JOIN USWith its fjords and cruises, Norway offers superb sights and verdant views. Oslo, the Viking capital city, is the seat of the Nobel Prize Committee, and the Nobel Peace Centre is worth a visit. The star attraction of the city is the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
It has over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze and iron. The structure that stands out is the colossal 52- foot monolith. It consists of 121 figures, all carved out of one huge piece of stone.
It is remarkable not only for its size, but for the realism as well.
The discerning tourist can spend a great deal of time exploring this extensive park, and some of the off-the beaten-track areas.
Sports lovers will be thrilled by Lillehammer, where the 1994 Winter Olympics was held. They will be enthralled by the Holmenkollen ski jump. Other must-sees include the Royal Palace and the Viking Museum. King Charles III, who also ruled over Sweden, lived in this 173-room palace. It was built for him in the early 19th century. It is now the home of the King of Norway.
The Viking Museum houses three ships — the Oseberg ship, the Gokstad ship and the Tune ship. The Oseberg ship is the most renowned of the three. The vessel, which is completely intact, is a visual treat. Also on display are many artefacts from the Viking Age.
As for visitors who are bent on getting every bit of enjoyment from the trip, the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, 1,320 metres high, will prove irresistible. From the top, the varying views of Bergen below are to be seen to be believed.
No visit to Norway is complete without the Sogne Fjord cruise. The boat vends its way through what can be described as scenery of unsurpassed beauty. The eyes can feast on snow-capped mountains (notwithstanding global warming), waterfalls cascading to the sea below, lush green farms clinging to the mountain side. There are numerous fjords, big and small, but the one that makes the viewer catch the breath is the Signe Fjord.
Another interesting experience is the journey on the Flam Alpine Train. It snakes in and out of mountains, transporting travellers into a world of wonder. For about one blissful hour, visitors can watch the constantly changing panorama through the carriage window — snow-clad mountains, roaring waterfalls and green pastures in the valley below.
A brief interlude is provided by a fairy who steps out of the mist and dances to music. The train continues to Myrdal, where passengers change over to a local train and move to Vos. Then comes the drive to Bergen, a naturally beautiful city with a harbour, where there is hectic activity. Avid shoppers will be drawn to the flea market, noted for its bargain shopping.
For venturesome eaters who like to sample local culinary specialties, there is smorgasbord or kold bord — an assortment of cheeses, meats, fishes and salads, served buffet style.