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Time Zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK) = 100 øre.

Language: Norwegian.

Sightseeing: Situated in the Western Fjords, the city of Bergen is a good starting point for exploring the area. There are a number of museums and other attractions (including an aquarium) in Bergen, whose busy port serves an increasing number of cruise ships operating in the area. The spectacular fjord region covers the area from Stavanger in the south to Kristiansund in the north, and from the North Sea in the west to the mountain ranges in the east. Many of the fjords are only 100m (330ft) wide in places, with vertical cliffs rising over 1000m (3300ft) on either side. The longest, Sognefjord, runs for over 200km (124 miles) into the interior. Others include the Ryfylke Fjords, Hardanger Fjord, Sunnfjord, Nord Fjord, Geiranger Fjord and Romsdal Fjord. In the mountain region of west Norway, the glaciers often reach right down to the bottom of the adjacent valley. The whole region offers excellent river and lake fishing, as well as hiking, boat and cycling tours.

Shopping: Silversmiths and potteries are numerous and worth visiting. Traditional items include furs, printed textiles, woven articles, knitwear, woodcarving, silver, enamel, pewter, glass and porcelain. Tax-free cheques can be obtained from any of the 2500 shops carrying the sticker ‘Tax free for tourists’. These shops save visitors 11-18 percent of the price paid by residents. VAT refunds are paid in cash on return to the cruise ship.

Eating Out: Many hotels and restaurants serve lunch from a koldtbord (cold table), with smoked salmon, fresh lobster, shrimp and hot dishes. Open sandwiches are topped with meat, fish, cheese and salads. Aquavit (schnapps) is a popular drink, but in general alcohol is limited and expensive, although beer and wine are generally served in restaurants. Licensing laws are strict and alcohol is sold only by the State through special monopoly.