BP On The Ground: Exciting Arctic Adventures In Norway

Spanning over 1,000 miles from north to south, Norway’s vast size and varied geography offer a wealth of diverse experiences. From the dramatic fjords of the west and the cultural hubs of the south to the rugged wilderness of the Arctic north, each region presents its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.

In a recent action-packed research trip to personally vet luxury accommodations, VIP experiences and epic Arctic adventures in Norway, two of our Travel Experts joined Blue Parallel’s Founder on a journey to Oslo, Alesund, Alta and Bergen. Here, they share some of the highlights of their adventurous tour…

Oslo

Our journey began in Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway. The city’s previously rugged docklands have transformed into an artistic hub, boasting beautiful architecture, superior museums and well preserved relics of the country’s Viking heritage. As the third largest city in Scandinavia, Oslo houses many of Norway’s best cultural highlights.

Museum Tours

Our journey through Oslo included various museums, including:

Privately Guided Tour Of The MUNCH Museum

Edvard Munch was a renowned Norwegian painter and printmaker, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern expressionism. His work is characterized by its emotional intensity and exploration of themes such as love, anxiety, mortality, and alienation.

During our privately guided tour, we were able to admire many of Munch’s fascinating works and learn more about the artist and artistic influence.

Insider Access Tour Of The Fram Museum

The Fram Museum is dedicated to Norway’s rich history of polar exploration and is named after the world-famous polar exploration ship used by Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen on groundbreaking Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.

Blue Parallel can organize a VIP tour of the Fram Museum, after it closes to the public.

Insider Access Tour Of The National Museum

The National Museum showcases Norway’s artistic and cultural heritage, featuring an extensive collection of art, architecture, and design. Among its highlights are iconic works like Edvard Munch’s The Scream and masterpieces from Norwegian and international artists that span centuries.

Blue Parallel can arrange a VIP after-hours tour of the National Museum, offering an exclusive and intimate experience of its world-class exhibits.

Insider Access Tour Of The Kon-tiki Museum

The Kon-Tiki Museum celebrates the daring expeditions of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, including his legendary 1947 journey across the Pacific on a handmade raft. Visitors can see the original Kon-Tiki, along with artifacts and exhibits that highlight Heyerdahl’s groundbreaking work in anthropology and adventure.

Blue Parallel can organize a private VIP tour of the Kon-Tiki Museum after closing hours, providing a unique and personalized exploration of Heyerdahl’s remarkable legacy. For an even more exclusive experience, guests can meet with the museum director, who will provide special insights and grant access to areas typically closed to the public.

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Vigeland Sculpture Park Tour

Another of Oslo’s cultural highlights we enjoyed during our visit was a privately guided tour of the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Gustav Vigeland, a celebrated Norwegian sculptor, is best known for his monumental bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures. Today, over 200 of his works are displayed in Vigeland Park, a vast open-air sculpture park in Oslo.

Vigeland’s style is often described as bizarre and thought provoking. Accordingly, it comes as no surprise that this collection is referred to as “The Weirdest Statues in the World,” including the likes of a woman embracing a giant lizard and a naked man fighting flying babies.

Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump Tour

Our tour of Oslo continued with a visit to the observation deck on top of the Holmenkollbakken ski jump. This is one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks and represents the country’s deep connection to winter activities.

This state-of-the-art structure is part of the Holmenkollen National Arena and has hosted numerous international ski competitions, including World Cup events and the Winter Olympics.

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, we were greeted with stunning panoramic views of Oslo upon arrival. Then, we were invited to continue inside the ski museum to learn more than 4,000 years of skiing history and enjoy the vistas.

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Alesund

The second leg of our Norway tour took us to Alesund, a coastal gem renowned for its breathtaking scenery and distinctive architecture. Located in the heart of the Sunnmøre region, Ålesund is surrounded by dramatic fjords, rugged islands, and towering mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The town is also celebrated for its striking Art Nouveau architecture.

Snowshoeing, Skodje

From Alesund, we journeyed to Skodje. Skodje is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty.

During the summer months, we recommend kayaking through the Fjords, hiking to the top of Ljøbrekka mountain for views of Geirangerfjord below and biking through the Norangsdalen Valley.

As we visited Skodje during the winter months, we embarked on an exhilarating snowshoeing experience. The region was covered in a blanket of snow and the valleys and hills transformed into a winter wonderland. These Arctic conditions made an ideal setting for snowshoeing.

We set off through the mountains with our local guide, learning about the environment and taking in the serene beauty that surrounded us. This unique experience allowed us to connect deeply with nature while embracing the magic of Norway’s winter charm.

Fjord Cruise, Hjorundfjord

Another daily excursion from Alesund was a private cruise through the Hjorundfjord. Hjørundfjord is one of Norway’s hidden gems, a breathtaking fjord stretching 22 miles through the Sunnmøre Alps.

During our fjord cruise, we traveled through serene waters, passing by dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages dotted along the edge.

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Alta

We continued our journey through Norway to Alta. Alta is a northern treasure renowned for its Arctic charm and rich cultural heritage. Situated in the heart of Finnmark, Alta is surrounded by vast tundras, tranquil fjords, and pristine wilderness. It is a fantastic destination for epic winter adventures.

During our time in Alta, we stayed at a premium wilderness lodge offering a gateway to a wide range of Arctic excursions.

Snowmobiling

One of our favorite activities was a private snowmobiling excursion through epic landscapes.

We rode our snowmobile through the wilderness of the Alta River valley up to the inland plateau where we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.

Snowshoeing

Another Arctic highlight in Alta was the private snowshoeing experience through the beautiful landscapes surrounding our luxury wilderness lodge.

We embarked on a walk to a cozy wooden shelter located halfway up a mountain ridge, passing by breathtaking wintry wonders along the way.

At the shelter, we sat around a bonfire where we warmed up and took in views of the Alta valley, the mountain range and frozen river below. While taking a break by the campfire you enjoy something warm to drink and a local refreshment.

Dog Sledding

We also embarked on a dog sledding excursion with an expert guide and a team of huskies. Our excursion took place along the Alta River and into a pine forest. During our dog sledding tour, we also got to learn about the huskies leading us and the skill of mushing most effectively.

Reindeer Sledding & Sami Experiences

A unique cultural experience we got to enjoy while in Alta was the reindeer sledding excursion alongside the frozen Alta River. This offered us an insight into the indigenous Sami lifestyle.

The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Sapmi, an area that stretches across the northern parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. In Alta, they continue their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle based around their very own reindeer herds.

After the reindeer sledding adventure, we met people of the Sami community and enjoyed some traditional storytelling around a bonfire.

Flåm

From Alta, we made our way to Flåm to make our connecting train to Bergen. Flåm is a beautiful village in western Norway.The village is surrounded by epic landscapes and serves as the gateway to the iconic Flåmsbana Railway and mighty Aurlandsfjord.

Electric Fjord Cruise

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Norway was the electric ferry we took through the Aurlandsfjord to Flåm.

is one of Norway’s most picturesque fjords and even earned UNESCO World Heritage status. This scenic tour showcased both the fjord’s grandeur and beauty, including, steep mountains with snow-capped peaks, icy forests, small charming villages dotted along the towering mountainsides, and plunging waterfalls.

Flamsbana Train

Upon arrival in Flåm, we boarded the famous Flamsbana train, or Flåm Railway, to Bergen. The Flamsbana is known for being one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and it was wonderful to experience this firsthand.

As we journeyed through some of Norway’s most awe-inspiring landscapes covered in a blanket of pristine snow. Highlights included frozen waterfalls boasting unique ice formations that were glistening in the winter light, snow-kissed traditional wooden houses in local villages and dense pine forests dusted with frost.

The train’s large windows offered perfect views of the winter wonderland as we enjoyed cozy temperatures inside the carriages.

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Bergen, Norway

Our Norway tour ended in Bergen, a city where cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district meet stunning natural landscapes of striking mountains and serene fjords.

Cultural Walking Tour

Home to endless cultural wonders, a private walking tour in Bergen is the perfect way to visit some of the city’s highlights and immerse yourself in the local culture.

We strolled through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, where quaint wooden buildings line the harbor and showcase the city’s rich Hanseatic heritage.

We continued exploring charming cobblestone streets towards Schøtstuene, the reconstructed assembly rooms that provide a glimpse into the Hanseatic League’s way of life. Then, we marveled at the medieval architecture of St. Mary’s Church, one of Bergen’s oldest buildings.

Other highlights included Koengen, Bergenhus Fortress, and Fisketorget, Bergen’s historic fish market, a lively hub where we experienced the flavors and traditions of this coastal city.

Private Nature Walk

The last activity of our Norway tour was a private nature walk around Mount Fløyen.

We enjoyed a pleasant ride on the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, where breathtaking panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords were awaiting us. From there, we embarked on a private nature walk through serene trails and enchanting frosty forests.

Our guide introduced us to the local flora, fauna, and folklore, and also showed us hidden viewpoints with superior vistas.

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Enjoy Epic Arctic Adventures In Norway

The activities and experiences on offer in Norway during the winter can be adjusted to the wants and travel preferences of each group.

With each research trip we embark upon, we broaden our expertise in the countries we operate. Our research process allows us to keep up-to-date with the latest, unique experiences and allows us to establish and build strong relationships with our team of guides, experts, locals and scholars on the ground.

For more information on our luxury Norway tours, contact one of our travel experts today.