Azamara Journey - August 1, 2023

Stavanger, the southern gateway to the Fjordlands, is also the home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil fields. Visit for historical investigation or to soak up the majesty of the natural terrain. View its medieval Cathedral and other highlights of the town or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista high above the fjords.

Haugesund and its vicinity present attractions both ancient and modern. History buffs can take a trip back to the 9th century and explore numerous Viking monuments, including the grave of Harold I. It is also home of a 928-foot drydock, which, at its completion in 1979, was the largest in Scandinavia. For those more interested in contemporary Nordic achievment, the port boasts both fish and aluminum processing industries.

Situated along the innermost arm of the Nordfjord, this picturesque village of western Norway is surrounded by some of Scandinavia's most captivating scenery. Here lies the largest glacier in all of Europe, the Jostedal, towering nearly 6,200 feet over a deep valley. The green fields, serene lakes, and cascading falls of this region are simply breathtaking.

In Svolvaer, discover a picturesque harbor overlooking the Vestfjord. The towering islands of the Lofoten Wall stretch for more than a hundred miles along Norway's coast. Visit a Norwegian Fishing Village where age-old seagoing traditions are preserved. The merging of old and new is harmonious and refreshing.

Tromso, the home of the famous Northern Lights Observatory, is beautifully situated on a forest-covered isle. Take a leisurely island drive and visit the Tromso Museum and an ultra-modern cathedral, whose design was inspired by the ice of the Arctic. Again, the preservation of old ways and integration with present-day technology is remarkable.

Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag, bathed in the eerie light of the midnight sun, is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords, and crashing waterfalls. Just up the coast is North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the North Pole.

Harstad is located on Hinn-ya, the largest island of Norway. It is a fishing center and a bunkering place for coastal steamers and trawlers. Nearby is the fortified church of Trondenes built in the 13th century.

A sheltered harbor where pleasure boats flock and dramatic views of Lofoten Islands in the distance make Bodo a delightful place for sightseeing. The highlight of an excursion here is the new Aviation Museum, one of the country's finest exhibits.

Trondheim has been the home of Norway's royal residence since AD 997 when it was founded by King Olaf I. The city is still home to Stiftsgarden, a huge wooden palace. Around AD 1100, Saint Olaf II began to perform miracles for his people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.