Follow in the footsteps of Edvard Grieg on a cultural journey through the landscapes that shaped Norwegian art, music and history
From mountain top concerts to art galleries and guided museum tours, Hurtigruten’s new cultural voyages offer an in-depth insight into Norwegian art, music and history – including a focus on one of Norway’s national treasures, the music of Edvard Grieg.
Next spring there will be 12 voyages along the Norwegian coast from Bergen in the south, up to Kirkenes (on the Russian border) and back again. Each 12 day trip offers a whole host of authentic and cultural activities, both on the ship and in some of the incredible venues dotted along the Norwegian coastline.
These voyages will follow the same breathtaking route as Hurtigruten’s regular coastal route through countless fjords, stopping off to explore coastal communities and travelling high up into the Arctic Circle.
The trip kicks off with a piano concert in a cave at Trollhaugen, Grieg’s home in Bergen where guests will enter the cave by raft across the crystal clear lake, which will be specially illuminated for the occasion. After the concert they will then enjoy a guided tour of the composer’s villa.
There are a total of 17 cultural excursions or activities included in the trip with a further six available for a small supplement. Music lovers will be treated to operatic arias performed inside a cave in the mountains and a concert in an old fish-oil factory. Those who enjoy more traditional venues will visit coastal churches and the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso. Among the many concert halls visited is ‘Stormen’ in Bodo. The city’s Grand Hall was opened in Autumn 2014 and has been labelled ‘outstanding’ by Nordic design institutions for its cultural and architectural features, as well as its wonderful acoustics. In addition to the concerts, passengers will enjoy lectures on Norwegian culture, guided cathedral tours, art exhibitions and botanical garden tours.
Spring is a magical time to visit the Norwegian fjords. It is a journey of great contrasts between the southern and northern part of the coast, with a spring climate in Bergen, while Kirkenes up in the far north is still in the grip of winter.
Those wishing to enjoy the full programme of events can join the 12 day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen, though for a shorter trip it is possible to join just the north or south bound portion of the journey.
The ships visit 34 ports along the way and Hurtigruten’s regular programme of excursions will also be offered with options ranging from trips to the North Cape (Europe’s northernmost point) to a bird watching safari or husky sledging.
More information is available at: http://www.discovertravelshop.com.au/images/www.discovertravelshop.com.au/PDF/Hurtigruten_CulturalVoyagesBrox_LR.pdf
For more information contact your local Travel Agent, email Discover the World on hurtigruten@discovertheworld.com.au or call 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267).
SOURCE: Hurtigruten