Category: EUROPE

NORWAY: The charming seaside town of Sandefjord

April 24, 2017

There is no doubt that Sandefjord is a wonderful holiday destination for locals and international tourists alike. The town’s productive whaling industry and Viking history made it one of the richest cities in Norway. Old and modern residential areas occupy the city center, providing a beautiful architectural contrast.  With Vesterøya and Østerøya peninsulas forming an … More NORWAY: The charming seaside town of Sandefjord

NORWAY: The Slottsfjell Museum and the history of Tønsberg

April 23, 2017

When in the oldest Norwegian town of Tønsberg, it is a must to go and visit the Slottsfjell Museum located right at the foot of Mount Slottsfjell to gain a better understanding of the history of the ruins site and the old town, which all dates back to the Viking Era. The museum welcomes its … More NORWAY: The Slottsfjell Museum and the history of Tønsberg

NORWAY: Mount Slottsfjell, Scandinavia’s largest ruin site (Things to See and Do in Tønsberg)

April 17, 2017

Tønsberg, the administrative center of the Norwegian county of Vestfold, is a small harbour town that has withstood the test of time. According to the Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), the town has been in existence even before the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which occurred in 871. This makes Tønsberg the oldest town in Norway! After roaming … More NORWAY: Mount Slottsfjell, Scandinavia’s largest ruin site (Things to See and Do in Tønsberg)

NORWAY: A day trip to Tønsberg, the oldest Norwegian town (Things to See and Do)

April 16, 2017

Tønsberg is a beautiful harbour town located in the Vestfold county, the second smallest of the 19 Norwegian counties (fylke). Tønsberg got its name from the Old Norse form of the name Tunsberg, meaning “fenced area or garden”(tun) and “mountain” (berg). This might refer to its most famous landmark, the Slottsfjellet, a fortified hill. My husband and … More NORWAY: A day trip to Tønsberg, the oldest Norwegian town (Things to See and Do)

NORWAY: The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum at Vemork and the historical heavy water sabotage (UiO ISS excursion part 5)

March 26, 2017

Because of its unique industrial history, the Rjukan valley in the Telemark country in southern Norway was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. The whole town in the valley was built and designed by the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, Norsk Hydro, between 1905 to 1916. The complex consists of hydroelectric … More NORWAY: The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum at Vemork and the historical heavy water sabotage (UiO ISS excursion part 5)

NORWAY: A glimpse of the Rjukan Valley from Gvepseborg via Krossobanen cable car (UiO ISS excursion part 4)

March 17, 2017

Taking the Krossobanen cable car from the lower station Krosso to the top station Gvepseborg was a unique experience! Krossobanen is the first cable car to be built in Northern Europe, and Scandinavia’s oldest two-way cable car that is still in traffic. From Gvepseborg, visitors can gaze upon the beautiful Rjukan valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gvepseborg … More NORWAY: A glimpse of the Rjukan Valley from Gvepseborg via Krossobanen cable car (UiO ISS excursion part 4)

NORWAY: Kvitåvatn Fjellstoge – a mountain lodge in an area of dramatic natural beauty (UiO ISS excursion part 3)

March 13, 2017

There is only one word to describe the Kvitåvatn Fjellstoge (mountain lodge) in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rjukan in Telemark – “Wow!” It is situated 945 meters above sea level, with fantastic views of the Kvitåvatn lake and Gaustatoppen, the highest mountain in southern Norway. Last summer, the participants of the University of … More NORWAY: Kvitåvatn Fjellstoge – a mountain lodge in an area of dramatic natural beauty (UiO ISS excursion part 3)