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Your Adventure Awaits
The Trailblazing Design, Arts & Culinary of Norway
This is a less-trodden sojourn to Norway's little-known gems, design and architectural innovations, paying homage to environmental sustainability and an ode to the stunning arts scene. Complementary to the journey, we will delve into some of the most jaw-dropping and wondrous landscapes that shape the country's geography, heritage and culinary inspirations.
History & Culture
Art de Vivre
Arts & Design
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
An exceptional blend of modern innovations, stylish design drawn from the potent combination of heritage, landscaping and sense of being in the way that Norway can, with the common theme of mindfulness restoration.
Experiences
An intriguing experience of uncovering Norway's vibrant design and arts scene culminating in a theme that features design lodges, hotels, culinary experiences, surreal landscapes and the renowned fjords of Norway.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord - the icon of Norway
Hjørundfjord - surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, rivers and waterfalls.
Experience the culinary magic of Maaemo in Oslo
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord - the icon of Norway
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Oslo
DAY 1
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Arrive Oslo Gardermoen Airport and begin our orientation in the capital city of Norway. Witness the award-winning Oslo Opera House, completed in 2007 that is home to the Norwegian National Ballet. Thereafter, visit the medieval Akerhus Fortress, once the royal residence and serving as a center of power and a national symbol for over 700 years. A short walk takes us next to the Nobel Peace Center, the inspiring arena that brings to life the powerful stories of laureates who have dedicated their lives to world peace. We will also enjoy a stop at the Royal Palace, official residence of the royal family since the beginning of the 19th Century.
Finally, we retreat to The Thief Oslo, a chic waterfront luxury hotel designated as a Design Hotel in Norway.
DAY 2: Oslo (An Arts & Design Haven)
DAY 2
An exciting day to discover in depth Oslo's vibrant arts and design scene. A stone's throw away, begin with the abstract Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, integrating an intriguing collection of private art pieces, an office building and beautiful sculpture park in the revitalized Tjuvholmen cultural quarter.
Thereafter, a short drive takes us to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, showcasing Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and wrought iron. Worth a visit is the Vigeland Museum, one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in Norway and housing Vigeland's early works.
Returning back to central Oslo, we visit the MUNCH Museum, the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch paintings located within an entire contemporary building of 13 floors. Discover hidden gems and see world famous masterpieces such as "The Scream", "The Sun", "Madonna", "The Dance of Life and Love" and "Pain" amongst many others.
This evening, an experience of a lifetime awaits as we begin an epicurean adventure at the Three Michelin-starred Maaemo, headed by lauded Chef Esben Holmboe Bang, where a sublime 20-course tasting menu takes you on a journey through the Norwegian landscape, featuring ingredients plucked from the icy waters on the north coast, or grown and foraged in the area around Oslo.
DAY 3: Oslo (Homage to Kistefos)
DAY 3
On an hour's drive north of Oslo, we embark on an excursion in the town of Jevnaker, visiting the world-renowned Kistefos Museum & Sculpture Park, with its signature building "The Twist", one of Europe’s most important sculpture parks, changing exhibitions and a rich industrial history. The sculpture park also possess more than 50 statues by notable contemporary artists, such as Yayoi Kusama, Fernando Botero, Claes Olenburg, Tony Cragg, Olafur Eliasson and Anish Kapoor and more.
Later, continue to visit the Hadeland Glassverk, comprising 10 shops, 6 restaurants, a gallery, a glass museum and activities and events throughout the year. The glassworks business was established in 1762, and is Norway’s oldest manufacturing company in continuous operation. Its Glassmuseum is the largest of its kind in the Nordics, and has on display a selection of articles created by Hadeland’s glass-blowers and designers over the past 260 years.
DAY 4: Oslo / Alesund / Valldal
DAY 4
An early morning beckons as we transfer to Oslo Gardermoen Airport for a short flight to Alesund.
Arriving at Alesund Airport, we embark into the "Art Nouveau City", admiring its fine architecture where many of these colorful buildings were rebuilt since 1904 after a ravaging fire that destroyed more than 800 houses in the same year. We will stop by the famed Restaurant Sjøbua for lunch, nestled by the historic Hotel Brosundet where we experience the inviting warmth of a bistro with the sophistication of fine dining.
Thereafter, we continue a scenic drive to the stunning Valldal Valley arriving at the whimsical forest settings of the Juvet Landscape Hotel. This unique hotel is a synthesis of raw nature and experimental architecture as you leave the world behind to connect with the pristine wilderness. Since its opening in 2010, Juvet has won several architecture awards and appeared in a wide range of international travel and architecture magazines. The hotel consists of seven unique and minimalistic Landscape rooms, two smaller "Birdhouses" and the four-bed "Writer's Lodge". A few meters from the river bank - behind a large glass wall – you’ll find the Bathhouse with steam room, woodfired sauna and hot tub.
DAY 5: Valldal (The Breathtaking Trollstigen)
DAY 5
A spectacular day of epic proportions as we finally drive on the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger - Trollstigen and one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Open only from May to October, we have the rare opportunity to witness the snaking "Eleven Hairpin Bends of Trollstigen", and surreal views of jagged mountains as well as the dramatic Stigfossen Falls. Continue to the imposing Troll Wall in the Romsdalen Valley, Europe's highest vertical rock face conjuring images of mythical trolls turned to stone, a theme deeply rooted in Norwegian folklore.
The second part of the day, we will make a stop in the quaint town of Andalsnes, with a long history of mountaineering endeavors by hikers and climbers. We have the chance to take the Romsdal Gondola up to the city mountain Nesaksla, admiring bewitching views that leave you in awe. Take a short 15 minutes hike to the impressive Rampestreken Viewpoint, a 20m long steel ramp that protrudes out from the mountain 537m above sea level where you will enjoy some of the finest mountain views anywhere in Norway.
From here, we return via the Trollstigen again back to Juvet Landscape Hotel where you have time to enjoy a private and rejuvenating moment in its iconic "Bath House", built into the grounds by the river, as you reflect back on an incredible day.
DAY 6: Valldal / Storfjord
DAY 6
Spend the morning at leisure or consider an OPTIONAL excursion off-the-beaten-path to Tafjord, part of the UNESCO Heritage protected fjord landscape with enchanting fjord scenery and home to the old Tafjord Power Plant Museum offering insights into the Tafjord avalanche disaster of 1934.
In the afternoon, we will make our drive to the Relais & Chateaux Storfjord Hotel, considered to be amongst the most revered retreats in Norway nestled next to the fjord that it is named after overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps. Here, it is all about the sense of space and indulging in the slow time. An undoubted kayak on the calming waters of Storfjord allows you to appreciate the beautiful nature. This evening, we lined up a dinner at The Boathouse (Fridays). Tastefully furnished with rustic elegance, the boathouse features a large hearth for open fire-cooking and an open kitchen where you can watch the chef prepare a menu inspired by the surrounding sea. Enjoy authentic regional flavors with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and fisheries, all while gazing out over the fjord and witnessing nature's ever-changing canvas – from golden sunsets to the dramatic dance of coastal winds.
DAY 7: Storfjord (A Private Cruise to the Geirangerfjord)
DAY 7
Today, from Glomset Bay just below the hotel, we sail into the majestic UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord – on a journey to impressive waterfalls, historic mountain farms, and untouched nature, where you can experience the fjords up close with their rich wildlife and fascinating coastal culture.
We navigate through Storfjord and Sunnylvsfjord before entering the narrow and enchanting Geirangerfjord. Here, the Disney feature "Frozen" found inspiration for its backdrops, and we can admire the old farms clinging to the mountainsides – a testament to human endurance and adaptability. Along the way, we visit places like Matvika, where it is said that apricots thrived during good summers, and Skageflå, which towers high with a fantastic view over the fjord. We also pass by the waterfalls "The Seven Sisters" and "The Suitor" before arriving at the idyllic village of Geiranger at the innermost part of the fjord.
DAY 8: Storfjord (A Private Cruise to the Hjørundfjord)
DAY 8
Another day, another fjord. We set sail today on a jaunt to the Hjørundfjord, one of Norway's most beautiful and spectacular fjords, known for its mighty nature and a variety of cultural experiences. We will take you deeper into the fjord as adventurers have preferred through the years, where the silence on the water provides a powerful experience. Into Storfjorden, with a stop at Trandal where perhaps the world's most famous swing is located. Then, we take you further into the impressive Hjørundfjorden, between mighty mountains, where Kaiser Wilhelm has sailed before you and anchored at the bottom of the fjord.
We will break for an orientation at the grounds of the Hotel Union Øye, an iconic hotel since 1891 and a preferred base for luminary adventurers of the past. Enjoy a lunch at leisure in the Historic Dining Hall, where both Roald Amundsen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and royalty have dined, right here, between these historic walls.
Return back to the Storfjord Hotel where you enjoy the rest of your time to rejuvenate.
DAY 9: Storfjord / Alesund / Bergen
DAY 9
We leave the Storfjord Hotel today for a drive to the Devoldfabrikken hailing back to 1853, when local textile worker Ole Andreas Devold founded the Devold brand and started producing woolen products that remain popular to this day. Today, Devoldfabrikken is a buzzing hub containing outlet stores, shops with local design, eateries and event spaces, as well as a chocolate factory, a bakery, a forge, workshops and art galleries.
In the afternoon, a short drive returns us back to Alesund Airport for our flight to Bergen where on arrival, we transfer to the contemporary and boutique Opux XVI. Much like the famed piano concerto that it’s named after, Opus XVI weaves separate parts and influences together in perfect harmony. This boutique hotel, run by descendants of Norwegian (and Bergen-born) composer Edvard Grieg, celebrates Bergen’s cultural heritage while remaining wonderfully contemporary.
DAY 10: Bergen
DAY 10
Enjoy a day at your own leisure to discover the compact city of Bergen, dominated by its UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid 16th Century. Worth a visit is the Hanseatic Museum, illustrating how the Hanseatic merchants lived, worked and made their mark on Bergen over the course of 400 years.
Nearby the Bergen Harbor is an undoubted visit to the Fishmarket, established since the 1200s as a meeting place for merchants and fishermen where you can find fresh fish and seafood, local farm food like fruit, berries and vegetables. There are also several restaurants serving a large selection of seafood.
An undoubted venue for dinner this evening will be Lysverket. Set with Bergen’s Kode 4 Art Museum, the casual restaurant introduces diners to the past, present and future of Norwegian cuisine of Chef Christopher Haatuft, who cut his teeth in the US at Per Se and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Finding New Nordic ethos restrictive, he combines modern technique with the finest ingredients from the fjords.
DAY 11: Bergen / Rosendal / Jondal (The Salmon Eye Experience)
DAY 11
After 2 days in Bergen, we depart this morning for a 2.5hrs drive to Rosendal, situated right by the Hardangerfjord. En route, we make a stop to admire the impressive Steinsdalfossen Waterfall, plummeting over 50m with might and you can walk behind it and experience its beauty and force from inside.
Thereafter, the day culminates in one of the world's most sought-after destination dining experience at Iris "The Salmon Eye". Expedition-dining at its best, we embark on a boat trip from Rosendal with a pit stop and welcoming snack at Chef Anika Madsen's boathouse on the island of Snilstveitøy. Via the jetty of the floating art installation Salmon Eye, the evening kicks off with a multisensory underwater experience, to culminate in the dining room where stunning views of the fjord and mountain ranges create the backdrop for its set tasting menu.
After an experiential dining, we take a short boat ride back to Rosendal followed by a comfortable drive to the dainty village of Jondal as we arrive at the family-owned design hotel, Hardanger House with every of its 9 rooms peeking out to the views of the fjord.
DAY 12: Jondal (Into the Hardangerfjord)
DAY 12
Today, we will enjoy a private cruise on the astonishing Hardangerfjord. At 179km long, it is Norway's second longest fjord extending to the foot of the Hardangervidda Plateau, which is the largest high mountain plateau in Northern Europe. Beginning from Jondal, we sail past the villages of Solesnes and Svåsand, which are known for their wooden buildings.
We continue through the narrow strait inside Herandsholmen. Herand in Jondal received the Norwegian Cultural Heritage's national cultural landscape award in 2008. Herandsholmen was originally an old trading post, inn and town hall in Hardanger, from the time when there were no roads or cars, and all traffic was on the fjord. Then continue past Kvamsøy and to Fyksesund, which is the only side fjord in the Hardangerfjord without a road to the inner part of the fjord arm. The long fjord arm runs between steep mountain sides with beautiful waterfalls to the roadless hamlet of Botnen at the innermost part of the fjord arm.
On the way back to Jondal you will be able to see the Folgefonna Glacier, a fitting finale to an incredible journey.
DAY 13: Jondal / Departure Bergen
A memorable journey of Norway comes to an end as we make our return to Bergen Airport for flight departure in the afternoon.
Featured Hotels
The Thief, Oslo
Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet) used to be a haven for smugglers, thieves and scoundrels. Today it is home to THE THIEF, a modern hideaway – right in the middle of downtown Oslo. The hotel is filled with top international art pieces, carefully selected designer furniture, global Nordic cuisine, top quality spa and cosmopolitan bars. ‘Escapees’ are able to enjoy refreshing dips in the sea at the Tjuvholmen beach or stroll off the islet across the footbridge to the bustling Aker Brygge restaurant and business area.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
$100 Hotel Credit per stay
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
Opus XVI, Bergen
Opus XVI brings composed elegance to Bergen’s city centre, offering a boutique stay shaped by music, history and contemporary design. Run by descendants of Edvard Grieg, the hotel celebrates the composer’s legacy through original architecture, elegant interiors and suites named after his masterworks. In the courtyard, the restaurant serves up delightful locally sourced dishes. Just beyond the door, Bergen’s highlights await, from the colourful Bryggen waterfront to the fish market and Fløibanen funicular, all steps away.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
$50 Hotel Credit per stay
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
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