Follow the Midnight Sun | Norway, Sweden & Finland

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands

Helsinki, Finland’s southern capital, sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Its central avenue, Mannerheimintie, is flanked by institutions including the National Museum, tracing Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present. Also on Mannerheimintie are the imposing Parliament House and Kiasma, a contemporary art museum. Ornate red-brick Uspenski Cathedral overlooks a harbor.

Kirkenes is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjord, a branch of the Varangerfjord, near the Russian border. Were about 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and actually as far east as St. Petersburg. Most of the approximately 7,000 inhabitants are of Norwegian background, while a minority is Sami. Others originate from Finland and some 500 immigrants have recently arrived from Russia.

Kirkenes is located in the extreme northeastern part of Norway on the Bøkfjord, a branch of the Varangerfjord, near the Russian border. Were about 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and actually as far east as St. Petersburg. Most of the approximately 7,000 inhabitants are of Norwegian background, while a minority is Sami. Others originate from Finland and some 500 immigrants have recently arrived from Russia.

Since it was founded, Hammerfest has defended its position as the world’s northernmost town. It lies roughly at the same latitude as the northernmost parts of Siberia and Alaska. In spite of the extreme northern location there is no permafrost here. Still, Hammerfest often experiences heavy snowfall in winter. The people living here enjoy 24 hours of daylight in summer – and during some parts of the winter the sun does not rise above the horizon.

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, its known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible during winter, and summer brings the “midnight sun”—sunlight 24 hours a day.

Brønnøysund is situated on a narrow peninsula on the mainland, surrounded by islands and water. Here, youre actually half way on the long northbound stretch of land that is Norway. The small coastal town of 5,000 inhabitants is centred on the narrow, but strategically situated harbour, which caters for all trade and fishing. It is a vibrant and pretty little town with an attractive visitors marina. Use some time to stroll around the streets – perhaps a walk along Havnegata, where you can enjoy looking at the small boats and bustling life of the archipelago. Sample the street life and go into one of the pubs, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.

Cette jolie ville a été la première capitale de la Norvège, entre 997 et 1380, ce fut lendroit où les nouveaux rois de lancienne Norvège recevaient leur bénédiction solennelle. Reconstruite au XVIIème siècle, cette ville cosmopolite bénéficie de larges rues bordées de maisons aux couleurs vives et dentrepôts à pignons.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, and one of the most popular attractions of the world: the fjords. The city offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life. What has made Bergen famous is its unique charm, which is something you have to experience for yourself. Enjoy strolling around the old streets and alleyways where people have lived for centuries. Walking through UNESCO-listed Bryggen’s narrow alleyways, made even darker and more mysterious by overhanging balconies, feels like stepping back in time. Bryggen is not a museum but part of the cultural heritage that is still in use – a living historical area of the city. The Fløibanen Funicular is a very popular attraction, running from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in about 7 minutes. From the viewing platform you can admire spectacular views of the city, mountains and fjords. In addition to the wide range of hikes, youll find a restaurant, café, souvenir shop and playground.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, and one of the most popular attractions of the world: the fjords. The city offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life. What has made Bergen famous is its unique charm, which is something you have to experience for yourself. Enjoy strolling around the old streets and alleyways where people have lived for centuries. Walking through UNESCO-listed Bryggen’s narrow alleyways, made even darker and more mysterious by overhanging balconies, feels like stepping back in time. Bryggen is not a museum but part of the cultural heritage that is still in use – a living historical area of the city. The Fløibanen Funicular is a very popular attraction, running from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in about 7 minutes. From the viewing platform you can admire spectacular views of the city, mountains and fjords. In addition to the wide range of hikes, youll find a restaurant, café, souvenir shop and playground.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, and one of the most popular attractions of the world: the fjords. The city offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life. What has made Bergen famous is its unique charm, which is something you have to experience for yourself. Enjoy strolling around the old streets and alleyways where people have lived for centuries. Walking through UNESCO-listed Bryggen’s narrow alleyways, made even darker and more mysterious by overhanging balconies, feels like stepping back in time. Bryggen is not a museum but part of the cultural heritage that is still in use – a living historical area of the city. The Fløibanen Funicular is a very popular attraction, running from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in about 7 minutes. From the viewing platform you can admire spectacular views of the city, mountains and fjords. In addition to the wide range of hikes, youll find a restaurant, café, souvenir shop and playground.