Rosendal, Norway

We took the tender and arrived in town.

Rosendal is a small, tranquil, and picturesque town—not a village. Arriving there felt like stepping into heaven. The air was crisp and fresh, the water was calm, and the towering mountains were adorned with white clouds and lush green trees. Everywhere I turned looked like a postcard.

Right at the port, there was a small booth on the waterfront with a large "I" on the wall, offering maps for visitors to take.

The town has a small area with some shops and restaurants, and everything is within walking distance. The most well-known landmark is Baroniet Rosendal, a historic estate. It was just a short 20-minute walk from town. Upon arrival, I was greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fascinating trees. After exploring the gardens, I joined other tourists for a guided tour of the manor.

From there, I walked toward a church situated on a hill. Along the way, I enjoyed breathtaking views of the town below, the ocean, and the ship docked in the harbor.

After visiting Kvinnherad Church. Built around the year 1250, this white, stone church is considered one of Norway's most beautiful medieval churches.  I continued my leisurely walk along a trail nearby, soaking in the natural beauty of the farmland, the water, the harbor, and the town below. I believe my photos capture its beauty far better than words ever could.

Baroniet Rosendal Estate

Back to Rosendal town Street

Kvinnherad Church

Stavanger, Norway

As we approached the port of Stavanger, the view was already breathtakingly beautiful. The shimmering water intertwined with small islands, a massive number of boats docked at the harbor, and modern buildings immediately came into sight.

Stepping off the ship, I arrived almost instantly at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The museum has an impressive outdoor presence, and from there, I could see a stunning backdrop of colorful, uniform houses and boats beyond the bridge. Strolling along the port, I enjoyed incredible views of the harbor, its vibrant waterfront, and the picturesque buildings lining the shore.

After visiting the museum, I wandered into the town. It had a relaxed, almost timeless atmosphere—walking through its streets felt like stepping into another world, with colorful houses and buildings showcasing different architectural styles. I continued my walk to Breiavatnet Park,  a small, scenic park in the city center, featuring a beautiful pond where elegant white swans glided across the water.

From the park, I made my way to the city square and the bustling shopping street. After doing some shopping, I ventured into the Old Town, where I admired its charming, colorful streets.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Water front

Into the town

Breiavatnet Park

Stavanger Old Town

17-Night Norway Intensive Voyage -Azamara Onward Impressions and Experiences

This trip was a stunning journey by sea aboard the Azamara Onward, a ship perfectly designed for navigating the intricate fjords along Norway's west coast. Our voyage took us from the southern tip of Norway all the way to its northernmost point, offering incredible views and experiences.

I had always heard of Norway’s reputation for breathtaking natural beauty. My friend Margret, who had previously traveled there with Azamara, often encouraged me to go. Thanks to her recommendation, I finally made it! Experiencing Norway firsthand was beyond my expectations. Most of the places we visited were uncrowded, unlike typical tourist destinations. The safety, simplicity, and serene atmosphere made this journey all the more special.

July proved to be the perfect time for this trip. While some places we visited experienced almost no sunset, I found it fascinating rather than bothersome. It felt like we had endless time to enjoy the great outdoors!

Although the majority of passengers on the ship were in the 75–80 age range, a smaller group was between 40 and 60. There were almost no children or young people aboard. Initially, I felt slightly out of place, but the well-traveled and wise passengers quickly made me feel welcome. Many of them shared fascinating stories and experiences, and some became friends by the end of the journey. I not only enjoyed their company but also learned so much from them. Overall, 95% are couples and less than 5%  are solo travelers.

The Azamara Onward hosted occasional meet-and-greet events for solo travelers, which I appreciated. While the solo traveler group wasn’t large, it was a nice opportunity to connect with others.

This all-inclusive cruise provided seamless transportation from the ship to port or town centers, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. The food was exceptional, and the services and amenities on board were outstanding—there was nothing to complain about!

The trip began in Oslo and ended in Copenhagen, with these unforgettable stops along the way:

• Stavanger
• Rosendal
• Olden
• Alesund
• Svolvaer (Lofoten)
• Troll Fjord
• Tromso
• Honningsvag
• North Cape (Cruising)
• Alta
• Harstad
• Bodo
• Trondheim
• Eidfjord

Without a doubt, Norway is, in my opinion, the most beautiful country in the world. Words can't fully capture its beauty, but I hope my photos can. Follow along as I continue sharing my journey and all the incredible places I've visited.