Amsterdam, Bergen, Alesund

The Port of Amsterdam is one of the most impressive harbors of Europe. Its industrial appearance turns it into a mysterious spectacle. The city is the economic and cultural center of the Netherlands. It is an "open museum", with beautiful canals, bridges, endless walkways and bike lanes.

Beautiful Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and "Gateway to the fjord country". It overlooks the amazing Byfjorden and is surrounded by steep, forested mountains. This lively university town, was founded on an old Viking settlement in the year 1070 and has a proud history and many interesting cultural monuments. It is a designated World Heritage City and its area Bryggen (the Wharf) with its 61 "wooden buildings, houses museums, shops, restaurants and pubs is also listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. If you have time, don't miss the Fløibanen funicular ride up to Fløyen (320 m above sea level), which offers the best panorama, on a clear day. Bergen is a popular cruise destination and the leading cruise port in Norway, with around 330 cruise ship calls bringing more than 450,000 cruise passengers per year. 

Ålesund is a picturesque fishing port at the mouth of Stor Fjord located between Bergen and Trondheim in the district of Sunnmøre and is the gateway to the surrounding fjords- Geirangefjord and Hjørundfjord- and the stunning Sunnmøre Alps. A massive fire, which burst in 1904, destroyed 800 buildings in this fishing port, which was reborn with the support of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II and rebuilt in the then-popular Art Nouveau style, known as Jugendstil. The result is one of the prettiest ports in Norway, boasting llovely buildings with medieval facades, elegant turrets and spires along the streets of the city center. Today, it is still one of Norway's most important fishing harbors and the world's largest supplier of Klipfish - dried cod. Your walk will lead you through Gågata pedstrial way, canalι Brosundet and Aalesunds Museum, while Aksla hill in the heart of the city (a mere 418 step climb if you are feeling mildly energetic!), offers a great panoramic view.

The Port of Amsterdam is one of the most impressive harbors of Europe. Its industrial appearance turns it into a mysterious spectacle. The city is the economic and cultural center of the Netherlands. It is an "open museum", with beautiful canals, bridges, endless walkways and bike lanes.