Sunday, March 31, 2024

Norway Cruises: In the land of Fjords & Northern Lights Hurtigruten

cruise fjords norway

Horseback riding is popular, too, with Nordfjord famous for its mild-mannered fjord horses, one of the world’s oldest horse breeds. With marvelous apple orchards blooming around Hardangerfjord’s verdant slopes, apple juice and apple cider are among the popular local libations. Norheimsund is a notable village on Hardangerfjord, with a pretty waterfront with a wide-open grassy promenade dotted with silver birch trees on the fjord’s north shore. A 10-minute drive south of Aurlandsvangen, Flåm lies at Aurlandsfjord’s innermost point.

Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound Kirkenes to Tromsø

Found well within the Arctic Circle, these Norwegian islands are home to soaring mountain peaks, charming fishing villages and exciting Viking history. Dive into our useful guide to cruising in the Norwegian fjords, and discover the wonderful places we visit. The Norwegian Fjords are beautiful throughout the year, but we think especially so in the bright spring and summer months. Sail with us from April to September to enjoy blooming wildflower meadows and long summer days. The Norwegian Fjords is an astounding landscape made of many narrow deep seas, framed by dramatic mountainous land. The Norwegian fjords were created by moving glaciers over a period of 2.5 million years – Mother Nature certainly took her time to make these marvels.

Where we sail in Norway

Of course, you don't have to spend all 12-days aboard the vessel. One-way journeys from Bergen to Kirkenes are popular, as are much shorter trips from Bergen to Trondheim. Another example of what's possible is from NCL on their new ship Norwegian Prima. An 11-day itinerary from Southampton includes stops at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam on the way to Norway's Geirangerfjord, before the ship makes its way to three ports of call in Iceland. For instance, NCL and Viking feature fjords in their larger Northern European tours, giving travellers a more expansive experience. We then sail along the beautiful coast of Helgeland to Bodø, where you can experience Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom, by small boat.

The Svalbard Express

Visitors don’t have to take the ferry to enjoy the Oslofjord, though. If you’re a fan of sea swimming, head for Sørenga Seawater Pool, with a beach, a children’s pool, and a diving platform. Due to Hjørundfjorden’s steep landscape, there are very few villages on the fjord. The majestic Hjørundfjorden lies south-southeast of Ålesund, branching off the sprawling Storfjorden.

But if you're visiting again and would like something different, a river cruise could be the perfect alternative. Cruise Scandinavia, Russia & the Baltic like never before on board the newest ships in the NCL fleet, the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway. NCL now offer an all-inclusive package on most of their cruises, so you'll know what you'll be paying up front.

Related Itineraries

cruise fjords norway

Most major cruise lines and many expedition lines also visit Norway; the notable exceptions are Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line. You might find a Disney cruise to Norway (sometimes including Iceland), though they are few and far between. Some major cruise lines only offer a few departures, while others -- such as Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Holland America, MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises -- provide multiple sail dates and itinerary options. Cruise ships offer a unique way of seeing the best of the Norway.

After breakfast, make your own way to Oslo Central Railway Station to commence your ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ adventure by boarding the train to Myrdal. Enjoy one of the world's most scenic rail journeys as you travel from Oslo through farmland, past lush green forests and majestic peaks. When shipping pioneer Richard With founded The Original Coastal Express back in 1893, little did he know that it would forever change the future of the Norwegian coast. Experience the ultimate immersion in Norwegian coast and culture, between the capital and capes. Book confidently with our Northern Lights Promise – get a free trip if the lights don't appear on select voyages (Ts&Cs apply).

Sailing up Norway's fjord coastline packs plenty of surprises - The Globe and Mail

Sailing up Norway's fjord coastline packs plenty of surprises.

Posted: Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Rousing green-covered mountains loom over Nærøyfjord, while the attractive village of Bakka and its good-looking white timber church sits on the fjord’s west shore. Another UNESCO-listed Norway fjord, Nærøyfjord is a spectacular arm of the Sognefjord. At ten and a half miles long and just 820 feet at its narrowest point, Nærøyfjord is small in size but big on drama, and sailing along here is one of the best things to do in Norway. Towering almost 2,000 feet above the sapphire-blue fjord, Preikestolen is a leaden-hued rock formation with a massive flat-top ledge. Travelers can reach the top to take in the far-reaching views on one of Norway’s most famous hikes. Opened in 2016, Geiranger Skywalk seemingly floats in the sky, high above the fjord.

cruise fjords norway

As an Arctic wonder, Norway offers adventure, attractions and charm all year round. Explore the remains of medieval Oslo in Gamlebyen (Old Town), and admire the charming wooden houses. In Bergen, wander alongside the wharf and through the narrow alleyways of Bryggen, the oldest part of Bergen founded in 1070. Here you'll walk amongst colorful UNESCO-listed wooden buildings, preserved or rebuilt in their original Medieval style.

To get a bird’s-eye view of Romsdalsfjord, consider a hike to the top of Mount Nesaksla, rising 2,328 feet above Åndalsnes. Sections are fairly steep, though overall it’s a moderate-level hike. Notice the handiwork of Nepalese sherpas, who constructed the stone steps where the trail steepens. Picturesque Romsdalsfjord lies south of Molde in western Norway, with several outlying islands separating the fjord from the Atlantic Ocean.

Recent years have seen an upsurge in anti-cruise sentiments, with notices in certain destinations urging cruise tourists to reconsider their visits. This initiative, aiming at environmental preservation, essentially excludes the vast majority of traditional cruise ships from accessing some of Norway's iconic fjords. The dramatic landscapes of Norway are best appreciated from the water, letting travellers grasp the true grandeur of the fjords. Some itineraries focus on one fjord, and visit some of Norway's coastal cities in addition. We now reach spectacular Trollfjord, only 2 km long, 100 m wide and surrounded by majestic mountains.

Norway is famous for its fjords, the narrow, steep-sided inlets formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. Head to Geiranger to see Europe's highest fjord, or explore Molde's 12-mile fjord that winds through the archipelago. No matter how you choose to ford the fjords, you'll see why Norway is known for these natural wonders. I can't answer this for you as people's expectations differ wildly. You won't get a luxury experience, but you will get to spend time in more communities and get closer to the coastline than with any traditional cruise line.

Join an excursion to visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, where you are welcomed into the chieftain’s house for a real Viking feast. In summer, we continue to Ringve Museum of Musical History, where Norwegian music´s past is brought to life in a grand manor with a fantastic view. Enjoy the early morning in the breathtaking Nordfjord, followed by a delicious breakfast.

Explore the surrounding fjords on an unforgettable kayaking or hiking adventure. While Norway's coastline and fjords are idyllic emerald green and rock landscapes, pairing a cruise to Iceland with your Norway itinerary is a study in contrasts. The nearly vegetation-free, volcanic island nation is included on itineraries as short as 11 days, though some last two weeks or more.

It's worth setting an alarm and getting up early to watch the ship sail in. Plus, given Norway's notoriously finicky weather, there's no guarantee that rain won't set in before the ship departs. Norway cruise itineraries depart from a variety of cities, though most begin in Bergen or Oslo. Other popular departure cities are found across northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hamburg and a variety of U.K. Viking history, sky-high breathtaking fjords, the northern lights, and cozy costal towns all complete the vibrant picture of a Norway Cruise. Make your way to ports like Skjolden, Geiranger, Flam, and Bergen.

Norway & Norwegian Fjords Cruise Holidays 2024, 2025 & 2026

cruise fjords norway

Enjoy the impressive views of the steep mountainsides, flowing waterfalls and narrow valleys of the Norwegian countryside. Immerse yourself in the local culture by admiring the colorful wooden houses and medieval ruins and indulging in the fresh regional cuisine. When you visit Norway, you'll find like you've entered a whole new world. Viking history, sky-high breathtaking fjords, the northern lights, and cosy costal towns all complete the vibrant picture of a Norway Cruise. Make your way to ports like Skjolden, Geiranger, Flam and Bergen.

Bergen

Whether you stop at one of the small ports or simply sail on past, Lofoten is somewhere you'll want to make time for. As popular as Hurtigruten is, many people prefer the luxury and comfort of a more traditional cruising experience. Typically these lines call at far fewer ports but stay longer where they do dock. Norway's coastal cities, thousands of miles of coastline and world-famous fjords lend themselves to cruising perhaps more than any other country.

Berlin for Oktoberfest: What To Know Before You Go Royal Caribbean Cruises

The sawtoothed Sunnmørsalpane mountains surround Hjørundfjorden, with peaks as tall as 5,600 feet rising up from the fjord. The tricky-to-pronounce Fjærlandsfjord is a northern branch of the Sognefjord, where the water shimmers emerald green, reflecting the wild forests that surround it. The longest and deepest fjord in Norway is the snaking Sognefjord, lying midway between Måløy and Bergen on the west coast. Swimming, kayaking, and hiking, are all popular nature-led activities on the Nordfjord.

Ålesund

The most beautiful and fastest way to travel from Bergen to Hardanger! A day trip to charming Rosendal - or the perfect starting point for the trip on to Trolltunga. In Rosendal you can visit the Barony, Scandinavia's smallest castle from 1665, visit the Folgefonnsenteret or just stroll in the center with narrow streets, cozy cafes and nice galleries.

North Cape Cruise-by, Norway

Norway cruise: Fjord and glacier viewings in Geiranger and Olden - Royal Caribbean Blog

Norway cruise: Fjord and glacier viewings in Geiranger and Olden.

Posted: Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Our guide covers top attractions, insider tips, and expert recommendations. The Greek capital has a history of more than 3,400 years to entertain you. Here's everything you need to know about skiing in the Alps, including where to stay and when to visit. Find a new perspective from high in the sky with a hot air balloon ride in Turkey. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Turkey, with something for every traveler.

June through August is the best time for a Norway cruise due to warmer weather, but voyages begin in May and run into September. Check out our article on everything you need to know about cruising to Norway. Norway’s distilleries and craft microbrewing scene is rapidly growing in cities like Bergen and Alesund.

They range in cruise length, accommodation standard, departure port, destinations, and onboard activities among many other factors. Any one factor can drastically alter the cruising experience, for the better, or for the worse. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port.

Discover the Norwegian Fjords on board your favourite ship

cruise fjords norway

To find out more, take an organised excursion or make your own way to the Viking Village at Avaldsnes. For example, the 21-night Baltic Jewels & Norwegian Fjords cruise begins and ends in Amsterdam. It calls at Bergen, Ålesund, the Hardangerfjord and the Geirangerfjord, along with stops in Russia, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Travel blogger Mary Jo joined one of Viking's Midnight Sun cruises and said you'll never want to leave. In the meantime, here is some general packing advice for such a trip. With that in mind, let's look at some of the most popular types of cruise itinerary.

Majestic Lofoten and Vikings

This fascinating maritime museum offers ropemaking and wooden-boat-building activities. After, tag on a visit to Steinsdalsfossen, a powerful waterfall on the Fosselva River where a foot trail leads behind the veil of water. From the old city quarters to the modern architecture, Norwegian towns off wonderful sights. Take a stroll to Oslo's Opera House for a view of its striking design, or shop for trendy Scandinavian souvenirs in the streets of Bergen. In Stavanger, hike up the well-marked paths to the impressive cliff of Prekestol, or simply enjoy the tranquillity and quietness of Flam Valley.

You can expect stops in destinations like Alesund and Oslo on these itineraries, though you'll generally avoid playing the narrow waters of the inland fjords. On your cruise to Norway, explore a fairytale landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush forests and rugged mountains that seemingly slide into the sea. From fly fishing and kayaking to hiking and more, this country truly is an outdoor playground with a diverse lineup of activities.

Despite their latitude, Norway's fjords have a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream. The waters are rich with fish, porpoises and seals due to the lack of ice. Waterfalls are an impressive feature, and from Pulpit Rock you can see over the Lysefjord from over 600 metres above. From week-long round trips to longer escapes, a Norwegian voyage on Cunard unlocks the mystery of Norway’s spellbinding Fjords, enhancing every second you spend in this majestic wilderness.

In addition to their coastal voyages, Hurtigruten offer sailings to more remote places. I'll start by talking about some of the reasons this kind of vacation is so popular. Then look at the types of cruise available, and some of the country's most popular ports. In conclusion, Norway's fjords offer something for every traveller, be it a comprehensive cruise experience or a DIY exploration. The key is to choose the experience that aligns best with your own preferred travel style.

Explore the church’s fairytale-like architecture to see carvings on the north portal that predate the existing church. There’s a ferry service connecting the two sides of Fjærlandsfjord, from Vangsnes to Dragsvik and Hella at the entrance to the Fjærlandsfjord. The Sognefjord winds a whopping 127 miles inland—with several offshoots, including the Nærøyfjord, Lustrafjorden, and Aurlandsfjord—to its furthest reaches in Skjolden. The Medieval city of Molde, lying on the Moldefjord, a limb of the Romsdalsfjord, has an immaculate harbor from where ferries dart across the fjord to Vestnes and Sekken island.

The opening is 160 m long, 35 m high and 20 m wide, and was created during the ice age. If the weather allows, join a hike with your guides up the mountain. Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife. Following breakfast and another chance to explore this picturesque city, join the ship at the port to begin your voyage towards the Arctic circle and the Midnight Sun.

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