ASSOCI ATION HIGHL IGHTS 6 8 Finding friluftsliv in Fjord Norway Boasting a proud Viking history, countless sites of natural beauty and a rich culture, Norway is the ultimate year-round cruise destination. Rebecca Gibson highlights some of the country’s key attractions First coined by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in the 1850s, the expression ‘friluftsliv’ describes a philosophy the natureloving nation of Norway has followed for many centuries. Literally ‘free air living’, for Norwegians it refers to a simple and sustainable life in nature, regardless of season or weather. The concept is tightly connected to ‘kos’, a Norwegian word associated with cosiness and the enjoyment of simple pleasures. Norwegians’ love of the outdoors is reflected in many aspects of their lives, with hours devoted to activities like skiing, hiking, kayaking, cycling, fishing or simply picking berries. Norway’s forests, mountains, nature reserves, more than 1,000 fjords and picturesque archipelagos make it is easy for cruise operators to find destinations where their guests can experience the friluftsliv lifestyle. Cruise Norway promotes the country as “the world’s ultimate nature-based cruise destination”, marketing 40 ports that offer cruise guests multiple opportunities to embrace their inner Viking and immerse themselves in nature. Here we profile a few of those. The outstanding natural beauty of Geiranger, Hellesylt and Stranda At the Unesco World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord in western Norway, cruise operators can berth at three locations: at the fjord’s entrance Hellesylt Port has a 143-metre cruise pier; Geiranger Port, with its moveable SeaWalk platform to serve tendering ships; and Stranda Port, a new facility with a 70-metre pier. The region offers multiple activities to enable guests to experience an authentic sense of Norwegian adventure. Fjord Nature Hellesylt provides kayaking, e-biking, hiking and climbing around Geirangerfjord, Ålesund and Hellesylt, as well as ski touring or snowshoeing experiences in the Sunnmøre alps. Geiranger Fjordservice offers sightseeing cruises on the new Geirangerfjord II catamaran, guided kayak or RIB tours from either Geiranger or Hellesylt, a ‘Taste of Norway’ charter boat ride where guests can also sample local food and beer, and e-biking in the valley. Other friluftsliv-friendly activities include the Via Ferrata at Geiranger Nature Park, Nordic walking, the Hellesylt Mountain Farm and Waterfall tour, and guided hikes to sites such as Storfossen or Storseterfossen waterfalls, Mount Flofjellet and Mount Stranda Panorama. Visitors can also take alpine and crosscountry skiing lessons in Stranda during the winter months. Those looking to explore the region at a slower pace could visit the Stranda gondola, Geiranger Chocolate Factory, Geiranger church, the Norwegian Fjord Centre, and Geiranger Skywalk platform at Dalsnibba viewpoint, 1,500 metres above sea level. Skjolden – Gateway to the National Parks At the end of Sognefjord (Norway’s longest and deepest fjord), the village Geirangerfjord enables guests to experience an authentic sense of Norwegian adventure Photo: CH Cruise Norway
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