12 Days of Norway and Midnight Sun

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Tom Pizanowski Jr, Travel Agent in East Windsor, NJ

Tom Pizanowski Jr

East Windsor, NJ Travel Agent

Tom Pizanowski Jr

East Windsor, NJ · 2 Years of Experience

Trips and Ships Luxury Travel, an independent agent with Trips and Ships Luxury Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Went to Disney with a group of friends for the marathon weekend and decided to utilize a travel agent. Tom was wonderful from the beginning, he’s... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:At Sea, England, Norway
PLACES VISITED:Flam, Geiranger, Hammerfest, Haugesund, Honningsvag, North Sea, Southampton, Stavanger, Stonehenge, Svartisen , Trondheim
SUGGESTED DURATION:13 Days
On June 14, 2019, I set sail on a 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line journey timed perfectly with the summer solstice, chasing daylight far beyond where night normally falls. As the ship pushed north through Northern Europe, each day felt more surreal than the last. Fjords opened up like quiet cathedrals, waterfalls spilled down sheer cliffs, and small Scandinavian towns seemed suspended between sea and sky. I spent my days wandering historic ports and soaking in landscapes shaped by glaciers and time, then returned onboard to watch the scenery glide past from the deck. The farther north we traveled, the longer the days stretched, until time itself felt irrelevant. The moment that stays with me most is standing on deck near the Arctic Circle at midnight, bathed in golden light, knowing the sun would never truly set. There was a calm, almost humbling stillness in that endless glow. Norwegian’s style made it easy to balance exploration with reflection, good meals with quiet moments.
Close All Days
DAY1
Southampton
Close Day
Embark on Norwegian Cruise Line Spirit
On June 14, 2019, I embarked on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Spirit for a 12-night journey to Norway, full of anticipation and long summer days ahead. Stepping onboard felt like the start of something special—sleek interiors, ocean air, and the promise of dramatic landscapes to come. As the ship set sail, the excitement built for what lay ahead: deep fjords, rugged coastlines, charming Nordic towns, and the magic of near-endless daylight. Life onboard quickly settled into a relaxed rhythm of great dining, quiet moments on deck, and watching the sea stretch endlessly toward the horizon. It was the beginning of an unforgettable adventure to one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrive early and learn about the ship
DAY2
North Sea
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Day at sea and time to enjoy the ship
The first full day at sea on the NCL Spirit was all about easing into cruise life and letting the journey unfold. Morning started slowly, with coffee in hand and wide ocean views from the deck as the ship glided north. With nowhere to be, the day flowed between exploring the ship, enjoying a relaxed breakfast, and finding quiet spots to read or simply watch the sea. By afternoon, the Spirit felt familiar—lunch, a stroll around the decks, maybe a dip in the pool or a nap as the ship gently rocked. As evening came, there was a sense of calm excitement, with dinner, live entertainment, and the realization that the adventure to Norway was truly underway.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy the summer sun on the deck. Casino at night.
DAY3
Stavanger
Close Day
Hike to the Manafossenn Waterfall
Just outside Stavanger, the hike to Månafossen feels like stepping into Norway’s wild heart. The trail climbs steadily through forest and rock, with the sound of rushing water growing louder with every step. Suddenly, the trees open and Månafossen appears—plunging nearly 300 feet into a narrow gorge, mist rising from its base. The viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping look straight across the falls, raw and powerful, especially after rain. It’s a short but rewarding hike, made even better by the quiet beauty of the surrounding valley. Standing there, watching the water thunder down, you’re reminded how effortlessly Norway turns a simple hike into an unforgettable moment.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Beautiful waterfall and very challenging hike
DAY4
Trondheim
Close Day
Wonderful Trondelag & Lokken Verk
Wonderful Trøndelag & Løkken Verk felt like stepping into Norway’s quieter, soul-deep side. Rolling farmland opened into fjords and forests, where red barns and white churches dotted the landscape like postcards come to life. In Trøndelag, history and nature blended effortlessly—ancient sites, coastal light, and meals that celebrated local flavors. Løkken Verk was a highlight: a former mining village wrapped in calm, with wooden buildings, rushing rivers, and a pace that invited you to slow down. Walking its paths, you could feel the stories of the past while breathing in crisp mountain air. It was simple, authentic, and grounding—Norway at its most honest, where beauty doesn’t shout, it whispers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the mine
DAY5
Svartisen
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Glacier
Sailing along Norway’s rugged coast aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship NCL Spirit, the journey to Svartisen Glacier felt like traveling to the edge of the world. After a scenic boat ride and an easy hike, the glacier revealed itself—an immense river of ice glowing in surreal shades of blue. The air was crisp and silent except for the distant crackle of shifting ice, a reminder that this ancient giant is always in motion. Standing at its edge, I felt both small and incredibly alive, surrounded by raw Arctic beauty. Meltwater streamed beneath the ice, carving paths through rock that had taken millennia to form. Returning to the Spirit that evening, warm and reflective, the contrast was striking—modern comfort paired with one of nature’s most powerful landscapes. Svartisen wasn’t just a stop on the itinerary; it was a humbling encounter with Norway at its most elemental.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy the view of the glacier
DAY6
Hammerfest
Close Day
Mountain Hike
Hiking above Hammerfest felt like stepping into the high Arctic’s quiet heart. The trail climbed steadily from town, trading colorful houses and harbor views for open tundra and sweeping skies. With each step, the Barents Sea stretched farther below, its deep blues framed by rugged coastline and distant islands. Reaching the scenic lookout atop Mount Salen, the reward was instant and unforgettable—panoramic views that made the effort fade away. Cool winds carried the clean scent of the north, and the silence was broken only by seabirds circling far below. Standing there, surrounded by endless space and light, it was easy to understand Hammerfest’s reputation as a gateway to the Arctic. The hike wasn’t just about the summit; it was about slowing down, breathing deeply, and feeling completely connected to one of the world’s northernmost landscapes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Save your money and do the hike on your own
DAY7
Honningsvag
Close Day
Top of the World
Arriving in Honningsvåg felt like reaching the end of the map. Colorful buildings hugged the harbor, fishing boats bobbed gently, and the Arctic air carried a salty chill. From town, the journey continued across stark, windswept tundra toward Nordkapp, where the landscape grew increasingly dramatic and raw. Standing atop the towering cliffs, the Arctic Ocean stretched endlessly below, a vast expanse of steel-blue water meeting the sky. The iconic globe marked the moment—this was truly the top of Europe. With the light lingering late into the day, time seemed to slow, and the silence felt profound. Wind whipped across the plateau, yet there was a calm that settled in, a sense of awe at being so far north. Visiting Honningsvåg and Nordkapp wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a powerful reminder of how small we are in the presence of nature’s extremes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
North Cape Plateau and Globe Tour
DAY8
North Sea
Close Day
Day at Sea
Day of relaxation on the ship.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy the summer sun on the deck. Casino at night.
DAY9
Flam
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Flam Railway
Stepping ashore from the NCL Spirit, the journey into Norway’s heart began aboard the legendary Flåm Railway. From the first turn of the wheels, the views were spellbinding—steep mountains rising straight from the fjord, waterfalls spilling down sheer rock faces, and farms clinging impossibly to green ledges. The train climbed steadily from the quiet village of Flåm, each switchback revealing another postcard-perfect scene. Windows stayed fog-free only because no one stopped staring long enough to blink. At higher elevations, snow-dusted peaks replaced forests, and the air felt cooler, crisper, almost alpine. The slow pace made every moment count, turning the ride into a moving panorama of Norway’s raw beauty. Returning to the Spirit later that day, it was clear this wasn’t just a train ride—it was one of those rare journeys where the path itself becomes the highlight, etched into memory long after the fjord faded from view.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Must do the train ride, spectacular!
DAY10
Geiranger
Close Day
Fjord and waterfalls
Skimming across the emerald waters of Geirangerfjord in a RIB boat was pure adrenaline wrapped in jaw-dropping beauty. The boat surged forward, wind whipping past as towering cliffs closed in on both sides, their tops disappearing into mist. Waterfalls appeared everywhere, pouring straight from the mountains like silver ribbons. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—gliding beneath the graceful cascade of the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Up close, the roar of the water drowned out everything else as seven distinct streams plunged toward the fjord, each with its own character and rhythm. The cold spray hit my face, sharp and refreshing, making the experience feel raw and alive. Between bursts of speed, the guide cut the engine, letting silence settle over the fjord, broken only by falling water. Heading back toward Geiranger, I realized this wasn’t just sightseeing—it was the thrill of being fully immersed in one of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
RIB boat tour was amazing
DAY11
Haugesund
Close Day
Town visit
Cruising into Akrafjorden felt like slipping into a secret corner of Norway that few travelers ever see. Steep, dark cliffs rose straight from the water, their rugged faces softened by moss and low-hanging clouds. The fjord was quiet and glassy, broken only by the echo of waterfalls tumbling from impossible heights. Then Langfoss appeared—an extraordinary ribbon of water plunging nearly uninterrupted from mountain to fjord. Unlike postcard-perfect cascades, Langfoss felt wild and untamed, its roar filling the narrow valley. As the ship drifted slowly past, the scale of the landscape sank in: towering walls, deep water, and a sense of timelessness shaped by ice and gravity. Akrafjorden wasn’t flashy or crowded; it was raw, dramatic, and deeply moving. Leaving the fjord behind, I carried a quiet awe—this was Norway at its most authentic, where nature speaks softly but with incredible power.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Beautiful country to visit
DAY12
North Sea
Close Day
Day at Sea
Another relaxing day at sea.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy the summer sun on the deck. Casino at night.
DAY13
Stonehenge
Close Day
Disembark and visit to Stonehenge
After disembarking, the journey inland led through rolling English countryside toward one of the world’s most mysterious landmarks: Stonehenge. As the stone circle came into view, rising from the open expanse of Salisbury Plain, it felt instantly surreal. The massive stones stood in quiet formation, weathered by thousands of years of wind, rain, and unanswered questions. Walking the path around the monument, the scale became more impressive up close—each stone carefully placed long before modern tools existed. The air was calm, almost reverent, as visitors spoke in hushed tones, instinctively respecting the site’s ancient power. Imagining the ceremonies, labor, and beliefs that once centered here made time feel layered and close. It wasn’t just a stop on a tour; it was a pause in history. Leaving Stonehenge behind later that afternoon, I carried a deep sense of wonder, grateful for a day spent standing face-to-face with one of humanity’s greatest enduring mysteries.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stonehenge
FINAL THOUGHTS
Truly a bucket list trip and once in a lifetime opportunity to see fjords, Viking history, and great food - chocolate! Being north of the Artic Circle and viewing the midnight sun was a spectacular event. Must do!