Cultural Scandinavia at Easter

The Lysefjord is a spectacular example of the Norwegian fjords' natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age, Lysefjord is lined by tall mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices.

The Olsen family home in Hvitsten is located on the shores of Oslofjord, with the impressive Lysedal Mansion overlooking the waters. The inner part of the fjord is lined with dense forests, and is well known for the small group of islands that lie close to Oslo, whose beaches are hugely popular with locals. Oslofjord is also a haven for birdwatchers, and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.

Norway’s capital city, Oslo has been an important maritime destination for centuries, and is home to many maritime-related companies, including ship-owners and brokers. Surrounded by mountains and the impressive Oslofjord, where Fred. Olsen originated in 1848 in the small town of Hvitsen, located on its shores. The city has many cultural and historical structures; including the impressive Vigeland Park, and is also home to the National Gallery, where Edvard Munch’s The Scream is hung.

The compact city of Aalborg is located in Jutland, close to the impressive Limfjord. The city is a cultural centre of this part of Denmark, where medieval buildings such as the half-timbered Aalborghus Castle, sit alongside the modern architectural waterfront area – including the famous Utzon Centre or futuristic looking House of Music, and is seen as a gastronomic haven with unique culinary experiences.

Situated in the West Sweden archipelago, Lysekil is a small picturesque seaside town surrounded by the famous red granite rocks where Gullmarsfjord meets the sea at Skagerrak. Renowned for its herring fishing and more recently having the largest petrol refinery in Scandinavia; Lysekil also has an aquarium housing hundreds of aquatic species from the Gullman Fjord, and boasts the Stångehuvud Lighthouse, which dates back to 1890.

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its monarchy dating back as far as the 8th century, and home to the impressive Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace and Christianborg Palace. The Danish crown jewels are housed at Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The diminutive Little Mermaid Statue, based on Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s 1836 story, sits on the shoreline looking for her prince; while the Nyhavn District reveals canals lined with historic wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses.