This very special tour has been Inspired by our Head of Craft Holidays, Alison White’s own travels around Norway – designed to take you on a discovery of a rich textile heritage and unique culture. Alison White, Head of Craft Holidays, said: "Recently the Norwegian Tourist Board invited me to discover the history and traditions of the knitting industry in Norway. This tour includes all the highlights of my trip, which will take you on a journey from the remote heathlands north of Bergen. On route we’ll discover just how important the textile industry was to Norway and some of the steps that are being taken to recover and preserve these traditions for the future. Finally, we’ve combined all this with workshops with Frederica to create the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation, Norwegian style!"
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Meet Frederica and your Arena Travel Tour Manager at a London airport for your flight to Bergen. Upon arrival, meet our driver who will transfer us to our hotel for check-in.
Includes Dinner
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is surrounded by mountains, hence its name ‘City of Seven Mountains’. Bergen was the largest city in Norway until the 1830s when it was overtaken by the capital, Christiania (now known as Oslo). What remains of the quays, Bryggen, is now a World Heritage Site. This morning we will take a guided walking tour of the city with a local guide. In the afternoon we will enjoy our first workshop back at the hotel with Frederica.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
We will spend today at the Heathland Centre, located about 30 miles north of Bergen. The centre is beautifully located with Lurefjorden on one side and the main sea route to and from Bergen on the other. The 5000-year-old heathland surrounding the centre is still maintained by local farmers. Enjoy the amazing views over the fjord and mountains whilst we enjoy a lunch made with locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon we will enjoy a second workshop with Frederica.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
The first stop on our excursion today is the Hillesvåg Wool Spinning Mill. This family-owned mill was founded in 1898 and has been in the same family for four generations, making it one of Norway’s most long-established wool and yarn producers. Our guided tour will take us through the entire process, from when the wool enters the mill to the finished product. The shop offers yarn for hand machine knitting, hand weaving and crochet and carded wool for felt making. This afternoon we will visit the Museum of Norwegian Knitting Industry. Through our guided tour of the former Salhaus Knitting Factory (1858 –1989) we will learn about the history and importance of the textile industry in Norway.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Our excursion today takes us first to Osteroy, an inland island surrounded by beautiful fjords. The island has a strong history of craftsmanship that is still alive today. Our guided tour of the open-air museum, which has a focus on preserving traditional crafts, will take us around the 17th century buildings and introduce us to some of the crafts and costumes.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Say farewell to our fellow knitters and transfer to Bergen airport for our return flight to London.
Includes Breakfast
Tour Notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. On excursion days you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
Your accommodation includes breakfast, a light evening meal and Fika (coffee, tea and pastries) in the afternoons.
Specially designed for knitters, this Stitchtopia knitting holiday is the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded knitters and indulge in your favourite hobby. Our talented knitting expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host inspirational workshops with a beautifully designed project to get those needles clicking!
You will be staying at the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret.
Overlooking the Tromsdalstinden mountain, this waterfront hotel offers beautiful views and is located in the heart of Bergen.
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