AAA Traveler - Summer 2020 - 29

The Little Mermaid

used by Amundsen on his heroic
voyage. At the Viking Ship Museum,
there's even more that brings Norway's
Viking legends to life, including
impeccably preserved vessels dating as
far back as the ninth century.
In-depth experiences such as these
are weaved into Tauck's well-curated
itineraries, allowing you to explore
Scandinavia by land and by sea. The
programs feature Oslo and Norway's
second largest city, Bergen, where
you'll step into the medieval wharf
district, a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Wooden Hanseatic warehouses
add to the charm, including a
traditional "stave" church that was
built from timber and ornamented
with whimsical dragon carvings.
At the Old Bergen Museum, 55
preserved wood houses reflect the
ambiance of an era when the city was
a bustling trading port. Bergen was

28

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also the birthplace of Norwegian
composer Edvard Grieg. At his
handsome hillside home, you'll trace
his life and hear the work of this
revered musical figure.
Bergen is justly called the "Gateway
to the Fjords." From here, it's not far
to Norway's longest fjord, Sognefjord,
with its calm waters and towering
peaks, and to the stunning
Hardangerfjord. These are just two of
the country's more than 1,000 fjords
and the breathtaking landscapes you've
seen in photos.
Small towns dot the shore of the
dramatic Nordfjord, where a cable car
whisks visitors to the top of Mount
Hoven. Here you can dine on local
food and take in the expansive
panorama of peaks, lakes, Europe's
largest glacier, Jostedal Glacier and the
65-mile-long fjord.
Another of Norway's most

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Sw e d e n
Another Scandinavian country
brimming with places to discover is
Sweden. Its capital, Stockholm, is
striking because it's spread across
14 islands.
There's much to admire in Swedish
history and culture as you wander the
cobblestone streets of Stockholm's 13th
century downtown. Spend time in the
Nobel Museum and the grand Royal
Palace, visit City Hall where the Nobel
Prize awards banquet is held and see
the Golden Hall where wall mosaics

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one-of-a-kind boutiques and one of
Europe's largest botanical gardens are
just some of its treasures. Tuck into a
cozy gastro pub for classic Swedish
comfort food: meatballs in cream sauce
with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam
and pickled cucumber.

D enmar k 	

DARRELL GODLIMAN

Fantoft Stave
Church, Bergen

awe-inspiring natural wonders is
Briksdal Glacier, with its melted water
rushing into another-worldly emeraldgreen lake. Take a ride on the delightful
"troll cars" to see gushing waterfalls and
towering mountains beyond. Also
stunning are Geirangerfjord and
Naeroyfjord, considered two of the
most beautiful fjords in the world.
As the gondola carries you up the
mountain, the panorama becomes more
stunning by the minute. High above it
all is the Geiranger Skywalk, a platform
5,000 feet above sea level - Europe's
highest fjord view reached from a road.
Peaceful coastal cities include the
postcard-perfect Alesund spread over
seven islands, where there's an
enchanting collection of Art Nouveau
buildings. In the southern part of
Norway, there's the lovely port of Arendal
that spreads across small islands. Its
vibrant historic district Tyholmen is
humming with cafes, shops and
restaurants nestled in well-preserved
old wooden houses along alleyways. In
the charming harbor district of Pollen,
relax on a seaside bench or at a cafe and
watch boats, local residents and the
world go by.

made with 18 million pieces of gold
and glass depict Swedish history.
At the Vasa Museum, Scandinavia's
most visited museum, you'll see why
millions flock here to admire the
painstakingly restored 64-gun war ship,
the only preserved vessel from the 17th
century on display anywhere in the
world. A Tauck Exclusive in the
"Scandinavia" itinerary includes a
private welcome reception and dinner
at the Vasa Museum.
More modern is one of Sweden's
most popular exports, ABBA. At
Stockholm's ABBA museum, see their
stage clothes and concert videos and
- Mamma Mia! - where can sing and
dance with ABBA holograms.
Gothenburg, Sweden's second
largest city, is also a delight. Elegant
canals, vibrant neighborhoods with
Swedish meatballs

Any trip to
Copenhagen
Scandinavia must
include a visit to
Copenhagen, a
Hu s
fairytale city of
avik,
Iceland
pastel-colored
houses along sleepy
canals and grand
royal palaces.
Delight in Tivoli
Gardens, one of the
world's oldest
amusement parks.
With its rides, Old
World-style cafes
and restaurants, it's
memorable ways of seeing the city.
as charming as ever.
You'll not only catch glimpses of the
Admire the glitz of Amalienborg
lives of houseboat dwellers along the
Palace, home to the Danish royal
canals, but iconic Copenhagen sites
family and part of a large regal
like the Opera House and The Little
complex. Two of the palace residences
Mermaid statue. The district of
are open to the public.
Nyhavn is chock full of atmosphere.
Don't miss Frederiksborg Castle, a
Its merchant harbor is a wonderful
beautifully preserved 17th century
spot for lunch with many outdoor
royal residence whose grounds stretch
dining spots and colorful old
across islands in a lake outside
buildings. The hardest decision may
Copenhagen. Today, it's home to the
be where to eat, but make sure to
Danish Museum of National History.
sample smorrebrod, the yummy classic
Gently gliding along Copenhagen's
Danish open-faced sandwich.
canals by tour boat is one of the most

Scandinavia is calling! Visit AAA.com/Travel or call
800-750-5386. Your local AAA Travel Agent can help you plan
your Nordic adventure with Tauck!

TRAVELER SUMMER 2020

29
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AAA Traveler - Summer 2020

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