Fjord for Thought

Picture-perfect fishing villages, dramatic rock formations and sparkling waterfalls are just a few of the highlights that you can expect on a cruise to Norway…

by tombayly13

Famous for its awe inspiring fjords and striking mountains, Norway is one of those places that will truly take your breath away. Often described as the world’s most stunning voyages, Norway is somewhere that needs to be seen in order to be believed. This magnificent destination is now a firm favourite with many and it’s not just saved for the typical exploration cruise lines either, with mainstream lines including Fred.Olsen, Royal Caribbean and even CelebrityCruises all featuring a Norwegian itinerary.

by garybembridge

Calling through the World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord you’ll be able to find glistening waterfalls, deep gorges and the most stunning scenery around every turn. Geirangerfjord looks as though it has been plucked from the most enchanting fairy tale which is what makes it one of Norway’s most visited tourist spots. The Seven Sisters and the Suitor are two of the most spectacular waterfalls and can both be found here.

by Jon Olav

Moving along to Nordfjord which is nestled between Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, an unforgettable journey can be had with tall mountains, striking glaciers and mountaintop forests all in clear view. As the sixth longest fjord in Norway, this is the perfect place to explore with ten nature trails available. Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord so will almost certainly feature on your cruise itinerary. Here you can find three national parks and two UNESCO sites. Fishing in rivers or the deep mountain lakes can be enjoyed here and mountain hiking, climbing or skiing or also popular ventures.

by Victor Velez

Hardangerfjord is well known for fruit tree blossoming in the spring, the Folgefonna Glacier and Norway’s most famous waterfall – the Voringsfossen. Situated near the Bergen, the fjord offers visitors plenty to see and do including glacier trekking, on the Folgefonna Glacier, a visit to the Hardanger National Trust Tourist Route or even a trip to see the Voringsfossen Waterfall.

It’s not all about the fjords…

by ducimer61

Norway has a wealth of towns and cities – perfect for exploration. As the second largest city in Norway, Bergen is a place well worth a visit. Built on the site of an original Viking settlement, you can discover a number of historic sites here. The most famous is Bryggen – an old waterfront district which used to be a major trading centre for the Hanseatic League during the middle ages. 

by Dave Hopton

Tromso is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and the starting point for many Polar expeditions. To see this incredible place in all its glory you can take a cable car ride up the top of Mount Storsteinen and look forward to the most spectacular views below. Flam is also a popular port of call. Meaning ‘little place between steep mountains’, Flam is a place which oozes charm. Home to the world’s steepest railway, the Flamsbana travels 865 metres above sea level and is an exhilarating and scenic experience from start to finish. 

All images used by CC license via attributed usersnames on flickr.