The overnight passage from Rotterdam to Flam, our first Norwegian stop was very rough, causing us to take precautions against seasickness. Many people were unwell, but we managed! There was plenty to do on the ship.

Our first stop in Norway was in Flam – a tiny little village located on a fjord. Clearly built to service the growing tourist trade, Flam provides a road and rail link to Bergen, a large city. We travelled on the railway which revealed some great views of the mountains and waterfalls. We had afternoon tea in a small hotel in the mountains before returning for some souvenir shopping and returning to the ship.

Day Two of our Norway visit was to Ulvik. Another small village. Our ship anchored in the fjord and we boarded tenders for our trip to shore where I went on a coach and ferry tour to a small village at Hardanger which had a folk museum. There was an open air museum of huts representing the way folk used to live in this region, and then had coffee and cake at a small hotel. The weather was fine and not too chilly, so it was quite lovely. The scenery was spectacular – which seems to be the only word I can apply to the Norwegian landscape.

Day Three saw us in Stavenger, a larger city servicing the oil industry. The weather was a little rainy and cool, which impacted a little on our movements. But our guide was very good. We visited an archaeological museum which I found fascinating, and the oil museum which I found quite boring. But is was a very well put together museum. We then walked with our guide through some of the old town with its beautiful houses and cobbled streets. I have some great photos.

Our last day was spent in the town of Kristiaansand with a boat tour of the beautiful harbour and islands, and a coach trip to the small town of Lillesand. The weather was warm and sunny!