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Taking the Kids: The 'Frozen' effect in unexpected places

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency on

Let's hear it for girl power! Not only have spunky Princess Anna and ethereal Queen Elsa stolen the hearts of little girls everywhere, but they've significantly contributed to the increasing number of tourists visiting Norway, especially Americans, since 2013, when the Disney megahit "Frozen" premiered. In fact, Norway tourism officials report, tourism from the United States is up more than 60 percent.

But visiting Norway is no bargain, though the exchange rate is far better than it was a few years ago (roughly 1 USD equals 8.6 NOK). That's why many opt for all-inclusive trips like Disney's own Adventures by Disney land tour with destinations inspired by "Frozen" and the 11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Disney Cruise with "Frozen"-inspired port adventures (Anna, Elsa and Olaf, that loveable snowman, join guests in Alesund, the land that inspired their story, for a summer celebration.)

If you are more about discovering the "Frozen"-inspired sites yourself -- the story that showcases the power of sisterly love was inspired by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Snow Queen" -- it's not difficult. You can snag a bargain flying low-cost carrier Norwegian to see the Northern Lights this winter with flights to Oslo starting at just $169 from JFK and Boston and $199 from San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Once you get there, a good bet for both winter and summer is Hurtigruten Cruises-- expedition ships that enable you to have a memorable adventure experiencing the famous Fjords and Northern Lights. (Winter six-day cruises heading south to Bergen start at just under $1,000 per person.)

Have some fun in the snow with your own little ice queens. Christmas festivities last all December with special dishes, holiday concerts and the Santa Lucia celebration on Dec 13. February and March are the best months to see those fantastic Northern Lights -- better than in the movie -- and you can take your pick of snow sports -- even the chance for a ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

You'll also find your fill of trolls (including the Norwegian Troll Park, an amusement park located just a few hours north of Oslo), folk costumes, Viking history, the unique stave churches and more.

 

Anyone who has seen "Frozen" will want to spend time in charming Bergen, the UNESCO World Heritage City and gateway to Norway's fjords. The pretty harbor, historic wood houses with their peaked roofs painted in rainbow colors proved the inspiration for Arendelle, the fictitious Norwegian kingdom that is home to Queen Elsa and Princess Anna.

Bergen is one of the best known cities dating back to the Middle Ages and there's no greater fun than to wander the narrow alleyways filled with small shops and galleries. Can you fit some reindeer antlers in your duffel?

The open-air markets sell everything from wool hats and sweaters to plush reindeer to honey, jams, reindeer sausage and delicious-looking fish. This is where locals come to buy their fish -- king crab and lobster still swimming in a tank, glistening snapper and monkfish, oysters, mussels and salmon. Have you ever tried whale?

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