Curated Recommendations
Tons of links to, and recommendations about, excursions, lodging, sights, museums, restaurants, buses, trains, gear, books, ferries and ships as we travel all the world’s seven continents. Nothing is on the list unless we personally recommend it. Ongoing updates. Select your preference below …
Fiskhallen Restaurant
Fiskehallen is located in the center of Narvik. It’s famous in the town. They deliver fresh fish on a daily basis. We enjoyed a spectacular roasted haddock dinner there, but every kind of seafood is available. In addition you can buy dinner from their weekly menu. It’s a must see (and sea :-).
Location: Kongensgate 42, 8514 Narvik, Norway
Tel: +47 40 40 19 83
Read more about our own visit to Narvik on Day 637 of our Vagabond-Adventure as we made our way to Sweden.
Have you been to Fiskhallen Restaurant? Please tell us all about it in the comments below.
Saltstraumen Maelstrom
Sometimes called the “hourglass of the universe,” the Saltstraumen Maelstrom is the strongest tidal current in the world. Water from Saltenfjorden and Skjerstadfjorden fjords conflict in an impressive display of natural forces. Image from visitnorway.com.
Bryggerikia
“Bryggerikaia, on the other hand, was established in 2005. After a somewhat troubled start in the first few years, the restaurant took off and has since been constantly developing. Bryggerikaia today stands out as one of Bodø's most visited restaurants. We are keen to create a meeting place for the many people where they can eat a pleasant meal or enjoy a good drink. The location is spectacular all year round right at the entrance to Bodø harbor and in the summer we have northern Norway's most beautiful outdoor dining area with its own outdoor bar and barbecue section.”
Burgasm
“For the guests looking for a one-of-a-kind gourmet burger, our literally over the top milkshakes or our curly or naughty fries. All at a reasonable price in a friendly, casual environment. Our enthusiastic chef Joshua will be taking you on a mouth watering journey across the world.”
Løvold Kafeteria
“The cafe has had the same objective since the beginning: that everyone should be full and that the food should be of good quality. The host receives much recognition for its dishes of lamb, salmon, pollock and cod, as well as baked goods from its own bakery. Løvold is the place for those who want to choose from a menu with understandable words, eat Norwegian home cooking and get their fill of homemade food.”
Nordland Railway
“At 729km and taking almost ten hours, the Nordland line is Norway's longest single train journey. The railway crosses 293 bridges, ploughs through 154 tunnels and crosses the Arctic circle on its epic journey northwards from Trondheim to Bodø.
Known in Norwegian as Nordlandsbanen, the route still provides a glimpse into rural Norwegian life as it meanders its way north through industrial towns and small villages and past an ever-changing landscape.
It crosses the Arctic Circle on the journey, adding a certain allure to the route for international travellers.”
Clarion Hotel Trondheim
“Clarion Hotel Trondheim is one of Scandinavia's largest congress hotels and is located right by the Trondheim Fjord. Let yourself be seduced by modern design, architecture in a special class, exciting food concepts and an absolutely enchanting view.”
Jaf's Fish ‘n Chips
“Welcome to Jafs and fabulous fast food! The first Jafs restaurant opened in Oasen in Bergen in 2001. Ever since then, Jafs has been a nationwide fast food chain with a shared basic range of good quality products.
There are currently over 50 Jafs restaurants across the country, from South to North. We emphasize that the food Jafs serves must be safe, served quickly and have an exciting taste.
Whether you have plenty of time and settle down for a breather with a delicious snack, or are on the go and ready for a takeaway, we look forward to welcoming you in our restaurants. We look forward to serving you fabulous fast food!”
Hotel Noreg
“Hotel Noreg is located in the heart of Ålesund. Our location is ideal for visitors looking to explore the city's culture, history and natural beauty. From the hotel you have easy access to the best attractions in the city, including the famous art nouveau architecture, the quay, and the Aksla viewpoint. Ålesund Storsenteret is right at the end of the street for shopping opportunities, as well as opportunities to walk up to the beautiful view at Fjellstua”
Sunnmøre Museum
“Sunnmøre museum tells the story of the way of life in the old farming community.
In the idyllic open-air museum, we have a large collection of buildings from all over Sunnmøre. Here you get to know how people lived in the pre-modern Sunnmøre society.
In the boat hall, we tell the story of boat development and travel at sea from the Viking Age until motorboats took over.
In the main building, we show both permanent and temporary exhibitions.”
Aksla (Fjellstua) Viewpoint
The view from the Aksla Viewpoint is regarded as the top visitor activity in Ålesund. It’s free and easy. At the top is the Town Park, along with extraordinary views of the town center and Sunnmøre Alps.
For those who prefer not to make the hike, access is also possible by car, train or bus.
Saigon Restaurant
“Enjoy Saigon Restaurant & Take away is a great spot for a delicious Vietnamese meal. The food is authentic and fresh, with a variety of options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. The spring rolls are especially tasty and the Pho soup is as good as you'd find in Vietnam. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. Highly recommended for a great Vietnamese meal in Bergen!”
Havila’s Coastal Express
“Don't expect a typical "cruise" experience. Expect something more. The Norwegian Coastal Express is a different kind of voyage. The journey, ships, ports and scenery and the history behind it results in a unique, special and authentic experience like no other.
Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world and is one of Norway’s major tourist attractions. Every year, this amazing railway line attracts visitors from around the world and in 2014 Lonely Planet named it the world's most beautiful train journey.
Today the journey through the steep and narrow Flåm valley, with views of mighty waterfalls, picturesque mountain farms and tall peaks, takes about 60 minutes and connects with most day trains on the Bergen Railway between Bergen and Oslo.
The railway is open every day all year. The scenery changes throughout the year but is no less spectacular whatever time you come. You will see rivers carving their way through deep gorges, waterfalls leaping off steep mountainsides with snow-covered peaks, as well as mountain farms clinging tenaciously to steep slopes. Departing at Flåm station the beautiful Aurlandsfjord is only a few metres away.
Frethheim Hotel
“Set in a 19th-century white clapboard building next to Sognefjord, this bright, casual hotel with a modern annex is a 2-minute walk from Flåm train station, 1 km from Flåmselvi river and 3 km from Flåm Church.
Warm, simple rooms feature shared bathrooms. Upgraded quarters add en suite facilities, mountain views and/or terraces. Some have old-world furnishings, while others provide modern decor, fjord views and balconies. Suites offer sitting rooms, and 1 features 2 floors and a whirlpool tub.
There's a restaurant with fjord views, plus a cozy fireside bar, a garden cafe, and a pier with a boat. Breakfast and parking are available. Pets are welcome.”
Fløibanen
“The Fløibanen is a funicular railway in the Norwegian city of Bergen. It connects the city centre with the mountain of Fløyen, with its mountain walks and magnificent views of the city. It is one of Bergen's major tourist attractions and one of Norway's most visited attractions. The line is 844 m (2,769 ft) long, covers a height difference of 302 m (991 ft), and carries over one million passengers a year. The line is owned by Fløibanen AS, a company with a number of shareholders, the biggest being the municipality of Bergen.”
Scandic Neptun Hotel
“Welcome to Scandic Neptun and our popular restaurant Pascal Mat & Vin. This hotel offers one of Bergen's largest collections of art and a wide selection of entertainment and show packages.
Centrally located in Bergen, two minutes from Torgalmenningen. Walking distance to popular attractions such as Bryggen, and the Hansa area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Say hello to penguins, seals and fish in the Aquarium, or take the popular Fløibanen, which is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Ole Bull Stage, Den Nationale Stage and Hordaland Theater are also within walking distance. The airport is 25 km away, and the train station is within 1 km. Two minutes' walk to the Airport bus.”
Bryggen Quay
“Bryggen is a historic harbour district in Bergen, one of North Europe’s oldest port cities on the west coast of Norway which was established as a centre for trade by the 12th century. In 1350 the Hanseatic League established a “Hanseatic Office” in Bergen. They gradually acquired ownership of Bryggen and controlled the trade in stockfish from Northern Norway through privileges granted by the Crown. The Hanseatic League established a total of four overseas Hanseatic Offices, Bryggen being the only one preserved today.” - UNESCO
Thon Hotel Terminus
“Thon Hotel Terminus is situated in the very heart of downtown Oslo, mere steps away from Oslo City shopping centre, Oslo Spektrum arena, and Oslo Central Train Station. The city’s largest public transport hub is just outside your door, and many of the best restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and nightlife that Oslo has to offer are all within an easy stroll.”
Akershus Fortress
A visit to Akershus Castle is like a walk through Norwegian history from the 14th Century until the present day.
Originally Akershus Castle was built as a medieval fortress in around 1300AD under the reign of King Håkon V.
During the first half of the 17th Century, the Danish/Norwegian King Christian IV decided to modernise and rebuild it into a renaissance castle.
In the 19th Century, the castle fell into disrepair and was close to demolition. Fortunately, Akershus Castle was rescued and restored during the first half of the 20th Century after Norway regained its independence in 1905.
Today, the castle's splendid halls are home to the Norwegian government's official functions.