Latest news with #fjord
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Jude Rogers' folk album of the month
A hardanger fiddle player from the fjord-and-mountain-filled region of Norway, where the instrument comes from, Benedicte Maurseth explores traditional music, nature and landscape influenced by the idea of ecosophy, a philosophy of ecological harmony. From childhood, she studied under master hardanger fiddler Knut Hamre, exploring the tunes, styles and effects associated with her instrument: its sympathetic strings, funnelled under the fingerboard, are particularly hypnotic, vibrating in response to the notes resonating above, as they do on the sitar and sarangi. A follow-up to Maurseth's 2022 Nordic music prize-winning Hárr, Mirra is named after an old dialect word describing wild reindeer running together in a circling pattern. Norwegian folk's rhythmic repetitions feed Maurseth's intricate compositions (as do the influences of minimalism and Krautrock), but the contributions of her bandmates, and the rustling textures of animal sounds, are also key. The bass and electronics of Mats Eilertsen and the melodic percussion of Håkon Stene suggest honks and heavy steps, especially in the jangling title track and the ominous Jaktmarsj (Hunting March). The tremulous Kvitkrull (Reindeer Lichen) is influenced by 1978 Canadian film Sámi Herders, while Nysnø Over Reinlav (Fresh Snow Over Reindeer Moss) includes field recordings of 13 animals, including gyrfalcons, whimbrels and wolverines, alongside producer Morten Qvenild's fluttering piano. Throughout the album, Maurseth's fiddle is bowed, plucked and droned, evoking winds and weathers of all strengths. Her tentative, edgy melody on Kalven Reiser Seg (The Calf Rises), conveying the early hours of a deer's life, is also a highlight. Maurseth recently said she has only seen wild reindeer twice in her life, despite living near them, once in herds of hundreds when she was seven. The possibility of fleeting magic, both instrumental and animal, is her album's sparkling backbone. London duo Spafford Campbell's Tomorrow Held (Real World) brings a dreamy idea to life – what Talk Talk would sound like making an album inspired by British traditional music. Owen Spafford's stark playing overlays Louis Campbell's guitar reverb and minimalist shimmers to gorgeous effect in the instrumentals, while its sole song, the Campbell-sung All Your Tiny Bones, leans towards the dreamier moments of Bastille and Alt-J. Rooted in the traditions of English folk, Americana and old time music, Antony Hurley's Howl for More (Lanterne) is a lovely, languid set of travelling songs, written between southern Italy, Mexico and the Kent coast. Finally, Teppana Jänis (Death is Not The End) is a fizzing, century-splicing collaboration between Jänis, a Finnish zither player recorded on wax cylinders in the mid-1910s, singer Taito Hoffrén, who died in 2024, and contemporary kantele player Arja Kastinen.
Bloomberg
05-08-2025
- Bloomberg
New Zealand Joins Growing Trend to Charge Foreign Tourists More
By and Tracy Withers Save New Zealand is joining a growing list of countries that charge foreigners more to visit popular tourist sites. The government plans to levy a fee of as much as NZ$40 ($24) on foreign visitors to key natural attractions such as Milford Sound, the majestic fjord reputedly described by the writer Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world. The charge, which could be introduced in 2027, won't apply to New Zealand residents.
Skift
30-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Norway Fjord Cruise Operator Says Delay to Emission Rules Is a ‘Scandal'
Norway's new fjord rules show how tourism and regulation can collide, and maybe even collaborate, to drive environmental change. Norway's new emissions rules for cruise ships have received a mixed reaction from operators already sailing with cleaner technology: They say the government may be letting bigger polluters off the hook. The country's long planned zero-emissions mandate for ships entering its iconic fjords begins in 2026. But it now only applies to vessels under 10,000 tons. Larger ships won't have to comply until 2032. 'This postponement from the government is a scandal. The authorities gave us industry players many years to develop solutions, and we delivered,' said Lasse Vangstein, chief communications and sustainability officer at Havila Voyages. 'We do not agree that this is as difficult as many players in the industry make it out to be. We understand that it may be challenging for the very large cruise ships, but there are alternative solutions that don't have to come at the expense of tourist inflow or value creation in the World Heritage areas,' Vangstein added. Skift contacted the operators of ships that are over 10,000 tons that run cruises in Norway. None responded but the international cruise industry as a whole, under the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), has pledged to reduce emissions to almost zero by 2050. Loophole Fears Others warn the 2032 delay creates a loophole: Large ships can anchor outside the protected fjords and ferry passengers in by land or smaller boat, potentially undermining the policy's climate goals. 'As the current regulation only applies to ships entering the heritage fjords directly, there is growing concern around vessels anchoring outside the protected zone and transporting guests overland without being subject to the same emission standards,' trade group Cruise Norway told Skift. The new law will apply to five fjords: Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjord, and Tafjord, all designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ships must also use shore power where available, rather than running fossil-fueled engines while docked. Norwegian officials say it's about protecting the iconic, fragile fjord landscape, and making cruise tourism more sustainable in the long term. 'This is an important breakthrough for our World Heritage fjords,' said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. 'The zero-emission requirement will contribute to technological development and lower emissions, while also ensuring that the spectacular World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations.' Cruise Lines Invest in Greener Fleets Cruise operator Hurtigruten says it is developing what it says will be the world's first zero-emissions ship, powered by large sails with solar panels. Credit: Hurtigruten. Some cruise companies already sailing in Norway say they've made early moves to upgrade their fleets. Hurtigruten, a local cruise operator, told Skift that the 2026 rules won't apply to it immediately because their ships exceed the 10,000-tonne threshold. But it has still invested heavily in battery-hybrid technology. 'Of our fleet, four ships have been upgraded to battery-hybrid-powered ships: MS Richard With, MS Kong Harald, MS Nordlys, and MS Finnmarken. This is part of Hurtigruten's €100 million fleet upgrade investment announced in 2021,' a spokesperson said. Those hybrid ships reduce emissions by up to 25%, but the company acknowledges this won't be enough for the 2032 target. Hurtigruten says it is now working on what it calls 'the world's first zero-emission ship,' which it expects to launch by 2030. 'We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others, in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, within just a few years,' said CEO Hedda Felin in a previous statement. The vessel will be powered by a combination of wind, battery, and solar, with aerodynamic sails covered in solar panels, and capable of using power from the midnight sun during Norway's 24-hour daylight summers. Havila Voyages has invested in plug-in hybrid vessels powered by 86-ton battery packs, enabling up to four hours of silent, zero-emission sailing. It plans to transition to biogas by 2028 and hydrogen propulsion by around 2030. The Stakes for Norwegian Tourism The fjords where the new rules apply generate roughly $22 million annually for the local economy, according to Business Norway. Geirangerfjord, for example, sees around 800,000 visitors per year, half of them arriving by cruise ship. In 2023, Norway had around 54.9 million cruise passengers in total, with demand particularly strong from U.S. travelers. The rules could reshape that traffic over time, especially if larger cruise ships choose to bypass fjord zones or reduce the number of calls. The Norwegian government told Skift that the rules for large vessels were delayed because the technology for lower-emission solutions for smaller vessels is more advanced. 'The technology for zero-emission solutions is more commercially mature for smaller vessels, and it has been necessary to implement different phase-in timelines,' state secretary Astrid Hoem said. 'It is positive that some operators have already made efforts to decarbonize, and we expect that more will prepare to comply with the regulation coming into force.' Infrastructure Gaps Pose a Challenge Implementing the new requirements means building out charging and shore-power infrastructure in remote coastal areas, something the government is working on. Cruise Norway said there are also problems with access to on shore power. 'Flåm has received NOK 100 million in government funding for shore power infrastructure, while Geiranger – where the main challenge is access to grid capacity – has not yet received comparable support. This highlights the need for tailored solutions and increased national facilitation, particularly for destinations with complex infrastructure constraints,' the Cruise Norway spokesperson said. But others in the maritime sector say clarity in the regulations and rules, which have been in talks since 2018, is what was needed. 'The process of developing zero-emission requirements has been long and demanding,' said Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General at the Norwegian Maritime Authority, in a statement. 'Now that new provisions have been adopted, it is important to highlight that they provide the clarity the industry has long awaited.' Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Khaleej Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Chess, nature, food: Why Stavanger is Norway's most surprising city
It's just past five on an unusually crisp yet sunny May evening in Stavanger where the glass-panelled atrium of Finansparken, the iconic headquarters of SR Bank — one of Norway's biggest — is unusually abuzz. Small groups huddle in silence, eyes flitting between the oversized chess boards on display and the digital screens above them. Just a few metres away, legends of the game — some truly established, some in the making — Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, D Gukesh — sit in intense silence, locked in high-stakes battles that feel both timeless and immediate. The air hums with quiet tension; it's cerebral, yet electric. This is Stavanger in its finest hour and this is Norway Chess – widely dubbed the 'Wimbledon of chess' after Garry Kasparov, one of the global game's definitive superheroes, first likened it to the elite tennis tournament in 2014, highlighting its growing prestige in the world of 64 squares. And this is the story of how it has made this coastal gem where Nordic charm meets dramatic fjords, rich history and world-class culture — a surprising yet deserved pilgrimage spot for lovers of the game. It may be a city often overshadowed by its flashier siblings like Bergen or Tromsø. But once here, Stavanger charms instantly – with its cobbled lanes, old wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger), lively harbourside cafés, and panoramic fjord views that feel like living postcards — especially the one from Preikestolen or The Pulpit Rock made famous by a certain Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible — Fallout. You'll find yourself strolling artfully muralled streets that could've well inspired U2 to sing Where the Streets Have No Name. 'This is the best time to visit,' says Gunhild Vevik, director of communications at Region Stavanger Visitors & Convention Bureau, as she guides us through a special three course tasting menu by celebrity chef Runa Kvendseth, a rising star in Norway's culinary scene, known for her innovative approach to traditional Norwegian cuisine. 'The weather is kind, the fjords are open, and with Norway Chess and Norway Summit on the sidelines, there's a unique global energy that blends beautifully with the quiet charm of our city.' Summer in Stavanger…this time, every year And it is this time of the year when the city of roughly 150,000, transforms into a global chess hub, drawing hundreds of players from across the world. Fans and enthusiasts join in too, travelling from as far and wide as India, the US, and China, not only to witness elite matchups but to experience the quiet allure of a Scandinavian city fast becoming the spiritual home of chess and much more. Then there are players like Rouda Al Serkal, the 15-year-old Emirati who earlier this year became the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM), making bold statements in this beautiful city. 'She's breaking barriers that we didn't even know existed,' says Kjell Madland, the founder and tournament director of Norway Chess, referring to the Abu Dhabi-based student who made her open category debut this year. 'Stavanger is no longer just a scenic city—it's a global meeting point for intellectual sport. For a young Emirati woman to compete here is inspirational. And so, more broadly, Stavanger is now on the map for a lot more people following her in the UAE and the rest of the region. It's chess that's bringing the world here.' And the world should come. Vevik says this as we continue our lunch at one of Stavanger's finest dining spots: Fisketorget Stavanger. Located right on the city's bustling harbour, Fisketorget isn't just a restaurant — it's a local institution. Here, the sea comes straight to your plate, and under the direction of chef Kvendseth, the menu elevates traditional seafood into elegant artistry. Our eclectic three-course lunch starts with a velvety fish soup made of halibut, shrimp, leek and the Ling, a firm, flaky white fish from the cold Nordic waters, prized in Norwegian cuisine for its delicate flavour and versatility in both traditional and modern dishes. This is followed by a spectacularly pan-seared ling, resting on cauliflower purée and bathed in mussel sauce, with parsnips and potatoes on the side. The dessert? Mousse layered with - you guessed it — fresh Norwegian strawberries whose sweetness could rival the beautiful views of the harbour that's home to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, charming old pubs, buzzing bars, and a front-row view of the city's maritime soul. A city shaped by contrasts Often known as Norway's oil capital, Stavanger is a city of contrasts, balancing its industrial roots with stunning natural beauty. It is also home to one of Norway's most iconic monuments – Sverd i fjell, or the Swords in Rock. Located by the Hafrsfjord, the three towering bronze swords stand planted into solid rock, commemorating the Viking battle that unified Norway under the crown of King Harald Fairhair. It's a spot that evokes silence and reflection – much like a chess endgame between grandmasters — and provides one of the city's best photo ops. And while you're at it, you might be standing just a short drive from Bryne, the birthplace of football superstar Erling Haaland who plays for the Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City football club. It's also one more reason why sports fans of all stripes — Arsenal fans like me included — could pay attention to this corner of Norway. Hub for a broader global conversation But then Stavanger isn't just about chess, football and it unheralded beauty — it's also at the centre of a broader conversation. Running in parallel with Norway Chess is the Norway Summit, a high-profile business and innovation conference that draws global leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, including Viswanathan Anand, India's first chess Grandmaster and a five-time World Champion, revered globally for revolutionising the game in India and inspiring generations. Previous editions have welcomed speakers from global companies like Google, Microsoft, and SpaceX, alongside policymakers, economists and climate scientists. The synergy is intentional — chess as a metaphor for strategy and foresight, and Stavanger as the stage for both boardroom and board game brilliance. 'Norway Summit brings sharp minds together at the same time as Norway Chess. It shows how ideas, strategy, and global thinking all find a home here,' says Madland. 'It's no longer just a chess event; it's a movement.' Getting there Getting to Stavanger is surprisingly easy. From the UAE, flights by Emirates (direct connection) or Etihad to Oslo, followed by a short domestic hop to Stavanger Airport (SVG), get you into the city in less than a day. Alternatively, flights via Amsterdam or Copenhagen offer smooth connections. Once in Stavanger, the airport is just 15–20 minutes from the city centre, making the transition from runway to chessboard seamless. A move worth making Whether you're here to follow chess giants, attend cutting-edge summits, explore Viking history, or simply enjoy fresh fish and fjord air, Stavanger in May and June is unmatched. It's a place where brains, beauty and balance meet. And like a well-played opening, it draws you in — quietly, deliberately, but completely.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
The European village visited by thousands of tourists a day and loved by filmmakers - but could one day be destroyed by 'the world's tallest tsunami'
A picturesque village visited by thousands of tourists everyday and favoured as a backdrop by filmmakers could one day cease to exist. Set amid magnificent mountains and a beautiful fjord, it is no surprise that Hellesylt has become a popular destination for cruise ships. It has even featured in the Mission Impossible franchise in an adrenaline packed scene showing Tom Cruise riding a motorbike off a mountaintop and falling through the sky. But if tourists want to get a glimpse of the charming village, it is best to book travel now rather than later. According to National Geographic, Hellesylt is at risk of being flooded by one of the 'tallest tsunamis in history'. The nearby mountain Åkerneset has a 230-foot split down its front making it 'one of the most hazardous rock fractures in the world'. Growing by as much as three and a half inches per year due to erosion, the rock is at risk of collapsing into the fjord below and triggering one of the 'tallest tsunamis in history'. Reaching an estimated 338 feet, the massive wave would swallow schools, hospitals and around 10,000 homes in nearby fjord villages, including Hellesylt. It is not known when the rockslide-induced tsunami will take place but an early warning system is already in place. Lasers pointed at Åkernes will detect even the smallest of movements, notifying up to 10,000 residents in nearby fjord villages including Hellesylt when they should evacuate their homes. A new drainage system that pumps water out of the mountain has also been installed in an attempt to stabilise the cliffside. Scientists believe that climate change will only increase the rate of erosion on Åkernes as the rock cliff fills up with water from rainfall and melting permafrost. For now, Hellesylt is still open to travellers who can marvel at its UNESCO-listed fjord landscape. One TripAdvisor user described it as the 'absolute highlight of my trip to Norway'. Popular activities in and around the quaint village include tours of the fjords by boat or kayak. Many also visit the Hellesyltfossen waterfall - one of the most photographed natural features in the area. The Hellesyltfossen waterfall is one of the most photographed natural features in the area Another visitor took to TripAdvisor said: 'We visited Hellesylt on a cruise, and to be honest I can't really say much about it apart from the fact that it is a stunningly beautiful village, with an impressive waterfall crashing through the centre of it. 'Paths allow you to view it from above and below, and you can also visit the church. 'The views speak for themselves, and I would definitely go again!' For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, Hellesylt's jagged landscape is the perfect playground for extreme sports including e-biking through the mountains and white water kayaking.
