Bucket List Adventure Day 5 - Now the fun begins...
After a few days of taking in the sights of Oslo and Bergen and having spent my first night on the MS Nordlyss we will have already made a few overnight and morning stops. Firstly at Florø (meaning strong stream) once a centre of herring production now a supply base for the petrochemical industry, then Maloy and Torvik, and the spectacular Hjørundfjorden - until our first point of disembarkation at Ålesund, a port town at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord (very popular with cruise ships in the summer). Known for the art nouveau architectural style in which the town was rebuilt after the 1904 fire, a walking tour of the town might be just the thing to stretch the legs. We have three hours here; another option is to head off to the Mount Aksla viewpoint where there are panoramic views of Ålesund, the surrounding archipelago and the fjords. Remember to take the binoculars !
As we sail overnight we reach Trondheim as the legendary Hurtigruten breakfast is being served. On my list here is The Bakklandet District where the first settlers landed in the 1600's beautiful wooden buildings with artisans and small traders (shopping - maybe a new bobble hat?), the Nidaros Cathedral and a kaffepause in one of the traditional coffee houses, and a slice of Kransekake (apple cake). We have six hours here so plenty of time to see Trondheim.
At this point we are at latitude 63.45N, only a few degrees from the Artic Circle at 66.33 N.T During our morning cruise we cross the invisible border that takes you into this magical wonderland and one which is surrounded by ritual (much as crossing the equator by ship). King Neptune makes an appearance on deck and you brace yourself for ice cold water to be poured down your back; cloudberry wine is your reward. Well worth it!
Onwards to Bodø - home to the world’s strongest maelstrom sea current Saltstraumen and the Børvasstindan mountain range. The largest city in the county of Nordland is a bit livelier in the summer than in the winter but I'm up for a Rib Safari, if the waters aren't frozen with my binoculars at the ready to catch sight of the magnificent sea eagle, or a mountain hike with the expedition team. We've only a couple of hours here so make the most of this stop!
This afternoon we sail to my beloved Lofoten islands. I think I shall don my Norwegian Cardi and bobble hat and toast my arrival with a glass of cloudberry wine on deck...
Tomorrow we head to Tromsø!