Majlis Ansarullah West Midlands organised a recreational and brotherhood-strengthening trip to Norway and Sweden in June 2025. A group of 14 Ansar took part in this memorable journey, led by Respected Rafique Saleh Nasir Sahib, Nazime A’ala, Majlis Ansarullah West Midlands.
Participants:
- Mr Rafique Saleh Nasir
- Mr Tariq Majeed
- Mr Muhammad Nawaz Joyia
- Mr Abdul Wahab Tahir
- Mr Masroor Ahmad
- Mr Mubashar Nadeem Qureshi
- Mr Ghulam Abbas
- Mr Jamshed Ahmad
- Mr Imran Khan
- Mr Mohammad Azeem
- Mr Zafar Iqbal
- Mr Farooq Ahmad Sheikh
- Mr Fareed Mahmood Mubashar
- Mr Tayyab Ahmad
The journey began on 10th June 2025, when the group travelled from Darul Barakat Mosque, Birmingham, to Manchester Airport in three cars. These vehicles were parked at Baitul Aman Mosque, Manchester for the duration of the trip.
Upon arrival at Torp Airport, Norway, the group travelled to Baitun Nasir Mosque in Oslo, reaching at approximately 11:00 PM. They were warmly received by Mohammad Ahmad Sahib, National Secretary Ziafat Norway, along with a dedicated team of Ansar and Khuddam.
This warm welcome set the tone for the rest of the journey, which was filled with spiritual reflection, sightseeing, and building bonds of brotherhood among the participants.
Day 2 – 11th June 2025
Exploring Oslo, Norway
On the morning of 11th June, the group set out to explore Oslo city centre via local train. We boarded the train from Furuset Station, located near Baitun Nasir Mosque, and arrived at Jernbanetorget, the central hub of the city.
Our first stop was the renowned MUNCH Museum, home to over 26,000 works of art by the legendary artist Edvard Munch, along with his personal belongings, library, and tools. After touring the museum, we enjoyed a short break and refreshments at the MUNCH Café, allowing time to relax and reflect.
Next, we visited the stunning Oslo Opera House, a striking modern landmark on the harbour and home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Its unique architecture and scenic views left a lasting impression.
After completing our city centre visit, we returned to Baitun Nasir Mosque for prayers and a short rest. In the evening, we travelled to the Noor Mosque, Oslo’s second Ahmadiyya mosque. From there, we walked to the famous Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park in the world by a single artist — Gustav Vigeland. The park also features a museum and hosts temporary art exhibitions.
Following some time to rest in the park, a few Ansar brothers enjoyed a Bolt electric bike ride, adding a fun and refreshing experience to the day.
Our next destination was Holmenkollen, a picturesque mountain and neighbourhood in the Vestre Aker borough of Oslo. Standing at 500 metres above sea level, Holmenkollen is well-known for hosting international skiing competitions and offers breathtaking views of the city.
🔗 Location: Holmenkollen
Meanwhile, back at Baitun Nasir Mosque, some Ansar brothers engaged in Waqar-e-Amal, serving with dedication and humility.
We concluded the day with a return to the mosque, where a delicious meal was served — a fitting end to a spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching day in Oslo.
Day 3 – 12th June 2025
Journey to Stranda and Scenic Norway
After breakfast on the morning of 12th June, the group departed from Baitun Nasir Mosque, Oslo, and began the journey towards our next destination — the scenic town of Stranda, where we had reserved two holiday homes for a two-night stay at Resvegen 80C, 6200 Stranda.
On the way, we made several memorable stops that highlighted the beauty and heritage of Norway.
Our first stop was the Lom Stavkyrkje, a stunning medieval stave church constructed from wood, known for its steep pitched roofs and intricately carved 18th-century interior. Nearby, we admired the serene flow of water beneath a charming old bridge — a peaceful and picturesque moment for all.
Next, we visited Danfoss, a private camping site where, thanks to special access, we were able to enjoy the incredible sight and sound of flowing water in a natural riverside setting. The walk along the river offered breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere — truly an unforgettable experience.
We then continued our journey to the Dalsnibba Viewpoint (Nibbevegen 541, 6216 Geiranger), driving up winding roads to reach the summit. From the top, we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fjords, a truly majestic sight and one of the highlights of the trip.
After soaking in the scenic beauty, we made our way to Geiranger, where our accommodation had been booked for the night. The picturesque town, nestled among mountains and fjords, was a perfect place to rest and reflect after a day filled with awe-inspiring experiences.
We spent the night of 12th June in the beautiful town of Geiranger, a world-renowned destination known for its majestic fjords, waterfalls, and tranquil river walks. Though we didn’t take the boat ride on the fjord, we enjoyed a ferry ride from Geiranger, which offered stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Day 4 – 13th June 2025
Exploring Geiranger & Spreading the Message
On the morning of 13th June, we travelled from Stranda towards the Stryn River, crossing the river via ferry. The scenic route offered plenty of opportunities for reflection and connection with nature.
An important and uplifting highlight of the day was that during this recreational journey, we were blessed with opportunities to convey the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to tourists we met — including individuals and families from Germany, the USA, and several other countries. This added a truly meaningful dimension to our trip.
We continued our journey to the Ørnesvingen Viewpoint, a breathtaking viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord, its dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls — a moment of reflection and awe for all.
Next, we visited Fossevandring Geiranger, a unique area where we experienced the river from both bottom and top viewpoints. The murmuring sound of cascading water and the sight of a cruise ship in the fjord below created a scene that felt like something out of a postcard.
After lunch, our next stop was the magnificent Dalsnibba, one of Norway’s most famous and accessible mountain viewpoints, rising to an altitude of 4,843 feet (1,476 metres). The drive up to the summit was a memorable experience in itself, and the breathtaking panoramic view from the top left us speechless.
The awe-inspiring scenery was a powerful reminder of the greatness of Allah Almighty, whose beautiful creation we were blessed to witness with our own eyes. It was a deeply spiritual moment that inspired gratitude in our hearts.
On our way back to the hotel, we made a few more stops to take in the majestic views. One of the highlights was Øvre Ljøen and Ljøen Utsiktspunkt, two scenic viewpoints offering a stunning perspective of the Geirangerfjord. From these vantage points, we could see the river winding gracefully between the towering mountains — a view that captured the raw, untouched beauty of Allah’s creation.
After a long and fulfilling day of travel, exploration, reflection, and silent gratitude, we returned to our hotel to rest and prepare for the next leg of our journey.
Day 5 – 14th June 2025
From Stranda to Røldal – A Journey Through Fjords, Glaciers & the Longest Tunnel
We began the day in Stranda with a delicious and energising breakfast that included scrambled eggs, naan, bread, and traditional Karak tea. After breakfast and morning prayers, we checked out from our accommodation (Resvegen 80C, 6200 Stranda) and set off towards Bjørgavegen 23, 5745 Aurland.
On our way, we took a ferry to Briksdalsbre (Briksdal Glacier) — one of the most famous arms of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Visitors can choose to either walk the scenic trail or ride in small buggies that take you closer to the glacier. Along the route, we were blessed to witness a majestic waterfall, adding to the serenity and magnificence of the location. The glacier itself was a striking reminder of the power and beauty of Allah’s creation.
After exploring the glacier, we travelled onwards to Lærdal and continued through one of the highlights of the day — the Lærdal Tunnel.
This incredible 24.5 km (15.2-mile) tunnel, opened in 2000, is the longest road tunnel in the world, connecting Lærdal to Aurland in Western Norway. It was an impressive engineering marvel to experience, with several illuminated rest sections inside the tunnel featuring blue and yellow ambient lighting that provided visual variation and safe driving conditions.
From there, we visited the Stegastein Viewpoint along Bjørgavegen, a spectacular 30-metre-long viewing platform that juts out 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord. The breathtaking panoramic view of the Flåm–Aurland valley and fjord below was one of the most memorable sights of the entire journey.
After a long day filled with adventure, scenic beauty, and spiritual reflection, we made our way to our final destination of the day — our overnight accommodation at Winjum Hytter, located at Kyrkjevegen 24, 5760 Røldal, Norway.
Day 6 – 15th June 2025
From Røldal to Flåm, Waterfalls, and Historic Stops
We began the day by departing from Winjum Hytter, located in the scenic river region of Røldal. Before leaving, one of our Nasir brothers even took a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters near our cabins — a beautiful and peaceful start to the day.
Our next destination was the world-famous village of Flåm, nestled in southwestern Norway, a region known for its dramatic fjords — deep, narrow sea inlets framed by towering cliffs. Flåm lies at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord, which is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, stretching over 205 km.
As we approached the area, we passed again by the remarkable Stegastein Viewpoint, a spectacular platform jutting out over the fjord, offering panoramic views that left us once again in awe of Allah’s beautiful creation.
While in Flåm, we noted several of its famous features, including the 17th-century Flåm Church, a quaint wooden building nestled in the valley. The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is also a popular attraction, taking visitors through lush valleys and past stunning waterfalls all the way up to the Hardangervidda plateau. Though we didn’t ride the train, we certainly admired the surrounding natural beauty.
A particularly memorable stop was Vøringsfossen Waterfall, one of Norway’s most well-known and visually striking waterfalls. Its thunderous flow and majestic drop left a deep impression on all of us.
Along our route, we stopped for lunch at the Stalheim Hotel parking area, which is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and a picturesque waterfall nearby. This location also holds historical significance — it is believed that Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahib stayed here during his visit to Norway in 1953.
Our final destination of the day was the stunning Låtefossen Waterfall, famous for its twin falls and arched stone bridge. It was another example of nature’s splendour that filled our hearts with appreciation and gratitude.
As with previous days, we engaged in conversations with several non-Muslims during our journey. By the grace of Allah, we were able to spread the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and share information about our faith with sincerity and love.
Day 7 – 16th June 2025
From Flåm to Sweden – Waterfalls, Reflection & Jama’at Brotherhood
During our stay in Flåm, a few members of our group had the opportunity to experience the scenic Flåmsbana train journey, one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. Along the route, the train makes a special stop at a picturesque waterfall where, to our delight, a Chinese lady performed a traditional dance on the mountainside, accompanied by soulful Chinese music echoing through the valley — a surreal and memorable cultural moment.
After exploring Flåm, we continued our journey with a two-hour drive to the famous Låtefossen Waterfall. Here, we took a well-deserved rest, enjoyed some light refreshments, and soaked in the beauty of nature surrounding us.
On our way to our next destination, Kyrkjevegen, we came across another stunning waterfall, prompting us to make an unscheduled stop. The scene was so serene and powerful that it naturally led to a moment of reflection and gratitude. We paused to admire Allah’s magnificent creation, thanking Him for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us — a reminder to remember Him in every moment of life.
We then arrived at our hotel at Kyrkjevegen 24, where we stayed for the night, resting in preparation for the final leg of our journey.
From Norway to Sweden – A Warm Welcome
On 16th June, after breakfast and prayers, we departed from Kyrkjevegen and made our way back to Baitul Nasir Mosque, Furuset (Oslo), arriving around 3:00 PM. We were warmly welcomed once again and offered refreshments before setting off for Sweden.
At 6:00 PM, we departed for Nasir Mosque, located at Tolvskillingsgatan 1, 414 82 Göteborg, Sweden. Upon arrival, we were graciously welcomed by members of the Sweden Jama’at, who received us with brotherly love and hospitality. A delicious dinner was served, and we had a heartwarming meeting with Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Sweden and his Amila members, where experiences were shared, and mutual prayers were exchanged.
It was a spiritually uplifting and emotionally fulfilling end to a journey marked by brotherhood, reflection, and the natural beauty of Allah’s creation.
Day 8 – 17th June 2025
Farewell to Sweden & Return to the UK
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our group spent the morning exploring the local area in Gothenburg, Sweden. A Nasir brother from the local Jama’at kindly guided us around the key spots, giving us a brief but warm insight into the beauty and culture of Sweden.
Due to limited time, we were unable to visit many places, as our main purpose in Sweden was to visit the Nasir Mosque, strengthen brotherly bonds, and offer our prayers together.
By early afternoon, we departed for Torp Airport to catch our return flight to the UK. Alhamdulillah, we arrived safely in the United Kingdom at 7:00 PM on 17th June 2025.
Reflections on a Memorable Journey
This entire trip was filled with joy, spiritual enrichment, brotherhood, and unforgettable experiences. While exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Norway and Sweden, we remained conscious of our responsibilities as members of Majlis Ansarullah. At every remote location and overnight stop, Adhan was called, and congregational prayers were offered, thanks to the vigilance and spiritual leadership of Ameer-e-Qafla, Respected Rafique Saleh Nasir Sahib.
By the grace of Allah, we also had numerous opportunities to introduce the peaceful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat to many fellow travellers from countries such as Germany, the USA, and others, fulfilling our tabligh responsibilities during this recreational journey.
We humbly pray:
May Allah bless all the participants, our gracious hosts in Norway and Sweden, and especially Ameer-e-Qafla, Rafique Saleh Nasir Sahib, for organising and guiding this beautiful and spiritually uplifting journey. Ameen.
Report prepared by: Mr Imran Khan
Reviewed and checked by: Mr Zia U Farooqui