Haugesund is a port of Norway we visit on our Costa Cruise to Northern Europe. The young and vital city is full of positive energy. Situated on the southwest coast of Norway, not too far from Bergen, Haugesund is a port city of at least 40,000 inhabitants. Here you can stroll along the harbour watching the fishermen or walk along the Haraldsgata, the shopping street filled with bars and restaurants. The city is a culturally vibrant place that hosts various festivals, but it is also the starting point for excursions and walks. From the port of Haugesund you can go to the island of Utsira where you will find many rare birds that you can watch from specially constructed huts.

Måløy is a town in the municipality of Kinn in Vestland county, Norway. Måløy is located on the southeastern side of the island of Vågsøy, about 3 kilometres northeast of the village of Holvika and about 6 kilometres south of the village of Raudeberg.

The Norway fjords and wildlife, waterfalls and clear lakes are what we discover stopping at Hellesylt. Hellesylt is a small village located within the Sunnylvsfjord, southwest of Norway. Pretty, traditional houses are surrounded by unspoiled nature. Upon arrival you will be able to admire the harbour, the ancient port used by the Vikings, while from the hill overlooking the town you can enjoy an amazing view. During the stop in Hellesylt, remember to visit the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can see the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall that drops off a very steep cliff.

Molde, situated on the Romsdalsfjord, is known as the “city of roses”, because it is the only Norwegian city where the climate allows them to grow. Molde, nicknamed the rose city because of the many roses that are located in its grounds, is situated on a magnificent fjord in southwestern Norway. Once you arrive at the port of Molde, visit the Museum of Romsdal, which exhibits the different buildings and regional interiors from the 16th to the 19th century. Finally, take advantage of the break to travel a road surrounded by greenery and leading you to the Varden viewpoint. From here you can enjoy a great view of the city, the beautiful fjord of Romsdal and its surrounding 222 snowy peaks.

Norway best expresses its compelling power in the small ports like Flåm, poetically set like a jewel in the fjords. Flåm is a small village of 450 inhabitants situated in the south of the country at the end of one of the inlets of the Sognefjord, the deepest in Norway. Take advantage of the break to get on the train that leads to Myrdal for two hours of breathtaking views amid waterfalls, rivers, fjords and mountains. On your return to the port of Flåm, take a walk along the fjord and be enchanted by the beauty of nature.

We visit Ålesund to discover the wonderful grandeur of the fjords and then enjoy the Art Nouveau style of the city. It’s hard travel to Ålesund without succumbing to the unique charm of this city. The administrative centre of the same name is also the Norwegian epicentre of Art Nouveau. Once landed at the port of Ålesund, you can start your tour at the fjords, mysterious sea inlets surrounded by sheer cliffs. If you get the chance, look out for the picturesque midnight sun. And don‘t forget to sample the Pinnekjøtt watered with brandy!