Norwegian Star - August 4, 2023

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.

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.

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.

Lerwick is a town in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago north of the Scottish mainland. Historically a major fishing port, Lerwick today attracts those drawn to the combination of Norse and British culture in the area. Every January, the Up-Helly-Aa fire festival features a Norse ship that is dramatically dragged through the town and burned.

Named for Thos, the god of thunder, this Danish outpost in the middle of the Atlantic has much of interest to see. Visit a farmhouse with a 900-year-old smoke room, the unfinished Gothic-style St. Magnus Cathedral, a medieval church still in use, and a fascinating Maritime and Historical Museum containing boats from the Viking period to the present.

Akureyri is the capital of the northern part of Iceland and serves as the gateway an area full of stunning waterfalls. It's also the place that Icelander head went they want some sun. From here, it is a short trip to the magical and mystical Dimmuborgir area and its ominous black castles.

Isafjordur, capital of Iceland's Westfjords, dates back to the 9th Century and is one of the country's main fishing ports. Isafjordur also boasts a lively cultural scene and the West Fjords Folk Museum is definitely worth a visit. Take a walk down the harbor and see local fisherman at work or see many of the nearby homes that date back to the 18th Century.

Reykjavik, the largest city and capital of Iceland, is a city full of history, great theatre, and exciting nightlife. For a dose of Icelandic and Viking history, visit the National Museum and visit Hallgrimskirkja, a church that features a famous statue of explorer Leif Erickson and a great spot to view the entire city.