Discovering Norway Onboard A Superyacht

Sail away from the well-trodden seas of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and be prepared for something different, a spellbinding adventure in the heart of nature.

13 August 2017

Destination Highlight: Discovering Western Norway

Norway is a destination like no other and will bring you closer to nature like never before. A charter on board a yacht in Norway is the perfect way to discover the true beauty and wilderness of this location. Step on board and experience dreamy landscapes, amazing wildlife, and complete tranquillity. This is your chance to escape for a while, to embark on a journey with your family and friends and experience something totally natural and different. In the land of the midnight sun, you will share your yacht charter experience with few, other than the local fishermen and several species of wildlife.
 
Navigate your way through the calm waters of this kingdom of fjords, past steep mountains, roaring waterfalls, and glaciers. It is of no surprise that the Western Fjords feature prominently in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Don’t be fooled, Norway is not always a snow-covered land. The country benefits from weather reflected in all four of its seasons, and during the summer enjoys many hours of sunshine. 

And don’t leave behind your sense of adventure to discover all that this magic location has to offer. From salmon and trout fishing, to white water rafting, Nordic walking, summer skiing, glacier climbing, parachuting, and any other outdoor adventure you can think of; step ashore to discover all that Norway has to offer. Nevertheless, if none of this appeals, cosy up on the deck of your yacht, sit back and relax, and enjoy the show as you navigate your way through the fjords.

Western Norway: Sample Itinerary

Lofthus: this is the ideal basecamp for excursions, with summer skiing, rafting, kayaking, glacier walking, and even go-karting within easy reach. As the marina is owned by the multi-award-winning Hotel Ullensvang, you will also have the chance to take advantage of their facilities, including the excellent bar and restaurant, and amazing wine cellar.
Bekkjarvik offers a town that is steeped in 16th century history whilst also offering all the amenities of a more cosmopolitan city. With a strong fishing heritage, this is the place to try your hand at fishing in a traditional way by joining one of the local fisherman. If you get lucky with a catch of your own, take it along to the Inn of Chef Orjan Johannessen, winner of the Bocuse d’Or 2015, who will happily prepare a stunning fish course for you.
Bergen: geographically placed as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and is called "the city between seven mountains" because of the many mountains that surround it. At 624 metres, Mount Ulriken is the tallest of them all. In addition to its history and traditions, this is a good place to enjoy the latest trends in dining and shopping. And be sure to take a ride to the top of Mount Fløyen with the Fløibanen Funicular to admire some amazing views.
Gulen: steeped in Viking history, Gulen is home to the Gulatinget, which was one of the oldest and largest parliamentary assemblies in medieval Norway. Indulge in an authentic Viking feast dressed in full Viking costume, whilst listening to tales of the area. And for those brave enough, end this amazing experience with some true Viking activities including a tug of war! This is also a good location for a spot of deep-sea fishing and wildlife safaris.
Bakka/Gudvangen: the peaceful villages of Bakka and Gudvangen are a good example of typical settlements where small scale farming is very much part of daily life. Gudvangen is home to the Viking Heritage Festival, a five-day festival during which visitors from all over the world wear authentic Viking costumes and live a traditional life as in the 800s. This is also a great location for adventure sports, surrounded as it is by spellbinding waterfalls and incredible views.  
Aurland: be sure to take a trip to the Stegastein viewpoint, where the views quite simply take your breath away. Nearby Flam is a small village of just 300 residents, however this little gem offers some of the most popular attractions in Norway. Hire your own private carriage and enjoy a journey along what is considered one of the steepest and most beautiful railways in the world. Near Flam is a village called Nærøyfjord. Here you can visit a mountain farm and sample some delicious organic meat and dairy products, or enjoy a beer from the world famous Aegir Brewery.
Skjolden is located at the head of Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, named Sognefjorden, and at the foot of Norway’s highest mountains and largest glacier. It is also famous for Urnes Stave church which was built in approximately 1130. Similar churches existed elsewhere in Europe, but only the Norwegian ones have survived. 
Kalvag is a small fishing community and is probably the best kept fishing village in western Norway. Famous for its seafood, the village offers an authentic dining experience at the Knutholmen restaurant where expert chefs will delight your taste buds. Here you will find the highest sea cliff in Europe, rock carvings at Vingen, and the old trading stations of Rugsund and Smørhamn. 

To book your Norwegian yacht charter or for further information on this stunning destination, please contact Rebecca Cutter.