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Local newspapers have been full of headlines through the summer 2019 season complaining about the impact of overtourism. The main cruise port along Norway's Nordfjord, Olden is a starting point for journeys to the Briksdalsbreen glacier. The two wooden churches are popular sights for those choosing to stay in the village. In addition to the major cruise companies, many smaller companies run multi-day boat trips around the archipelago. This could be a great solution if you are prepared to fly to Svalbard independently.
Norway coastal cruise from Hurtigruten
Natural wonders and once-in-a-lifetime thrills await on a Norway cruise. From the towering mountains of Bergen to the dramatic waterfalls of Alesund, Norway is full of breathtaking surprises. Embark on one our Norwegian fjords cruises and marvel at the spectacular landscapes, verdant mountains, and gushing waterfalls that surround you. Watch as eagles soar in the blue skies above and whales and seals play in the deep waters.
The Norwegian Fjords, 7 nights, Jul 14, 2024
Sail past all kinds of islands, including the famous Hovedøya, along with the gorgeous Dyna Lighthouse! The guide will tell you all about its history, geology, and cultural relevance today. Each has plenty of space on the sundecks, and the kiosks are there to offer unlimited refreshments, like beer and wine. Get that authentic Scandinavian feel by sailing in the classic mahogany boat, which is gorgeous, and comfortable. There are plenty of warm, sheltered cabins with large glass windows to see the Norwegian landscapes from. Hop onboard a comfortable, top-notch catamaran located in the Tromsø city center.
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It's good to know that you can easily travel within Norway by other modes of transport. So you could dedicate your holiday to a cruise trip, or combine your tour with journeys by plane, train, bus or car. Or visit at any time to experience the Molde Panorama, a view of 222 majestic mountain peaks. Typically, a Northern Norway cruise will start from Tromsø, the capital of the north. Before you board your cruise ship, spend time exploring this exciting and surprising Arctic city.
Lofoten Islands: The Complete Guide to Norway's Northern Paradise
But your experience will be quite different depending on when you choose to go. This most tranquil of fjords cuts between the Sunnmøre Alps, mountains that leap 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) into the air. Your ferry may make a stop at Urke, a delightful village where you can soak in the mountain scenery. In 3 hours, a cruise line will transport you from the city’s charming port deep into this spectacular fjord. Along the way, you can explore Fantahålå (“Vagabond’s Cave”) and the 400-metre (1,312-foot) Hengjanefossen waterfall.
How to Plan the Ultimate Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Relax knowing you’re booking the lowest airfare and have a dedicated team helping you get to your ship—and back. Let Oslo’s metropolitan atmosphere energize you as you explore its opulent palaces and incredible museums. The capital of Norway is teeming with Viking history, from ships dating back to the 9th century at the Viking Museum to 17th-century art at the National Museum. Art lovers won’t want to miss seeing Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” in person.
It is possible to reach Oslo by ferry from Copenhagen or by train, bus, or car from Stockholm. However, most visitors to Norway come by airplane and land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. This guide was written to help prepare you for your journey to this fascinating land because we want you to have the best vacation possible.
An extensive choice of excursions ranges from energetic hiking, kayaking and horse riding treks to thrilling helicopter rides over the fjords and coastline. You can enjoy cruises to the Norwegian fjords with no-fly sailings from Tilbury. These cruises are primarily aimed at the mature market, though you can expect the addition of special multi-generational cruises to Norway during the summer holidays.
But if you're visiting again and would like something different, a river cruise could be the perfect alternative. 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. In more recent years, the journey has been marketed internationally as a round-trip coastal voyage.
Norway’s fjords and the ports of call scream out for the finest camera lens that money will buy. I'll keep this post updated as and when I get more questions, as I'm sure I will! For now, I'll include answers to the most common questions I receive about Norway cruises.
The cruise boats are too big to dock at the small town harbour, so you have to leave the Midnatsol via the smaller launch boats. From Geiranger we got a bus that drove us to a viewing platform at the top of the Geirangerfjord. The highlight of the trip for me was cruising in the fjords, especially the Geirangerfjord and the areas surrounding it. Bergen is the starting point of the cruise, a lovely city known as the cultural gateaway to the fjords.
Alternatively, take a wildlife tour into Trollfjord, whose entrance at 100 metres (328 feet) is even narrower than the Panama Canal. Seals, porpoises, and even whales may greet you in this Arctic oasis. Don’t miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s most graceful waterfalls.
Even in the most Southern parts of Norway you can get up to 19 hours a day of light in summer. We were lucky enough to find all sunny days, however it is not uncommon to find rain and cloudy days even in summer. You should check the current exchange when you visit; at the time of my trip the exchange was approximately 1 EUR to 10 NOK. Near the end of the fjord, the island of Ytterøya is known for its produce, idyllic summer cottages and for Stone Age burial mounds. A cruise can be an excellent solo travel experience, especially if you are a first-time solo traveller. During the cruise, Britannia travelled a total distance of 2323 nautical miles.
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.
