Tomorrow Saturday, August 31st, Princess Märtha Louise, daughter of Norwegian King Harald and Queen Sonja, will marry American Durek Verrett in the picturesque fjord village of Geiranger. The historical Hotel Union Geiranger will host the party after the outdoor ceremony. Many guests arrived in the nearby art nouveau town of Ålesund already Wednesday this week, where a “Meet and Greet-party “ took place yesterday, August 29th, at the art nouveau style, Hotel 1904.
- – “The towns and fjords in the region of Ålesund and Sunnmøre have been visited by kings, queens, and celebrities for more than 100 years, and we are honored that Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett chose our region for their wedding celebration,” says Tom Anker Skrede, CEO of the regional tourist board, Destination Ålesund & Sunnmøre.
Royalty from Europe were among the first guests to visit the Norwegian fjords 150 years ago. Since then, the Norwegian royal family has
visited the region regularly, often bringing friends and family along. The Norwegian queen, in particular, loves hiking in the Sunnmøre mountains with their breathtaking fjord views. The royal family frequently visits aboard the royal yacht, and in recent days, King Harald and Queen Sonja have been cruising the fjords near Ålesund, ultimately making their way to the final destination, Geirangerfjord, for the wedding.
The first influencers arrived already 150 years ago
In addition to the royals in the 1800s, other celebrities of the time—artists, poets, composers, and authors—began to visit as well. They captured the nature, light, and scenery in their works, much like today’s wedding guests, influencers, and other visitors who share their experiences on social media, inspiring others to visit our region. These early visitors were the first marketers or influencers, long before those terms were coined.
– “We are certain that both the couple and their guests coming from all over the world, will have a lovely fjord cruise when they are sailing from Ålesund to the Geirangerfjord today. We send our warm congratulations to the happy couple, and wish everyone a wonderful stay, says Tom Anker Skrede while hoping the attention might inspire new guest to visit Ålesund, Geiranger and the fjords in the future.”
