Experience an Amazing Vacation in Norway Via a Cruise with Family in 14 Days 

Day One: Hamburg, Germany 

Okay, so I know this is supposed to be a family vacation in Norway itinerary. But every cruise ship needs to start its journey somewhere. And this one begins in Hamburg!  

So, you will fly to Hamburg and then board your ship at the port. Today will be all about getting settled in your room. As well as learning where everything is on the ship. A trip to the spa may be in order for the ultimate in relaxation. Let me know if you are interested in this and I will make it happen!  

Day Two: Day at Sea 

There will be plenty of activities available for your family during this day at sea. Take advantage of this time to start making those memories that matter.  

Day Three: City of Seven Mountains 

The City of Seven Mountains is officially Bergen. Your family will get to spend most of your day there. If you are up early enough, you can be out on the deck as you leave the North Sea and enter the straits and fjords of Norway.  

And if you aren’t, no worries! There are so many other spectacular things you will see during this Norwegian adventure!  

After your family arrives in port, you will take the bus to the Fløibanen funicular. It will take you to the top of Mount Fløyen in approximately six minutes. Enjoy the views of the city from above.  

When you are back at the base of the mountain, take the time to explore the Bryggen District.  

Day Four: Loen 

The beginning part of this day will have your family marveling at how easily the ship goes through the straits and channels in Norway. When you reach Loen, you will disembark the ship for a few hours of exploring.  

Day Five: Day at Sea 

You are getting closer to the Arctic Circle on day five of your amazing vacation in Norway via a cruise with family. Today will be spent at sea. However, I recommend taking time to gaze at the scenery from the deck in between dips in the hot tub.  

A few things you will see along the way include the Torghatten Mountains, islands in Strandflaten, and more of the Seven Sisters Mountains.  

This is the day when you will all want to stay up later in the evening. Being so close to the Arctic Circle means you will have a better chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.  

Day Six: Lofoten Islands 

You will officially be in the Arctic Circle early in the morning of day six of your vacation cruise in Norway. You will pass by these islands until you reach Svolvær. This is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands.  

Many of the residents still work within the fishing industry here. You will see wooden racks lining the shoreline in this town. Those racks are used for drying locally caught cod.  

Spend your time in port talking to the locals, as you shop in the stores. There are also a couple of art galleries you can peruse. You never know where you will discover an incredible work of art! 

Day Seven: The City of Northern Lights 

The City of Northern Lights is more commonly called Alta. It is one of the northernmost towns in the entire world. Alta is located in Finnmark County. It is above the Arctic Circle at seventy degrees north.  

Bundle up as you disembark the ship for your adventure. First, stop at the Northern Lights Cathedral to learn about these dancing lights. You may then have a chance to go dog sledding, or at least meet a few sled dogs.  

The main attraction of the day though will be the Northern Lights. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, so your family can experience this magical event so far north. It will be a late night, but it will be well worth staying up past your bedtime!  

Day Eight: Honningvag 

One of the northernmost points in Europe is Honningvag. This is a small town. Your family will want to walk along the harbor. And check out some of the local restaurants before choosing one to dine at for lunch.  

Today is the day the ship will turn around to head back towards Hamburg. Relish your time in the north, because it may be a while before you return.  

Day Nine: Tromsø 

Tromsø is the capital of the Arctic. Before you arrive in this capital city though, your family may have the chance to see humpback whales out in the water. Check them out from the deck. Have your video cameras ready to capture the big moment if they jump!  

Once in port, head over to the Arctic Cathedral. Do a little souvenir shopping. And learn about the history of this area.  

Oh, and if you want to visit a brewery, you can here. Mack Bryggeri is the northernmost brewery in the world. Definitely worth a visit to try a pint or two!  

Day Ten: Reine 

You will arrive early at the island of Reine. This is a fishing village that is located within the Lofoten Islands. The local museum will teach you all you ever wanted to know about the fishing industry over the years.  

Day Eleven: Surprise Visit! 

Knowing where you are headed every minute of the day can be quite boring. To make your amazing vacation in Norway via a cruise with family a little more exciting, the captain of the ship will decide where you are visiting today at the last minute! 

Be ready for any type of excursion and enjoy the fact that surprises can be exactly what your family needs to make a few extra memories on this vacation.  

Day Twelve: Alesund 

Hopefully you enjoyed every minute of your surprise visit yesterday! Today, you are back to the regular schedule with time in Alesund. Wander along the cobblestone streets, as you check out the colorful buildings, towers, and spires. I recommend looking closely at many of the buildings. If you do, you will spot stone statues carved into them.  

Leave time to visit the Atlantic Sea Park. This is where you will find a penguin park, as well as a seal pool. Over at Otter Island, you will see three otters. If you call their names, Pia, Muffe, and Nusse, they will respond to you.  

Day Thirteen: Sunndal or Rosendal 

You are very close to the southern end of Norway once again. During today’s adventure, you will find yourselves in Hardangerfjord. This is the last fjord you will see during your family vacation in Norway.  

Your destination for the day will be chosen according to the weather. The options are Sunndal and Rosendal. Both small villages are full of adventures. In Sunndal, your family can go kayaking or hiking. In Rosendal, your day will be spent learning about the Folgefonna Glacier at the visitor center.  

Day Fourteen: Day at Sea Towards Hamburg 

Today is the last day of your amazing vacation in Norway via a cruise with family. It will be a day filled with emotions. You will want to do all your favorite activities on the ship. Eat your favorite foods. And begrudgingly pack for your flight home.  

By the time you go to bed tonight, you will need to accept the fact that the ship will be in Hamburg when you wake up in the morning. Your family will need to leave the ship one last time, as you head to the airport.  

Thankfully, you will have all the memories from this family trip to Norway to remember forever!  

As you can see, there are so many things you can do and see during a family vacation in Norway. Cruising up and down this country is one of the best ways to see it. Especially since you get to see some of the smaller villages and towns along the way. Hopefully, you can see what is possible if you decide to make this journey with your family during a magical vacation.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Norway or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

The post Experience an Amazing Vacation in Norway via a Cruise with Family in 14 Days appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

My Travel Guide to Norway

History of Norway 

The history of Norway begins long before the Viking Age. All the way back to 10000 BCE, people arrived in this area to hunt and fish. They continued to settle along the icy coastline while moving inland a little to farm.  

Once the Viking Age began, there was a battle with Britain over who owned the land. Some people were even expelled from Norway. Those people moved to Greenland in hopes of a better life.  

Norway finally received full independence in 1905. This country has had many other changes over the years. Now in the 21st century, history is still happening. One of the most exciting things is people can now hold dual citizenship while living in Norway. This may be helpful if your family falls in love with this destination during your family vacation.  

Weather in Norway 

Spring in Norway 

Spring usually begins during the month of May in Norway. The sun is normally shining at this time of the year. The temperatures start to climb too. However, don’t expect it to be too warm during a family vacation in Norway during the spring. And since the snow is melting, it will be wet and muddy.  

Summer in Norway 

The temperatures in Norway reach the upper 60s and low 70s during the summer. There are days when it will reach 80 degrees. So be prepared for warmer days on occasion. It will never get too hot in some regions of Norway. It is always best to check the weather of where you will be staying prior to packing.  

Fall in Norway 

The weather starts to get cooler during the fall. You may still see some warmer days, but they are few and far between.  

Winter in Norway 

The winter months can be bitterly cold in Norway. The temperatures usually fall well below freezing and stay there all day long. Snow will fall regularly too. Winter also brings really dark, long days here. Keep that in mind while planning your family vacation.  

What to Pack for a Family Vacation in Norway 

Packing for a family vacation in Norway can be challenging, depending on when you are visiting. Your family can usually wear T-shirts and shorts or pants during the day in the summer. Yet at night, you will need a sweater or light jacket to keep warm.  

Spring and fall months will require layers, as well as a raincoat and boots. During early spring or late fall, you may need even warmer clothes for your family trip.  

Heavy jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves are a must during the winter in Norway. This is especially true if your family plans on spending a lot of time outdoors. It is best to pack multiple layers for each day, so you can dress accordingly. I actually recommend wool clothing when visiting Norway during the winter because it will keep you the warmest.  

My travel guide to Norway doesn’t cover everything you should pack for your family vacation. Everyone has their own needs and wants while traveling, so simply use this as a guide and pack what you know your family will need!

Activities to Embrace While on a Family Vacation in Norway 

One of the best ways to explore Norway is by hiking the local trails. This is an excellent activity to get your family outside. Plus, you get to see some of the gorgeous landscapes throughout this country.  

Another option is to rent bicycles and ride your way through the countryside. This might be good if you want to see a few more places during your family vacation.  

During the winter months, you can head to the nearest ski slopes. And yet, during the warmer months of the year, you can go surfing or rafting or do a little kayaking on a river.  

One of the favorite activities in Norway, though, is checking out the Northern Lights or seeing the Midnight Sun. The Northern Lights can normally be seen in Norway between late September and late March. As for the Midnight Sun, this natural phenomenon occurs during the summer.  

Other activities to embrace while on a family vacation in Norway include: 

• Fishing 
• Birdwatching 
• Wildlife Safari 
• Train Ride  
• Ferry Ride 
• Scenic Drive 
• Cable Car Ride 

Top Places to See While on a Family Vacation in Norway 

There are just as many fabulous places to see while on a family vacation in Norway. The Polar Museum should be at the top of your list. This museum is within a former warehouse that was constructed back in 1837. Inside the museum, you will see galleries filled with the history of the Arctic expeditions.  

Other intriguing museums include the Ibsen Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.  

Over at Vigeland Sculpture Park, your family can wander around to see more than two hundred sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. These sculptures are all made from granite and bronze. There are several sections within this park. I recommend walking through each section completely before heading to the next.  

Visiting Oslo Cathedral should also be at the top of your list during a family vacation in Norway. This baroque church was the first church to be established in the country. While inside, you should pay close attention to the large organ, as well as to the colorful murals on the ceiling.  

Other top places to see while in Norway include: 

• Geirangerfjord Region 
• Arctic Cathedral 
• Akershus Castle 
• Village of Geiranger 
• Oslo City Hall 
• Tromso Fjords 

There are many other things to do in Norway, so don’t think you need only to include what is in my travel guide.

Amazing Festivals to Attend in Norway 

You will find plenty of festivals to attend during your Norway family vacation if you plan your trip right. I can’t possibly share all the different festivals in my travel guide to Norway. However, I am going to share the best ones.  

Oya Festival 

The Oya Festival is considered one of the biggest music festivals in Norway. This festival was first held in Oslo in 1999. Since then, it has continued to grow while featuring popular musicians over the course of four days.  

Riddu Riddu 

The Riddu Riddu Festival began back in 1991 as a way to protect and share the Sami culture with others. This festival is normally held during the month of July in Northern Troms.  

Saint Lucia’s Day 

Saint Lucia’s Day is held on December 13th to celebrate the festival of light. This is the arrival of Christmas and is considered a major Christmas feast day. Girls will dress up as Saint Lucia, as they sing songs and carry lights.  

Tips for a Fabulous Family Vacation in Norway 

I find it is always helpful to be aware of certain things before going on vacation anywhere. Especially when you are traveling with your family. There are a few tips you need to know in order to have a fabulous family vacation in Norway. Those tips include: 

• Renting a car is usually a must when on vacation in Norway. Public transportation can be slow and unreliable.  
• Book accommodations, transportation, and activities well in advance. Norway is a country that fills up quickly with travelers, especially at certain times of the year.  
• Credit cards are used instead of cash in Norway. Keep that in mind, so you have a credit card that won’t charge you fees every time you use it. You should also alert your credit card company that you are traveling so they don’t flag your account as possibly being used fraudulently.  
• Pack the appropriate clothes and remember layers so you don’t freeze during your stay. If you have teenagers that love packing their own clothes without listening to your advice, either throw a few things in your suitcase for them or be prepared to make a few purchases upon your arrival. After all, we all know how teenagers are when it comes to dressing for the weather! 
• Always buy the chocolate. Norwegian chocolate is the best! Buy extra to take home with you. Like, by the case, so you don’t run out too quickly! 

Now that you have read my travel guide to Norway, you know many of the things you should be aware of for your family vacation. Yes, there are other things you may need to be aware of, but we can cover those as I am creating your personalized family vacation itinerary. I always make sure my clients have everything they need before heading to a new destination for a family trip.  

So, are you ready to have me personalize a family vacation itinerary for your next trip?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a family vacation itinerary planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you. 

Not ready to receive your personalized family vacation yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

The post My Travel Guide to Norway appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Best Things to Do in Norway 

Hike to Troll’s Tongue 

There are numerous hiking trails in Norway. One of the best trails, though, is the one that leads to Troll’s Tongue. You will find Troll’s Tongue in between the fjords and villages in Norway. It is in Vestland County.  

You must be prepared if you want to tackle this hike with your family. The round-trip adventure takes between seven and twelve hours. The timing will be dependent on where you begin and end your hike.  

Enjoy the Views from Nordkapp 

Up in Lapland is an area called Nordkapp. You can reach this area by road. Thankfully those roads are considered all-season. So, you can visit when you manage to get to Norway on vacation.  

When you do arrive, you will be in the northernmost point of Europe. There isn’t much to do there. Just a visitor center, a small museum, and a café. However, the views are spectacular.  

Explore Akershus Castle 

Over in Oslo, your family will discover Akershus Castle. This medieval castle is thought to be constructed starting in the 13th century. During your visit, your family can see the different sections of the castle. The most intriguing section will be the one that used to be the prison.  

Inside the castle, you will also find Norway’s Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum.  

Experience Polar Night in Svalbard 

Over in Svalbard, there are lots of things to keep your family busy. You can check out glaciers and see polar bears in their natural habitats. Yet, the one thing that is better than all that is the polar nights. These nights occur between late October and the middle of February.  

There is no sunshine during these months. Instead, the sky turns dark and blue lights arrive in December. Of course, the Northern Lights can also be seen. It is one unique sight with all these lights dancing around in the sky.  

Go On a Train Ride 

One of the best ways to explore Norway is to take a train ride across the country. Your family may enjoy this option, as it allows you to see the entire countryside in a short amount of time.  

Explore the Vigeland Museum 

The Vigeland Museum can be found in Oslo. It is a sculpture museum dedicated to Gustav Vigeland. Many of his sculptures can be seen inside the museum. Plan on spending a couple hours looking at the more than two hundred sculptures.  

Explore Jotunheimen  

Jotunheimen is an area in Norway that is filled with mountains. You can hike the trails within Jotunheimen National Park. I recommend hiking up to the summit of Galdhøpiggen. It is the tallest mountain in the country. The views are stunning from up there.  

This is also a fabulous area for kayaking, mountain climbing, and skiing.  

Head Over to Geirangerfjord 

The most famous fjord in Norway is Geirangerfjord. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers exceptional views. I recommend taking a cruise across this fjord to truly appreciate its beauty. Just remember to keep an eye out for the waterfalls you will see along the way.  

Go to Mount Fløyen 

Mount Fløyen is an area above the city of Bergen. You can choose to hike up one of the trails. However, if you want to take the easy way out, ride up on the Fløibanen funicular.  

These are the best things to do in Norway during a family vacation. This is one of those unique destinations that will allow you to make memories with your family while experiencing new things. I would love to plan your family vacation to Norway while making sure everyone falls in love with every minute of your stay.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation and tackle these best things to do in Norway?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book your next family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the valuable travel information I share.  

The post Best Things to Do in Norway appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.