Folk Art, Fjords, and Fiddles: Exploring Southern Norway

Depart on your transatlantic flight from Chicago O’Hare.

After connecting to onward flight in Reykjavik early afternoon arrival into Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, known as the capital of the west and gateway to the fjords. It is a UNESCO world heritage city with the Bryggen wharf, Mount Fløien, and the fish market as central attractions. Meet your professional tour manager and coach, and transfer to hotel. Rest and refresh before gathering for a Welcome Dinner at the hotele. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Byparken, Bergen

Enjoy a two-hour guided stroll through the central harbor area. The Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf takes you back to the Middle Ages with its well-preserved buildings. Delight in the fish and flower market as well. The afternoon and evening are free to participate in the Syttende Mai (17th of May – Constitution Day) parade and activities. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Byparken, Bergen

Depart Bergen for Vossevangen on the Vangsvatnet Fjord, where you are greeted by snowy mountain tops, valleys and forests, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. The village, located between the famous Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, has been a gathering place for fiddlers and dancers for centuries. Visit the Voss Folkemuseum for a guided tour of Mølstertunet, which dates back to the 1500s and was featured in the novel’s historical plotline as site of the fiddling competition attended in 1888. We’ll also visit the beautiful stone church, built near the lake in 1277, before checking in at our historic accommodation. Overnight at Fleischer’s Hotel, Voss

Leave Voss and travel to Ulvik, a cozy village on the shores of Hardangerfjord. In the region you will find many fruit orchards and farms that produce their own cider from the region’s apples—just as Solveig’s sister did in Fiddling With Fate. During the 13th century, growing apples was introduced in Hardanger by monks from England. Today 40% of all Norwegian fruit is grown in the Hardangerfjord region. Visit an orchard farm in the area for coffee. Visit the church in Ulvik. Overnight at Brakanes Hotel, Ulvik

Depart Ulvik and stop in Eidfjord to visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center, which is an exciting experiential center for Norwegian nature, climate, and environment. After lunch, our coach will take us up through the tunnel to Kjeåsen mountain farm, featured in the book. Said to be Norway’s most inaccessible farm, Kjeåsen is inhabited only in the summer months and lies on a mountain ledge 600 meters above the Simadalsfjord. Continue to Lofthus for and dinner at historic accommodation next to the water. Overnight: Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus

The Hardanger region is a center of living cultural heritage. The Hardanger fiddle, the traditional Hardanger folk costume, and Hardanger embroidery are all well known national symbols. Travel by coach and ferry to Utne to visit the Hardanger Folkemuseum, primary setting for Fiddling With Fate. Enjoy a Hardanger fiddle performance and tour of textiles at the museum.
Have lunch at the historic Utne Hotel, where Chloe and Roelke stayed, including a history talk. After lunch, return to Hardanger Folkemuseum for a tour of the open-air area focusing on Tveismestova House, featured in both of the book’s timelines. Enjoy some free time to see the rest of the museum and gift shop. Overnight: Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus

Follow the National Scenic Route of Hardanger to Låtefoss. Pass through the city of Odda at the head of the fjord, between steep mountain slopes. Continue the journey to Røldal and Haukeligrend, while driving alongside Europe’s biggest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda. Enter the Telemark region, an important area for Norwegian traditions. Stop for lunch at the historic Dalen Hotel. Continue to your Telemark accommodation. Dinner and overnight: Straand Hotel, Vrådal

In the morning travel through the village of Heddal, where can visit the stave church, en route to Oslo, the charming capital of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord. Partake in a four-hour city sightseeing tour with a local guide. Enjoy panoramic views of: the Opera House, Karl Johansgate (Oslo’s main street), old town Christiania, Akershus Castle and Fortress, and the Royal Palace. Visit the Norsk Folkemuseum located at Bygdøy in Oslo, which is Norway’s largest museum of cultural history. See large indoor collections, the world’s oldest Open-Air Museum, and a 12th century stave church. Overnight:Scandic St. Olavs Plass, Oslo

Free day to pursue individual interests in Oslo. Options include the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the Resistance Museum in Akershus Fortress, or City Hall – site of the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. Enjoy a group farewell dinner tonight. Overnight: Scandic St. Olavs Plass, Oslo

Transfer to Oslo airport for your return flights to the US, via Reykjavik. Arrive home this evening enriched by your discoveries of folk traditions and history in Norway.