Aisha Sharipzhan: Welcome to Bergen, Norway.

The city is known as the heart of the fjords, and is used by many tourists as a base to explore Norway's natural wonders.

Today, I'm taking you with me on a stunning fjord cruise.

All of this is just unbelievable.

We'll look at Bergen's most Instagram famous spot.

Find out what a fjord is and show you some of the most stunning nature you have ever seen.

When you search for images o Bergen, you'll discover Bryggen, a picturesque whar with colorful wooden buildings and historic brick houses with connections to the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance from the Middle Ages.

The Hanseatic Wharf of Bryggen is the city's oldest area.

It used to be a key center for trade between Norway and Europe, and today it's a vibrant area full of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants.

How cute are these wooden houses?

I don't know if you can see it, but these houses are so old that they're slanted.

Aisha: I am right at Bergen's harbor area, where various cruise options and departure points make it an accessible way for tourists to experience Norway's iconic fjords.

Today I'm meeting with Arild from Guided Fjord Tours who will be joining me.

Arild Maröy Hansen: You know the Germans had a monopoly here from about 1350 up to the 1700s.

Aisha: The German Hanseatic merchants are the reason why Bergen's port became such an important hub for trade and fishing.

Today, it is Norway's second largest seaport and one of the most popular cruise destinations in Northern Europe.

There are plenty of offers, including cruises that last several days and cost hundreds of euros, but I recommend the smalle 4-hour trip to see the fjords.

It is available year round for 750 Norwegian crowns, or about 63 per person.

So could you tell m what exactly is a fjord anyway?

Arild: A fjord is an opening in the bedrock.

It is filled with water and it's been created by ice, sand, boulder stones, all types of sediments, but it differs.

The shape like a new, is usually created by the heavy ice cap.

About 10 to 12,000 years ago, whole Norway was covered by ice.

Aish This catamaran is taking us up the 27 kilometer Osterfjord in the northeast of Bergen, one of the most popular fjord tours.

The fjord is surrounded by steep mountains, lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

Here you can really take in the varied landscapes of western Norway's fjords.

Arild: This fjord is like a “U”.

You can just imagine the bottom of it.

Aisha: Breathtaking.

But the highlight is still yet to come.

This part here that we're going through is like the narrowest part of the tour, and it's called the Mostraumen Strait.

In a few seconds, we are about to see something really impressive.

The Mostraumen waterfall.

Aisha: Now we are heading back to Bergen the same way and can really absorb the majestic surroundings once more.

All of this is just unbelievable.

Stunning.

I love it.

Narrator (female voice): This is Thomas Oderud.

You could call him an ice cold Norwegian businessman.

He sells frozen water to build ice hotels or to carve wintry sculptures.

And he has a special relationship with ice that doesn't leave him cold.

Thomas Orderud: It melts in the summertime, it melts when it gets hot, it melts if you bring it inside.

As a business point of view, it's very good because if the customer is happy for what they got want to have it again, they always have to buy over and over again because it melts and go back to the nature as water.

Narrator: Norway has vast landscapes, clean water and harsh winters.

So the raw material he needs is right at his doorstep.

Thomas: We are on the lake, very close to my ice farm, just one hour east of Oslo.

And in this area it's normally not so much snow but it's still normally cold, so it gives clear and good ice quality.

Narrator: After nature has taken its course, he brings in the big guns.

He saw the ice into even sized blocks.

The 40m thick layer of ice can even bear the weight of heavy equipment.

Using his tractor, he cuts long even tracks in the frozen lake.

He must not lose any time, but the blocks of ice freeze again quickly.

Thomas: The biggest challenge is to stay on the ice and not under the ice.

Or I will say it's important to try to have 90 degree angles every cut, because then it's easier when you use it later.

We don't know if you're going to build a big ice wall, or stack a big pile of ice to make a big ice sculpture.

Narrator: Each block ways around a ton.

With the right quality, A block sells for about 700, and it can be shipped worldwide if necessary.

The blocks are used to carve intricate patterns or massive structures made of snow and ice, like this ice hotel in Sweden.

Here, everything is made of ice, from the reception to the bar, and the rooms.

And even the artworks are made of ice.

Thomas: One thing I maybe never get used to it that is so strong.

It can carry a lot of weight.

And it's also soft.

Narrator: He stores some 400 to 500 tons of ice on his ice farm.

An order could come in any time.

Sometimes his expertise is also called for.

Hes already supplied ice t major Hollywood film productions Thomas It's a lot of different things that I never had ability to see if I hadn't been working with snow and ice So that's the best part of it.

But personally, I think I'm more happy when I'm on a beach with 30 degrees sunshine burning over my head instead of staying in the shadows and -10 or -20 or -30 degrees.

Narrator: Sounds like great vacation plans.

As long as he doesn't have to put them on ice to take on more exciting jobs in the cold.

Narrator (male voice The hypnotic sound of Kulning.

Jennie Tiderman-Österberg : I use my voice when I'm working with animals at the summer farms, to call them, keep them together, or urge them on when they don't want to return home.

[cow bells clanging] My name is Jennie Tiderman-Österberg I'm an ethnomusicologist and doing my PhD.

I'm a singer, I practice Kulning and work at summer farms.

Narrator: Were in Sweden's Dalarna province, four hours northwest of Stockholm.

This is a ‘Fäbod an old fashioned countryside summer farm.

They're typically without electricity and running water.

Land Alice Gustafssons farm is no exception.

The 82 year old knows the centuries old tradition of Kulning from her childhood days.

The drawn out chants are used t call cattle back from grazing.

Land Alice Gutafsson: I'll call the cows home in my own distinct way.

This is what it sounds like.

[singing] Narrator: Jennie is fascinated by these traditions.

She's especially interested in stories of women who would spend the summer months all alone at these farms, tending to cattle.

Jennie: I was disappointed that we don't learn about this in school.

It's a part of our history that's simply not talked about.

So I thought, I will tell this story.

Narrator: Fewer and fewer farmer practice Kulning today, though lately, the herding calls have evolved into a veritable art form.

Jennie Kulning calls can be high or low pitched.

They can sound very pleasant or have a growling quality.

There are so many different sounds and nuances, and plenty of traditions have grown out of this.

[singing] Narrator: Jennie often shows off her skills at special Kulning concerts like here at this abandoned summer farm in Leksand.

[singing] Man: I remember Kulning from my childhood.

There was an older woman who would make these herding calls.

It was great hearing these chants again.

Woman 1: When I hear Kulning, it relaxes me.

Woman 2: You can feel these chants in your soul, vibrating inside of you.

[singing] Narrator: These days, Kulning might be more art form and less farming call, but it remains a tradition very much alive in Sweden.

[singing] Narrator (male voice 2): Copenhagen can look so picturesque on Instagram, but how about in reality?

The only way to find out is go and check it out for yourself.

So we did.

Copenhagen is Denmark's capital, both politically and culturally.

Around 650,000 people live within the city limits.

We checked out three o Copenhagen's most popular spots.

Do they live up to the pretty pictures on social media?

A photo of Nyhav is obligatory for every visitor to Copenhagen.

The handsom old harbor is one of the tourist hotspots here as plain to see by the crowds.

A mea in one of the many restaurants, or just a walk past the colorful buildings along the quay is an experience not to be missed.

Writer Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish national treasure, wrote some of his best known fairytales here over 180 years ago.

Many of Nyhavn's restaurants serve the classic dish of Danish cuisine smørrebrød, a kind of open sandwich on dark bread.

Often they amount to little works of art.

Jeppe Thygesen, chef at the Kompasset Restaurant sees Nyhavn as a place like no other.

Jeppe Thygesen: When it's summer and everybodys sittin outside, it's just the feel that want to sit in.

There is this buzzing around your ears from the from the people talking in the corners and to the guy playing guitar and the on the side of the harbor.

it's just the summer vibe.

Narrator: Yes, Nyhavn is teeming with tourists, but then such a picturesque site is quite simply not to be missed.

Another top site on social media is Rosenborg Castle.

In the early 1600s, the castle wasn't an official residence but a summer house for the royal family.

For nearly 200 years now, the rather modest castle has served as a museum.

On display in the Knight's Hall is the coronation Chair, with legs of narwhal tusks and the crown regalia and crown jewels in the treasury.

The year before the corona pandemic, the museu welcomed over 400,000 visitors.

Thomas C. Thulstrup: It is impossible to have one favorite object in this collection because it's full of beautiful, beautiful objects, of very important, of big importance to the history of Denmark.

But you see behind m the three lions made in silver.

They are some of my favorites in this collection.

They are beautiful and in former times they were used for the coronation.

Narrator The castle may be a bit small, but it's big enough to fill a photo or two.

And the exhibition is also worth a visit.

The Tivoli amusement park is another must do in Copenhagen.

[music and atmospheric sounds] It had a good 4.5 million visitors the year before the pandemic.

They come mainly to have themselves tossed aroun on the many rides, on the over 100 year old wooden roller coaster, for instance.

The park dates all the way back to 1843 and boasts a very particular atmosphere.

Woman 1: It's really cool actually.

I read online that the grounds were worth seeing no matter the price, so I came in and had t check it out before I flew out.

Woman 2 I think it's very calm and ver easy going and it's beautiful.

Man: It's just a landmark in Copenhagen, something we're very proud of.

And it's a beautiful park.

Woman 3: Its very vibrant, it's a happy atmosphere.

I think there's a best part about it makes everyone happy, even adults.

Narrator: The 20 admission price isn't the cheapest, but the atmosphere in Tivoli is an experience in itself.

These three spots in Copenhagen lived up to everything those Instagram photos promised.

[music and atmospheric sounds] [singing] [ship horn] Lukas Stege: Hey, from Finland.

Today Im going to take this huge ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm.

It is supposed to be a pretty vibrant party trip.

Some people call i disrespectfully a booze cruise, because buying alcohol on the shi is cheaper than on the mainland.

Many seem to appreciate that.

Let's check it out.

The journey from Finland t Sweden by ferry takes 18 hours.

I'm allowed to be one of the first on board.

2300 passengers have booked.

That's my room.

[atmospheric sounds] Such a cabin with Seaview costs about 160.

Those who book early pay less, bu it can also be more expensive.

It's time.

All passengers are on board.

5 p.m.

we cast off.

Bye bye, Helsinki.

Time to explore the ship.

It looks like a ferry.

More like a small cruise ship.

For many passengers, shopping is more important than the trip itself.

Because in Finland, the tax on alcohol and tobacco products is particularly high by European standards.

On international waters.

The tax does not apply.

This seems to be a pretty good offer.

Gin, whiskey, Jägermeister - the selection is large.

What about the alcohol?

Is it cheaper here than on the mainland?

Man 1: Yeah, it's normally it's 25%, 50% cheaper.

Lukas Is it a common thing for people from Finland to party on the ferry?

Man 1 and Woman: Yes.

Yes, yes.

Lukas: Okay, then.

Enjoy your time.

It's crazy what's bought here.

Tobacco and alcohol in great quantities!

The duty free shop i probably the most popular store in the ferrys shopping paradise But it's not so crowded everywhere.

There are also places to relax.

Lukas: It's time for the buffet.

And I'm not the only one.

You have to pay extra for dinner.

45 per person.

Seafood is mandatory on this trip, but not for me.

Even vegetarians like me get their money's worth.

All you can eat.

Now I'm prepare for the nightlife on the ferry.

There are two bars plus a dance and show palace on board.

First stop, the New York bar.

It's not only drinking here, but also singing: Karaoke!

[singing] [singing] Man 2: Well, it's a cultural thing for Finns, going to Sweden, staying the night at a ferry, coming back, and the karaoke, as we can see, fully booked.

Very cultural thing.

And it's a very common thing for Finns to do.

Woman 2: You can hear some like really good starter voices and some really powerful voices here.

So there are some diamonds in the rough.

Woman 3: It's nice that peopl don't touch you when you sing.

You can sing horribly, but people just with a cheer you on and say nothing bad about it.

[singing] Lukas The last song of this evening.

What else could it be?

And evergreen from Sweden.

Dancing Queen by ABBA.

This is by no means the end of the party.

Dancing and drinking goes on at the other end of the ship.

There are drinks, live music, and the ship is swaying just like some of the guests.

Everyone seems to be having a great time.

[singing] Lukas: It's almost midnight.

But it's not dark yet.

The sun sets very late here in the summer.

The next morning, around 9:00, we pass through the Stockholm Archipelago and approach the capital of Sweden.

I'm not feeling quite as fit today.

Now I know why the ship is also called the party ferry.

However, I find the term booze cruise a bit exaggerated.

Yes, there is a lot of drinking, but the focus is on celebrating together.

It's probably not for everyone, but for me, a trip like this is just the right thing.

The sea, nice people, music, fun.

I have to be honest, I didn't sleep that much.

But I had an idea beforehan what I was getting myself into, so I'm not complaining.

And now I'm going to check out Stockholm.

Narrator (femal voice): Helsinki: A city of the future.

Hardly any other European metropolis has as much construction going on as this one.

Some in Finland's capital see it as a challenge, many as an opportunity.

Miina Jutila: Helsinki has in the recent years opened or become more open and lively.

There are more opportunities to experience culture and different things and there is a clear museum boom going on and a library boom going on.

People like to use these public facilities.

Narrator: Mina Jutila is an architec who knows the challenges facing city planners.

A priority is to create public space which promote social cohesion.

The Oodi central library is a prime example.

On the outside, it' an impressive futuristic design constructed of spruce wood, steel and glass.

On the inside, it's one of the world's most advance and stunning public libraries.

Miina: The citizens of Helsinki wer involved in the design process, and they had a say o what kind of spaces they need.

So also the name was democratically chosen through a competition.

And the person who put in the name Oodi explained it as an it's an od to civilization and education.

Narrator: Oddi is a kind of collective living and workspace for its citizens.

In its 17,000m, users find quiet areas alongside plenty of actio music studios, a movie theater, 3D printers and lots of room for crafts, all available to any resident of Helsinki free of charge.

Woman: It's a very nice atmosphere.

It's a beautiful place, so it's kind of nicer to be here than in some dark cafeteria.

Man 1: Even though it's like thi huge open space with sometimes loads of people, it's still pretty quiet in my opinion, and the huge amounts of natural light is attributed peacefulness.

Man 2: It's definitely a place to hang out.

You don't feel to be in a hurry or anything.

I really like it.

Narrator Another wellspring of cultural enrichment is the Amos Rex Art Museum.

It was built in the heart of the museum quarter, but underground.

The skylights are tile sculptures, which above ground, offers surface for skateboarding and playing.

Miina: To combine this very straight lined white functionalist style architecture.

And then these organic forms and modern architecture.

That's a really difficult task for an architect.

And here it works just so nicely together.

Narrator: Old and new are harmoniously combined.

13,000m of rock were blasted away to build the Amos Rex.

The multi-purpose exhibition spaces get by without support pillars.

The ceiling is studded with metallic discs arching over the heads of the visitors visually connecting the space.

Narrator: Finland's port city is predicted to add another 170,000 some residents over the next 20 years.

Hanna Harris is Helsinki's chief design officer and has a good overview of the plans for the city's future.

Hanna Harris: Of course, climate issues are challenging in the future and we are committed to looking at those in a very ambitious way and making the city carbon neutral.

Likewise, the city is growing and we want to make sure that the future is equal and livable for all.

Narrator: In one of the city's busiest areas, the award winning Kamppi Chapel provide an oasis of calm and reflection.

Nanna Helaakoski Every religion is welcome here.

You can come here to pray.

You can come here to light candles.

You can come here to just have a quiet moment and confront your own God.

We also offer carpets for Muslims if they want to come here to pray.

[quiet ambient sounds] Miina: The use of wood and only one material everywhere.

It makes a very solemn, peaceful environment.

The use of wood also affects the acoustics, which are very soft.

It's like an instrument inside.

There is the direct sunlight comes in only through the skylights that are above.

So it in a way creates a feeling of lifting your spirit up to the sky.

Narrator: Also known as the Chapel of Silence, the bowl shaped space often reverberates with the music of the regularly held free public concerts.

This one is by sound artist Antti Tolvi.

[deep, rumbling gong] Narrator: Architecture is one of the pillars of Finnish society because here humanity is its goal.

[deep, rumbling gong]