Need help picking a Norwegian Fjords cruise? In my opinion, every cruise to Norway is an incredible one, but here are our favourite ports to visit!
Having cruised the fjords of Norway several times now, we feel we’re entitled to an opinion! We’ve travelled as a couple, as a family of 3 generations and on various cruise lines, but after much deliberation, we have narrowed it down to our five most highly recommended ports… plus one honourable mention, but hey, who’s counting?!
#5 Åndalsnes, Romadalsfjord
Often referred to as the ‘Alpine village by the fjord’, Åndalsnes is home to the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre, providing insight in to some of Norway’s iconic folklore as well as the local’s spirit of adventure.
Highlights from our visit include seeing Trollveggen (the Troll Wall), travelling along Trollstigen (the mountain pass of 11 hairpin bends), visiting the Bjorli ski resort off-season and learning about the local myths and legends at the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre.
#4 Flåm, Aurlandsfjord
Many people say that when you visit Flåm, you simply must take a ride on the Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway), and whilst that is a very popular thing to do, there are also other things we enjoyed on our visit to this picturesque village at the end of the fjord.
A stop at the Stegastein Viewpoint is a must. Whilst the viewpoint itself is a modern marvel, it’s the landscape that will stick with you forever. The vantage point is so iconic of the fjords, you will be doing yourself an injustice if you don’t make it up there. Don’t forget your camera!
If you get time and the weather permits, there is also a (somewhat strenuous) walking trail that takes you through the village and up to the Brekkefossen waterfall which, although quite steep at times, is a sight to behold once you get there. It does take 2-3 hours however, so take plenty of water and wear good shoes!
#3 Bergen, the heart of the fjords
Although Bergen is not situated in a fjord, it often features on fjords cruises due to its location, positioned perfectly between Norway’s largest fjords: Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
There is so much to do here, you can’t do it all in a day, so do some research in advance and hit your must-dos first. For us, we needed to ride on the Fløibanen funicular, enjoy the view with a Bergen’s Skillingsboller (that’s a traditional cinnamon bun) and wander through the shops. There are so many museums, galleries, shops and other excursions, you will find it hard to choose what to do and what to miss!
#2 Olden, Nordfjord
On our first visit to Olden, we enjoyed kayaking on the fjord, walking through the lush green valley and visiting a traditional Norwegian church. My mother took a full day guided tour to the Briksdal Glacier which included a cruise on Lovatnet Lake and a few other photo stops. Read more about what there is to experience in one day in Olden on our dedicated blog post here.
In addition to visiting Olden itself, you can also take a bus to the neighbouring village of Loen where the Skylift will make reaching the peak of a mountain possible for everyone. More information about visiting Loen Skylift can be found here.
#1 Geiranger, Geirangerfjord
A beautiful village perched next to an epic waterfall, a wonderfully engaging family-friendly visitor centre, and air so fresh you feel you could live forever… this place is heaven on a fjord! There are so many ways to experience it’s majestic beauty, from tearing up the miles in a Twizy, to wild swimming in the deep blue waters, this port really does have it all. You can also show your appreciation to the locals by spending some krone in one of the boutiques or cafe during your visit.
To read more about what to expect when visiting gorgeous Geiranger, read our post “A Day In Geiranger: Tourist Guide” here.
It really would be a shame not to mention our favourite urban port – Stavanger. Though it is not technically a fjord destination, it is on almost every Norwegian Fjords itinerary, and rightly so. To learn more about Stavanger and why we love it so much, read out post “A Day In Stavanger” here.
We have also visited Hellysylt & Haugesund, each of which have their own charm, but didn’t quite make the cut of our ‘top 5’ list. We’ll also be adding Oslo to our Norwegian ports portfolio in a few months time, but as this isn’t typically on a fjords itinerary, it would be unfair to add it to this list.
In Summary
It doesn’t matter where you go, its all about the memories you make. Norwegian folk are so warm and welcoming, they are passionate about their home and love sharing its natural beauty with respectful visitors. Despite the relentless daily influx of tourists throughout the summer, the local community are all too aware that they rely on sustainable tourism, and they provide some of the best hospitality and touring services in each port. Unless there is something thats a ‘must-see’ for you, consider asking a local upon arrival for recommendations on what to do – you might just find something incredible.
Learn more about these ports in our Norway section of the blog here.
Useful Links
Geiranger Fjordservice: www.geirangerfjord.no/english
Outdoor Active: www.outdooractive.com/en
Venture Ashore: www.ventureashore.com
Visit Nord Fjord: www.nordfjord.no
Visit Norway: www.visitnorway.com
World Heritage Visitor Centre: www.fjordsenter.com/en
Do you have any questions about cruising the Norwegian Fjords? Please leave a comment and we’ll be sure to help where we can!
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