The land of vikings and paradise alike, Norway has been a bucket-list destination since years together. There is something about a land that offers the best of everything, that captivates the soul. And when there’s enough nature and mountains, a host of water bodies to keep you busy with your thoughts and discoveries!
My journey would go something like this. I would land in Stavanger; the southernmost point of Norway. A quaint city with it’s old-world charm. The home to the Pulpit Rock and island-hopping paradise. I’d stay for a couple of days exploring the museums like the Gamle Stavanger and the Norwegian Canning Museum, because no one can have enough of learning about vikings, no?
Then I’d take a day and cruise out to the Priekestolen; the Norwegian wuthering heights! Hiking, heights, a fjord view and just a little picnic basket at hand, I know I need nothing more than my own mind and perhaps, a novel to read up top. The Lysefjord may not be the most gigantic of fjords, but it is a sight for sore hike-ridden eyes!
Then, I would fly into Oslo for a couple of days, because nothing beats an architectural marvel.
Blessed with a lively waterfront and an unforgettable location, Oslo is a gem of Norway. Museums like the Viking Ship, the Kon-Tiki and the Fram are going to be my heart stealers. The Royal Palace is worth ticking off the list along with the Vigeland Sculpture Park – dedicated to Gustav Vigeland. Illustrating relationships between men, women and children, the sculptures of this park keep your mind busy for at least half a day. The other half of the day must be dedicated to the Oslo Opera House – a design that won a competition out of 350 entries in the early noughties. The building’s design and architecture give one a view of the white granite is a glacier sliding into the Oslofjord.
Next on the list to complete is the Flam Railway. Oh, magnetic scapes, a tiny almost toy-like train and little towns of heaven to pass on this “World’s Beautiful Rail Journey”. The Flam Railway, as the name suggests is a journey from Oslo to Flam to Myrdal. From there-on, you take a little ferry ride into Gudvangen and a bus ride to Voss, where you board a train towards Bergen. A full-day journey. A journey of a life-time. The most magical views and great people to be around too!
Bergen brings with it UNESCO sites, the most beautiful hikes and a lot of stave churches to visit. There is no day that goes free in this buzzing seaside town. The Floibanen is the most exciting idea I have ever thought of exploring – a cog train that takes you up to a height, from where you have the best bird’s eye view of Bergen. Hardangerfjord is a no-brainer. A full day cruise along this fjord is like a dream come true; with apple orchards and strawberry farms lining the coasts!
Now, comes my favourite part. Alesund. Oh the land of Geirangerfjord. The mighty, the beautiful, the best, best gem of Norway. A fairytale land, home of Geiranger village, an astounding creation by Mother Nature, this is not one to miss at all. Cascades of waterfalls, impressive valleys, the cliffs teasing hikers with prospective activities; Geiranger is nature’s purest paradise. And what better way to experience this awe-inspiring venue, than by staying at the Juvet Landscape Hotel?
For the architect, this is delight on a platter. All that you need to know is about the exterior; the location is serene, the design is marvelous and the vibe is absolutely stunning. For some complete privacy, this is the perfect escape. From the hustle, bustle or even your own thoughts sometimes. The insides are the typical nordic minimalism. Comfortable, but yet, minimal. The project was thought out in a way that one feels like they’re inside a camera lens; and from the looks of it, it sure does look dark and quiet inside, but that’s the effect the designer wishes to bring out. It is one on my bucket-list for a long long time, and I hope to get my 2021 dream through this trip soon!
Food is always a delight in Norwegian towns; expect a simple breakfast, but a lavish farm-prepped communal dinner. After all, making merry is what the vikings did best. So while you crave being in a perfect pod away from the noise of life, Juvet should be on your list for farm style engagement, yet secluded privately in exclusive dens of your own, overlooking a gorge!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 49, December ’20
