Western Norway is famed for its spectacular and easily accessible fjords and mountains, which form a dramatic landscape and pave the way for myriad adventures, a plethora of picturesque towns and villages, and some excellent food.
With snow-covered peaks, wild waterfalls, lush vegetation, shimmering glaciers, precipitous viewpoints and charming mountain communities, Norway’s fjords are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities range from hiking and cycling to kayaking and fishing, but the chance to simply relax and soak up some of Scandinavia’s impressive landscapes is reason alone to visit.
Bergen
Bergen is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of Norway’s most popular cities. Highlights here include a colourful Hanseatic quay, a vibrant market and a delightful setting in the shadow of no less than seven mountains. It also provides easy access to nearby Hardangerfjord.
Geiranger
Geiranger lies tucked away at the eastern end of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the smallest of Norway’s fjords but also one of its most beautiful. Highlights include the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the spectacular Eagle’s Highway.
Hardangerfjord
Surrounded by orchards of plum, cherry and apple trees, which blossom in April and May, Western Norway is famed for its spectacular and easily accessible fjords and mountains, which form a dramatic landscape and pave the way for myriad adventures, a plethora of picturesque towns and villages, and some excellent food.
Eidfjord
Located at the northeastern end of Hardangerfjord is Eidfjord. Dwarfed by towering mountains and surrounded by several cascading waterfalls, it’s reputation as one of Norway’s most beautiful towns is richly deserved.
Sognefjord
Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, located in the heart of the region, extends to the foot of the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks. Some of Norway’s most striking landscapes are perfectly complemented by a collection of charming villages, including picturesque Balestrand, Vík and Aurland.
Flåm
Situated at the head of Aurlandsfjorden, this little village is surrounded by some big landscapes. A sought-after stop for cruise ships and also those on the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour, it attracts more than half a million visitors a year, many of which come to ride the Flåm railway, one of the steepest in the world.
Stavanger
While it’s no match for Bergen’s prettiness, the coastal city of Stavanger still has its charms. A regular stopping point for cruise ships, the towns bustling harbour sets the scene for some colourful dockside warehouses and a maze of 18th century streets beyond.
When to go
It’s possible to visit Norway’s fjords at any time, but by far the most popular season is summer, when the days are warm and long, and hiking, kayaking and other outdoor pursuits are in full swing. In autumn, the landscapes are a rich gold and berries hang from the trees, while in spring, blossoming orchards and fields of flowers are a sight to behold.
Who to cruise with?
Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and local specialists Hurtigruten all operate cruises to Norway’s fjords.
Scott Anderson is General Manager at The Luxury Cruise Company. The Luxury Cruise Company is your port of call for incredible cruise holidays.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Scott is one of the most well-travelled people, having visited more than 70 countries and counting. He has worked in the cruise industry since he was 19 years old, beginning as a cruise ship photographer and duty free shop manager, and knows more than most how enjoyable cruising can be.
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6 Comments
It’s been some years since my one and only visit to the Norwegian fjords, but the landscape has left a long and lasting impression with me. Such dramatic hillsides, such lush and green valleys, and such wonderfully blue fjords. I will definitely visit again one day – it’s high on my list. The photographs are amazing, but alas are no substitute for actually being there.
Hi Leslie -thank you for your comment. Yes I agree the scenery is stunning. Last time I visited was in April – a lovely time of year as the mountains are still snow capped but you get lovely clear skies and sunny days – fresh – and we saw the Northern Lights too!
Norway is the most stunning country I took a group of young people there to learn some radio skills and we all adored it. It has been a while though so reading this has given me wanderlust to return. I would love to visit these vibrant hills and quaint towns. You say the summer is the best time to go? I can’t wait to visit Norway again!
Hello Harriet.
yes its easy to fall in love with Norway! Summer is a great time, however I also like April, as the its warming up and the spring flowers are starting, but there is also snow on the mountains. And don’t forget winter for the Northern Lights – November to March are the best times- but I’ve seen them in April too, and a cruise is the best way to see the lights, as you’re away from the light pollution of the land. Visit eh site or let me know if you have any further questions! – Scott
Although my passport is packed with stamps from distant nations I’ve never been to Norway, even though for us Brits it really isn’t that far away at all. After reading this piece I think that’s something to put right in the near future.
I’ve always assumed that if I did visit I’d cruise along the Fjords up towards the midnight sun.
On a cruise would I get enough time ashore to do a bit of hiking? Would I be able to get a taste of the local culture?
Hi Pete.
Thanks for your comment. Most cruise ships will have a full day in port – usually 9am to 6pm – and you can use that time as you see fit. We can arrange a jeep to take you to a hiking spot and return you to the ship for sail away. Some lines might even offer hiking excursions. Midnight sun cruises typically depart in July. Alternatively, you can travel on the Hurtigruten fleet, as their ships sail daily north from Bergen and south from Kirkenes, so you can get on in one port, sail to the next, get off and go hiking, stay a day or two, then pick up another ship and carry on. The best of both worlds! Contact me or my team for further advice, link in bio. Scott
With snow-covered peaks, wild waterfalls, lush vegetation, shimmering glaciers, precipitous viewpoints and charming mountain communities, Norway’s fjords are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities range from hiking and cycling to kayaking and fishing, but the chance to simply relax and soak up some of Scandinavia’s impressive landscapes is reason alone to visit.
Bergen
Bergen is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of Norway’s most popular cities. Highlights here include a colourful Hanseatic quay, a vibrant market and a delightful setting in the shadow of no less than seven mountains. It also provides easy access to nearby Hardangerfjord.
With snow-covered peaks, wild waterfalls, lush vegetation, shimmering glaciers, precipitous viewpoints and charming mountain communities, Norway’s fjords are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities range from hiking and cycling to kayaking and fishing, but the chance to simply relax and soak up some of Scandinavia’s impressive landscapes is reason alone to visit.
Bergen
Bergen is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of Norway’s most popular cities. Highlights here include a colourful Hanseatic quay, a vibrant market and a delightful setting in the shadow of no less than seven mountains. It also provides easy access to nearby Hardangerfjord.
Geiranger
Geiranger lies tucked away at the eastern end of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the smallest of Norway’s fjords but also one of its most beautiful. Highlights include the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the spectacular Eagle’s Highway.
Hardangerfjord
Surrounded by orchards of plum, cherry and apple trees, which blossom in April and May, Western Norway is famed for its spectacular and easily accessible fjords and mountains, which form a dramatic landscape and pave the way for myriad adventures, a plethora of picturesque towns and villages, and some excellent food.
Eidfjord
Located at the northeastern end of Hardangerfjord is Eidfjord. Dwarfed by towering mountains and surrounded by several cascading waterfalls, it’s reputation as one of Norway’s most beautiful towns is richly deserved.
Sognefjord
Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, located in the heart of the region, extends to the foot of the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks. Some of Norway’s most striking landscapes are perfectly complemented by a collection of charming villages, including picturesque Balestrand, Vík and Aurland.
Flåm
Situated at the head of Aurlandsfjorden, this little village is surrounded by some big landscapes. A sought-after stop for cruise ships and also those on the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour, it attracts more than half a million visitors a year, many of which come to ride the Flåm railway, one of the steepest in the world.
Stavanger
While it’s no match for Bergen’s prettiness, the coastal city of Stavanger still has its charms. A regular stopping point for cruise ships, the towns bustling harbour sets the scene for some colourful dockside warehouses and a maze of 18th century streets beyond.
When to go
It’s possible to visit Norway’s fjords at any time, but by far the most popular season is summer, when the days are warm and long, and hiking, kayaking and other outdoor pursuits are in full swing. In autumn, the landscapes are a rich gold and berries hang from the trees, while in spring, blossoming orchards and fields of flowers are a sight to behold.
Who to cruise with?
Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and local specialists Hurtigruten all operate cruises to Norway’s fjords.
Scott Anderson is General Manager at The Luxury Cruise Company. The Luxury Cruise Company is your port of call for incredible cruise holidays.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
It’s been some years since my one and only visit to the Norwegian fjords, but the landscape has left a long and lasting impression with me. Such dramatic hillsides, such lush and green valleys, and such wonderfully blue fjords. I will definitely visit again one day – it’s high on my list. The photographs are amazing, but alas are no substitute for actually being there.
Hi Leslie -thank you for your comment. Yes I agree the scenery is stunning. Last time I visited was in April – a lovely time of year as the mountains are still snow capped but you get lovely clear skies and sunny days – fresh – and we saw the Northern Lights too!
Norway is the most stunning country I took a group of young people there to learn some radio skills and we all adored it. It has been a while though so reading this has given me wanderlust to return. I would love to visit these vibrant hills and quaint towns. You say the summer is the best time to go? I can’t wait to visit Norway again!
Hello Harriet.
yes its easy to fall in love with Norway! Summer is a great time, however I also like April, as the its warming up and the spring flowers are starting, but there is also snow on the mountains. And don’t forget winter for the Northern Lights – November to March are the best times- but I’ve seen them in April too, and a cruise is the best way to see the lights, as you’re away from the light pollution of the land. Visit eh site or let me know if you have any further questions! – Scott
Although my passport is packed with stamps from distant nations I’ve never been to Norway, even though for us Brits it really isn’t that far away at all. After reading this piece I think that’s something to put right in the near future.
I’ve always assumed that if I did visit I’d cruise along the Fjords up towards the midnight sun.
On a cruise would I get enough time ashore to do a bit of hiking? Would I be able to get a taste of the local culture?
Hi Pete.
Thanks for your comment. Most cruise ships will have a full day in port – usually 9am to 6pm – and you can use that time as you see fit. We can arrange a jeep to take you to a hiking spot and return you to the ship for sail away. Some lines might even offer hiking excursions. Midnight sun cruises typically depart in July. Alternatively, you can travel on the Hurtigruten fleet, as their ships sail daily north from Bergen and south from Kirkenes, so you can get on in one port, sail to the next, get off and go hiking, stay a day or two, then pick up another ship and carry on. The best of both worlds! Contact me or my team for further advice, link in bio. Scott