NORWAY 2025 TEXTILE TOUR
April 1-9, 2025
April 1-9, 2025
TRIP IS NOW FULL, WAIT LIST AVAILABLE!
Norway's history in textiles is extensive, especially with regards to knitting. And it continues to this day, with a high proportion of knitters and ....yarn shops! And although we will be exploring a lot of textiles, including the beautiful Bunad or folk costume of Norway, we have designed a well-rounded itinerary that will appeal to all!
Early Arrival Option Day - Monday March 31, 2025 -- We are now offering the option for folks to arrive a day early in order to acclimate, rest, maybe do some independent exploration in order to be better prepared at the start of the tour. There will be a meet time at the Oslo Gardermoen Airport on Monday and from there folks will be taking the express train transfer to city center and the Thon Hotel Bristol where we will be spending the next three nights. Early arrival travelers will be picked up at the hotel the following day for the start of the tour. See Cost Page for more details.
Old Town, Oslo
Day 1: Tuesday April 1, 2025 -- Arrival Oslo, City Tour - After our arrival we will be met at the Oslo Gardermoen Airport by our guide and driver and head out for a city bus tour of Oslo. We will enjoy panoramic views of the Opera House, Karl Johansgate - Oslo's main street, Old Town Christiania, Akershus Castle and Fortress, and the Royal Palace. We will ride through some of Oslo's prettiest neighborhoods on our way to Vigeland Park with its more than 200 sculptures. The tour will last approximately 3 hours. After our tour we will be dropped off at our charming hotel, the Thon Hotel Bristol - Oslo. This modern hotel is located in the heart of Oslo in a lovely historic setting. Cafes, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife are all nearby. Local attractions include the main street Karl Johans gate, Aker Brygge, the Royal Palace, Slottsparken, Akershus Castle and Fortress, and the Norwegian Opera and Ballet (see the optional Ballet night on day 2). There are two restaurants located on-site offering formal or casual dining, plus a lobby bar with regular live music, cocktail bar, gym, and spa. We will be staying here for the next 3 nights.
Gol Stave Church at the Norsk Folkemuseum
Day 2: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 -- Explore Oslo, Norsk Folkemuseum, Bunad and Knitting collections - Today we will travel to the island of Bygdøy to visit Norway’s largest museum of cultural history, The Norsk Folkemuseum. Focusing on 1500 to the present, the museum features large indoor collections (including a large exhibit of Norwegian knitting history, with some of the oldest textiles found in Norway), a large Bunad collection (the Norwegian Folk Costume), folk art, church art and Sami culture and the world's largest open-air museum (150 buildings relocated from around Norway), with a Setesdal Farmstead and the Gol Stave Church from 1200. Then back to Oslo for some free time for optional activities and sites. Overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol - Oslo.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SITES NOT INCLUDED ON THE TOUR
The afternoon is free to explore. Some recommendations and times required to walk from our hotel are as follows: *Please note - the Viking Ship Museum is unfortunately closed until 2027 for renovations. Some venues may require an entrance fee.
Glamagasinet
Glasmagasinet (5 min walk, highly recommended). The history of this iconic shopping centre at Stortorvet square in the city centre dates back to the 1700s. Glasmagasinet has long specialised in design and items for the home, and its stores include Illum Bolighus, Magnor Brandstore, Bellas House, and Kicks flagship store. The main attraction for us is Heimen Husfliden, located downstairs, with its amazing supply of yarns, Bunads and other textiles.
Nasjonalgalleriet, or National Museum (13 min walk, highly recommended). With over 400,000 works of art, it is a very comprehensive collection of European and Nordic Art, among them are Munch's iconic 'Scream' and 'Madonna' (for a total Edvard Munch immersion there is also the Munch Museum in town).
Other options: Akershus Festning and Slott (15 min walk, Renaissance Castle and Royal Residence), Oslo Cathedral (15 min walk, lovely Baroque interior), Astrup Fearnley Museet (20 min walk, lovely museum of modern art).
Yarn Shops: Pickles (23 min walk, carry their own line of yarns), Grünerløkka Garn (30 min walk, a wide selection of Norwegian yarns), and Tjorven Garn (also a 30 min walk).
Book Shops: Tronsmo Bokhandel (3 min walk, amazing selection).
Coffee Shop: Fuglen Coffee Roasters (5 min walk, experience the Nordic coffee culture).
Nasjonalgalleriet, or National Museum (13 min walk, highly recommended). With over 400,000 works of art, it is a very comprehensive collection of European and Nordic Art, among them are Munch's iconic 'Scream' and 'Madonna' (for a total Edvard Munch immersion there is also the Munch Museum in town).
Other options: Akershus Festning and Slott (15 min walk, Renaissance Castle and Royal Residence), Oslo Cathedral (15 min walk, lovely Baroque interior), Astrup Fearnley Museet (20 min walk, lovely museum of modern art).
Yarn Shops: Pickles (23 min walk, carry their own line of yarns), Grünerløkka Garn (30 min walk, a wide selection of Norwegian yarns), and Tjorven Garn (also a 30 min walk).
Book Shops: Tronsmo Bokhandel (3 min walk, amazing selection).
Coffee Shop: Fuglen Coffee Roasters (5 min walk, experience the Nordic coffee culture).
Oslo Opera House
OPTIONAL NIGHT AT THE OPERA HOUSE - Join us for a wonderful evening ballet performance of Jules Massenet's Manon danced by the Norwegian National Ballet, music by the Opera House Orchestra, at the Oslo Opera House. Manon contains some of the most passionate arias in opera (such as 'Adieu, mon petite table' sung by Anna Netrebko) and is also a frequently performed ballet. The story of Manon, based on the 1731 novel by Abbé Prévost, is of course tragic - the choice between love and affluence, with Manon's pursuit of wealth starting in 18th century Paris and ending in poverty in the swamps of Louisiana. Marci is planning to attend this event, so if you wish to go along, see the cost page for more information and sign-up at registration.
Day 3: Thursday April 3, 2025 -- Oslofjord hike, further explore Oslo - Today we will get a little fresh air and experience Norway like a local - by heading out into nature and taking a hike! Our Oslofjord hike will be chosen by our guide based on the weather and optimizing our views of Oslo and the fjord. Please note: instead of hiking, folks may opt to stay back in town and explore. Overnight at Thon Hotel Bristol - Oslo.
Please note: Tonight we will pack a smaller overnight bag and take our larger luggage to reception for porter service. This option will save us from struggling with our larger luggage through fjord country. The porter service will pick up our luggage for us from our hotel in Oslo and transfer it directly to our hotel in Bergen.
Please note: Tonight we will pack a smaller overnight bag and take our larger luggage to reception for porter service. This option will save us from struggling with our larger luggage through fjord country. The porter service will pick up our luggage for us from our hotel in Oslo and transfer it directly to our hotel in Bergen.
Flåmsbana scenic train
Day 4: Friday April 4, 2025 -- Sognefjord, Depart Oslo to Myrdal by train, Flåmsbana scenic train ride into Flåm, Ferry to Balestrand, Cider Tasting - Today we begin our journey to fjord country. We will depart Oslo via train with a short layover in the small mountain station of Myrdal. We then take the famous Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway). This hour-long historic train ride will take us through some of the most beautiful parts of western Norway, slowing down and stopping at the most scenic spots. We will arrive in the picturesque fjord village of Flåm in the mid-afternoon. After a brief photo stop, we will board a ferry to cross the Sognefjord to Balestrand, known for their local cider. Enjoy a visit to the Ciderhuset to learn about the traditional methods of distillation and their commitment to sustainability, quality, and preservation of history. You will have a chance to sample some of the award-winning ciders.
Kviknes Hotel - Balestrand
Tonight we will stay overnight at Kviknes Hotel - Balestrand. The Kviknes Hotel is located on the beautiful Sognefjord. This Swiss style hotel has been run by the Kviknes family since 1877 and combines old-world charm with modern luxury. The hotel is comprised of two parts, the modern building and the historic building (accessible by stairs only). The hotel features an in-house restaurant, bar, and cafe. Local attractions include the Norwegian Travel Museum, the Sognefjord Aquarium, Jostedal Glacier National Park, the Norwegian Glacier Museum, and the Norwegian Book Town in Fjærland. Tonight we will enjoy a lovely group dinner at the hotel.
Sognefjord Cruise
Day 5: Saturday April 5, 2025 - Depart Balestrand for Bergen, explore Sognefjord - Today we will finish our fjord journey with a four-hour fjord cruise through the Sognefjord, also known as The King of the Fjords, passing quaint fjord villages scattered along the shoreline. We will arrive in Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage City and second largest in Norway, in the afternoon. Its main attactions are Bryggen, Mount Fløyen and the Fish Market. A stroll through Bryggen takes one back to the Middle Ages as a lot of the architecture is preserved. We will be transferred by bus to our hotel, the Hotel Norde by Scandic - Bergen, where we will meet up with our larger luggage and spend the next four nights. Hotel Norge is a historic hotel established in 1885. This hotel offers a vibrant and unique atmosphere mixing history with a modern twist. Enjoy meals in the cafe or restaurant as well as a drink in the lobby bar. At the heart of the city, right next to Byparken, stands Hotel Norge - within reach of everything Bergen has to offer.
Bryggen
Day 6: Sunday April 6, 2025 - Bergen Walking Tour - Bryggen Warf and Fish Market, Fløibanen Funicular -
Today's walking tour will begin at the Bergen Fortress. We will walk our way through the city’s historic streets with our guide learning about Bergen's colorful past. We will hear about how people lived in this important fishing port over the centuries, and about the changes over time for Bergen’s architecture and community. We will see Bergen’s famous wooden houses, the Bryggen Hanseatic wharf and the fish market. Later we will ride the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and check out the spectacular view of the city. From the top, we will enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and walking trails. Then back to Bergen for some possible free time. Overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic - Bergen
Today's walking tour will begin at the Bergen Fortress. We will walk our way through the city’s historic streets with our guide learning about Bergen's colorful past. We will hear about how people lived in this important fishing port over the centuries, and about the changes over time for Bergen’s architecture and community. We will see Bergen’s famous wooden houses, the Bryggen Hanseatic wharf and the fish market. Later we will ride the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and check out the spectacular view of the city. From the top, we will enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and walking trails. Then back to Bergen for some possible free time. Overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic - Bergen
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SITES NOT INCLUDED ON THE TOUR
While in Bergen we may have a little free time. Some recommendations and times required to walk from our hotel are as follows: Please note: some venues may require an entrance fee.
KODE Museums - This is a set of 4 museums and 3 composers' homes (more Munch, Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull) located around Bergen, some within walking distance of our hotel.
Bymuseet i Bergen (Old Bergen Museum - please note this is a 10 min. drive from our hotel) - In the 1800s Bergen was Europe's largest 'wooden' city. At this open-air museum with 55 houses from the 18-20th centuries, you can experience what life was like. Actors make history come alive and homes are open to explore independently.
Yarn Shops - Husfliden (on Vågsallemenning, 5 min walk from hotel, a retail branch of the Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Association with much more than just yarn), Strikkelykke AS (9 min walk from hotel), Norwegian Strikk & Garn (9 min walk), FÆR (12 min walk), Modellstrikk AS (3 min walk from hotel).
Coffee Shop and Bakeries - Pingvinen (3 min) and Godt Brød (3 min).
Book Shops - Outland Bergen (7 min walk), Litteraturhuset i Bergen (7 min walk), Norli Strandgaten (7 min walk).
Bymuseet i Bergen (Old Bergen Museum - please note this is a 10 min. drive from our hotel) - In the 1800s Bergen was Europe's largest 'wooden' city. At this open-air museum with 55 houses from the 18-20th centuries, you can experience what life was like. Actors make history come alive and homes are open to explore independently.
Yarn Shops - Husfliden (on Vågsallemenning, 5 min walk from hotel, a retail branch of the Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Association with much more than just yarn), Strikkelykke AS (9 min walk from hotel), Norwegian Strikk & Garn (9 min walk), FÆR (12 min walk), Modellstrikk AS (3 min walk from hotel).
Coffee Shop and Bakeries - Pingvinen (3 min) and Godt Brød (3 min).
Book Shops - Outland Bergen (7 min walk), Litteraturhuset i Bergen (7 min walk), Norli Strandgaten (7 min walk).
Textile Industry Museum
Day 7: Monday April 7, 2025 -- Explore Western Norway through Textiles -- Tekstilindustrimuseet, Øvre-Eide Farm, Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk - Today we will learn about Norway’s fiber history and traditions that continue into today. Our first visit is the Tekstilindustrimuseet or Textile Industry Museum. We will have a guided tour of the former textile mill and heritage site. The mill dates from 1859, and you will learn about the history of the production process from carding and spinning, to winding, knitting, and sewing. You will see the knitting machines that were used in the factory, still used today to knit items sold in the museum shop.
Lunch at Øvre Eide Farm
This family run farm, just outside Bergen, has roots back to the 16th century. The farm is home to many animals and keeps many local traditions alive. We hope to learn more about the farm and their four horses of classic Norwegian breeds - Fjord Horse and Dole Horse!
Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk
After lunch, we will visit Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk for a tour of this fourth-generation family business that produces yarn and carded wool for felting. Our tour will include a guided walk through the factory where we will experience the wool’s journey from raw material to finished product. The passion and commitment to craft traditions is reflected in the factory’s Économusée status. After a full day of textile history, we will have free time to enjoy dinner on our own in Bergen (a list of suggested restaurants to follow later). Overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic - Bergen.
Dale of Norway Factory Museum
Day 8: Tuesday April 8, 2025 -- Explore Western Norway through Textiles -- Dale of Norway Factory Tour, Museum and Outlet, Oleana Factory Tour - Today we start the day at the Dale of Norway factory. Dale of Norway is one of the most famous woolen brands in Norway and across the globe. Our guide will introduce us to the factory, in the same location since 1879 and still powered by local waterfalls. In addition to viewing the stages of production, we will see the exhibition of Olympic and World Championship Dale of Norway sweaters. And of course we'll have enough time for a little outlet shopping....
Then on to the lovely Oleana Factory for a guided tour. This business, owned by the Oleana family, is famous for its knitted designer jackets. The company’s commitment to sustainability means their entire production line takes place in their headquarters, a historic textile mill just outside of Bergen that dates back to 1856. We will enjoy a late lunch at their lovely cafe.
After our return to Bergen, we will gather for a very special farewell dinner, a Meteorological 5-Course Dining Experience & Cruise! Cornelius Seafood Restaurant is situated right by the sea on a small island with spectacular views of the fjord, mountains, skerries, passing boats, and ships, and is accessible only by ferry. Inspired by the weather of the day, Cornelius serves its famous Meteorological Menu of exquisite seafood and trimmings, prepared using innovative culinary techniques and with a genuine passion for seafood.
Overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic - Bergen.
Overnight at Hotel Norge by Scandic - Bergen.
Day 9: Thursday April 9, 2025 - Depart Bergen, Norway - Today we say farewell to Norway and be transferred to the airport via bus for our flights home.
While we make every effort to follow our itinerary as set forth here in the website, occasionally due to matters beyond our control, we may have to substitute destinations, lodging or attractions other than those set forth.