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We chose to fly to Oslo, where we were enchanted by Vigeland park, with its world famous statues and the Viking museum with its restored Viking long boats and other artifacts. We then took the train through beautiful mountainous scenery to Bergen where we boarded the Kong Harald, the largest and newest of the fleet at that time. We sailed to the North Cape, crossing the Arctic Circle, visited the Russian border and then returned south to Bergen.

A group of friends with similar travel tastes: e.g. an informal setting, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path, and just a little adventuresome, had recommended this trip. Once again we found that there is no substitute for talking with people who have "been there."

The most striking feature of this trip is the incredible scenery. The fjords are narrow and surrounded by snow-covered mountains, even at the height of summer. The passage at Stokksund consisted of several rapid right-angle turns, through rock-infested waters. Troll fjord is a very narrow fjord with the shores rising straight up from the water’s edge. Occasional waterfalls were seen as the ship entered and proceeded to the head of the fjord. In turning around, the ship had to maneuver within two feet of the side of the fjord! An incredible piece of seamanship.

Red and white houses predominated throughout the picturesque small villages where we docked for short periods, perhaps an hour or two, at any time of the day or night. Longer stays, for sight seeing, were provided at the larger towns and places of interest. We crossed the Arctic Circle where we were ceremoniously doused with ice cubes and fed brandy by King Neptune. Soon we reached the latitude where, at that time of year, the sun never sets. Nancy and I stayed up one clear night to see the sun setting toward the horizon and then begin its ascent without ever going below the horizon. An impressive phenomenon.

When we reached the North Cape, we were bussed to the cliff side of the Cape itself. It was easy to imagine our submarines during the Cold War, rounding this point of land, as they entered the Barents Sea on patrol. After docking at Quirkiness, we visited the Russian Border and then headed south for the return trip.

In selecting this trip several important decisions must be made. The first is size of the mail boat. They vary quite widely, from those carrying a very limited number of passengers, to the largest, which carries 300.

Another important decision is to take the complete round trip both north and south or just one way. The traveler might also wish to couple the shorter trip with other travel options available in this area. To discuss these, and other options, contact a Uniglobe travel specialist by e-mail.

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