The How to Train Your Dragon film trilogy may have reached its beautiful conclusion with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, but the love for Hiccup, Toothless and the adventures they shared in Berk and beyond lives on!

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to join Universal Home Entertainment on our own HTTYD-themed adventure through Norway. We embraced our inner Viking and dragon selves by soaking in the incredible landscapes of Norway, visiting the tradition-flavored village of Flåm, getting the full dragon-riding experience on the Flåm Zipline, and finally, going full Viking in Gudvangen, where I learned I'm a killer with an axe and couldn't make enough thread for a winter sweater if my life depended on it.

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Image via DreamWorks/Universal

Now, How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell was famously inspired by her family's island off the coast of Scotland -- another prime destination for fans looking for a Viking vacation -- and of course, the bulk of the characters boast Scottish accents in the film, but Norway was a big influence on bringing the magic of Berk to life on screen. Writer/director Dean DeBlois is on the record that “Norway was incredible and inspiring in so many ways -- and the light, the skies, the way color filters through at those northern latitudes definitely found its way into this movie.” In fact, the film-maker even took his department heads, including visual consultant Roger Deakins, on a team-building trip on a team-building trip to Norway to help conceptualize the world of the film

So yeah, I more or less got to journey to the real-world Berk, and you can tag along for the journey with me in the video above (just try not to judge me for how often I say "amazing" -- it was an amazing experience!), or read about the highlights in the article below. And for more on How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, be sure to check out my interview with DeBlois and star Jay Baruchel here.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms.

Take in the Scenery at Stegastein Viewpoint

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Image via DreamWorks Animation

If you want to get a full view to take in the majesty of Norway's natural wonders, be sure stop by the Stegastein Viewpoint. The sightseeing platform offers a full panoramic view of Fjord country, elevated more than 2000 feet above Aurlandsfjord, where you can walk down the platform (and face your fear of heights, if you’re anything like me) to soak in the breath-taking landscape. The viewpoint was constructed in 2006, but the view itself is about as classic Norway as it gets — Fjords, mountains, and plenty of the distinctly charming and ever-photogenic Norwegian architecture surround you on all sides — and if you squint your eyes, it’s not too hard to imagine those shadows on the Fjord are dragons lurking just under the water!

Get a Dragon-Eye View on The Flåm Zipline

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Image via DreamWorks

Now, the view from Stegastein Viewpoint is no joke, but if you want a real dragons-eye experience, head over to the Flåm Zipline. The longest zipline (1,381 meters, or about 4500 feet for the US folks) in Scandinavia, it begins in Vatnahalsen and sends you soaring over the gorgeous Flåm valley. There might even be some goats grazing about for the Rallarrosa Cheese Farm if you visit at the right time of year. Want to know what it feels like to fly on a dragon’s back? Well, you can’t get much closer than the zipline experience, and it really is a stunning and unique way to take in Flåm’s singular scenery.

Harness Your Inner Hiccup at The Viking Village

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Image via DreamWorks Animation

Now, here's where things get really fun. If you want to fully immerse yourself into the Viking lifestyle, head to the Viking Village in Gudvangen! Fashion yourself into a real-life Hiccup or Astrid, or heck, go full Valka if you really want to get into it! Cross the bridge into the village and you'll find yourself transported into a society of Freemen (some who live there full time!), who will teach you a bit about Viking history and the lifestyle while offering opportunities to learn some skills for yourself. From ax-throwing and archery to blacksmithing, textiles, bread-making, and even the art of a good fireside bit of storytelling, the Viking Village delivers an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience to step back through history and test your mettle as a Viking warrior. And while the activities are a highlight, don't forget to take in the scenery, including a gorgeous mist that is said to spread across the mountains like dragon's breath.

Learn Your History on The Flåm Railway

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Image via DreamWorks Animation

Take in the sights, get a little history lesson, and maybe even catch sight of the seductive mountain nymphs called the Huldra on the Flam Railway. Admittedly, taking a train isn’t the most Viking thing you can do, but there are few better ways to get such an expansive view of the local scenery, including a stunning pit-stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.

Have a Viking Feast (and Drink) at Ægir Brewpub

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Image via DreamWorks Animation

While you're in Fläm, you're also going to want to check out the Ægir Brewpub, a Viking-inspired establishment nestled into a building inspired by Norse mythology (including some real interesting and occasionally mildly terrifying art on the walls), where you can settle in for a Viking feast at the long tables. Or, if you're looking to take the edge off, be sure to hit up the Aquavit and their wonderful selection of award-winning beers, which have taken home all kinds of prizes at international competitions. There's even a mood-setting fireplace, where you can settle in on a fur rug and sip your brew like a Viking chief in their prime.

 

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Image via DreamWorks Animation

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