Imagine stepping off the plane into air so clear it feels like you’ve been rinsed in it. Mountains rise like quiet guardians. The wind speaks in a language of ice. And for a few precious weeks—or months—the sun either never sets or never rises. Welcome to Svalbard: a place so far north and so stripped…
Longyearbyen—which is located in the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard—is a rugged mining town that has blossomed into a unique tourist destination that allows travelers to experience the stunning beauty of the Arctic. Visitors can view the northern lights, explore an ice cave, or attend a festival celebrating the return of the sun at the…
A few years ago, I had the unforgettable chance to travel through Norway for a few months, diving deep into the local culture by working alongside farmers in a rural area. Imagine vast open landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, where neighbors live half a mile apart. Norway’s natural beauty is simply…
A pointy ledge that resembles the tongue of a mischievous troll, known as Trolltunga, is Norway‘s most famous rock formation. Situated 2,300 feet above the gleaming Lake Ringedalsvatnet, hiking to Trolltunga takes between 7-12 hours from start to finish. If you’re a seasoned, physically fit hiker who is yearning to experience the scenic vista of…
Norway has a rich history of nurturing skilled carpenters who build stately churches, boats, and homes out of wood. Electrician Kjartan Aano’s yearning to build a romantic treehouse for his beloved wife Sally inspired the couple to enlist the design studio Helen & Hard to construct a series of wooden treehouses anchored to living, breathing…
In the 12th century, a group of Christians built an ornate wooden church in Luster, Norway, adorned with carvings that fused Norse and Christian symbolism. Nearly 900 years later, the Urnes Stave Church still stands on the shores of the placid Lustrafjord. The Urnes Stave Church is Norway‘s oldest stave church— a wooden church constructed…
Fjords are deep valleys formed by retreating glaciers. Only a handful of countries in the world have fjords, and Norway’s fjords are perhaps the most spectacular among all. These steep glacially-carved valleys offer breathtaking views, pristine waters, and unique cultural experiences. A biking tour through Norway’s fjords is a one-of-its-kind journey into the heart of…
A significant amount of lore surrounds the Sverd I Fjell sculpture in Norway, featuring three prominent swords. One popular narrative involves Harald Fairhair, a politically ambitious warrior who fell in love with Gyda Eriksdatter, the daughter of a king. Gyda refused Harald Fairhair, deeming him not powerful enough. To win Gyda’s heart, Harald waged war…
