Cruise up a gorgeous fjord and see one of Norway's most photographed waterfalls. Visit a rural farm and the workshop of a renowned folk artist.

Settle in for an immensely scenic 90 minute drive through the mountainous countryside to Akrafjorden, home to Langfoss waterfall. Upon arrival, you'll board a boat and cruise for approximately 45 minutes up the fjord to the foot of this spectacular waterfall. t's a breathtaking sight.

Your boat will then proceed to Eljervik Farm. This bucolic, family-owned property has changed little over the centuries. Sheep graze freely on the grassy hillsides, the views are stunning in every direction, and lengthy Langfoss waterfall roars in the distance.

Following a buffet style lunch, you will board your coach and travel to the workshop of Unni Marie, an artist considered a master in rosemaling, a type of decorative painting. The folk art of rosemaling originated in rural Norway in the mid-1800s and it remains a distinctive style of expression. While browsing the workshop, you will see some of Unni Marie's most recent creations, which may include hand-painted, one-of-a-kind bowls, plates and chests. Feel free to simply admire the detailed work or purchase a favorite item.

On your return drive to the pier, enjoy a panoramic drive through Haugesund that includes a brief photo stop.

Immerse yourself in Norway's intriguing past by visiting Avaldsnes, where the country's first king lived in the 9th century, and a reconstructed Viking farm.

A scenic drive across Karmsund Sound takes you to Karmøy Island, where you will soon reach the village of Avaldsnes. The past comes alive here, as you will discover at the Nordvegen History Centre, an attraction located where King Harald Fairhair lived after unifying Norway in 872. While browsing the exhibits, you will learn about Norway's early kings and warriors, who have been immortalized in Norse sagas and songs. Archaeological digs have added even more insight, giving you a clear picture of Norway's fascinating history.

Stop to visit St. Olav's Church, which was constructed of stone in the 13th century. Outside, you will see an obelisk known as Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle because according to one legend, it is the needle she lost while sewing in heaven. Another legend claims the obelisk is a petrified magician, while still another claims that the apocalypse will occur if the leaning obelisk ever touches the church. It's dangerously close.

A short walk from the church will bring you to a replica Viking farm with several buildings constructed based on various archaeological finds in Rogaland County and using original techniques. There is a longhouse, granary and boathouse; all of which show how the Vikings lived more than a thousand years ago. Costumed Viking hosts will welcome you and offer further understanding of Norway's past.

Discover the highlights of Skudeneshavn, a fishing town that was established in the 19th century and has retained its historical atmosphere through preservation.

Enjoy a picturesque drive to Ferkingstad, a village on the western shore of the island of Karmøy. Near the harbor, you will pause for photos of the memorial that commemorates the island's fishermen that lost their lives at sea.

Then it's on to the Mælandgården Museum in Skudeneshavn. It is located in a meticulously kept wooden house that a prosperous merchant built in the 19th century. The museum is decorated with period furnishings and objects that provide an accurate picture of life during a time when herring was king.

Follow your guide on a walk through the town’s narrow streets. More than 200 homes and boathouses from that time still remain, lending Skudeneshavn a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. You will also enjoy some free time to further explore on your own. The main street, Søragada, is a great starting point, as it's lined with boutiques and restaurants. Fresh seafood is always an excellent choice if you stop for a snack.

The return to Haugesund will be along the island's eastern side, an extraordinarily scenic area with few villages. Nature rules here and the coastal views are truly stunning.

OVERVIEW

Reap the benefits of Nordic walking on a delightful hike through Haugesund and on into the outskirts by following a picturesque mostly coastal trail. At the onset, you will be briefed on how to walk Nordic-style, using specially designed poles that help to maximize the benefits. This method of walking tones the body, burns nearly 50% more calories than traditional walking and puts less pressure on the knees and joints. Best of all, Nordic walking is easy to do. The gently winding route will pass architectural highlights such as Our Savior’s Church – a Gothic-style building with red-facing brick – and Haraldshaugen, a national monument to Harald I, the first king of unified Norway, who was supposedly buried there in the 10th century. You will also see the haunting Rising Tide sculptures that are part horse and part oil-drilling machinery before pausing for a traditional trail snack of brown cheese and bread.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike along a coastal trail that passes through Haugesund and on into the countryside.
• Walk Nordic-style, a method that burns more calories and is less stressful on joints.
• See churches, a monument to Norway’s first king and an unusual sculpture park.
• Stop for a traditional trail snack of bread and caramel-flavored brown cheese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Delve into the history of Norway by visiting a revered World War II museum and a monument dedicated to Norway's first king, who united the country in the 9th century. Drive inland through the lake-dotted countryside to the Arquebus War Museum, which is located at the head of a beautiful fjord. One of Norway's largest museums, this former chair factory building now holds thousands of artifacts that detail the events of World War II in Norway, starting with the Resistance movement. As you browse the exhibitions, you will gain a better understanding of everyday life during the German occupation, the valiant efforts of the merchant marine, and the secret radio transmissions that helped defeat the Germans. The museum is named for a partisan radio operator whose codename was arquebus, a type of 15th-century gun. Many of the museum's dioramas feature mannequins dressed in authentic uniforms in wartime situations, so they truly come to life. A large collection of tanks, cannons and smaller weapons is also on display. Not far from the museum, you will find a display of natural beauty at Steinsfjellet, an elevated lookout with panoramic views of the North Sea, where you’ll make a photo stop. Nearby is Haraldshaugen monument; erected in 1872 to mark the 1,000-year anniversary of Norway's unification, this national monument looms over the supposed burial site of Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway. After a brief stop at this monument of obelisks, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Hike a heritage trail along a stretch of sand often voted Norway’s most beautiful beach and pause at Viking memorials and historical sites along the way. The scenery will change from urban to rural as you cross the bridge to Karmoy, one of the largest islands in southwestern Norway. Much of the island has remained wild and undeveloped, especially its white beaches facing the North Sea. At beautiful Akra Beach, you will experience the serenity of nature on a leisurely hike along a coastal trail to the village of Ferkingstad. The guide will point out the beach’s distinctive dune flora and how it supports a variety of wildlife. There are also cultural and historical monuments on the trail, such as the stone memorial said to symbolize the warrior daughters of a Viking king and the ruins of a Viking longboat house. The hike will end at Fisherman’s Memorial, a simple stone cross commemorating fisherman lost at sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a coastal trail through the wild countryside on Karmoy Island.
• Watch for wildlife, especially birds such as geese, gulls and kingfishers.
• Stop at a Viking memorial and at the ruins of a Viking longboat house.
• Finish the hike at a memorial that commemorates the fishermen lost at sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit with local couple Anne and Leif Bjarte, who will welcome you into their harmonious home and garden to discuss daily life in rural Norway and their passion for gardening. As lovely as their 19th-century wooden house is, the grounds are even more spectacular. Anne is a garden designer, while Leif is a landscape architect. Together, they have created a house and garden that exudes harmony and serenity. It is an exceptional setting to learn about life in the shadow of Forresfjord waterway. In the garden, you will find perennials and roses in bloom and all sorts of other fragrant plants. You will also browse the greenhouse where vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Herbs and spices have their places, too. Besides being added to dishes to enhance their flavors, they are picked for tea, a cup of which you will be served. Traditional Norwegian waffles and jam will be offered as an accompaniment.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit a local couple; one a garden designer, the other a landscape architect.
• Explore their garden and greenhouse to learn about the plants’ characteristics.
• Discuss daily life, especially during winter in the shadow of Forresfjord waterway.
• Snack on traditional Norwegian waffles and jam.