Norwegian Fjords & Mighty Waterfalls

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland's capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.

Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber.[ReadMoreMob] Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology. To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea. [ReadMoreDesk]

Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and an incredible natural wonder steeped in myths and legends.

At its eastern end, the magnificent Nordfjord divides into three arms beneath the glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen, and Olden sits at the beginning of the southernmost of these arms. A charming village, Olden is among green meadows which are ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer, and through which babbling brooks meander between pretty houses.

In the centre of the village is the Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of a 14th century stave church: the timber was used for the pew doors and doorposts. Near the church is the Singerheimen, the former home of William Henry Singer Jr, an heir to a steelworks in Pittsburgh, who lived in Olden between 1868-1943 and donated large amounts of his wealth to fund the building of local hospitals and roads here. [ReadMoreMob] Singer was also a gifted amateur artist, and some of his paintings the Olden area can be seen in his workshop.

The beautiful Oldedalen Valley extends for 12 miles behind Olden and is an absolute joy to explore. On an adventure into the valley you can marvel at huge, near-vertical cliffs, a string of spectacular waterfalls, and sparkling glaciers, such as the astonishing Briksdal.

A scenic cruise alongside Hornelen with Fred. Olsen offers you the opportunity to get closer to Europe's highest sea cliff. Gliding gently through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on earth you'll stand in awe as you gaze upwards toward the summit of this incredible landmark from the comfort of your ship's decks. 

Flåm is a tiny village on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the spectacular Sognefjord – the longest and deepest fjord in Europe. Situated amongst scenes of picturesque orchards, hamlets, cottages and farmland, this is one of Norway's most breathtaking locations. 

Visitors to Flåm are often drawn to the charming village church, with its traditionally decorated walls, while the Flåmsbana Railway is ranked highly on the fjordland's must-do list.[ReadMoreMob] Climbing over 20km as it passes through the magnificent mountain scenery, the Flåmsbana takes in incredible sights such as the striking Kjosfossen Waterfall, crashing 225 metres down rugged cliffs. The Flåmsbana Museum, exploring the railway’s design and construction, is worth visiting too.

Flåm is also perfectly situated for boat tours to UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, one of National Geographic's top natural heritage sites.

The Nærøyfjord (Naeroyfjord) has been rated by National Geographic as the world's number one natural heritage site and is rumoured to be the inspiration for the snowy scenes in the hit Disney movie Frozen.

The fjord is 18 kilometres long and only 500 metres wide at its narrowest point and the passage through it, which is only accessible to smaller ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet, is one of the most dramatic in Europe. As you cruise through this stunning part of the world you'll see snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and charming traditional farms that cling to the vast hillsides. 

The magnificent Sognefjord is one of the world's longest fjords and the largest in Norway. Truly one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, a scenic cruise along this spectacular waterway will showcase the best that mother nature has to offer including incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains and glistening waterfalls. 

The picturesque village of Eidfjord, set within the breath-taking Hardangerfjord, is a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural features and possibly the most beautiful place in the Norwegian fjords. Located beneath a back-drop of soaring, snow-peaked mountains, engraved with rivers and waterfalls, Eidfjord begs for exploration and presents some of the fjordland's greatest photo opportunities The village’s tranquil feel extends to the lush fields that run for miles, meandering through clusters of wood-slat homes in ice-cream hues.

Two quaint churches, one dated back to 1309, are both worth exploring, while the Troll Train offers a 50-minute guided tour of this stunning region.[ReadMoreMob] From the train you can experience Eidfjord’s exquisite scenery and Hæreid, the largest Viking burial site from the Iron Age.

Hiking is very popular in the area, and for those keen sports enthusiasts, kayaking down the dramatic, mountain-flanked fjords is a must-do. Alternatively, visitors can head for the amazing Hardangervidda Nature Centre or the infamous Voringfossen Waterfall, a tumbling natural beauty set deep in the mountains of Måbødalen Valley.

Known as the 'Queen of the Fjords', Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. The best way to experience this incredible fjord is to sail along its 197-kilometre-long stretch of still, azure water, enjoying the spellbinding scenery, towering mountains, waterfalls and idyllic orchards.

The Norwegian Fjords are among some of the most beautiful and picturesque locations on earth, and Maurangerfjord is no exception.[ReadMoreMob] Branching off of the stunning Hardangerfjord, Maurangerfjord stretches into Nordrepollen and Austrepollen and is home to the pretty Furebergfossen Waterfall. A cruise along this vast natural wonder offers fabulous photo opportunities and out-of-this-world sights.

Seven hills and seven fjords frame Hanseatic Bergen, a city steeped in maritime heritage. Of Bergen’s many attractions, the 900-year-old UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf is a standout highlights. A delight to explore, the Bryggen's cobbled stairways are lined with traditional half-timbered buildings and climb away from the waterfront, leading to curious open spaces that are often overflowing with colourful flowers that perfume the air. 

Bergen has a vibrant fish market and hosts one of Norway's biggest cultural events of the year, the Bergen International Festival.[ReadMoreMob] The city was once the home of Norway's most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to his life’s work.

Not to be missed is a chance to ride the Funicular Railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, offering spectacular panoramic views of Bergen and its scenic surroundings.

Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.

Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement.[ReadMoreMob] This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.

Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.

Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.

A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland's capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.

Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber.[ReadMoreMob] Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology. To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea. [ReadMoreDesk]

Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and an incredible natural wonder steeped in myths and legends.