So while this is possibly my favorite blog title ever, I understand if you do not get the reference to Will Smith's 1998 smash hit from one of the greatest albums of all time, Big Willie Style.

Helen and I enjoyed an enormous amount of Hygge last week as we cruised the Norwegian Fjords and finished in Copenhagen, Denmark.

So what is Hygge, I hear you ask?

It's a Danish and Norwegian concept (actually pronounced hoo-gah) that is all about intentionally creating a feeling of contentment and well-being through comfort, coziness, and cherished social connections, especially when things are cold and dark outside. It's about making your home a sanctuary and your interactions with others warm and meaningful.

While last week produced sun and warmth for us and not the cold and dark Scandinavia is used to for much of the year, we still overloaded on contentment and coziness on one of the best trips we have ever taken.

It's been very difficult indeed to narrow the trip down to a Top 5, but here goes...

Silver Dawn

Stepping aboard Silversea's Silver Dawn is to enter a realm of ultra-luxury. This magnificent ship redefines intimate cruising, offering an exquisite all-suite experience with personalized butler service for every guest. Perhaps the crowning jewel is the revolutionary Otium Spa, a haven of Roman-inspired wellness, extending blissful comfort right to your suite. With a near 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, every whim is pretty much anticipated, creating a bespoke voyage of sophisticated elegance and effortless indulgence, where so many moments felt special. Learn more HERE.

Rampestreken Hike

Busting the myth that cruises are for the inactive, we enjoyed/endured the toughest hike of our lives, climbing 2,500 ft from the town of Andalsnes, Norway. If you've ever dreamt of a gentle jaunt up a Norwegian hillside, only to discover it's more of a vertical assault course designed by mountain goats, then you've found your happy place! This isn't your average Sunday afternoon amble across the Florida Everglades; oh no. This is where Norway tests your mettle, your calves, and quite possibly your very sanity.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Dining

Whether on the ship with 8 restaurants to choose from or onshore in Copenhagen, Bergen or the smaller ports we visited, our culinary journey throughout was incredible. We consumed a lot of fish just because it was as fresh as it can get, yet I also really enjoyed a Norwegian specialty of confit goose.

Our top shoutout goes to S.A.L.T, which is Silversea's restaurant and cookery class concept focused on getting the freshest local produce and recipes on to your table every night. It's a super concept and they seem to have it down to an art.

Trondheim

Nestled by a glistening fjord, we found Trondheim to be a whimsical blend of ancient Viking whispers and vibrant student buzz. Imagine colorful wooden houses leaning over narrow streets, leading to the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece with centuries of history. Then picture lively pubs overflowing with laughter, innovative tech startups, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee from cozy cafes. Bike paths wind along the river, past lush parks, inviting you to explore this charming Norwegian city where every corner holds a delightful surprise, from street art to hidden courtyards. It's a place where history meets hip, and the good times seem to roll.

Urnes Staves Church

Quite simply, the prettiest church you will ever see. We had docked in Skjolden located on the shores of Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord. Via road and ferry, past historic buildings, waterfalls and incredible landscapes, we took the Silversea small group tour to Urnes to see the oldest Stave Church in Norway (12th century). It's on the UNESCO Heritage list and is gloriously situated above the idyllic Lustrafjorden. We were not prepared for just how idyllic. This is a must-do if you make it up here.

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Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.