Fjords of Norway cruise
Top 3 Fjords of Norway1. Sognefjord
Geographically, it's the world's second longest fjord (204 kilometers or 125 miles). And Sognefjord is the world's deepest and most popular one.
2. Naeroyfjord
It's an arm of the Sognefjord and is celebrated for its soaring, narrow-spaced cliffs.
3. Geirangerfjord
Tall, cascading waterfalls are its chief draw. The Seven Sisters is the most spectacular.
Next best
Lysefjorden and Hardangerfjord rank fourth and fifth.
When to go on a Fjords of Norway cruise
Points to consider:
Mid-May to mid-September
The prime Fjords of Norway cruise season.
Mid-June through August
The warmest prime-season period.
May
Blooming wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees attractively adorn the landscape.
Soltice
The weeks immediately before and after the summer solstice (June 21) have exceptionally long daylight hours for sightseeing.
Helpful Fjords of Norway tips & insights
Cruise ship vs road sightseeing
Although you can see the Fjords by train, bus or car, you will see far more on a cruise ship.
Fjord cruising vs ocean cruising
One big difference between ocean and fjord cruising is you are almost always close to landscapes.
Cruisers vs hikers
While cruisers see the fjords at sea level, hikers get an eagle's eye view from the top of high cliffs. Some cruises give you enough shore time for hitting the trails.
Flam Railway
This mountain train offers one of the most scenic train rides on earth and attracts many tourists. It connects Myrdal in the mountains with sea-level Flam on the Sognefjord. The Flam Railway route is short (20 kilometers or 12 miles) and has a relatively steep grade (the elevation difference between Flam and Myrdal is 866 meters or 2841 feet).
Origin
Fjords were carved out of the mountains by ancient glaciers. Ocean water filled the space when the glaciers retreated, land sank, and sea levels rose.
Gulf Stream
This current from the Caribbean makes the temperatures along the Norwegian coastline higher than they would normally be this far north.
Expensive country
Norway is one of the most expensive places to visit in the world. Even a glass of beer has cost shock.
Other Fjords of Norway cruise tips & insights
Cruise areas
Most cruises stick to the southern Norway fjords (see map below) because they are the most popular. Other cruises do include some northern Norway destinations in their itineraries (especially in the North Cape and Svalbard Islands). Some cruises even add Iceland.
Ports of call
Bergen is the gateway to the Fjord region. Its old town and harbor are interesting. However, except for their surroundings, the other ports have middling tourism appeal, so don't expect much. And you shouldn't. The allure of western Norway's coast is its stunning natural scenery, not its villages and towns.
Cruise ships
Many major cruise lines operate Fjords of Norway cruises. The Norwegian Hurtigruten company runs the most.
Cruise durations
The range is several days to weeks. Seven days is common.
What to wear
Dress in layers. For shore excursions, wear good-traction shoes, dress casually, and bring raingear (rain in common). Dinner code is smart casual.
