Whether it’s to spot the northern lights, a solar eclipse or the Milky Way, night sky tourism is on the rise.&nbsp;A growing number of travellers are booking trips to explore locations around the world by day, and then experience them in a different way at night. The appeal of dark skies is multilayered. For city dwellers, they offer an escape from screen time and city light and provide a way to engage the eyes with a different kind of light source – the solar system. Nature lovers get to discover animals and ecosystems that thrive after dark. And everyone reaps the mental health benefits of the experience. Stargazing and time spent outdoors under darkness is calming, it fosters mindfulness and helps you put things in perspective.&nbsp;Night sky experiences typically happen in designated dark sky reserves, areas found around the world that are protected from development and committed to reducing or eliminating light pollution. They might involve a guided tour, astronomy lesson or storytelling, a photography tutorial or simply embracing the quiet and taking it all in.&nbsp;

New Zealand is attempting to become the world’s second certified dark sky nation. (The tiny island country of Niue, in the South Pacific, became the first in 2020.) With the South Island’s Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, as well as off-grid islands like Aotea (also known as Great Barrier Island) and the peaks in Queenstown, there are <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/new-zealand-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">plenty of spots in the Oceanic country</a> to set your sights high.&nbsp;

But you don’t need to be in a dark sky reserve to go star spotting. Because of their remote locations, countries in the far north and south lend themselves especially well to stargazing. Being in the <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/norway-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">arctic wilderness of Norway</a> offers a high chance of seeing the northern lights, while a <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/iceland-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">winter escape in Iceland</a> is another optimal opportunity to be dazzled by the aurora. Like New Zealand, <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/patagonia-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Patagonia is another prime location</a> to catch sight of constellations unique to the southern hemisphere.&nbsp;You’re not limited to those locations, either. Nights spent on the water along <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/croatia-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Croatia’s Adriatic coast</a> will reveal spectacular nocturnal sights. And <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/portugal-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">cycling through Portugal</a> offers the opportunity to meet with an astronomer for a guided viewing of the night sky.&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s a whole world after dark, and so many ways to explore it. The choice of which star to wish upon is yours.

How to Experience the Magic of Night Skies

We can’t all live like the Roys, but we can certainly experience <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/norway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norway</a> like one.&nbsp;Season 4 of HBO’s Succession follows the Roys as they swap the streets of Manhattan for Norway's dramatic mountains and fjords - bringing with them the signature family drama that has captivated audiences since the beginning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roman and Shiv were last seen facing a major crisis after discovering their father's attempt to save Waystar Royco's reputation by merging the company, putting their shot at succession in jeopardy. Season 4 delves into the life of GoJo founder Lukas Mattson, who proposed the merger. With the Roys in tow, Mattson invites them to discover the beauty of his homeland in Norway and explore his corner of the world.

Producer Scott Ferguson and his team studied different countries but realized Norway had "an exceptional landscape like nowhere else in the world." He tells Variety: "Norway is a glorious, natural setting. It immediately seemed like a perfect place for a family gathering in the series." And we can't help but agree with Scott, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/norway-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norway with your family is indeed an adventure.</a>Below we’ve rounded up all the beautiful Norwegian filming locations you can visit from Season 4.

Juvet Landscape Hotel was designed with the environment in mind, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings while minimizing its impact on the ecosystem. You can find the <a href="https://juvet.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">award-winning hotel</a> far off-the-beaten-path on a farmstead in Valldal, about a 90-minutes drive from Ålesund.

Juvet Landscape Hotel 

Opened in 2010, the hotel features seven minimalist cabins built on stilts. The cabins are made of glass and wood, offering travellers stunning views of the surrounding landscape a chance to be completely immersed in nature. Each cabin has its own character, featuring outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, and ample space in between, providing travellers with complete privacy.&nbsp;

This isn’t the first time this award-winning property was featured in Hollywood. Juvet Landscape Hotel debuted in the 2014 film Ex Machina, showcased as the stunning mansion owned by a tech billionaire who experimented with robots.

Known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Atlantic Ocean Road is a 8.3-km winding stretch of road connecting the towns of Kristiansund and Molde. It runs along the coastline, crossing over eight bridges and curving through several small islands. The road’s curved design creates an optical illusion as you approach each bridge, with the ocean and the Norwegian mountains acting as a stunning backdrop.Driving the Atlantic Ocean Road is an unforgettable experience, but it's not for the faint of heart. The road is narrow and winding, and the weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and heavy rain, but the reward is well worth it if you're up for a challenge!

Atlantic Ocean Road

While the Atlantic Ocean Road is phenomenal, we bike the iconic Trollstigen Road and Eagle Road on our Norway Biking trip, challenging ourselves to conquer some of Norway's most scenic and adrenaline-inducing routes.

The Romsdalen Gondola is a relatively new attraction in Norway, located in the stunning Romsdal Alps. The gondola opened in 2019 and offers travellers a ride up to the summit of Mount Hoven, standing at an elevation of 1,011 m.&nbsp;The first of its kind in Norway, the ride takes approximately 10 minutes, and the views from the gondola are breathtaking. As you ascend, you'll pass over steep cliffs, rushing waterfalls and lush green forests, all with the stunning Romsdal Alps in the background.

Romsdalen Gondola

Just a 5-minute drive from the Romsdalen Gondala, <a href="https://www.eggenrestaurant.no/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eggen Restaurant</a> boasts a sky-high location on the ridge of Nesaksla Mountain and is a must-visit for any foodie passing through Norway. Dedicated to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Eggen's menu emphasizes farm-to-table flavours of the region, like freshly fish caught in the nearby lakes and foraged berries and mushrooms.The menu frequently changes to reflect the changing seasons, ensuring every meal celebrates the most flavourful ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and a carefully crafted cocktail menu.

Eggen Restaurant 

Feeling inspired to experience Norway's stunning beauty like the Roys? Join a Norway Biking departure to indulge in the comforts of Juvet Landscape Hotel. Or, get in touch with Mario Koch to create your own <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/norway-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bespoke Norway</a> trip, including these incredible filming locations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Succession' Filming Locations You Can Visit in Norway

Welcome to the land of fjords, the northern lights and the most photogenic landscapes on the planet. Norway is a place where the midnight sun dances in the summer sky, allowing for endless hours of exploring. But when winter blankets the landscape and the northern lights paint the skies, it’s crystal-clear that wintertime is when Norway truly shines.In the interview below, we had the pleasure of chatting with <a href="https://butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/mario-koch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Mario Koch</a>, Experience Designer for Norway, who shares the highlights of our Limited Edition Norway Winter Adventure departing March 2024.

A snowy Norwegian winter offers a magical experience, especially in February and March. You’re out of the arctic night, and normal sunrises and sunsets create full days for exploring.&nbsp;I’ve crafted our Norway Winter Adventure to unfold in Alta, an off-the-beaten-path winter wonderland situated nearly 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;<a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/in-search-of-darkness-the-illuminating-kind" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Embracing the outdoors </a>is built right into Norwegian culture, and Alta’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best places to visit in Norway. Whether you’re snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking or gliding through forests via your own team of huskies, every day offers endless possibilities to explore and appreciate the land.

Alta has long been recognized as a prime spot for the northern lights and a focal point for scientists who study the phenomenon. The town is often referred to as ‘the city of the northern lights’ thanks to its location far away from light pollution and cold, dry climate, which creates the best chances for witnessing the spectacle.

Not only will an expert guide lead us on a quest to see the northern lights, but the founder of Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge will explain the science behind the phenomenon. Then we'll learn about its significance in the culture of the Indigenous Sami people, shared by members of their community. The Sami have lived across northern Scandinavia for thousands of years and considered the northern lights a divine and sacred presence, inhabited by spirits and deities.During our stay at Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge, travellers will notice each room is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows. While nature ultimately decides if the northern lights will grace us with their presence during our stay in Norway, it will be hard to resist falling asleep each night while gazing at the Arctic skies above.

The Sami are the oldest Indigenous people of Norway. The area around Alta is the least populated of all the Norwegian counties and is considered the heartland of the Sami people—around half of the entire population lives in Norway.On Day 2, travellers will meet with our Sami guides in a traditional Lavvu tent, they’ll share insight into their way of life around a bonfire. Instead of driving or walking to the location, we'll sled through the snow pulled by the group's Sami reindeer—which have been an integral part of Sami culture and spiritual beliefs for centuries.

Sami culture has been intertwined with practicing skills related to reindeer herding for centuries, and their close relationship with these animals is ingrained in their traditions. Sami folklore is filled with songs and rituals that honour the reindeer and the spiritual connection between humans and these animals.

<a href="https://www.sorrisniva.no/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sorrisniva</a> captures everything you can imagine for the perfect Arctic experience and provides travellers with the best of both worlds. It offers a warm base right next to the Alta river canyon, with cozy suites, saunas, jacuzzis and two restaurants.&nbsp;

The lodge also holds a special addition: the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.Every year since 1999, Alta’s Igloo Hotel is rebuilt from locally sourced snow and ice. Stepping into this icy wonderland feels like entering a fairytale, with its ice rooms, ice gallery and even an ice chapel. Our travellers will have access to both their River Suite at the lodge and the Igloo Hotel on Night 2. But here's the challenge: who among us will brave the entire night?

What sets this area apart for active travel is the varying landscape that layers canyons, plateaus and fjords. On Day 4 our travellers will take part in a husky sledding experience with our friends Trine and Hanna, world-renowned competitors who prioritize the well-being of their huskies above all else. This region is a sledding paradise, hosting the renowned Finnmarksløpet, the northernmost race in the world and the second-longest overall.Travellers will go snowmobiling through forests and across frozen lakes and snowshoe hike across a mountain ridge, leading to views that make every step worthwhile. And after days filled with snow adventures, there's nothing better than retreating to the cozy sanctuary of our sauna.

The Alta Airport, just 25 minutes away from Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge, serves as the primary transportation hub for travellers. This airport offers connections to Oslo, allowing for convenient access to the Arctic.

Ready to experience a winter adventure unlike any other? Don't miss out on the chance to join us for a six-day, five-night journey through the high Norwegian Arctic.

Norway’s Arctic Calling

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Though I no longer live in Norway, running in Oslo and throughout the country introduced me to the extended joys of both daylight and darkness.
The experience continues to serve as a reminder that, yes, life is meant to be lived outdoors.
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Feeling inspired to experience Norway&#8217;s raw beauty for yourself? Gabriella would love to <a href="https://butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talk travel</a> (and everything else) with you.

<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46331 size-large" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-960x600.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-960x600.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-768x480.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Within that experience—finding myself in a new setting, adjusting to new dynamics, without any strong relationships to lean on, I began to run. I ran around Oslo—following the forests and lakes that cradle the city centre; I ran at the ripe hour of 6 am—spikes protruding from my shoes to keep balance along quiet, cross-country paths; I ran to relieve my loneliness and also to mirror the determination that the very landscape inspired. I ran because a new place jolts you to new associations and a desire to push your boundaries a little further.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46342 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
I grew in personality and discipline. Slowly marathon running became an essential part of my life.
Along with that, I developed my career—incrementally at first, and without realizing it. To help pay for my studies abroad I worked at a local biking company in Oslo; I travelled for many years around the country appreciating the perfect cocktail of culture, people and nature and it slowly dawned on me that this could be a career.
It was an idyllic place to start my career in travel because the country reinforced many principles that still guide me today. One: the experience of darkness is not a limit—embrace it! That metaphor has, and can be, applied to many other realms in my life.
Second: I lived in a country with a truly special relationship with its green spaces. That’s reflected in the way the outdoors is optimized for use, but it’s also in the preservation.
Norway tracks well for high-end eco-conscious travel and this is intentional; eco-lodges are perched in the middle of forests, near fjords and shoulder organic, farm-to-table enterprises. The high cost of travel here keeps tourism at a manageable scale—the idea is to resist compromise; to make sure the preservation of the country&#8217;s pristine landscapes is first and foremost for the people who live here.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46344 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />

Eat &amp; Drink

See + Do

Oslo

<h3><a href="http://lebenjamin.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Le Benjamin</a></h3>
Sleek and hip, this casual bar and bistro is the result of the owners’ many trips to France, a country they hold close to their hearts. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43078 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/le-benjamin_001_752x252.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Oslo" width="752" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/le-benjamin_001_752x252.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/le-benjamin_001_752x252-423x300.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Indulge in French cheeses and wine &#8211; by the bottle or by the glass &#8211; and homemade meals made from scratch from a three-course menu.  
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<h3><a href="http://www.arakataka.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arakataka</a></h3>
For Nordic cuisine, head to Arakataka. This modern bistro is a favourite spot for concertgoers given its prime location across from Oslo’s Rockefeller Music Hall. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43082 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/arakataka_001_752x537.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Oslo" width="752" height="537" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/arakataka_001_752x537.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/arakataka_001_752x537-420x300.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Its menu consists of small plates many of which include catches from the frosty Norwegian shores such as King Crab, langoustine, and mackerel.
<hr />
<h3><a href="http://hanami.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hanami</a></h3>
Enjoy Japanese robatayaki, Izakaya and a sushi bar in the chic and modern atmosphere of Hanami. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43085 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hanami_004_752x523.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Oslo" width="752" height="523" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hanami_004_752x523.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hanami_004_752x523-431x300.jpg 431w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Their beautifully presented plates come paired with an equally stunning waterfront view.
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<h3><a href="https://maaemo.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maaemo</a></h3>
Bearing an honourable 3-star Michelin badge, all the ingredients at Maaemo are entirely organic and natural, featuring a variety of seafood, vegetables and herbs from exclusively Norwegian producers. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43087 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Maaemo_FB_001_752x501.jpg" alt="best restaurants in Oslo" width="752" height="501" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Maaemo_FB_001_752x501.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Maaemo_FB_001_752x501-450x300.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Its minimalist setting allows you to place all the attention on the dishes crafted in their innovative kitchen that encourages employees to add their personal touch to each plate.
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<h3><a href="http://www.brasseriefrance.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brasserie France</a></h3>
Transport to Paris at the Brasserie France, where French dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse grace the menu in a traditional bistro setting. 
For dessert, an unlimited buffet-style dessert trolley spoils diners with crème brûlée, puff pastries and macarons.

The 6 Best Restaurants in Oslo

Magazine Column

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Rioja

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Sardinia

<h2>Time Moves Differently Here</h2>
I met a woman recently while buying a gift for my sister; her (Canadian) daughter married a Sardinian and now lives on the island. And here’s one thing she remarked to me about the island: “I like how people take their time.” It’s really an understatement, as when you get here, you’ll feel as if there’s all the time in the world. The priority for us Sardinians is quality of life, and our philosophy is simple: enjoy life and take your time to savour the everyday moments, no matter how small. You, too, will see just how time weaves its magical spell as you slow down to the rhythm of the island.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40458 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-768x510.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-903x600.jpg 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h2>Rural Life</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-40464 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sheep-732-250x156.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="156" />While the outer coastal cities are more urbanized, there is something to be said about the Sardinian rural way of life—it’s wonderful. I had an elemental childhood, running wild on the beach, on my grandparents’ farm, and generally playing outside amongst nature. Most of us have family land in the countryside to roam in, where we work the land as our ancestors have through the generations. Here is where we Sardinians put aside our phones to enjoy the simple things: sunshine, the earth and the things that grow from it—fruits and vegetables, tending to animals and plants. My niece and nephew go to the countryside daily after school with their parents to pick fruit or just play outdoors. As you travel the island, you’ll see this everywhere you go (and maybe get to participate in it, too).
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40473 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="482" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px-456x300.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<h2>The Sea and the Coast</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40474 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/archway-sardinia-beach-350px-1.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="233" />One of the things I miss from back home is one of the simplest: it’s the smell of the sea, and the distinctive smell of Sardinia with its trees, plants, herbs and shrubs on the wind. The second I get off the plane, it just hits me and I know that I’ve arrived. I also feel joyful and nostalgic when I return to the beloved beaches, coves, and smaller islands that I know so well. Much has been written about Sardinian beaches, as they’re secluded, dramatically beautiful, clean and safe—truly without compare. 
Some of my favourites are hard to get to, and some of the more popular ones are just so pretty that their appeal is hard to hide from the masses! Stintino is one of the big ones, with its white sand and blue water. I also love Argentiera, next to an old argento (silver) mine, the Spanish towers overlooking Porticciolo and Porto Ferro, and Cala Goloritze on the east coast, with its white limestone and endless shades of blue—accessible only after a hike through an ancient cork forest.  
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40445 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

norway

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