Fly Fishing the Gaula in Norway!

What is in store for 2016? We all have high hopes!

Lower Gaula Chrome – caught by Taylor Edrington in June 2015

Overall, both the NFC and the Gaula experienced a good 2015 fishing season. Especially 2-Sea winter, or medium sized salmon (4 to 7kg/ 9 to 18lbs) ran the river in very good numbers. Also the scientific research bag-net caught and released a lot of medium sized fish during season 2015, so we knew that this past summer was supposed to be a good one for fish of that size.  With such a strong run of 2 sea winter salmon this past year, we are expecting a run of very large fish (3 sea winter fish) in good numbers weighing 8-15 kg (or hopefully even bigger!!) should be filling the Gaula from June 1st of the 2016 season!

We are also glad to announce that we have been able to add new Beats to our rotation! With new productive water both above and below the Gaulfoss this will be a great improvement – especially in the early season for the big spring salmon and as well in the later season and also any time we experience low water. Stay tuned for more information on the specific beats, their descriptions and some photos to come soon!

Matt Harris with a big fish from our Bogen Søndre Beat caught end of June 2015

Many of our regulars have already been re-booking again for the coming summer – and as well many new faces have been securing their rods already for 2016.
We still have rods available in the early season and also very few rods in prime time and as well in the later season. We are looking forward to another great season in 2016 and hopefully we will see many of you on the Gaula during the summer 2016!

Olivier playing a salmon in Beat D1

Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you are interested to fish with us!

 

Toll free: 800.722.4126 

E-mail: info@5stars-scandinavia.com

Experience Norway!

Experiencing Norway Like a Local!

There are certain destinations and attractions within Norway that tourists flock to, such as the Viking Ship Museum, Geirangerfjord and the Heddal stave church. While locations such as those are certainly worth seeing, you can have the opportunity to view this beautiful place from the eyes of a local. The following attractions are the most popular destinations among Norwegians:

Holmenkollen and the Ski Museum
As Norway is considered to be the birthplace of skiing, you can't visit without checking out the slopes. You can go skiing all over the world, but only Norway is home to a ski museum, which opened in 1923 and is the oldest of its kind. You can explore the origin of skiing, which dates back 4,000 years. At Holmenkollen, you can also find a the world's most modern ski jump, which opened on March 3, 2010. The total length of the slope is 96.95 meters, and the entire jump consists of 1,000 tons of steel, making it the only steel ski jump in the world. You can explore Holmenkollen on your own, or take part in any of the guided tours which occur during and after opening hours. The guides will fill you in on everything from polar history to modern skiing.

Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park

This destination is just as loved by Norway locals as it is tourists. Approximately 1 million Norwegians visit the park annually. Located in Oslo, this park contains 212 bronze and granite sculptures, all created by Gustav Vigeland. You can't miss the 14-meter high sculpture known as the Monolith, which is made up of more than 121 human figures.

Vigeland even designed the architectural setting and layout of the entire park. Spend the afternoon at the park, making sure to stop by Cafe Vigeland for a French pastry, sandwich or baguette. Aside from the magnificent sculptures, there's also a museum at the park, which displays the original full-sized plaster casts of the sculptures.

Floibanen Funicular

Rest assured, there are a number of stunning views throughout Norway, but nothing can beat the breathtaking scenery admired from the Floibanen Funicular, a cable car. When you step inside this car, you'll be taken 320 meters above sea level, where you'll be able to see all of downtown Bergen. The car will also take you to the peak of Mount Floyen, allowing you to soak in the truly picturesque view of sparkling fjords and islands. And it's not just the views you get to enjoy when you take the Floibanen Funicular. Hop off and go for a relaxing hike or visit the Floien Folkerestaurant to fine dine at 320 meters above sea level. The Floibanen Funicular departs every 15 minute from the city center.

The Lofoten Islands

You haven't truly experienced relaxation and serenity until you have visited the Lofoten Islands, which is as off the beaten track as you can get. Admire Norway's seabird population by heading to the island of Rost, located on the tip of Lofoten.You can also go on a nature safari, experience a northern lights tour or go fishing as you enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. If you want to practice your golf game, pay a visit to the Lofoten Golf Links course, where you can play along the Lofoten Mountains. If you go during the summer, you can play under the midnight sun - darkness will never fall on the golf course.

Toll free: 800.722.4126

E-mail: info@5stars-scandinavia.com

New Hurtigruten Ship

DISCOVER YOUR INNER EXPLORER

MS Spitsbergen is named after the Arctic crown of Norway – the archipelago of Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of traveling to Spitsbergen, dating back to 1896 with its ‘Sports Route’. After a complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen will be included in the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship will feature elegant, modern, comfortable public areas and cabins and the decor will reflect the color palette of the sea. The ship is environmentally-friendly and we will continue to make improvements to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. She will also be equipped and adapted for future sailings in polar waters. The new ship’s maneuverability and size makes her particularly suitable for exploring the coast of Norway and bringing Hurtigruten’s guests even closer to nature.

A NEW WAY TO SEE NORWAY

We've long celebrated the traveler who wants to see as many new things as possible (and those voyages are still plenty) but our new ship - the MS Spitsbergen - is for the wanderer, the ponderer, the sightseer. Spend a little time with us in Norway.  

 

Toll free: 800.722.4126

E-mail:  info@5stars-scandinavia.com

MS Midnatsol to Southernmost Continent: Antarctica!

Exploring Antarctica with MS Midnatsol

MS Midnatsol offers an opportunity for travelers who possess a true spirit of exploration, and who want to “thrill” their senses by connecting with extraordinary natural surroundings - not just sailing by on a big ocean liner.  Here is the chance to connect with Antarctica’s gigantic ice, penguins, leopard seals, whales and albatross.  And more, to be among the fortunate few to step foot on the last untouched continent.  Back onboard, scientists will help deepen your understanding of Antarctica’s wildlife and environment, and expand your awareness of the fascinating world around you.

Midnatsol to Begin 2016 Operation in Antarctica

Seattle, May 2015 – Hurtigruten, a world leader in sustainable explorer travel, is moving the MS Midnatsol to Antarctica for the 2016/2017 season, more than tripling the company’s guest capacity for sailings in this important polar region. The MS Midnatsol will join the Hurtigruten’s well-known expedition ship, the MS Fram, increasing the company’s seasonal berths from 2,268 in 2015/16 to 6,800 berths in 2016/17.

Antarctica itineraries include highlights such as the Falkland Islands, Chilean fjords, Patagonia, the Magellan Strait and Cape Horn. Sailings will depart from October 2016 to March 2017 with prices ranging from $5,999 to $6,666 per person, double occupancy. 

Toll free: 800.722.4126

E-mail: info@5stars-scandinavia.com

Smyril Line M/F Norröna

Smyril Line has started their new season and has been sailing a few trips to Iceland, at the moment we are in the Shetland Islands with approximately 600 guest who have been on our special cruise to the Faroe Islands, Orkney and Shetland.

During the winter season we have made quite a few changes and updates on-board. The Simmer Dim Restaurant has become a Steak House, serving fantastic fresh salads and other tasty dishes in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our Deluxe cabins have got a total make over with new furniture's and a great new look and furthermore our Naust Bar has become a Sport Bar with a new Sporty look. During the summer we will make sure that the guest will have the possibility to follow all the sport events which are going on through the summer.

Our famous Norrøna Buffet Restaurant is still serving both breakfast and dinner during the whole week. The Buffet offers such a wealth of dishes that one cannot possibly try them all in one evening, even if you will be tempted to. Every evening there are over 20 different hot dishes to choose from, in addition to somewhere between 40 and 50 cold dishes. And then there is the cheese, the fruit and the irresistible pastry selection.

Pre-Book and save up to 20%
We would very much recommend that your guest pre-book the food before the journey, not just because they save money, but also to make sure that they get a seat either in the Buffet or in the Steak House.