Our Story
Norwegian Wonders was founded by Tom Gjerde, a Norwegian-born travel professional with more than 20 years of experience across the international travel, tourism and aviation industries.
Born and raised in Norway, including growing up in Narvik in Northern Norway, Tom lived in Norway for 24 years before making Australia home. Despite living on the other side of the world, Norway has always remained a very important part of his life. After a long career working with some of the world’s leading airlines and travel brands, including Qantas, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific and Accor, Tom created Norwegian Wonders with a simple ambition: to help more Australians experience the extraordinary beauty of Norway and Scandinavia — and to experience it in a more personal and authentic way.
More than just seeing Norway
Norwegian Wonders is about more than simply visiting the famous sights. Tom believes some of the most memorable travel experiences come from truly understanding a destination — its people, history, culture, traditions and way of life — as well as discovering the places that don’t always feature on a conventional itinerary.
Having grown up in Norway gives Tom a personal connection to the country and an intimate understanding of what makes it special, from the dramatic landscapes and communities of Northern Norway to its cities, fjords, railways and centuries of fascinating history. That local knowledge and personal connection are at the heart of every Norwegian Wonders journey.
Personally hosted Signature Small Group Journeys
Tom personally hosts Norwegian Wonders’ Signature Small Group Journeys, deliberately limited to a maximum of just 12 guests to create a more personal and immersive experience. Rather than simply accompanying the group, Tom shares his knowledge and perspective throughout the journey — bringing Norwegian and Scandinavian history to life, introducing guests to the culture, sharing stories about growing up in Norway and offering insights into the Norwegian way of life.
It’s also an opportunity for Tom to share some of his favourite places, spectacular scenery and experiences that he believes make this part of the world so extraordinary. The result is a very different style of small group touring. Guests aren’t simply travelling through Norway — they’re travelling with a Norwegian who genuinely wants them to understand, experience and fall in love with the country.
Norway, your way
Alongside our Signature Small Group Journeys, Norwegian Wonders creates Independent Journeys, tailor-made itineraries and premium private travel throughout Norway and Scandinavia.
Whether it’s watching the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic, travelling aboard the legendary Flåm Railway, experiencing the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway, staying in a traditional fishing village in Lofoten, exploring the magnificent Norwegian fjords or discovering somewhere most visitors never reach, our aim is always the same: To create memorable Nordic journeys with genuine local knowledge, personal service and a passion for this remarkable part of the world.