Northern countries Cruise - from Reykjavik - 106344

Reykjavik, the trading and cultural centre of Iceland at the South-West coast of the island was named "smoking bay" after the famous hot springs of Laugardalur. Today it has a population of around 130,000 - approximately 1/3 of the total population. The capital of iceland has plenty of tourist attractions. A stroll through the old town leads to the main shopping street, Laugavegur, and the pedestrian zone, past the historic Höfdi House (where Reagan and Gorbatschow held their summit in 1986) to the modern basalt church 'Hallgrimskirka'. The church tower offers the best view of the city. Tracing the footsteps of Icelandic history, there are many archaeological finds and artefacts from Viking times on display in the National Museum and art lovers will enjoy the Einar Jonsson Museum with its wonderful sculpture garden.

Ísafjörður comprises several districts stretching from the end of the Fjords on the Northern side to the original settlement, where the harbour is. On the other side of the fjord is the airport - although really it is nothing more than a runway with a tiny check-in building. Although all of the fjords in the North-West are losing inhabitants to more prosperous areas, Ísafjörður has been successful in keeping its residents and has even recorded a slight growth in population, to around 3,500. The town was founded as a settlement for the Hanseatics and later taken over by the Danes. Ísafjörður is an excellent example of the development of Icelandic architecture. There are five listed buildings in Ísafjörður - all of which were built in the 18th century. The oldest house dates from the mid-18th century, the most recent from 1788. Four of the houses are in Neostikaupstaour and one is in Haestikaupstaour. Other sights include: the museum

The student town of Trondheim is one of the largest towns in Norway, with a population of 150,000. The coronation city is steeped in history but at the same time, with its important university, the vibrant shopping area and several museums, it is very modern. Outdoor concerts during the summer months or the famous cathedral concerts during the St. Olavs festival mean Trondheim is a popular metropolis in central Norway, and with a bit of luck you can even fish for salmon from right in the city centre! Sights include: the cathedral, the archbishop's residency, the Museum for Arts and Crafts, the old town bridge, the Maritime Museum and the Science Museum.

The port of Ålesund, which stretches across three islands, was reconstructed after the great fire of 1904 with Art Nouveau architecture. The best view of the city and the skerries before the coast is to be had from the observation hill "Aksla", which can be reached on foot via 418 steps or - the more comfortable option - by car. The panorama restaurant "Fjellstua" is located here. The Ålesund Museum provides an insight into the city's history. At Atlanterhavs Park, visitors can marvel at the creatures that inhabit the Atlantic in a huge sea water aquarium. Around 4 km to the east of the city centre is the Sunnmøre Museum which has various sections. The Medieval Museum gives an idea of what daily life was like at that time and there is also an outdoor museum and a maritime exhibition with old fishing boots and reconstructed Viking ships. The popular trip to the bird island "Runde", to the South-West of Ålesund, provides a very special natural phenomenon.

This town in the West of Norway lies at the eastern end of Geirangerfjord, known for its deep gullies and high mountains. The harbour town boasts a large number of small hotels. Sights include: the observation points "Flydalsjuvet" and "Dalsnibba", the "Bride's Veil", "Friaren" and "the seven sisters" waterfalls, the geological park, the church, the "Fjord Experience Centre" which provides information about the history of the area, and the 'royal' farmstead "Skageflå".

The Norwegian town of Flåm lies by the new main road, which is open all year round and connects eastern and western Norway. The port has excellent train, bus and ferry services to Oslo, Voss und Bergen. The picturesque town lies in the valley of a magnificent mountain landscape. Attractions in the surrounding area include the popular bicycle route "Rallarvegen", Flam railway and the Flam railway museum. The railway site is surrounded by a large number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. During the summer months, there is a bus to take tourists from Flam to the main attractions.

The Norwegian harbour town of Eidfjord is famous for its candle factory located in the town centre, where visitors can buy hand-made candles. The Hardanger National Park with its impressive waterfalls is in the direct vicinity of Eidfjord. Other attractions include Eidfjord church, an exhibition of works by the painter Nils Bergslien, and the "Troll Train".

Oslo, located at the end of the Oslofjord, is the capital city of Norway. Over the past few years Oslo has developed into a modern capital, encompassing more and more neighbouring towns into its urban area. There are a good 50 museums for tourists to visit; some of the most interesting of these are to be found on the 'museum island' of Bygdoy. A stroll through Vigeland Park with its obeslisks and monumental stone figures is also well worth it, as is a vist to the Holmenkollen ski-jump with a stunning view of the city and the Oslofjord. Other attractions worth a visit are the town hall, which appears a litte clumsy from the outside but boasts huge interior frescoes, the fort at Akershus at the eastern side of the port and the cathedral. Oslo has a population of 486,311. The famous Hollmenkollen ski-jump provides a fantastic view of the enchanting capital of Norway. A visit to the historic area of Oslo close to the fort of Akershus is also very enjoyable. Karl Johans Gate between the castle and the parliament with its numerous shops and cafés is the perfect place to take a lazy stroll. Sights include: the Norwegian outdoor museum with its wooden "Stavkirke" on Bygdoy; the Viking Ship Museum with the Oseberg ship; Fram museum with the Polar ship 'Fram' on Bygdoy; Thor Heyerdal Museum with Kon Tiki on Bygdoy; the Munch Museum; the National Gallery; the Arts and Crafts Museum; the Historical Museum; the Resistance Museum; the Gallery of Modern Art; the Maritime Museum; the Zoological Museum; the town hall (Oslo's landmark); the castle; Storting (Houses of Parliament); Vigeland sculpture park in Frogner Park; Akershuscastle, which is medieval in parts; the view from Holmenkollen - the ski-jump and museum; the cathedral (1697); the Defense Museum.