Norway & the British Isles

Norway is a land steeped in myth, where irascible gods armed with frost and lightning once inspired Viking clans to plunder foreign lands. These days, genteel customs imported from mainland Europe have softened the country’s hard edges, but traces of an unruly past still abound. The exceptional museums dotting the Bygdøy Peninsula hold some of the city’s foremost attractions, including a thousand-year-old longship that was preserved in mud and the 12th-century Gol Stave Church, an exemplar of Norway’s distinctive wood sanctuaries. No less fascinating is a visit to the 1892 Fram, a legendary ship revered for her vital role in early polar explorations. To witness the evolution of Oslo’s soul, contrast battle-hardened Akershus Fortress, a ruggedly elegant citadel wrapped in nearly impregnable ramparts, with the neoclassical Royal Palace, whose formal exterior encloses sumptuously appointed rooms. You might wish to view Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, which hangs in the outstanding Norwegian National Gallery amid priceless European and Scandinavian masterworks. In expansive Frogner Park, wander among Gustav Vigeland’s thought-provoking sculptures, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, choose among the many restaurants and cafés lining the charming waterfront district of Aker Brygge.

Norway’s charming coastal city of Arendale is defined by its maritime history, beautiful archipelago, and bustling city center. Couched in islands and connected by bridges and ferries, Arendal was once home to Norway’s largest fleet. Stroll its cobblestoned Old Town, known as Tyholmen to locals, for its well-preserved buildings, Old Town Hall, and Kløckers Hus, which houses the city’s museum. Visit the thirteenth-century stone church, the Ironworks Museum, and local art galleries. Take in watersports like sailing and canoeing and explore the archipelago by taking a ferry to one of its islands or simply enjoy nature through Arendal’s forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

On the southern tip of Karmøy island in the Boknafjorden and Karmsundet strait, sits pretty Skudeneshavn. A charming town founded in the early nineteenth century, Skudenshavn is defined by its roots as a small fishing village and its Old Town, Gamle Skudeneshavn. Considered one of the best preserved in Northern Europe, the Old Town is frequently called “the White Empire Town,” because the town’s cityscape is characterized by its pristine white wooden houses crafted in the Empire style. Discover the town’s narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and charming cafés, perhaps visiting the Skudeneshavn and Mælandsgården museums and Verdens Minste Kafe, the world’s smallest café. Nature lovers can explore Skudenshavn’s hiking spots, take in coastal walks, and beautiful beaches that dot the archipelago.

The Shetland Islands is a North Sea archipelago, of which only sixteen islands are inhabited, many only accessible via small sailing vessels. The archipelago is perfect for yachting, with a raw, rugged coastline and low rolling hills, providing opportunities for spying wildlife. Shaped by billions of years of shifting sand and sea, Shetland’s natural landscape is among the most dramatic in the world, teeming with wildlife from puffins to native Shetland ponies. Lerwick is Shetland’s only town, founded as an unofficial marketplace to service seventeenth-century Dutch herring fleets, and the island’s capital since 1708.

The Shetland Islands is a North Sea archipelago, of which only sixteen islands are inhabited, many only accessible via small sailing vessels. The archipelago is perfect for yachting, with a raw, rugged coastline and low rolling hills, providing opportunities for spying wildlife. Shaped by billions of years of shifting sand and sea, Shetland’s natural landscape is among the most dramatic in the world, teeming with wildlife. SeaDream calls on Fair Isle, a small remote island tucked away here, known for both its natural heritage and famous knitwear. Walk or bike its lovely surroundings, perhaps paying a visit to the internationally renowned Fair Isle Bird Observatory or the namesake Lighthouse, the tallest in Shetland.

With seemingly unending miles of coastline and beautiful natural backdrops to explore, the Orkney Islands archipelago lies on the rugged northern tip of Scotland. Ideal for yachting, walking, hiking, and cycling, many of the islands along these shorelines are uninhabited. The capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, is full of character and Norse heritage. A Royal Burgh since 1486, Kirkwall’s name comes from the Norse word “Kirkjuvagr,” meaning “Church on the bay,” as exemplified by its St. Magnus Cathedral.

On the east coast of Scotland, between the mouths of the North and South Esk Rivers, sits Montrose. Established as a royal borough created by King David I in the twelfth century, Montrose was an important medieval harbor port and contributed to Britain’s defense during World War II. The town is home to the Montrose Basin, a two-square-mile lagoon and nature reserve for wading birds and wildfowl. Visit the Scurdie Ness Lighthouse, guiding ships for almost 150 years, and the House of Dun, a Georgian mansion built in the 1730s by architect William Adam. Golf enthusiasts will not want to miss a truly authentic golf experience at Montrose Golf Links, home to the fifth oldest course in the world.

A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, Dundee boasts more hours of sunshine than any other Scottish city, shining on an abundance of green spaces. Nicknamed the “City of Discovery,” in 2014 Dundee was recognized by the United Nations as the United Kingdom’s first-ever UNESCO-awarded City of Design. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or nature lover—or all three—Dundee offers a unique glimpse into Scotland. Wander the 400-acre Camperdown Country Park, dotted with neoclassical architecture and over 190 tree species. Engage in outdoor activities, including hiking and golfing, with easy access to St. Andrew’s Golf Course, where golf has been played for six hundred years. Dundee’s redesigned waterfront features the nautical museum Discovery Point, featuring the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the nineteenth-century warship HM Frigate Unicorn. Galleries and art museums include the McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, and V&A Dundee, dedicated to Scottish design achievements and marked by an exterior that mimics of the cliffs of East Scotland. A walk around Dundee reveals quaint pubs and taverns, offering a selection of beer, whiskies, Scotch pies, and bangers and mash.

A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, Dundee boasts more hours of sunshine than any other Scottish city, shining on an abundance of green spaces. Nicknamed the “City of Discovery,” in 2014 Dundee was recognized by the United Nations as the United Kingdom’s first-ever UNESCO-awarded City of Design. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or nature lover—or all three—Dundee offers a unique glimpse into Scotland. Wander the 400-acre Camperdown Country Park, dotted with neoclassical architecture and over 190 tree species. Engage in outdoor activities, including hiking and golfing, with easy access to St. Andrew’s Golf Course, where golf has been played for six hundred years. Dundee’s redesigned waterfront features the nautical museum Discovery Point, featuring the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the nineteenth-century warship HM Frigate Unicorn. Galleries and art museums include the McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, and V&A Dundee, dedicated to Scottish design achievements and marked by an exterior that mimics of the cliffs of East Scotland. A walk around Dundee reveals quaint pubs and taverns, offering a selection of beer, whiskies, Scotch pies, and bangers and mash.

Scotland’s hilly capital of Edinburgh is renowned for its history, cultural richness, and architectural majesty. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The Old Town’s distinctive medieval layout, with its narrow streets and hidden courtyards, sets it apart from the planned elegance of Georgian New Town, together a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Old Town’s historic Royal Mile and climb Arthur’s Seat, a hilltop in the 640-acre royal park that offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

Scotland’s hilly capital of Edinburgh is renowned for its history, cultural richness, and architectural majesty. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The Old Town’s distinctive medieval layout, with its narrow streets and hidden courtyards, sets it apart from the planned elegance of Georgian New Town, together a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Old Town’s historic Royal Mile and climb Arthur’s Seat, a hilltop in the 640-acre royal park that offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.