Blogs from Northern Norway, Norway, Europe - page 13

Saturday 9 December 2017 After a morning stop in Finnsnes, the ship continued to Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic, for a prolonged stay. At 2.15pm we docked and started our visit to Tromso. Before getting off the ship we saw the Arctic Cathedral across the water, over the bid long bridge, opposite the CBD. We were going to concentrate on the city centre. First was the Christmas Markets in the city square but all the stalls were food based, offering sample of local food. Next was the Polar Museum where we learned the history of seal hunting as well as the exploration of the North Pole. Very interesting. The display included preserved seals, life-size models of explorers and the equipment that was used. We then walked into the main shopping area, briefly stopping inside the ... read more

Crossing Arctic Circle plus Bodo & Lofoten Wall Friday 8 December 2017 The Arctic Circle marks the border to the Arctic region. Today was the day for crossing the Arctic Circle. This occurred about 7.30am. On the land was a lit-up globe which I almost missed but got to take some terrible quality photos of it in the distance!!! We continue sailing along the beautiful coast of Helgeland up to Bodo. Later this afternoon the sight of the 1,000m high Lofoten Wall appeared on the horizon. The charms of the Lofoten Islands were revealed in all the small, picturesque fishing villages with their bohemian atmosphere. Crossing the Arctic Circle is when the hunt for the Arctic light began. We are hoping for clear skies but that might not happen until arriving in Lapland. Stopping at Bodo ... read more

Alta 16th/17th November We came, we saw and we were MESMERISED Well, the time has come the walrus said - will we see the lights yes or no!!! First a bit about Alta, and the county of Finnmark. We arrive in Alta today Thursday the 16th, at about 1pm - 30 mins before sunset. We have sailed from Tromso overnight having set sail at 4am, sailing through the Fjords around to Alta. We spotted a few Orcas early on but sadly no humpbacks!! Apparently there some but only feeding. Alta is situated at the head of Altafjord and its main modern claim to fame is where the battleship Tirpitz and other German cruisers laid up in wait for allied shipping. Following Germany's invasion of Norway in 1940 there were as many as 15000 troops based in ... read more

We spent a week cruising southbound on the Norwegian ship, MS Richard With from Kirkenes. We had varied weather- grey, moody skies, heavy rain and cold, bright blue skies and sunshine and lovely warmth and heavy winds, making for an interesting journey. Norway's coastline is beautiful- rugged, with choppy water and water tucked away in fjord which is clear and smooth, like glass. There have been many seagulls, some terns and sea eagles, but I unfortunately missed the Puffin I wanted to sea. In fact, there was next to no wildlife by comparison to Antarctica. We were too far south for Polar Bears and penguins too... next trip we need to go to Svalbard and back into the Arctic circle - a little further north next time. Without doubt, our favourite day was in the Vestæralen ... read more

The train left Trondheim on time at 23:40 for Bodø. We were hoping that we would manage to get another sleeper but unfortunately for us everyone turned up. Thankfully, the sitting carriages weren't too crowded so we could spread out. The overhead lights were turned out. Not sure why they bothered as still left centre lights on and it doesn't get dark at all. No-body pulls down any of the blinds. The railway provides everyone with a blanket, a face mask and blow up pillow. Great view from the window but little sleep. Andy and I were exhausted by the time we made it to Bodø at 9:15. The hostel were are staying at is only a short walk from the station. In fact there is a lift from the station to reception. Although we were ... read more