Table Of Content
That's especially true if you prefer a leisurely dining experience followed by a show in the evening, rather than spending your time on deck. Other itineraries sail into more than one fjord, giving guests a thorough introduction to one of nature's wonders. The word 'fjord' comes from the Old Norse fjǫrthr and refers to a long stretch of sea between high cliffs. They are formed when glaciers cut into the earth by gradually wearing away the rock, leaving a deep, U-shaped valley that is then flooded by the ocean. Discover the unique sights and experiences you can expect to savour on a cruise to Norway, and how to get the most from your voyage to this fairy-tale destination.
The time-honoured Norwegian coastal route
Sailing from May to August, our Norwegian fjord cruises last anywhere from seven nights to nine nights. Longer itineraries give you the chance to see towns like the mountainous Flam or the remote Geiranger. On a Northern Europe cruise, you’ll overnight in Oslo on the way to cities like Copenhagen, Bruges, and Paris, or visit the capital before venturing to Sweden and Finland. In the summer, we set our course for the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing sheer, 800 metre-high cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. The fjord’s pristine natural landscape of steep rock walls, lush green meadows, lonely mountain farms and tiny villages is unforgettable.
Enjoy even more of Norway
Norway Cruises Hit All-Time High In 2023 - Forbes
Norway Cruises Hit All-Time High In 2023.
Posted: Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Tumbling waterfalls that you can almost touch, majestic mountains that seem to rise higher and higher, and oh-so serene waterways. And ‘Fjord’ is in fact an ancient Viking term related to the phrase ‘where you travel across’ and the word ‘ferry’ – so the fjords for centuries have been central to the story of sea travel. When it comes to cruising Northern Europe, a Norway cruise should not be overlooked. Let Oslo’s metropolitan atmosphere energize you as you explore its opulent palaces and incredible museums.
Day Norwegian Voyage: Southbound Tromsø to Trondheim
During the summer, you could also bring t-shirts, shorts, jeans and perhaps a light jacket and definitely some walking shoes so that you can explore all the magical sights. This is our classic route that has faithfully served the families and communities of the Norwegian coast for generations.
Today, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages continue this tradition on the Norwegian coastal route. Cruising the Norwegian fjords is more than just ticking off a bucket list adventure; it's about selecting the right experience. First and foremost, it's important to understand that there is no such thing as a “typical” cruise. As Norwegian fjord cruising's popularity surges, so does local concern about overtourism. Recent years have seen an upsurge in anti-cruise sentiments, with notices in certain destinations urging cruise tourists to reconsider their visits. The warmth that the Gulf Stream brings to the fjords contrasts with the cold climate of the North, so a cruise to Norway could have any number of weather patterns.
Reasons to visit the Norwegian Fjords on a cruise holiday
It calls in to historic ports including the Åland Islands, Gdansk, Bornholm, Copenhagen and Aalborg on its way to Norway and the fjords. This itinerary includes just one fjord–the Hardangerfjord on the way to and from Eidfjord–but it might suit those looking for a wider introduction to the region. But when considering a fjord region itinerary, it's crucial to study the route in more detail, because the fjords matter just as much as the ports, if not more. In this article, I'll introduce these popular cruises in Norway and explain why so many people want to take one. But while a scenic drive provides awe-inspiring views, the experience on the deck of a ship as it sails the length of a fjord is hard to beat.
While you (hopefully!) won't need as much cold weather clothing, it may still prove useful when planning what to bring to Norway. For those averse to long cruise journeys or seeking a more personal experience, several smaller vessels provide short sightseeing cruises. This option is perfect for integrating into a more extensive Norwegian road trip. AIDA and MSC Cruises are among the European Lines to visit the fjords, although these lines often depart from Germany or Denmark. Found well within the Arctic Circle, these Norwegian islands are home to soaring mountain peaks, charming fishing villages and exciting Viking history.
Time travel at Sunnmøre Museum in Alesund, an open-air exhibit featuring preserved homes and boats dating back to medieval times. Beyond the majestic fjords, Norway’s cities and villages provide bucket-list opportunities for history buffs, foodies, and adventure seekers. Climb the soaring heights of Pulpit Rock for one of the best views in the country.
With a wide variety of itinerary lengths and ship types, from mainstream to luxury and expedition, cruise travelers have a lot of choices to tailor Norway cruises to their interests. Read on for our expert tips and get inspired for your ultimate Norway cruise adventure. Norway’s distilleries and craft microbrewing scene is rapidly growing in cities like Bergen and Alesund. After decades of mostly serving lagers, microbrewers around the country wanted to offer more variety for beer drinkers, so they started to brew their own IPAs, pale ales, and stouts.
With that in mind, let's look at some of the most popular types of cruise itinerary. The Norwegian government has set forth restrictions, allowing only zero-emission vessels to cruise certain UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords, set to begin in 2026. Small, brightly-coloured wooden cabins contrast against the green mountainsides, and birds circle overhead. Only in this way you can truly appreciate the sheer size and scale of these natural waterways. Despite their latitude, Norway's fjords have a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream. The waters are rich with fish, porpoises and seals due to the lack of ice.
This attractive coastal town has an amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’. At Myrdal join the famous Flåm Railway - a marvel of railway engineering, descending more than 900 metres to the town of Flåm. Take time to explore at your the town and even a visit to the local brewery or the Flåm railway museum. Dating back to 1893, dual-purpose vessels have traversed the Norwegian coastline, offering both cargo and passenger services.
Or find a cafe serving Norwegian waffles with jam made from local berries or the region's caramel-flavored brown goat's cheese. Cruise to Alesund, one of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city. We mark the occasion with a truly memorable traditional ceremony on deck.
The island groups of Lofoten and Vesterålen offer some of the most stunning natural scenery of the entire voyage. Lofoten is renowned for its steep mountains, sandy beaches, wild nature and picturesque fishing villages. Join us for a kayaking excursion in summer along Tromsø’s coastline - a great way to get close to marine wildlife. Molde is known as the ‘City of Roses’ because of its lovely municipal gardens.
No comments:
Post a Comment