Trip to Norway
Fantastic Life~
Akershus Fortress
Complete journey around Norway must involve a visit to one of the state national symbols – Akershus Fortress. The fortress overlooks the harbor and is surrounded by several first class hotels. The fortress was built over 700 years ago in an effort to protect Oslo from external aggression. The authorities remodeled the fortress to make it a Renaissance castle. The fortress has acted as a prison on several occasions, mainly for the Germans during world war two. Today, the fortress is a realm of the armed forces, but the public can access it between 6 am and 9 pm. For instance, the Eastern section houses the joint quarters of the Department of Defense and the Norwegian defense staff. The modern governments of Norway often hold certain state functions in the fortress. When visiting the Akershus Fortress, one should see the Norwegian Army museum, the museum for the nation’s resistance during World War Two. In addition, visitors should check out the Royal museum where valuable artifacts such as golden utensils and other household items that were used in the palace are preserved. Often, tour guides are available to guide visitors around the building. Being close to the ocean, the surrounding has a fresh breeze and fresh air that make the whole experience unforgettable. The large fortress offers a variety of places and sections to visit and learn more about the Norwegian forces and other administrative aspects.
Urnes Stave Church
The wooden church was built around 1150 in a style that blends Celtic, Viking, and Romanesque art. As the oldest medieval wooden church, the structure merges Christian architecture and art forms of Viking era. In 1989, UNESCO declared the church as a world heritage. It stands on the original site where it was constructed with a post and beam design similar to timber framing. In the past, the church served as a private worship place for a powerful family. Today, priests celebrate important masses at the church. The Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments owns the structure. Tourists can visit the church via Bergen where they will also visit the longest fjord in Norway Sognefjord. Visitors can reach the site through various means of transport such as plane, car, public buses, railway transport, and boats. As a structure was built several centuries ago, Urnes Stave Church presents a spectacular view with most visitors wondering about its stability. In addition, the rough and smooth wooden textures, wall carvings, and natural green surroundings make visitors find it hard to leave the scene.
Bryggen
Bryggen symbolizes significance of Bergen in the Hanseatic League trading empire of 14th – mid-16th century. The settlement originated after German merchants built the structures to serve as export and import offices during the Northern European trade. The structure has suffered from several fires (last in 1955) that have charred the characteristic wooden structures of Bryggen. To preserve the original architecture, rebuilding follows the traditional patterns and methods. Currently, the former townscape still has 62 buildings which are mainly used by artists as studios. In addition, the current structures show a perfect example of medieval settlement history and culture around the world. Just like the Urnes Stave Church, UNESCO recognizes Bryggen as a world heritage city. The town derives its spectacular appearance from the wooden shops, offices, workshops, and restaurants. The multicolored rows of buildings have a magnificent view, and visitors enjoy the fresh breeze and fresh air around the ocean. In addition, the mountains on the background provide another chance for exploring nature in the area. As a stark reminder of life during the 18th century, people who explore Norway should not miss out on an opportunity to learn more about the city.
Radiohòla
Radiohola is literally referred to as “the radio cave”. It is a natural shelter that the Norwegian resistance used during World War II, for instance, they hid a radio in the cave to get news from the British. The radio had to be hidden because its possessing was illegal, and the German occupants prosecuted radio owners. The cave is at Halsnoy, it is around a 2 kilometer- inland on top of a clearing surrounded by forest. Viewers cannot see it from the low ground thus making it ideal for hiding during the warfare. To make the cave more accessible to tourists, authorities removed rocks around the cave in 1990. Originally, an unmarked path led to the cave, but the locals built a gravel road and parking spaces to make the experience enjoyable. The arrangement of the cave forming rocks provides unbelievable scenery for photo shootouts.
Trip Plan
Trip Plan
06/30/2013 7:15 AM meet @Watertown, NY ,arrive in JFK @ 8:50 AM cost: 70$/ person;
06/30/201310:30 AM from JFK to Oslo. 7-hour-long flight. cost: 230$/ person free bus provided by hotel to hotel near Urnes Stave Church
07/03/2013 10:30AM from Urnes Stave Church to Radiohola. cost: 160$ 3 nights hotel. FREE FOOD!!!!!
07/04/2013 Hire one private car 500$ for 11 days all around the country. Hire a tour-guide for 11 days cost 275$. Buy camping equipment, food total 500$
07/05/2013 Driving to Radiohola for 8 hours, then stay for 3 days
07/08/2013 Driving from Radiohola to Akershus for 11 hours then sailing to Bryggen for 4 hours. Cost: Sailing 20$ total, Dinner 40$/ person
07/09/2013 Return to Home. 230$/person