NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISES

Situated on Norway’s southwestern coast, Bergen is surrounded by mountains and fjords, including the second longest fjord in the world - Sognefjord. The port of Bergen truly is a welcoming sight. You’re greeted by rows of colourfully painted homes and buildings which look equally as charming all lit up at night as they do in the bright light of day. It’s easy to navigate around Bergen from the cruise port with many of the main points of attraction within walking distance. One of the most interesting parts of the city is Bryggen, where the Hanseactic Wharf lies. This is where some of the first buildings of the city were developed. Today the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-known medieval city settlements in Norway. Bergen has retained its old-town charm and you’ll find residents are hospitable and welcoming. Head here in the summer-time and you’ll find the place even more laid back than usual thanks to the almost endless hours of sunlight which gives the residents plenty of time to go about their daily lives.

The name ‘Flam’ means ‘little place with big mountains’ which couldn’t be more fitting for this destination. This picture-perfect hamlet has a river flowing through the centre, surrounded by green meadows and steep, snow-capped mountains. Dotted around the hamlet are picturesque farms and houses. Despite the fact that Flam has a population of just 450 people, it’s the fourth largest cruise port in Norway by number of calls (175 ships) and fifth largest by number of passengers. This port of call gives you the perfect chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll and appreciate some of Norway’s finest scenery.

Many people call Olden the ‘Gateway to the Glaciers’ which we have to agree is a fitting title. Via Olden, you can access Jostedal Glacier, the largest glacier on the European mainland. There’s something quite mesmerising about Olden; this little town is surrounded by such a vast amount of magnificent scenery, that makes it feel like a secret part of the world that only you, your fellow cruisers and the locals know about. However Olden is one of the main cruise port for Norwegian Fjord itineraries with thousands of people visiting every year. If you know that you’ll be sailing into Olden port early in the morning, you may want to set your alarm clock as the cruise route into port is simply breathtaking. There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat in Olden and you’ll find the locals welcoming, friendly and hospitable.

Stavanger has built an economy from fishing and oil, in fact it’s considered the Oil Capital of Norway. In the city you can find a collection of unique museums where you can learn more about the industry here including it’s history of sardine canning and petroleum which might sound mundane, but the museums have managed to add intrigue. Those interested in exploring Stavanger by foot will be pleased to know that there’s plenty to see close to the cruise port. You’ll be able to see the white cottages of Old Stavanger as well as a selection of shops and restaurants based in the old warehouses nearby. If you’d like to see more of the fjords then Stavanger is a great point to take an excursion on one of the boats to Lysefjord which includes the mighty Pulpit Rock which you may recognise from many travel photos taken in Norway.

Located at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Geirangerfjord, is a delightfully tiny village that’s tucked away in its own little world. The cruise along the fjord to reach Geiranger is fairytale-like so make sure you’re on deck to see it! Waterfalls cascade from the snowy peaks above, down the green mountainside. One of the most famous of these waterfalls is the Seven Sisters and the Suitor which features 6 separate streams (the sisters) across the fjord from a single stream (the suitor). The village itself can be traversed from end to end in around 5 minutes, however you’ll find most things you might need there including a general goods store. There are a variety of excursions available in Geiranger from kayaking and helicopter tours to farm visits where you can learn how people live in this remote area. Tours do book up quickly so you may want to consider booking in advance. This beautiful place is a highlight of any fjords cruise so make sure your camera is fully charged!

Whilst Oslo is one of the largest capitals in the world, it’s also the least densely populated in Europe, being home to around 600,000 people. There are some incredible things to see and do in Oslo including visiting the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum which has 155 traditional houses and a stave church from 1200! There’s also displays of folk costumes, handicraft wares and in the summer, freshly baked lefse. If you’re interested in learning more about the vikings then you can visit the Viking Ship Museum. Along with the incredible ships, there are also items which signify what the viking lifestyle was like, such as sleds, carts, tools and burial artifacts. Both the Folk and Viking Museums are around 15 minutes from port. If you have slightly more time on your hands, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is around 40 minutes away. This modern museum features an incredible tower which resembles a ski run. The views from the top are simply stupendous. As well as the tower, you’ll also be able to see ski equipment through the ages and learn about the physics of winter sports.

Take a stroll through Kristiansand old town and see pretty, white boarded houses. Head to the quayside fish market and you’ll not only see a bustling trade of fresh seafood but also lively restaurants and an idyllic canal-side setting. Kristiansand has some great art galleries including Gallery Bi-Z which is the largest private art gallery in the region. A great way to explore the city is to take the sightseeing train. The train stops at the Fish Quay, Nupen Park, the Visitors' Harbour, the town beach (Bystranda) and Posebyen (the oldest part of Kristiansand).

Eidfjord is a small village which is found at the end of Eidfjorden, which branches off from the larger Hardangerfjorden. As the village is so small, if you want to make the most of your visit in this port you’ll need to venture a bit further inland. You can take an excursion to Måbødalen valley which is recognisable by the old road which has an unbelievable amount of twists, turns and hairpin bends. Øvre Eidfjord is situated at the start of the valley and here you can find a visitors centre and museum for the Hardangervidda National Park which also happens to be Norway’s largest national park. By car, it’s just a 10 minute drive from Eidfjorden to Øvre Eidfjord so you can either take a taxi or go with a pre-arranged excursion. The park is home to reindeer which wander the wide open spaces scattered with picturesque ponds and lakes.