Ready? This summer, Ill take my first group of eighth-graders to Costa Rica, where theyll assist local scientists with sea turtle research. We can not wait to visit beautiful Norway and explore our family roots. Svalbard, Norway: Rugged mountains and glaciers are just two of the many incredible sights in Svalbard, one of Norway's Arctic islands. During the summer the village can often feel cramped as hundreds of day visitors dominate. During the high season, Hurtigruten vessels sail along the Geirangerfjord but do not stop at the village. There is also little of the live entertainment that is advertised on other lines. In general, Norway weather is the best in the summer months, with temperatures that are warm (and occasionally hot). Travel blogger Mary Jo joined one of Viking's Midnight Sun cruises and said you'll never want to leave. You should also think carefully if you have kids, as facilities for children are limited. For your peace of mind, well provide dedicated 24/7 support along the way too. But for now, I can say that you should prepare for varied weather throughout your trip, regardless of season. However, rain is an often-unavoidable fact even during the country's drier summer months. Expect dramatic waterfalls tumbling down verdant cliffs and mountain sides as well as amazing hiking and kayaking trips when closer to shore. Flam, Norway: Flam is a tiny town, nestled between the Aurlandsfjord and snow-capped mountains.
Their itinerary has shorter stops at various ports but retains the typical cultural activities such as guided tours, visits to local places of interest, or exploring shipwrecks off the coast! The cruises will take you to some of the most charming villages on the western coast of Norway. Get Inspired: Polar Bear Cruises in the Arctic. Dont miss this UNESCO World Heritage Sites most graceful waterfalls. You must choose from among the Nobel Peace Center, which lauds the achievements of the various laureates; the Vigeland sculpture park; and various museums focused on historical ships and nautical themes, Norway's architectural and cultural history, and the Expressionist art of Edvard Munch. Most ships stop here for several hours at a minimum to allow passengers to see the best of the Norwegian capital. Also be sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella, and dress in layers. Read our Troms travel guide for more information. Their main focus is the cities of Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, but the itinerary will also feature a sailing down the Geirangerfjord. It surely gives you a delightful experience of cruising through these dreamy waters! Along the way, you can explore Fantahl (Vagabonds Cave) and the 400-metre (1,312-foot) Hengjanefossen waterfall. Whichever trip you are dreaming about, well make it a reality. Read on for our expert tips and get inspired for your ultimate Norway cruise adventure. Many cruise ships enter the beautiful Geirangerfjord early in the morning.
Below are some of the most popular Norway cruise itineraries. Whether you stop at one of the small ports or simply sail on past, Lofoten is somewhere you'll want to make time for. I've traveled to over 30 countries and have a lifelong passion for the natural world. Those off-season cruises will be the best time to take a Northern Lights cruise in Norway.
You get a taste of everything: the urban life in Bergen to the fjords in Geiranger.. Ive accompanied high school students on excursions to Italy, Greece, and Turkey because of my love of travel. Alternatively, take a wildlife tour into Trollfjord, whose entrance at 100 metres (328 feet) is even narrower than the Panama Canal. The Lonely Planet once called it the worlds most beautiful voyage. I'll wait! Many passengers combine the trip with a couple of days sightseeing in Bergen or a trip on the world-famous Bergen railway to Oslo. Just factor in that the cost of flights may well be higher so close to departure. This allows you to get up close to the waterfalls and old farmsteads. The city's beaches are a popular draw. It's definitely a big problem in Norway too. Or take a wildlife tour and hop across the islands in search of the elusive sea eagle. There's plenty of variety available in Norway, so let's take a look at some of the most popular options: The distinctive red, black and white Hurtigruten ships are a true icon of Norwegian travel, so much so that there's even a museum at Stokmarknes! Whenever a large ship is in dock, locals tend to come out to greet the ship. Floyen to offer scenic views and hiking trails. In more recent years, the journey has been marketed internationally as a round-trip coastal voyage. Discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. Best Time Of Year To Go For The Best Experience. Starting in Bergen and sailing across magical landscapes of glaciers and fjords as you pass into the Arctic Circle, experience a unique feeling of having arrived at the end of the world as you reach Longyearbyen. If you have the time, take the Fjellheisen cable car for a panoramic view of the city and its mountainous surroundings. Here, we share 7 locations for the best cruises in Norway and give you some tips for what to consider when planning your trip. On one of the best Norway cruises, witness the majesty of the fjords and the delights of the countrys Viking culture. Board the Rembrandt van Rijn for this 8-day cruise from Tromso all the way to Alta. Opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and even winter surfing appeal to the active traveller too. While far from guaranteed, the possibility to see a polar bear is an undoubted draw on these trips. That's all for now! I took a winter cruise on the Hurtigruten earlier this year. In addition to the major cruise companies, many smaller companies run multi-day boat trips around the archipelago. The boat company is Rdne. Youll wave goodbye to the city and enjoy a night aboard ship. Other cruise lines do offer winter cruises in the north of Norway, but there are far fewer departures. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia. Bldshfi 20 Don't miss a walk through the wooden houses of Old Stavanger or the harbor area with its seaside restaurants and local shops. You can see the stunning coastline, some of the country's biggest cities, small coastal communities and the world-famous fjords, all without needing to worry about accommodation, food or transport. TheDiscover Norway Experience includes stops in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. Alternatively, take the shorter hour-long trip from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Haugesund bills itself as Norway's home of viking kings. This could be a great solution if you are prepared to fly to Svalbard independently. Before you board your Hurtigruten cruise ship, spend time exploring this exciting and surprising Arctic city. Read our Kristiansand travel guide for more information. The P&O Cruises offer incentives for booking with them as well. While you'll retrace your steps at the end of the day, often with a slowdown by the famous falls, the light will be more photo-friendly in the morning, and fewer people will block your view. Witness breathtaking scenery as you glide through majestic Norwegian fjords in the legendary homeland of the Vikings. Get inspired by Nik & Dusty's world-wide adventures! From major cities like Oslo and Bergen to small cities and villages with unique museums and great local food, Norway has plenty of beautiful scenery and cultural appeal to make it a great cruise destination.
Last but definitely not least, this special cruise came as a result of the success of the movie Frozen. Norway is a country full of striking natural beauty, rich culture, adventure opportunities, and intriguing history. A picturesque and historic city on the west coast. Its a glorious voyage along the Norwegian coast that navigates the tight sounds between western Norways idyllic islands. Breathtaking landscapes and compelling Viking history await you in Norway. Eidfjord, Norway: Situated deep inside Hardangerfjord, the tiny village of Eidfjord is a fantastic spot to explore the inland rivers and waterfalls that have cut through Norway's landscape for milennia. It's worth setting an alarm and getting up early to watch the ship sail in. Set sail in the rejuvenating light of the summers midnight sun. For the more adventurous, a Norway cruise to the Arctic just might be the best option. Viking Ocean Cruises: Founded by a Norwegian in 1997, the company unsurprisingly offers a range of Nordic and Baltic cruises that incorporate several ports of call in Norway. At the other end of the fjord, the village of Hellesylt is a popular alternative port. Its easy to be drawn to the Norwegian Fjords with the magnificence of its mountainous, craggy shorelines. There is no formal dress expected at any time. View Map. There's plenty to see and do in many of these places, even if you don't book a ship excursion. So, follow the links or use the search box at the top of the page to learn more about these amazing places! Journey by boat beneath the monumental landmark of the Svolvrgeita, and witness from a distance the astonishing Lofotveggen, the mountains of the Lofoten isles. Known for its imposing Nidaros Cathedral and the trendy district of Bakklandet, its also a favourite departure point for coastal cruises in Norways north. The long Norway nights offer travelers on this expedition an excellent chance to take in the beauty and wonder of the Northern Lights aboard Rembrandt van Rijn. This is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The harbour city of Kristiansund is a great place to try the Norwegian delicacy, klippfisk, which is dried and salted cod. Dog sledding? The Bridal Veil, which resembles a wedding veil draped across the mountains, is another breathtaking spectacle. The main cruise port along Norway's Nordfjord, Olden is a starting point for journeys to the Briksdalsbreen glacier. Journey along northern Norway's rugged coastline on this 8-day roundtrip expedition cruise aboard Rembrandt van Rijn from Tromso. Sun cream is advisable all year round, bar. Her blog post is a great read if you're considering this line. You might find a Disney cruise to Norway (sometimes including Iceland), though they are few and far between. Hurtigruten ships are popular for cruising Norways coastline year-round, roundtrip from Bergen, going as far north as Kirkenes and the Arctic Circle, and stopping at a myriad of ports, both large and small. Bergen is the main city on most fjord itineraries, though some may include Oslo as well. However, you don't need an expedition ship to visit Norway's Arctic destinations, which include Tromso, Honningsvag and the North Cape, Svalbard (Spitsbergen) and the Lofoten Islands. We are fully committed to low impact travel that not only preserves but gives back to the amazing places we visit. You can witness the baby birds growing up and many more exciting things right before your eyes! A magnet for tourists from all around the world, Geiranger is home to cruise ships galore every day throughout the summer. Finally, your cruise ends in Molde, the City of Roses. Hikers have plenty of options, as well. These include Antarctica and Greenland, but also Svalbard. However, it can be extended with an overnight stop at the historic Dalen Hotel and incorporated into a more extensive itinerary exploring southern Norway. But your experience will be quite different depending on when you choose to go. I've spent many summers living in Spain and traveling throughout Europe. The scenic routes that this cruise offers gives a different perspective to explore popular highlights such as picturesque towns, towering peaks, and deep fjords crowned by medieval fortresses. Some major cruise lines only offer a few departures, while others -- such as Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Required fields are marked *. Aquariums, train rides and interesting parks all add to the appeal for children. Explore more travel destination possibilities and experience the world first hand. You can start by checking out the above options; you are sure to find something that suits you. A great option if youre hoping to explore Norways west coast is a voyage north from Bergen to Molde. Framed by some of Norways highest mountain peaks, a journey into Geirangerfjord deserves its title as one of the most beautiful cruises in the world. Typically, a Northern Norway cruise will start from Troms, the capital of the north. With a name that translates as Light Fjord, for the pale colour of its granite rock, Lysefjord is a geological marvel. It's the part of Norway that has changed least over the decades, and some of the locks are still operated by hands. Happy sailing! Svalbard is an archipelago situated in the Arctic waters just north of Norway. Your ferry may make a stop at Urke, a delightful village where you can soak in the mountain scenery. From summer 2021, new operator HavilaKystruten will take the place of Hurtigruten on some of the daily departures from Bergen. So what's the best way to take a Norway cruise in a sustainable way? If you want an authentic experience, then going with NCL is a good choice. Plus, given Norway's notoriously finicky weather, there's no guarantee that rain won't set in before the ship departs.
To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours. The Norwegian Fjords are exquisite in themselves but coupled with charming villages and breathtaking landscapes in between. Norway's Arctic cruises also embark in Svalbard (Spitsbergen). These villages may be pretty, but they are not museums. Read our Trondheim travel guide for more information. Embark Viking Cruises in Stockholm, Sweden, and make your way toward Bergen, Norway on this 15-day cruise. Norwegian Fjords Cruise deals offered by Hurtigruten include an all-inclusive package that provides services, meals, and activities for the entire cruise. A stay in the Kirkenes Snowhotel? You might need a bus to reach the downtown area, but once you're there the compact area is relativey easy to get around on foot. If you are looking for more of a journey, then the Viking Ocean Cruise is among the best fjord cruises small ships out there. Sights include Voringfossen, which is one of the nation's most iconic waterfalls, Hardangervidda National Park and numerous places to hike and kayak. You bet. I can't find any information on future cruises. That means that theres an incredible amount to see, and no better way to enjoy it than on a Norwegian cruise trip. Scenery and towns that are postcard-perfect. When planning your trip to Norway, your choice of city to start in will have a big impact on your journey. Which would you recommend for a first time visitor? Or visit at any time to experience the Molde Panorama, a view of 222 majestic mountain peaks. Many of Bergen's attractions are within walking distance of the port, including the Bryggen heritage site. An optional shore excursion gives passengers the chance for a RIB safari on the fjord. The most popular way to visit the fjord is on the passenger ferry that runs year-round from the Viking village of Gudvangen to Aurland and on to Flm. Royal Caribbean: Three of RCL's giant ships will visit Norway in 2020. You don't need to miss out on the coastal experience! Of course, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences off the boat too. You can cruise into Lysefjord from Stavanger, one of Norways oldest Viking cities and now a bustling cultural hub. Related: Nine Reasons to Cruise the Norway Fjords. The two wooden churches are popular sights for those choosing to stay in the village. But Jan Mayen offers a stark and beautiful arctic environment that welcomes the adventurous traveler.
If you're taking the full voyage, the company offers a northern lights sighting guarantee. Plan your Norway trip for July to catch the Molde Jazz Festival.
Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, wildlife, and scenery on Bergen, Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Tysfjorden and Bear Island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Norway is a terrific place for outdoor activities like kayaking, biking and hiking. This means only all-electric or hybrid ships will be allowed in the fjords, drastically cutting the availability of cruises in the most popular areas. In all seasons, its a popular option to spend the night aboard ship. Its easiest and most rewarding to visit the fjord by cruising in from lesund, Norways art nouveau city. Find out why for yourself. 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. There are a number of the best cruise ships for Norwegian fjords cruise options out there, which are specifically designed to let you experience everything that Norway has to offer. Food prices especially are much higher than most travelers might expect. But there's plenty to see for visitors to the city itself, too. What can you expect on a Norway fjords cruise itinerary? When the Adventure of the Seas called at Trondheim recently, guests were greeted with cannon fire and a local band. One-way journeys from Bergen to Kirkenes are popular, as are much shorter trips from Bergen to Trondheim. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. My husband and I have been traveling with her since she was 18 months old, with our current concentration being on visiting the many National Parks that dot our wonderful country. Yet, there is plenty to see right here. North Norway, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Kayak & Sail. As Norway has so much to offer, there is no best option here. No other regions have anything like them, and not a single landlocked country has their own range of fjords to rival their charm and staggering beauty. Average daytime temperatures in Norway reach into the 60s and 70s and rain is less frequent than in the wet winter months. Bergen, Norway: Both a homeport and a port of call, Bergen is rich in history and art, and it's easily navigated on foot or via public transportation. Exploring Norway is possible by any means. Cruise from Oslo to Bergen with stops in ports of Gothenburg, Arendal, Stavanger, Olden, Geiranger, and Alesund. If there's something missing, feel free to ask a question in the comments. The biggest problem comes in small communities like Olden and Geiranger. Overnight on Hurtugruten sounds nice. Enjoy the exhilaration of climbing snow-covered alpine mountains and skiing downhill while taking in Norway's beautiful landscapes. Or in winter, seize the chance to see our planets most enchanting phenomenon: the northern lights. Hurtigruten cruise seems good but a reviewer said they would have liked going into more Fjords. Of course, you don't have to spend all 12-days aboard the vessel. My life mission as the mother of a 9-year-old girl is for her to grow up to be a global citizen. Continue reading for the best tips on how to plan your Best Cruise for Norwegian Fjords Cruise! Just steps from the cruise terminal, the beautiful old town is perfect for a casual wander. For now, I'll include answers to the most common questions I receive about Norway cruises. So rather than write thousands more words, I'll just point you towards the online diary of my trip instead! Meanwhile some of the countrys most magical experiences from the northern lights to snow-dusted views are best saved for winter.
Arctic foxes, polar bears and numerous other birds and mammals call the island home, making this a nature-lover's must-see destination. Before you begin your travels, learn a little more about what this charming "Land of the Midnight Sun" has to offer visitors. 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. With Hardangerfjord to the south and the entrance to Sognefjord not far north, this ancient city is the perfect base for the best Norway cruises. .css-1wvg3nf{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-1wvg3nf:hover,.css-1wvg3nf[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}.css-1wvg3nf:focus-visible,.css-1wvg3nf[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Hurtigruten is the king of Norway cruises, with at least one ship departing daily on its coastal route (the line is based in Norway). Virtually everyone taking a first-time visit wants to see the fjords. From Svolvr, the Lofoten Islands capital, recommended options include venturing north to Troms or south down to Bergen. Its known as the most beautiful train journey in the world for good reason.