As we enter the season of gratitude, we are reminded that the greatest gifts are often the experiences we share and the places we discover. This December, let us inspire your next journey
Some destinations capture your attention. Norway captures your imagination.
Picture mountains rising straight from deep blue water, tiny coastal villages tucked beneath towering peaks, and islands scattered across the sea like stepping stones. Seen from above, Norway looks almost impossibly beautiful. National Geographic’s Europe from Above brings that extraordinary landscape into focus, revealing both its natural drama and the ingenuity of the people who call it home.
The Norway episode goes beyond sweeping scenery. An island-hopping postal route, huskies crossing frozen lakes, and the architecture reshaping Oslo’s waterfront offer glimpses of everyday life in an exceptional setting. It is a compelling invitation to discover a country where the landscape shapes how people live, work, and travel.
And while the aerial views are mesmerizing, imagine stepping into the picture yourself.
Oslo offers a striking introduction to Norway’s creative spirit. Along its waterfront, bold contemporary architecture creates a fascinating dialogue between the city and the sea. Sculptural forms, expansive glass, and clean Scandinavian lines make the buildings part of the scenery, inviting you to appreciate design as you explore. It is an exciting urban beginning to a journey filled with natural wonders.
Continue to Bergen, where the colorful wooden buildings of historic Bryggen line the waterfront. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a charming introduction to Norway’s maritime heritage, with mountain scenery and fjord adventures within reach. Spend time exploring the harbor, lingering over lunch, and wandering the city before continuing into the landscapes that make western Norway so unforgettable.
Here, the journey becomes part of the experience. Traveling between Bergen and Flåm combines the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway, carrying you through a remarkable succession of mountains and valleys. Pair a scenic rail journey with time on the fjords, and your perspective keeps changing—from looking up at immense slopes to watching the landscape unfold beyond your train window.
Autumn adds another beautiful dimension. Leaves turn shades of gold, amber, and crimson, bringing warmth to the landscape against the blue of the water and the dark green of evergreen forests. Imagine a crisp afternoon stroll, fallen leaves beneath your feet, followed by a cozy meal overlooking the waterfront. For travelers who love seasonal color and a contemplative atmosphere, Norway in autumn is an especially inviting prospect.
Farther north, the Lofoten Islands offer another kind of enchantment. Jagged mountains frame fishing villages, and traditional fishermen’s cabins, known as rorbuer, offer a distinctive place to stay beside the sea. Fishing traditions remain part of the islands’ identity, reflected in local specialties such as Arctic cod and stockfish. This is a place to slow down, savor the setting, and let a small village become the highlight of your journey.
Then there is Norway’s extraordinary light.
In summer, long daylight hours invite you to linger outdoors, while areas above the Arctic Circle experience the midnight sun during part of the season. Imagine looking out across the water late at night with sunlight still illuminating the mountains.
Winter brings a different kind of magic: the chance to witness the northern lights. In northern Norway, dark skies provide a dramatic setting for the aurora borealis, whose luminous ribbons can ripple above mountains and snowy landscapes. Picture stepping into the cold evening air and looking up as green light begins to dance overhead. Sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity, making each appearance feel like an extraordinary gift from nature.
For me, Norway’s appeal lies in the opportunity to build a journey around moments like these: discovering Oslo’s imaginative architecture, admiring autumn colors beside a fjord, or spending a winter evening watching the Arctic sky. Thoughtfully chosen accommodations, local guides, and time to enjoy each setting can turn spectacular scenery into a deeply personal experience.
Europe from Above provides the inspiration. Traveling there adds everything a screen cannot capture—the sea air, the mountain silence, and the feeling of standing somewhere that exceeds your expectations.
If Norway has found its way onto your wish list, I would love to help you create a journey that brings it to life.
Yvonne M Hawley
713-805-4247