Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shipwrecks along Norway's extensive coastline and fjords. Diving information is
available from Dykkernett ( & 22-02-31-39; www.dykkernett.no).
5 Adventure Sightseeing
BIRD-WATCHING Some of Europe's noteworthy bird sanctuaries are on
islands off the Norwegian coast or on the mainland. Rocky and isolated, the
sanctuaries offer ideal nesting places for millions of seabirds that vastly out-
number the local human population during certain seasons. Foremost among
the sanctuaries are the Lofoten Islands —particularly two of the outermost
islands, Vaerøy and Røst—and the island of Runde. An almost .5km ( 1 4 -mile)
bridge (one of the longest in Norway) connects Runde to the coastline, a 2 1 2 -
hour drive from Ålesund. Runde's year-round human population is about 150,
and the colonies of puffins, cormorants, razor-billed auks, guillemots, gulls, and
eider ducks number in the millions. Another noteworthy bird sanctuary is at
Fokstumyra, a national park near Dombås.
The isolated island of Lovund is a 2-hour ferry ride from the town of Sand-
nesjøen, south of Bødo. Lovund (“the island of puffins”) has a human popula-
tion of fewer than 270 and a bird population in the hundreds of thousands. You
can visit Lovund and the other famous Norwegian bird-watching sites on your
own, or sign up for one of the organized tours sponsored by Borton Overseas,
5412 Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55419 ( & 800/843-0602 or 612/882-
4640; www.bortonoverseas.com).
Brochures and pamphlets are available from the tourist board Destination
Lofoten ( & 76-06-98-00; www.lofoten-tourist.no).
WHALE-WATCHING In Norway you can catch a glimpse of 20m (65-ft.),
40,000-kilogram (88,000-lb.) sperm whales, the largest toothed whales in the
world. You can also see killer whales, harbor porpoises, minke whales, and
white-beaked dolphins. Whale researchers conduct 6-hour whale-watching
tours in the Arctic Ocean.
For information and bookings, contact Passage Tours of Scandinavia, 239
Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 ( & 800/548-5960 or 954/776-
7070; www.passagetours.com). Whale-watching in the Lofoten Islands can be
arranged by Borton Overseas, 5412 Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55419
( & 800/843-0602 or 612/882-4640; www.bortonoverseas.com).
6 Learning Vacations
An international series of programs for persons over 50 who are interested in com-
bining travel and learning is offered by Interhostel, developed by the University
of New Hampshire. Each program lasts 2 weeks, is led by a university faculty or
staff member, and is arranged in conjunction with a host college, university, or cul-
tural institution. Participants may stay longer if they want. Interhostel offers pro-
grams consisting of cultural and intellectual activities, with field trips to museums
and other centers of interest. For information, contact the University of New
Hampshire, Division of Continuing Education, 11 Garrison Ave., Durham, NH
03824 ( & 800/313-5327 or 603/862-2015; www.learn.unh.edu).
Another good source of information about courses in Norway is the Ameri-
can Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), River Plaza, 9 W. Broad St., Stamford,
CT 06902 ( & 800/727-2437 or 203/399-5000; www.aifs.org). This organiza-
tion can set up transportation and arrange for summer courses, with bed and
board included.
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