The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.

Travel Day

From my hometown of Houston, Texas, my flight plan to Oslo, Norway will most likely consist of one to two layovers, one in the United States and another in Germany or Amsterdam. This part of the trip could take up to 24 hours. But, boy, will it be worth it! I plan to arrive early afternoon so that I can do some exploring before I have to retire for the day. Travel days are exhausting. Because this trip is jam-packed, I will need good rest that night.

Time travel is real! Oslo is 7 hours ahead of Central Time Zone so don't forget to check your devices!  

Oslo, Norway

Here, I plan to explore the city by walking most everywhere. This city is very walker friendly. Saunas seem to be a favorite pastime of the Norwegians, so when in Norway, we must do as the Norwegians! Polar Plunges are also popular here and have several health benefits. I have researched the benefits but I won't bore you with the details of those studies. You're welcome. ;)

The Ekebergparken appears to be a very lovely park with sculptures, artwork, and gardens for exploring. A short tram ride will take you straight to it. There are free guided tours available but you can also just explore on your own. 

The Botanical Garden is also on the list of places to visit in Oslo. During the winter months they are open from 7am to 5pm. 

Travel to Bergen via train.

The Bergen Railway is hands down the best way to travel from Oslo to Bergen.  This route has been called the most scenic railway in the world.  The entire route takes about 7 hours to traverse but the sights will be amazing!  Tickets can be purchased here. On the train you can select the type of cabin you want: Standard, Plus, and Private compartments.  I plan to travel Plus, or perhaps a Private cabin if I am traveling with someone else.  To be determined on that one.

I've decided to stay at a hotel near the Bergen Railway Station since it will be dark by the time the train arrives in Bergen.  I found a reasonable hotel that is just a short walk from the station.  That will be my home for the next 36 hours.

Bergen, Norway

We are here in Bergen for a full day.  What I want to experience here is to take the Funicular Railway and go hiking near Fløibanen.  The sights are amazing online and I can't wait to take some of those same pictures.

Here is some additional information on the very interesting Funicular Railway.

Other hiking options include the Blamanen Loop, Floyen Skomakerdiket, and snowshoeing on Mt. Ulriken. 

Travel to Tromso.  

There is a direct flight from Bergen To Tromso that is about an hour in length.  You can certainly drive between the two cities but that is a 4-hour drive and in the middle of winter, the roads might be harrowing.  I'm opting to fly.  That will give me more time in the city before going to the igloo site.

Today, I think I will go on a whale watching tour!

And maybe I'll stroll around the town and experience the culture through food, taking in my surroundings, and maybe conversing with the locals.  Although, I have heard that Norwegians are private folks and aren't as chatty as US citizens from the South.

Today adventure is the reason why this trip was crafted! 

Take a look at the main attraction: Lyngenfjord resort!  I will travel by bus to Lyngenfjord, which is about two hours outside of Tromso.  The resort I will be staying at will provide transportation as part of their flat rate.  So that makes it super easy!

I'm looking forward to seeing the Glass Igloos scattered across the snow-covered fjord.  Don't worry, these igloos are not constructed with ice or snow; these are real buildings with all clear glass walls and a glass roof.  The floors are heated and there is even a private bathroom in each igloo.  Comfort sings here!

I know that the pictures that I see online will be nothing compared to the real experience.  But I will still live in those images until I can collect my own!  

Take a look at these accommodations!

I will spend a full day and 2 nights at the resort at Lyngen North.  During the day, they offer snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, and dogsledding.  These activities cost extra, but sign me up now!

As part of the accommodations, dinners are included in the rate.  There is a restaurant on sight.  They also have Northern Light alarms that go off when the lights are spotted so that even if you're sleeping, you can wake up and catch a glimpse of the majestic northern lights.  Please keep me awake all night!

The bus back to Tromso departs in the afternoon, arriving around 5pm.  I am sure I will be exhausted from the igloo shenanigans.  I may do some exploring, but I am more likely going to be looking for food to take back to the hotel and crash for the night.  Tomorrow starts the arduous trek back home.

The Norwegian cuisine consists of fresh seafood, salmon cheese, and local game (moose, reindeer, deer).  Check out this helpful resource.  It's all things Norway.

Travelling from Tromso to anywhere in the United States will take a long time, sometimes requiring more than 36 hours of travel.  Most routes home will require 3 to 4 layovers before you get to your final destination.  In order to break up the lengthy travel home, it might serve you better to fly from Tromso to Oslo, spend the night in Oslo, and then catch a direct flight back to the States. There are several major hubs in the US that fly directly to Oslo.