Need a winter getaway, but not to get away from winter? Try Norway.
Oslo makes an obvious base for the start and end of any trip. Three nights/three days is barely enough time to get acquainted with Norway's charming capital. But we tried. We crammed six museum visits into one day. Yes, six. But we were still not too exhausted by day's end to be overwhelmed by the array of Munch paintings in the National Gallery.
Don't miss the chance to take advantage of Norway-in-a-Nutshell: an ingeniously choreographed way to get from Oslo to Bergen by combining a ride on a regular fast train with a narrow-gauge rail, a boat trip through a fjord (yes, even in winter - or, as we believed, especially in winter), a bus and finally another regular fast train which ultimately deposits you in the heart of Bergen. It was a highlight on a trip filled with highlights.
Bergen is a wonder. Blessed with an unusual spell of sunshine and springlike weather, we ventured to Edward Greig's home in Troldhaugen, just outside of Bergen. Easily reached by public transport, then a half-hour stroll. And in February, you will have the house practically to yourself.
Flying from Bergen to Tromso is highly recommended if you are short on time - which we were. Tromso, located above the Artic Circle, was snow-covered but not numbingly cold. Shivers, though, were reserved for our nightly quests to view the northern lights. Cliches abound when describing the lights - awe-inspiring, magical, otherworldly. All apply. One more item to check off our bucket list. |
February 2016Showing 1-40 of 556991 visitsAlbum by David KohlPhotos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg |
