Discover the Real Norway
More and more of us like to seek out something a little extra when travelling – whether that is discovering hidden gems that only locals know about, or gaining a deeper understanding of a place’s history and culture, or simply a desire to find somewhere quiet and different away from the places that every other visitor seems to flock to.
Everything we do at Viking Footprints is underpinned by a wish to help you discover the real Norway. A private tour with Mal is the perfect opportunity to do this. Private tours are designed with you in mind. Your interests. Your passions. Mal can then help you find the real Norway that will make your trip not only memorable, but meaningful too.
This is how a private tour with Mal is built . . .
Off the beaten track
I’ve worked in the tourism sector for over 10 years now here in Norway. However, ‘tourism’ is not really what I work with. I like to think of my approach as helping fellow travellers discover what’s off the beaten track. It’s here that you will find the real essence of a place. Going off the beaten track means you discover that part of a place that doesn’t cater for tourists and tourism and reflects more the personality, culture and history of the real Norway.
Away from the crowds
At some point we all like to have a little peace and quiet. And there is no better place to do that than here in Norway. And believe it or not, despite the growing number of visitors here, it’s incredibly easy to get away from the crowds. But you have to know how, and where. That’s where I come in. Local knowledge is priceless. A 5-minute detour can mean the difference between standing in a crowd or complete solitude and silence.
Get under the skin of the real Norway – Past and Present
I have a background in teaching, research and journalism. I am naturally curious about the places around me. As a former teacher, I have never lost the wish to pass on knowledge and understanding. I’ve also learnt that this is best done by sharing a place’s story – not just bare facts. My approach is to bring to life the places that you visit with me, and to let a place’s history – ancient and modern – speak to you.
Hidden Gems
I still find it exciting discovering new places that few people know about. It’s a bit like being given a personal and secret gift. There’s almost nothing more rewarding to me than sharing a true ‘hidden gem’ with guests. It can be an amazing view, a place with a story that makes it come alive, or even a tiny detail that’s hidden in plain sight but which you would otherwise walk past. The experience of a hidden gem is, in my view, best experienced as part of a private small group.
Popular, possibly crowded places – ok, if you insist!
I am also a firm believer in giving my guests what they want. So, if you insist on a more popular location during a tour, then I will, of course, do my best to deliver. And, to be honest, I am with you in this thought – just because somewhere is popular, and there might be crowds, doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth seeing. And you can be sure you’ll get my personal perspective on it, and come away with a story or 2 that other visitors will not.