Well after this crazy pandemic subsides things goes back to normal (or “new normal”?) hopefully, you are welcome to visit Norway.
When you are retired what is holding you back? (Except maybe the cost?)
If you want to see coastal Norway the best way is by the Coastal Express that operates daily from Bergen to Kirkenes v.v. on 12 day roundtrips, with 34 stops each way. Most of the route are in protected inshore waters, with a few open water crossings and the last bit along the arctic coast of Finnmark, from the North Cape to Kirkenes.(There are 6 ports of call on this stretch.
PS> Ports visited during the night one way are daytime ports the other way.
These are working ships, not cruise ship. There are no entertainment, except the nature that they sail thru and the activity in the ports, with cargo being discharge and loaded and local passengers leaving or joining. Some are going just to the next port, others may be going longer distances.
The big attraction during the summer season is the Midnight sun, since more than half the route is north of the Arctic Circle.
In the winter season it is the Northern Lights, the Polar night and the blue light in the short time there are any “daylight”.
In the Autumn and Spring seasons it is also the great difference between north and south. In the autumn the trees may be still green in the south, while it is full winter in the north. In the spring it is the opposite, with snow still on the ground in the north, while people are mowing their lawns in the south.
From 01.01.2021 there will be two companies on the service, Hurtigruten with 7 ships and Havila Kystruter with 4 brand new ships that will cover some of the daily sailing.
Here are links to their websites.
PS> Hurtigruten as a company also offer cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic with other ships in their fleet :
PS> Initially they will be chartering ship to fulfill their obligations, until their newbuilt ships are ready.
And they’re off. Looks like they’re strikeing strategically to avoid or delay shutdowns. Seems like quite a ballsy thing to do, given the market. Reckon they’re picketing the helideck?
Doesn’t look like there is much interest in mainstream Norwegian media. It is mentioned in the business press and more specialized media.
The general media is more busy with the ongoing strike among bus drivers in parts of the country that is now in it’s second week. Mainly affecting the Oslo area.
You are welcome to visit Norway, both in summer and winter season, or any other time of the year. (When the Pandemic subside to where travel is possible of course)
Personally I think May & June are the best months, especially to visit the fjords. There is plenty of daylight and the temperature can be very nice (but not guaranteed)
What is special is the scenery at that time of the year; still with white snow on the mountains, fresh leaves on the trees and very green grass on the fields.
The pink of the blooming fruit trees adds to the view:
PS> This is Sula mountain at 820m. asl.
BTW: The last bit of last year’s snow on Sula disappeared 15.Sept. this year according to a local men that has kept records since 1960.
UPDATE; in Bjorli there are already 1/2 m. of snow cover and 3 km. of prepared ski tracks for the enthusiasts:
The snow on the mountains are melting and the snow limit has crept up to 900-1000 m. asl again with the warmer and dryer weather we have experienced this last week or so:
Stupid people that spend money on such expensive buses when everybody know that they have caused more pollution being produced than can ever be saved. Why does a country that produce and export oil and gas waste money like that?
Well, if you look at it strictly from a monetary point of view it actually make good sense;
Norway has an abundance of cheap hydro electric power available to power buses, cars and ferries.
The oil saved can be exported for a profit.
But that is not the main reason; Norway has declared an ambitious target under the Paris Agreement.
Yes I know.
I was trying to be be sarcastic, pre-empting the comments expected from the usual deniers. (Refr. the now closed Climate Change thread and several other threads)
I’m actually a denier but not an extremist. It doesn’t matter arguing if climate change is real or not because it’s a symptom rather than the cause. If all the regulations are going after the symptom and not the cause they’re not going to be effective.
Norway is really awesome:
I’ve heard of treating severe alcoholism with portions of alcohol to avoid getting killed by the withdrawal.
Being dependent on petroleum is like being dependent on multiple drugs, including krokodil.
