Costa Favolosa: HAM - HAM - HAM09A0A

     Hellesylt is the gateway to some spectacular Norwegian scenery nestling in the country of fjords. Surrounded by steep rocky mountains, dissected by cascading waterfalls and decorated with thriving fruit trees, the fjords are among the Earth's most inspiring landscapes. The air is pure, the water clear and nature unspoilt.
     The evolution of the fjords began some three million years ago when Norway was covered by an ice cap, thinner along the coast than inland. When the climate became milder, the ice began to melt, producing great waterfalls that dug into the soil and descended towards the sea. This created valleys that were subsequently filled by the ocean, forming the fjords.
     Three of the most magnificent Norwegian fjords are in the counties of Möre og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane. They are Geirangerfjord, at one end of the 110km long Storfjord, Hjörundfjord, described as the 'nave of a Gothic cathedral' and Romsdalfjord, surrounded by beautiful mountains that turn amber in the reflection of the sun on the icy waters. The many waterfalls of the area are a great attraction, as is Horningdalsvannet, the deepest lake in the world, reaching a depth of 600 metres and according to local folklore inhabited by some very strange marine life. A short distance away in the direction of the tourist village of Stryn is the perpetually snow-capped Tsytig glacier, a meeting point of two mountain ranges. The village of Geiranger lies in a steep, long valley at one end of the fjord of the same name. In addition to the spectacular attraction of the fjord, the area is known for its river salmon fishing and its cod fishing out to sea. An interesting excursion from Geiranger is Djupavnett Lake and the Dalsnibba glacier, dissected by numerous rivers and waterfalls.

     Geirangerfjord is the name of a large fjord in western Norway, one of the most beautiful in the country, attracting a constant stream of passenger ships.
     The hill-top village of Geiranger lies at the end of a steep, long valley. In addition to the spectacular attraction of the fjord itself, the area is known for its river salmon fishing and its cod fishing out to sea. Geiranger is also renowned for the hospitality of the local people and for the peaceful way of life. It is very popular among walkers.
     An interesting excursion from Geiranger is Djupavnett Lake and the Dalsnibba glacier, dissected by numerous rivers and waterfalls.

Visiting Ålesund on a Northern Europe cruise means stepping into a fairy-tale atmosphere. After a devastating fire, the town was rebuilt in the early 20th century in an impressive Art Nouveau style.

The streets of Ålesund are filled with charming turrets, spires, and beautiful decorative details that give the town its unique character. You can admire the heart of Ålesund from above by climbing the 418 steps to the panoramic viewpoint of Mount Aksla, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Sunnmøre Alps.

Alternatively, take a scenic walk to Sukkertoppen (“Sugar Peak”), starting from Hessa. For a deeper experience of traditional coastal architecture, visit the island of Godøy, home to the picturesque fishing village of Alnes, located right by the beach. There you’ll find local crafts and homemade delicacies sold in charming courtyard stalls.

A visit to Geirangerfjord is also a must — one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're up for more adventure, try the Ørnevegen (“Eagle Road”), a winding mountain pass that climbs from sea level to 620 metres through just 11 sharp hairpin bends!

Ålesund is a city where Norwegian character, European elegance, and dramatic nature come together. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, landscapes, photography, or simply in search of peace in one of Europe’s most beautiful corners – Ålesund will not disappoint.

     Flam is a typical village huddled between a fjord and a sheer cliff down to the sea with local inhabitants who exude truly enthusiastic hospitality. The tour begins boarding a train that is a cross between a rack railway and a cable car suspended amid the rocks, fjords and the sea. In reality it is simply a feat of modern engineering as it rises up to over 2,700 ft above sea level guaranteeing breathtaking views.
     You'll pass the scenic waterfalls of Stalheimfossen and Sivlefoss in the nearby Naeroy Valley. As the sea winds its way up the fjords the rivers take on spectacular and unusual traits, allowing for splendid specimens of fish such as large salmon. Along the way, you'll visit the ancient church of Hopperstad.
     Built in the 12th century and made entirely of wood, it is a "church" that's a bit special. Notwithstanding the massive spread of Christianity over the entire north, this part of the country used to worship pagan gods and idols that had more in common with mythological tradition than a true and proper religion. This place of worship was one of the main reference points for this type of devotional display.

     Norway's second largest city with a population of around 200,000, Bergen is a destination of architectural, historical and natural fascination. The city lies facing the sea with a dramatic backdrop of seven hills. Some 50,000 tourists visit Bergen annually, attracted by the beauty of the region and the accessibility of Norway's spectacular fjords. Bergen's port has throughout its history been crucial to the city's prosperity - and even the very survival of its people. In 1702, when a fire swept through the wooden houses of the then village of Bergen, the sea provided an escape route for thousands.
     Bergen was founded as Norway's capital in the 11th Century by King Olav Kyrre and its high status remained until the 13th Century when the powerful Lubeck Hanseatic League made the 'Bryggen' quarter into a German ghetto, contained by a barrier and with special localised rules which gave great favour - and power - to the merchant classes. German dominance remained for 400 years, eventually being replaced by the Danes, and then the Swedes, until Norway gained peaceful independence in 1905. Only four houses remain from the days of the Hanseatic League, although the area of the former ghetto is the financial centre of the city.
     One of Bergen's most illustrious sons was the composer Edvard Grieg, whose life and work is celebrated in his former home Troldhaugen. The contemporary cultural life of Bergen is also thriving and the city was selected as one of the Cultural Cities of Europe for the year 2000. Architecturally, Bergen has much to offer. Of particular note is the stone-built 12th Century St Mary Church. The Hanseatic Museum in the centre of Bergen near the Fish Market is one of the city's best-preserved wooden buildings. The wooden Fantoft Stave Church is another structure of particular fascination. The original church, which also dates to the 12th Century, was destroyed by fire in 1992 and the present structure is a faithful restoration.
     Norway has much to offer souvenir hunters, including high quality hand-made glassware and china. Pewter items are particularly popular and have the distinctive feature of being lead-free. Other Norwegian specialities include jewellery made from the national semi-precious stone thulite, and woollen clothing. Among the culinary specialities of Norway are smoked salmon dishes called lads, and pickled herring.

     Founded in 808 by Charlemagne, the fortress of Hammaburg was the original nucleus of Hamburg. The city immediately grew thanks to the institution of the archbishop’s see. Following the invasions of the Vikings, the Danes and the Slavs, Hamburg formed an alliance with the German cities of Bremen and Lubeck forming the Hanseatic League, which was to have a strong commercial influence in the North and Baltic Seas. Occupied by the French from 1806-11 during the Napoleonic wars, Hamburg became part of the German Confederation in 1815. The city was devastated by the bombardments of World War II which claimed 40,000 victims, but the post-war reconstruction saw Hamburg regain its historical and commercial importance as well as primary roles in industry and culture. With a population of over 1.7 million it is Germany’s second city after Berlin. In fact Hamburg is not just a city but also a city-state - Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg (the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) – and is one of the 16 Länder that form the Bundesrepublik, the Federal Republic of Germany. Only the capital Berlin and nearby Bremen have been afforded the same status.
     Hamburg stands at the point at which the Alster and Bille flow into the River Elbe, around 110km from the North Sea. It is one of Europe’s busiest and most important ports and is connected to a large proportion of the continent via canals and other waterways. The building of the Kiel Canal in 1895 further increased traffic in the port making water transport between the city and the Baltic region that much easier. The port extends across the entire width of the Elbe, covering an area of around 40km2, and stands principally on the south bank of the river. One of the most characteristic areas of the city is around the Speicherstadt, the free port or warehouse district constructed between 1881 and 1887, where the buildings stand right on the edges of the canals. This district is also home to the majestic Kohlbrandbrücke bridge, the new emblem of Hamburg.
     Meanwhile on the north bank of the Elbe, directly opposite the old port, are the modern districts of St. Pauli and Altona, the ideal places for those looking for an evening of entertainment. As well as being the heart of Hamburg’s nightlife, the area is famous for the Reeperbahn red-light district. The banks of the river are connected by bridges and two tunnels: one for pedestrians and cyclists built in 1911 and the other, the Elbtunnel, designed for transport and constructed in 1975. Before flowing into the Elbe the Alster forms two lakes, the Aussenalster and the Binnenalster. From these two basins the water is channelled into the network of waterways that makes Hamburg distinctive.
     The Binnenalster, with the famous Alster fountain at its centre, is flanked by the historic town centre, the most elegant area of the city. At the heart of the Alstadt is the town hall (the Rathaus), which, built in 1897, boasts 646 rooms and dominates the square of the same name (Rathausmarkt) and also houses the stock exchange. Not far away you can also visit St. Peter’s Church, construction of which began in the 12th century. Other religious buildings of particular interest are the churches of St. Jacob (13th-15th century), St. Catherine (14th-15th century) and St. Michael, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. Also of note are the best examples of 20th century architecture that characterise a large part of the new city and its cultural buildings: the Musikhalle (1904-1908), the Landungsbrücken (1909), the Chilehaus (1923), the Shell-Haus (1931), and the Amerikahaus (1957). Capital of Germany when it comes to musicals, Hamburg has one of the most lively and enterprising cultural scenes in Europe: the city has 31 theatres, 6 comedy theatres, 10 cabaret theatres and 50 state and private museums.
     Most well-known of the museums is the Hamburger Kunsthalle which has been restored many times since its opening in 1869. Here you will find a large collection of paintings by European artists such as Manet, Munch and Rembrandt, as well as works from the German Romantic painters such as Friedrich and Otto Runge. 1997 saw the opening of the Gallery of Contemporary Art Wing, a cube-like structure designed by Mathias Ungers.