bus or modern express boat and our guide keeps us well informed about this awesome, timeless area. We continue onward to Bodø, where we rejoin the Hurtigruten.

April 01-October 31, 2008, 2 hours, $139 per person:
Be ready for a rare nature experience in this special visit to the Saltstraumen tidal current, where our vessel is drawn to the edge of powerful, converging currents and we observe majestic sea eagles and are surrounded by unequalled and dramatic scenery. We start on the pier in Bodø, where we are provided with all the necessary safety gear and attire to enjoy the journey to Saltstraumen, the world's most powerful tidal current. We board sturdy, comfortable rubber rafts and set course at a good clip (weather permitting) for the tidal current. Our sea rafts are operated by highly experienced, knowledgeable pilots and on this adventurous journey through a wild and rugged landscape, we navigate the rocky shore of the world's largest cod fish farm and the Caledonian belt fold-mountains older than 250 million years. We finally arrive at Saltstraumen, where an incredible 13 billion cubic feet of water is forced full throttle in and out through a 500-foot wide, 100-foot deep passage four times a day. It is also a rare opportunity to see Earth's magnificent sea eagles up close in their natural habitat In witnessing the ocean's full force and the power of our planet's large birds of prey, rafters feel alive and inspired long after the trip ends. This is a popular and spectacular journey that can only accept a limited number of passengers. Don't miss it.

All year 2008, 2½ hours, $69 per person:
Today we get acquainted with "the Paris of the North." The town of Tromsø lies between the Arctic Ocean and towering mountains. As the largest town above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø reveals many modern urban pleasures as well as a trading and seafaring history of hunting for walrus and polar bears off Svalbard and East Greenland, transporting logs from Russian rivers, the Pomor seafaring trade, coal mining, and sealing. Age-old battles of surviving in a harsh Arctic world and a natural resourcerich far north have provided hard-earned lessons that have turned Tromsø today into an advanced research and education center. During this excursion, we visit the interpretive center, Polaria. This Arctic education center features an aquarium, educational displays, and a panorama theater screening room. After an informative movie, we experience the center's Arctic "expedition" for a look at natural phenomena such as Northern Lights, tundra, blizzards, polar bears, and seals. Our Tromsø tour also includes a stop at the famous Arctic Cathedral-an architectural masterpiece and town landmark. Built in 1965, the design of the church is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional beliefs of Northern Norway and features a fantastic glass mosaic. For travelers wanting to learn much more about the impact of living in the Arctic and seafaring world, this is an invaluable trip.

January 2-April 30; November 1-December 30, 2008, 3½ hours, $159 per person:
Experience the thrill of action-adventure in Norway's northern winterland. This tour heads to the island of Kvaløya, where we change clothes and footgear and meet eager huskies anxious to pull our sleds over the frozen landscape. It's deep dark winter, and the only light comes from our headlamps and the starry sky. The mood is magical, as the dogs run almost silently over the snowy plains and we anticipate seeing Northern Lights. The sled trip comes to a close in a well-heated lavvo (Sami tepee), and we enjoy an open fire, a hot drink, and recaps of the day's adventure.

June 1-August 31, 2008 3½ hours, $69 per person:
In Kvaløya's summer, we head to the Tromsø Wilderness Center, a scenic area with an ancient history and eternal views of the ocean, mountains, and open plateaus. If you love animals, this is the trip for you, as we get to greet 150 very happy huskies and cuddly puppies and are given instruction in the challenges of dogsledding. We learn about Finnmarksløpet, Europe's longest dogsled race at a distance of almost 622 miles, and through film and pictures, we glimpse how daring the race is for dogs and mushers alike. We are also welcome to join the Wilderness Center's tour guide and explore the local plant and bird life on foot. We end relaxed in a Sami lavvo, with beverages and dessert.

All Year 2008, 3½ hours, $119 per person:
Today we cross the 71st parallel-not many people can say that!-and enjoy the magnificent sub-Arctic landscape on our journey to North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent. This is Finnmark, a fascinating region of Sami, Russian, and Finnish overlapping cultures. In summer, we might see herds of grazing reindeer and a little Sami camp, while during our exotic winter journey, we might find ourselves following a snowplough for the final eight miles up to this world-famous cliff. The North Cape plateau rises more than a thousand feet-almost vertically-from the icy cold Arctic Ocean. North Cape Hall is an inviting, modern interpretive center here, where we can freely enjoy a wide-panorama movie about Finnmark and the North Cape, buy souvenirs, see displays, and relax with a bite of food. You'll want to step outside and brace against the winds as you stand beside the North Cape globe marker. Be in awe of the view and remember: Take photographic evidence of this amazing point on our planet. Few people on Earth have ever gotten this far north and can claim they stood at the top of the world.

May 01-August 31, 2008, 3½ hours, $159 per person:
This fabulous avian safari takes us deep into exotic Finnmark, the heart of Norway's Sami culture, and is ideal for bird watchers. We are bordered by Tromsø, Finland, Russia, and the Norwegian Sea and Arctic Ocean. We touch upon the little fishing hamlet of Gjesvær (population only about 120) and then push on to North Cape. Along the way, we receive an introduction on the local flora and fauna. We are enroute to one of the world's most exciting and stunning nature reserves, Gjesværstappan, which is almost 10 miles west of North Cape and encircled by the Arctic Ocean. From the vessel, we can study Finnmark's largest flock of puffins and large numbers of kittiwakes. During the nesting season, the air and ground teem with life. Mighty sea eagles with massive spans hover above in search of prey, while guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, Arctic skuas, northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots, and the large northern gannet dive about, filling the air with a cacophony of shrieks and screeches. If you can join us in the autumn months, we also catch sightings of Europe's smallest seabird, the British storm-petrel. Weather and time permitting, the tour makes a stop at the crew's secret favorite places. This is where we often have a good chance of seeing seals swim and play around the boat. This is a memorable, fun trip for the entire family.

May 01-September 10, 2008, 2 hours, $99 per person:
Discover the exciting history of Norway's multiethnic Arctic coast on this fascinating and informative excursion in Finnmark, along Europe's northernmost shores. Our visit begins at the Coastal Center at Foldalbruket, a former fish-processing plant, where we learn about Sami, or Lapp, traditions; Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic influences; the Russo-Norwegian merchants' pidgin Moya på Tvoja; immigration and settlement; and the whaling era of 1898 to 1904. Our visit ends, of course, with a taste of dried fish. We continue through Kjøllefjord and up to the highland summer camp of the Utsi family, traditional Sami reindeer herders. Dressed in local costume, the Utsis invite us into their lavvo, or tent, to enjoy reindeer bouillon and coffee while listening to Sami joiks, or songs, and learning to count in Lappish. Afterward, we visit live reindeer-and even try throwing a traditional lasso. We then head to the Finnmark Plateau, a grey stone desert some 985 feet above sea level. Here, we hope to spot herds of freely grazing reindeer. On the way to Mehamn, our next port, our guide explains Arctic flora, fauna and geography, ocean currents, the Polar Night and the Midnight Sun, and how locals make use of nature, summer and winter.

January 1-April 30; December 15-30, 2008, $339 per person:
We will be meet by a local guide and go indoors to put on scooter suits, shoes, hats and gloves. Helmets are given out and we are ready for the trip up to the mountain by jeep or bus. On the way up, the guide will explain a little about the Sami people, about geographical and climatic conditions, and about what it's like to live on the coast of Finnmark and how the local people make use of their natural surrounding in all seasons. As we approach the snow line, an introduction to the scooter trip will be given. When we reach the snow line it's time for the scooter trip, together with some of Norway's most experienced snowscooter instructors. Every customer can drive his or her own scooter. The trip goes partly along the highway and partly across open terrain. THIS EXCURSION IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON BOARD.

All year 2008, 2 hours, $59 per person:
Kirkenes is the only town in Norway where East meets West-and it is also the turnaround point of the Hurtigruten. On this exploratory excursion, we travel to the Russian border. We start with a small tour of Kirkenes before going farther afield, traveling by bus through surprisingly fertile landscape. We see charming green hills dotted with scrub, birch, and pine that survive despite the harsh Arctic climate. The history of the region is truly stimuating and has been quite dramatic at times, so this is an educational morning as well. We eventually arrive at Storskog, the border station between Norway and Russia. While we can't cross the border into Russia, we are permitted to take pictures and movies. It's often possible to buy Russian crafts at the border such as charming, handpainted matryoshka dolls. We also pay a visit to the dormant mines of AS Sydvaranger, where iron ore was actively mined until 1996. This was Northern Europe's largest open-pit mine and even today, Kirkenes is popularly known as "The Mining Town." You may even find ore samples lying about. This is a well-informed fascinating excursion with knowledgeable guides and perfect for travelers interested in Scandinanvian and Russian history and culture.

June 1-September 10, 2008, 2½ hours, $139 per person:
In this exciting exploration of Finnmark, our riverboats are ready and waiting to take us upstream to Pasvikelva, a river with a cultural history dating back thousands of years. We learn about the history of the Sami, the regions original natives; the sacred princes, Boris and Gleb-Russia's first saints; the Pechenga Monastery and St. Trifon, a monk who attempted to convert Sami to Christianity in the 1500s; and we observe rich animal and plant life in the area. Plus, reindeer, fish and an occasional wandering bear make this one of the more exciting wilderness areas in northern Norway. At the Russian border, we go ashore and learn a bit more about Norway's relationship with its neighbor to the east. We are futher immmersed in the border culture with a serving of beverages, local cloudberries with cream, and live Russian music. Join us on this stimulating rivertrip and experience unique history, beautiful scenery, and a rich array of animal life.

January 01-May 05; December 15-30, 2008, 2½ hours, $199 per person:
Snow and horsepower are a fabulous combination. On a frozen fjord in Norway's Sami region, we drive snowmobiles (two people per vehicle) across a vast, bright-white landscape. Expect Arctic winter temperatures, as we travel a little more than 9 miles (4.5 miles each way). Along the way, our guides educate us about the history of Sami, their culture, and Arctic climate and animal life. After our invigorating journey on snowmobiles, we enjoy a taste of local traditions with dried reindeer meat and a hot beverage in a well-heated lavvo-the Sami equivalent of a tepee. All participants are provided with warm winter clothes and receive instruction in snowmobile safety at the start of this tour. If you wish to drive, remember to bring your driver's license. This is a fast-action adventure where you experience Finnmark's winter firsthand. It is absolute fun and remarkably different for adventurers of all ages.

May 8-October 7, 2008, 6 hours, $159 per person:
While most of your co-passengers on board the Hurtigruten ship are still sleeping soundly under their covers, you can board a bus bound for Honningsvåg to visit the North Cape and large tracts of West Finnmark. Don't be put off by our tour's early departure time: Mornings at North Cape are very special, 1,000 feet above the churning Arctic Ocean, with dazzling sunlight dancing across the horizon. At North Cape-the very tip of the Europe continent-we enjoy a hearty breakfast and view Ivo Caprino's impressive wide-screen film about life on the North Cape and the region throughout all four seasons. Continuing on, we make a short stop to visit a Sami family for a unique opportunity to see and touch reindeer. When we return to Honningsvåg, we drive through an underwater tunnel connecting the town with the mainland. The bus then heads south along the majestic Porsangerfjord. From there, we turn toward the coast and Hammerfest, which has undergone a dramatic change since it became the host municipality of the high-tech offshore Snøhvit gas field project. It is here, in Hammerfest-the world's northernmost town-where we reboard the Hurtigruten. This is an all-encompassing excursion that combines wildlife, culture, spectacular and unusual scenery, and a visit to the top of the world.

June 20-August 15, 2008, 1½ hours, $59 per person:
This Finmark excursion explores the world of the Sami in depth. It is a wonderful and fascinating journey where travelers enter into the everyday life of Sami and are invited to ask and share their personal stories. We start in Salen, the "town mountain" in Hammerfest, which is not just a fantastic overlook, it is also a splendid place to become much more acquainted with Sami culture, life, and history. Salen is the site of a traditional Sami goahti (a turf hut or earthen lodge) called Mikkelgammen. Once here, we are taken on an informative and engrossing journey into the world of the Sami and gain detailed insights into their historic and exciting culture. The turf hut is constructed in much the same way that Sami have been building shelters since time immemorial. And while the flames from the hearth crackle and mesmerize us, we are served a range of typical Sami delicacies: reindeer meat, smoked fish, and local cloudberries. We are further entertained with joik (a traditional form of chanting) and Sami stories. We are also given an opportunity to examine and purchase local Sami crafts. Welcome! -Or, as the Sami say, Bures boahtin!

April 22-September 30, 2008, 1 hour 15 minutes, $59 per person:
No visit to Tromsø is complete without a visit to Tromsdalen Church-the Arctic Cathedral. And there is perhaps no more beautiful means to experience this white-painted cathedral, with its impressive glass mosaic, than attending a midnight concert. As delicate candle lights burn, this elegant church fills with the most beautiful Norwegian folk music and songs as well as classical and sacred selections. This is a moving and perfect end to the day. Add this special late-night excursion to your other adventures in and around Tromsø.

All Year, 4 hours 15 minutes, $89 per person:
Harstad to Sortland is one of Hurtigruten's classic excursions and exemplifies why passengers are so enthusiastic by our excursions. In this outing, we discover Viking history, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful sights. Our trip begins in Harstad, where we begin the morning with a little sightseeing through the town streets and then stop at an overlook. A few miles outside town, in Trondeneshalvøya, stands the white medieval church, Trondenes Kirke. In addition to housing several art treasures, the church is a premier cultural heritage site from the late Middle Ages. (Special, short ecumenical services are often held here for our guests.) Next door, Trondenes Historical Center offers an in-depth exhibit complete with sounds, scents, and objects that capture the region's dramatic span, from the Viking Age and Middle Ages to the present. Our bus then takes us across Hinnøya, an island, where we enjoy views of the beautiful fjords, steep mountains, and fertile farms. We then cross the Gullesfjord by ferry and partake in coffee, tea, freshly baked cakes, and the Norwegian specialty, lefse. We ferry along the Sigerfjord, and in Sortland, the center of the Vesterålen islands, we rejoin the Hurtigruten. Idyllic in summer, picture perfect in winter, this is an eventful tour filled with scenery and Viking culture.

April 1-September 8, 2008, 3 hours, $89 per person:
Lofoten is a group of islands off the west coast, north of the Arctic Circle-at the 67th and 68th parallels. Throughout history, Lofoten has been the home and workplace of generations of fishermen. The Lofot fishing season in spring is still vital and central to the economy and population here. Many people associate Lofoten with its precipitous, dramatic, and often fabled mountains and picturesque fishing villages. But, Lofoten is much more-so much much more: quiet bays, white sandy beaches, sheltered fjords and, perhaps surprisingly, expansive, green agricultural areas. This is a remote part of the world but we make getting here a simple excursion for Hurtigruten passengers. We start in the "Capital of Lofoten," Svolvær, and set our sights on the well-known fishing village of Henningsvær. Here, we see art of the finest quality. It is said that the light in Lofoten is unlike any other place on Earth, which is why artists from Norway and abroad have always come here. In Henningsvær, we visit an art gallery where we see several Norwegian artists portray the beauty of the Lofoten archipelago and we have a slide show. We hope to have an opportunity to purchase artwork. Pictures may say more than a thousand words, but they're no match for being in this picturesque and awe-inspiring landscape. So come aboard, find a good seat, and enjoy the view.

April 01-September 15, 2008, 2 hours, $99 per person:
Just north of the Trollfjord is the sea eagle's realm and MS Orca is ready to take you to see the king of birds close up. Wearing insulated coveralls and with hot beverages in hand, we stand on deck as the MS Orca leads the way-ahead of the Hurtigruten ship and into Trollfjord*. (We follow the Hurtigruten ship when it turns around in the narrow fjord-a magnificent sight.) The eagle safari commences when we leave the Trollfjord. It actually starts with the gulls. Like screeching, white fighter aircraft, the gulls swoop in for fish right from our hands. Keep your camera ready, as the aloof sharp-eyed eagles become curious. We then pass through a narrow sound with steep mountains to one side. This is where the sea eagles dwell and soon they come to share in the banquet. We let these beautiful rare birds of prey circle our boat a few times with wings outstretched before we throw fish into the sea and watch the eagles dive in. It is all so close, so wild, and so fantastic that some passengers forget to take pictures. If we're lucky, we'll observe up to five or six majestic birds within one hour. We then set course for Svolvær, arriving at the quay about five minutes ahead of the Hurtigruten. In less that two hours, we have an amazing experience that lasts the rest of our lives.

All Year Round 2008, $59 per person:
"Without Trøndelag all that would be left of the history book of Norway is the cover," claim Trønderne, the people from Trøndelag. This special excursion enables us to discover the Viking town, Trondheim-Norway's first capital. It was founded around 997 by Viking king Olav Tryggvason, who named it Nidaros. By Norwegian standards, Trondheim is a large city but preserves the charms and intimacies of a small town. Trondheim is full of colorful contrasts: monastic ruins, impressive wooden buildings, colorful wharves, and a beautiful red bridge dating from 1861. The Kristiansten Fortress, from the 1600s, stands guard above the town. Trondheim is home to a world-famous research and educational community, modern sports facilities, lively nightlife, and countless services. Our bus takes us on a relaxing tour of the town and we make a stop at Utsikten ("The View") to admire the capital from on high. Sightseeing in Trondheim is incomplete without a visit to its premier cultural treasure, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of St. Olav (Norway's patron saint), the construction of the impressive cathedral began as early as 1070. After an insightful guided tour, many people describe this Gothic-style cathedral as the most beautiful church in all of Norway.

June 1-September 30, 2008, 2 hours, $49 per person:
Welcome to one of Norway's largest openair museums, Sverresborg, Trøndelag Folk Museum. The museum surrounds the ruins of the medieval castle of Zion, built by King Sverre Sigurdsson in 1182-83. Here, you will find Norway's northernmost stave church and get learn what life was like, in town and country, in the 18th to 20th centuries. We begin our walk through history at the simple but beautiful Haltdalen stave church, built in 1170, when Norway was still a Catholic country. Our tour continues past the castle ruins, with sweeping views across the Trondheimsfjord, to a yard surrounded by wooden buildings: farmhouse, cowshed and barn, traditional storehouse on pillars, cookhouse and smithy. We tour the farmhouse and then continue to the "Old Town," with historical buildings from the center of Trondheim. We visit the beautiful 18th century Gramgården for a taste of traditional krumkake cakes and tales of old Trondheim. The tour ends at the visitor center, to view the "Pictures of Life" exhibition-illustrating life in Trøndelag over the last 150 years-and its shop, stocked with a selection of high-quality handicrafts, such as linens and ceramics, and a selection of books and cards.