There are probably many people today that are thankful for an idea from many years ago that now allows them to travel to parts of Norway that they thought they would never be able to visit. This is all thanks to a Norwegian Sea Captain by the name of Richard With. He had an idea many years ago about starting a year round steam ship service that would link northern and southern Norway.
When Richard With came up with this idea it was the local Governor who apparently asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or is this possible?". Today everybody now knows that it is possible, but all of this started many years previous in the late 19th century, at a time when the Industrial Revolution had brought forth all kinds of technologies and comforts to Oslo and ports of the south.
Once his dream became a reality, Richard with knew that it would open up the remote and previously uncharted wilderness of the north coast so that its magnificent landscape could be available to everyone. Despite quite a bit of opposition, Richard With persisted in his quest to provide a way for passengers and supplies to get from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a consistent basis.
Richard With was convinced he could traverse a safe passage from the South to the North of Norway and was able to convince others that he could set up a faster and more efficient mail delivery route than the one available at that time. And that it could be done year round, even in the winter months.
At this point in time the Norwegian coast had not been completely navigated. Not only were there no complete maps of this waterway, there were no pilots available with the knowledge necessary to navigate this previously uncharted area. Few seafaring individuals were aware of the intense topographical challenges they would face on such a voyage.
The land north of Bergen was rugged and only accessible from the sea. Previous to this time, it had been only the Vikings who had sailed this dangerous coastline in search of the rich fishing waters.
This route was to become a lively trading channel, as boats were able to bring dried fish, flour, syrup and sugar to what would have been isolated communities. The main reason for this service was to deliver mail and that is why back then it was known as the Coastal Express.
Today, there are many Norwegians who may relate back to the history of this story and have affection for it. If you ask a coastal resident about Hurtigruten, there may well be emotion in the story they tell. It is the history and tradition with the endeavor from the captains and crew who helped to steer coastal communities into the modern age, and who are regarded with admiration.
Today, people who sail on a Hurtigruten vessel can traverse history by embarking on a voyage that in the past would have been impossible. The rugged coast of Norway provides passengers with a chance to enjoy the magnificent and scenic "Norwegian Magic". Visitors will not only be treated to a rare show of hospitality, but they will be able to relish in a tradition and culture that will leave a positive impression for years to come.
When Richard With came up with this idea it was the local Governor who apparently asked his associates, "Is this captain a dreamer, or is this possible?". Today everybody now knows that it is possible, but all of this started many years previous in the late 19th century, at a time when the Industrial Revolution had brought forth all kinds of technologies and comforts to Oslo and ports of the south.
Once his dream became a reality, Richard with knew that it would open up the remote and previously uncharted wilderness of the north coast so that its magnificent landscape could be available to everyone. Despite quite a bit of opposition, Richard With persisted in his quest to provide a way for passengers and supplies to get from Trondheim to Hammerfest on a consistent basis.
Richard With was convinced he could traverse a safe passage from the South to the North of Norway and was able to convince others that he could set up a faster and more efficient mail delivery route than the one available at that time. And that it could be done year round, even in the winter months.
At this point in time the Norwegian coast had not been completely navigated. Not only were there no complete maps of this waterway, there were no pilots available with the knowledge necessary to navigate this previously uncharted area. Few seafaring individuals were aware of the intense topographical challenges they would face on such a voyage.
The land north of Bergen was rugged and only accessible from the sea. Previous to this time, it had been only the Vikings who had sailed this dangerous coastline in search of the rich fishing waters.
This route was to become a lively trading channel, as boats were able to bring dried fish, flour, syrup and sugar to what would have been isolated communities. The main reason for this service was to deliver mail and that is why back then it was known as the Coastal Express.
Today, there are many Norwegians who may relate back to the history of this story and have affection for it. If you ask a coastal resident about Hurtigruten, there may well be emotion in the story they tell. It is the history and tradition with the endeavor from the captains and crew who helped to steer coastal communities into the modern age, and who are regarded with admiration.
Today, people who sail on a Hurtigruten vessel can traverse history by embarking on a voyage that in the past would have been impossible. The rugged coast of Norway provides passengers with a chance to enjoy the magnificent and scenic "Norwegian Magic". Visitors will not only be treated to a rare show of hospitality, but they will be able to relish in a tradition and culture that will leave a positive impression for years to come.
About the Author:
Jeff Paulett is a partner of NorwegianCoastalCruises.com. Visit their site for more information aboutHurtigruten voyages's timetables's schedules or cruising the Norwegian fjords
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