Sweaters, Showers and Souvenirs

Haugesund, a charming coastal city in western Norway, is nestled among the country's iconic fjords and rugged landscapes. This region, steeped in Viking history, offers a glimpse into Norway's rich cultural heritage. While Haugesund itself doesn't lie above the Arctic Circle, it still experiences the magic of long summer days, with sunrise as early as 4:30 AM and sunset as late as 11:00 PM in midsummer. The city serves as a gateway to exploring Norway's natural wonders, from its towering peaks to its deep, majestic fjords. This map illustrates the coastline of Norway. We're currently at the southern end and will visit two northern ports, Olden and Alesund, before the final Norwegian port of Bergen.

Despite the misty weather, we ventured into Haugesund by shuttle. The town's streets were a treasure trove of local charm, lined with shops offering cozy Norwegian essentials like sweaters, hats, and mittens. Souvenir stores caught our eye with their array of Viking-inspired jewelry, whimsical Norwegian trolls, moose figurines, and the ever-practical cheese slicers. We paused for a photo opportunity near displays showcasing traditional Norwegian dress and Viking costumes, capturing the essence of the region's rich cultural heritage. Our impromptu photography tour also included snapshots of an intriguing building, a picturesque church with its soaring steeple, and — in stark contrast — an impressively massive oil rig looming off the bow of our docked ship.

We'll attempt to view the Northern Lights tonight, though the overcast and rainy conditions might hinder our efforts. Fortunately, as we continue our journey northward, we'll have additional opportunities to witness this celestial spectacle later in the week.