Norway – A Northern Star. It’s Never Been Closer!

#wideroe #visitnorway #bergen #fjordnorway #visitbodo #northernnorway #travelbiz ASM Ireland Widerøe

Jacinta from Travelbiz was delighted to attend a presentation from Wideroe Airlines and various visitors from Norway on February 21st. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Alan & Joanne Sparling (ASM Ireland) in Dublin, the Norwegian Ambassador, Her Excellency Mari Skare, was present to lend some gravitas to the event! Having had the great privilege to visit Norway, I was thrilled to make the acquaintance of the delegates present. As Kristin Gaustad from Wideroe Airlines explained, there is now a direct connection 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in summer) from Dublin to Bergen, so literally, Norway has never been closer! In fact, Wideroe is celebrating its 90th Birthday this year! The airline is very pleased with their Dublin / Bergen route which is going from strength to strength and flight duration of just over 2 hours means we’re real close neighbours.

There’s just no excuse not to visit Norway! Justifiably, all the delegates were extremely enthusiastic and had plenty to brag about in their regions. Splendid fjords, spectacular scenery, UNESCO World Heritage site Bergen, the excitement of visiting Bodo inside the Arctic Circle (where I saw the Northen Lights!) and the dream coastline of Northern Norway is a lacy fretwork of fjords. Our Nordic neighbours make the most of their stunning outdoor playground. The landscapes of Norway are quite breath taking and I recall stopping in my tracks early on my first morning watching the mist hover over Hardanger Fjord. It was magical and ethereal.

The pretty villages could decorate a chocolate box and adventure trails, thrilling rib rides and healthy hikes await the eager traveller. Bergen is awash with culture too and the museums and art galleries celebrate Edward Grieg and Edward Munch.

Paal Thunaes (Visit Bergen) urged guests to get a Bergen card (transport and access to museums) when visiting the stunning city and advised the great range of accommodation available. Marianne Johnsen told us directly that the Fjords are the thing in Norway – longest, highest and deepest! Who can argue with that? Jan Roger Eriksen from Northern Norway TO showed us the most amazing video with images and colour – truly awesome. He also advised that local gastronomy is huge in northern Norway. As Bodo is European Capital City of Culture 2024 (a first for inside the Arctic Circle), Kirstin Kondrasen proudly told us of her city’s attributes and the fantastic attractions planned for Bodo and Salten this year. Formerly a NATO stronghold, Bodo is the gateway to the Lofoten Islands, Stavangar and the home of the indigenous Sami People. There’s lots of space in beautiful Norway, so lots of visitors are invited!

Her Excellency, Mari Skare, even explained that rare sea eagles, bred in Norway are being re-introduced to Ireland’s south-west coast, so cementing our mutual affinity. In fact, her Excellency proclaimed her love of Ireland and all things Irish and says we feel like cousins! If you love nature, you’ll instantly fall in love with Norway. The transition from cold to cool has happened to Norway, so hasten away to the Land of the Midnight Sun and enjoy a slice of paradise. It surely is our Northern Star.