Day 1 - Bergen 

• explored beautiful streets lined with traditional wooden houses - in the 1800s Bergen was actually Europe’s biggest wooden city
• visited World Heritage Site Bryggen Wharf - The colorful houses date all the way back to the 12th century
• wandered around fish market and learned about the Hanseatic merchants who lived and traded in Bergen for 400 years
• enjoyed traditional Norwegian hot-dog - could not make myself eat the reindeer one - they are way too cute animals!!!!

Day 2 - Bergen to Oslo

• we took the Bergensbanen train, which is consistently rated as one of Europe's most scenic train journeys
• the journey takes about seven hours, has about 180 tunnels, 22 stops and includes some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway - fjords, waterfalls and rivers, with the highest point Finse Station at about 1222 meters above sea level
• arrived in Oslo in the afternoon and we climbed the roof and explored inside of the Oslo Opera House - the iconic building with a angular architecture seemingly arising from the waters of Oslo Fjord
• we then moved to Munch museum next door where three versions of "The Scream" are rotated - we had seen the lithograph and an oil on canvas
• we explored the old town with its most charming street Damstredet

Day 3 - Oslo

• we joined a Walking Tour to learn more about history and life in Oslo
• we visited the Tiger Statue Jernbanetorge iconic sculpture symbolizes Oslo's nickname, "Tiger City,"
• walked to the Akershus Fortress built to protect Oslo from invasions
• we seen impressive building of the City Hall, which is hosting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony annually
• walked Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main street, stretches from the Royal Palace to Oslo Central Station
• viewed the Storting building serves as the seat of the Norwegian Parliament
• explored Frogner Sculpture Park - with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland
• we had a lovely dinner with our new friend Radek and his beautiful dog Jasper
• we walked around an old city at night

Day 4 - Oslo

• we braved “Hurricane Amy’s” winds and rains as we spent our final hours in Oslo exploring the city on foot
• visited Oslo’s famous City Hall, home of annual Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies
• explored the Deichman Public Library, one of Europe's most modern libraries
• enjoyed Norway’s favorite food for lunch - tacos!

1. Norway is known for its stunning fjords, including the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
2. The country has a high standard of living, often ranking at the top in global happiness and quality of life indexes due to its excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare systems.
3. Norway is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas, and its sovereign wealth fund is one of the largest in the world, used to invest in various industries to secure long-term national prosperity.
4. The country has a unique natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, where parts of Norway above the Arctic Circle experience 24 hours of daylight during the summer months.
5. Norway is home to the indigenous Sámi people, who have their own language, culture, and traditional lifestyle, particularly known for reindeer herding.
6. The Vikings, famous for their seafaring explorations, originated from Norway, and the country has a rich Viking heritage, including the Vikingskipshuset museum in Oslo, which houses well-preserved Viking ships.
7. Norway is one of the few countries that has no military alliances, maintaining a policy of neutrality but also participating in international peacekeeping efforts.
8. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually in Oslo, Norway, and the Nobel Committee, responsible for selecting the laureates, has been based in the country since its establishment.
9. Norway has one of the highest rates of electric vehicle ownership in the world, with electric cars making up over 50% of new car sales in recent years.
10. Norway’s National Tourist Routes are a collection of scenic drives that stretch over 1,240 miles, offering some of the most picturesque views of the country’s mountains, coastal cliffs, and fjords.
11. Norway is famous for its winter sports, especially skiing, and it has won more Winter Olympic medals than any other country, with cross-country skiing being the most successful discipline.
12. The Lofoten Islands, located north of the Arctic Circle, are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, including steep mountains, pristine beaches, and fishing villages.
13. Norway’s traditional cuisine includes dishes like rakfisk (fermented fish), brunost (brown cheese), and lutefisk (dried fish reconstituted in a lye solution), which are enjoyed during festive times.
14. The country has a long history of folk tales and myths, with stories of trolls, elves, and other mythical creatures deeply embedded in its culture and traditions.
15. Norway is a leader in environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, with plans to become carbon-neutral by 2030.