Up Norway, the leading curator of sustainable luxury travel experiences in Norway, has launched a new bespoke itinerary for fall where travelers can embrace the changing leaves of Norway’s majestic forests, fjords, and mountains among very few others. Norway’s beauty is just beginning to grow as the fall season begins, with the first snowfall and glimpses of Northern Lights as they illuminate the Arctic Sky for the first time since the spring. Up Norway’s two-week journey through several of Norway’s Scenic Routes, with stops in Jæren, Lofoten, and Stavanger, showcases stunning coastal scenery, uncovers authentic farm visits and other unique culinary experiences, embraces the Nordic spirit, and more.
The journey begins in Stavanger, serving as a homebase for various excursions on the first half of the trip. A private half-day fjord cruise will introduce travelers to the majestic scenery of Lysefjorden, one of Norway’s most enchanting fjords lined with lush pine trees and pristine ice age era boulders. Highlights of the boat trip include a historic Viking graveyard littered with sunken viking ships, the hovering cliffside of the iconic Pulpit Rock featured in Mission: Impossible—Fallout, and Vagabond’s Cave, a mysterious 20,000 year-old cave nestled in the fjord. Also included in the destination is a private guided tour of the city, the Petroleum Museum with insightful exhibitions on Norway’s past and future oil production and the Viking House, a visitor center about the Viking age in the region. Stavanger also provides visitors a small-town atmosphere, abundance of museums, art galleries, Norwegian architecture, waterfront views, and 2 two MICHELIN star restaurants, Re-Naa and Hermetikken.
After departing from Stavanger in an electric car, travelers will take the Scenic Route Jæren, a 43 mile drive along Norway’s sprawling beaches boasting sand dunes and lighthouses. Afterwards, a drive to Helleren in Jøssingfjord, a UNESCO recognized historical community of small houses built into the natural rock, and a ferry to Forsand will complete the road trip. A new addition to the area, Jøssingfjord Science Museum makes visible the connection between the place’s nature, people and technology, and particularly aims to arouse interest in science among children and young people. The Science Museum is the only one of its kind in Norway with a focus on the connection between geology and mining. Upon arrival in Forsand, travelers will check-in to The Boulder, a luxury cabin lodge designed by the internationally renowned architectural studio, Snøhetta, with an unspoiled view of Lysefjord, magical pine trees and boulders placed by the glacier when the ice age came to an end.
Then, the scenic journey heads north above the Arctic Circle to the untrammeled Lofoten Islands. A three-night stay at a fisherman’s cottage immerses guests in island life in one of the most remote areas of the country. During the day, expert local guides will lead hikes on foot or snowshoes across the spectacular landscape and walking tours through the distinct culture. From there, travelers will set off on Scenic Route Lofoten through the region’s snow-covered mountains, fjords, and fragmented coastlines as winter stakes its claim. At night, voyagers can chase the famous Northern Lights with a local guide who can teach guests how to best capture the aurora borealis. Additional highlights in Lofoten include a viking museum, cheese making course and lunch at a local farm.
The final days of the journey include a drive to Vesterålen, stopping along the way at small fishing villages that dot the landscape. One such place is Henningsvær with its mix of traditional, historic wooden architecture, and modern art galleries. Its picturesque charm is set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and surrounded by the azure waters of the Norwegian Sea. Then it’s on to the glass sculpture Untitled by American artist and architect Dan Graham enroute to a magical farm visit and a local tasting menu at Kvitnes Gård, an introspective culinary experience and hotel nestled amongst a remote fjord. Around since the mid 1800s, Kvitnes advocates for the unique pantry that surrounds it. The journey to a Kvitnes meal does not commence while the food is prepared in the kitchen. It takes years of preparations – a good compost, nutritious soil, wholesome feed, the right weather conditions, gentle harvesting and gracious slaying to create the 5-course meal. On arrival, travelers will be given a tour of the farm premises and introduction to their food philosophy before the meal.
The next day, a flight to Oslo rounds out the journey. This time of year, Norway’s famed capital features Christmas markets around town.
