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Booking Norway cruises for your next holiday will take you to one of Europe's most beautiful countries, with stunning coastal views, snow-capped mountains or crashing waterfalls at every turn. You will also find there are some friendly towns and cities to visit, where you can enjoy unusual architecture and a laidback approach to life. One of the most fascinating places in Norway is Bergen, which is a stop on many cruise itineraries. Despite being the second largest city in the country, Bergen manages to retain a small town feel and when you explore the shops and cafes, you will discover the locals have a commitment to high levels of service – all done with a smile. The city's narrow cobbled streets are lined by brightly coloured timber houses, many of which have hanging baskets filled with flowers outside. It also has a host of traditional retailers and eateries dishing up local delicacies such as reindeer, fish soup, pickled herring and hearty mutton stew. One of Bergen's main attractions is Bryggen, the oldest part of the city. The buildings on the wharf were used as warehouses and offices during the time of the Hanseatic League and the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel there today and you will discover many of the structures have been renovated and are now used as houses, shops and restaurants. There is also an archaeological museum nearby. Bergen is a real treat for anyone interested in religious architecture, as it has a number of impressive churches and cathedrals. One real highlight is the Fantoft Stave Church, but unfortunately the building you will see is an accurate reconstruction of the 12th century structure, as the original was burned down by Pagan protesters in 1992. Another place you may like to visit is Troldhaugen, a museum dedicated to the composer Edvard Grieg that is housed in his former summer home. There is also a concert hall nearby that has regular performances of his work. Head out of the city for a few hours and you will be able to explore some of the finest scenery you will ever see. One of the best ways to do this is to take a train ride to Myrdal to enjoy the views from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Switch to the famous Flams-Banen railway line and as the train winds its way along steep mountain tracks you will be treated to close up views of thundering waterfalls, lakes, rugged hillsides and traditional farming villages. For the best deals on luxury Norway cruises, take a look at what Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has to offer.
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