LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
MiNDFOOD’S Editor-in-Chief has discovered the perfect travel destination and is ready to return post COVID-19 and make even more family memories. The mountains, glaciers, fjords, fairytale cities and cultural experiences of Norway cast a spell on all who
The mountains, glaciers, fjords, fairytale cities and cultural experiences of Norway.
ITRAVEL NORWAY “A DOG SLEIGH TRIP WHERE I FLEW OFF THE SLEIGH AFTER HITTING A TREE IS FAMILY FOLKLORE.”
f COVID-19 has taught me anything, it is the power of memory and the importance of creating wonderful, rich experiences with my family. During lockdown particularly it has been those family holidays of the past that I have returned to in my mind and remembered the most. The laughs, the journeys, the food, landscapes and those unique experiences depending on the location we travelled to and those happiest of feelings of just being together. There is one destination I keep returning to in my mind that perhaps was our best family holiday together while travelling – a destination so unique that although we experienced it in the deepest of winter we all want to return and see what it’s like in summer, and other seasons. That is Norway.
We had three days in Oslo, a city with extraordinary architecture of old and new that sits comfortably alongside each other. We took a city tour including a visit to Frogner Park which is the biggest park in the city, covering 45 hectares. Situated in the park is the largest sculpture installation in the world, created by Gustav Vigeland and when we visited, the work was covered in melting snow. To return in spring or summer and see the surrounding gardens in full bloom amongst these amazing artworks would make the park visit a very different experience.
We visited Oslo pre-Christmas so there were festive markets on display and the city was festooned with lights. At times, it felt like we were in a fairy tale. Riding the Ferris wheel looking out across the city from the Christmas market, I remember thinking how cool this city was. The new Edvard Munch museum (the Norwegian artist of the famous ‘The Scream’ painting), was being constructed on Oslo’s waterfront while we visited the city. This will be one of the largest museums for a single artist and will also include other exhibitions. I am looking forward to visiting this one day.
We then travelled north to Alta where we saw the Northern Lights – the reason we originally decided to travel to Norway. They are every bit as spectacular as you could imagine. On Christmas Day, we had the most unbelievable whale-watching experience, complete with a meal in a bag in a boatshed alongside the Altafjord for Christmas lunch. A dog-sleighing trip where the family’s story of me spectacularly flying off the sleigh after hitting a tree has been enhanced far too much, and has become family folklore within the retelling of this most dramatic fall where my kids can’t start the story without bending over with laughter as they recount me shooting off the vehicle. There was the snow scooters ride that took us to the top of Finnmark plateau along the Alta Valley within the beautiful scenery of the Arctic wilderness, and listening to the retelling of stories and history from around the region is one of those memories that has stayed with me.
We want to return. While in Norway after talking with locals we started looking at other parts of the country to visit when we have the opportunity to come back. Our goal is to sail the Norwegian coastline. Local company Hurtigruten has been sailing this region for over 127 years and understands the fjords, people, culture, wildlife and nature with their skilled and passionate
expedition teams. They have the greenest, most advanced expedition fleet with innovative technologies to reduce pollution and waste, and actively support local communities and fight against mass tourism.
The idea of wanting to cruise along the coast was of course pre COVID-19 days however during our research we have learnt that Hurtigruten has new policies in place with highly trained staff and procedures to ensure social distancing with effective and strict health and hygiene practices on board. The other upside is that they have been carrying local passengers, freight and guests between the coastal cities and hamlets since 1893 and so there are no other ships that can reach the fjords, waterways and ports that see each season change, whether it’s to bask in summer’s midnight sun or experience the Arctic winter.
When building an exclusive, hand-picked itinerary with Hurtigruten, the experience is deeply immersive and you can choose from an escorted small group or travel independently – which I have to say appeals since as a family we sometimes like doing things just with us. Also I have never heard of any travel company offering anything like this before, but their Northern Lights Promise says that if the Northern Lights do not appear on your cruise in Norway, they will give you another 6or 7-day Classic Voyage free of charge.
The partially self-guided tours begin by exploring the mountains and fjords between Oslo and Bergen before embarking on a Hurtigruten expedition voyage, with nine hand-picked exclusive ports. There are daily excursions and expert expedition teams that guide and explore the coast with you, and when you return to the ship there is the science centre offering in-depth lectures on nature, culture and the history of the region.
While savouring ocean-to-plate dining experiences, there is much to share on your return to the ship – whether you have enjoyed your free time exploring on your own, or chosen a small group escorted tour. We will return one day and make even more family memories, I’m sure.