A Travel Guide for Cruising Norway’s Fjords

There’s no denying the irresistible beauty of Norway, especially when sailing along its towering fjords. Here’s a guide to some of the most famous fjords you could see on a Norway cruise with travel tips to help you make the most of the journey:

Geirangerfjord

If you’re planning to embark on a Norway fjords cruise, Geirangerfjord will definitely impress. Featured in the photo above, this fjord is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also claimed to be the world’s most beautiful fjord and could easily top your list of things to see on a Norway cruise. It has a depth of nearly 1,640 feet (500 meters) below the surface. Above the water, the fjord’s walls shoot up three times as much.

Dependent on your itinerary, you may want to wake up early to soak up the sights as you cruise along the fjord for nine miles to Geiranger, a small Norwegian village. Relish the views from the comfort of your balcony or head up to one of the decks with fellow passengers.

Sognefjord

The longest and deepest fjord in Norway is Sognefjord, nicknamed the King of the Fjords. It winds over 100 miles inland and has two smaller arms known as Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. At the end of Aurlandsfjord you’ll find the charming town of Flåm with the Flåm Railway, one of Norway’s greatest engineering feats known for having a steep gradient. Climb aboard for an adventure as you travel along narrow cliffs to a waterfall where you might spot Hulder, a legendary forest creature.

As you continue your Norway fjords cruise along Sognefjord, you may discover Skjolden and its stunning waterfalls. Here you can visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church found in Norway and another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trondheimsfjord

If you’re fascinated by the legends of the Vikings, then you’ll enjoy a Norway fjords cruise along Trondheimsfjord. When you sail along this fjord, you’re sailing along the route Vikings took to their capital, Trondheim. Since it’s an ice-free landscape, the historic passageway is also home to corals and marine life. Even giant squid have been discovered in these waters. Trondheim is a major city in Norway for exports. It’s also the third largest city in Norway. Near the end of Trondheimsfjord, you’ll find the island of Ytterøya with summer cottages, tasty produce and Stone Age burial mounds.

Hardangerfjord

One of the longest fjords in the world at more than 100 miles, many visit Hardangerfjord during the spring season to bask in the beauty of its blossoming fruit trees. Its deep waters are home to plenty of fish, and you’ll also find brown trout and wild salmon in the rivers and lakes. If you love hiking, then you’ll enjoy the unique rock formations of Trolltunga (aka Troll’s Tongue). Here you could spot reindeer herds, elk and mountain fox.

Liefdefd Fjord, Raudfjord and Woodfjord

On the north coast of Spitsbergen – the biggest island in the Svalbard archipelago – you’ll find three fjords offering stunning scenery: Liefdefd Fjord, Raudfjord and Woodfjord. Though the Liefdefd Fjord is known as Svalbard’s most scenic fjord with some of Norway’s most breathtaking backdrops, all three fjords are part of the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park. Many visitors are captivated by this area due to its extinct volcanoes, hot springs and glistening blue glaciers.

Travel Tips for Cruising Norway’s Fjords

• Bring binoculars and a camera on your Norway cruise. Consider the following for binoculars:
  (1) Look for magnification of 8x to 10x. It might be tempting to buy a pair with high magnification, but anything higher than 10x will be hard to hold steady, especially on a moving platform like a cruise ship.
  (2) The bigger the objective lens, the more light comes in and the brighter the view.
  (3) Binoculars with roof prisms have a sleek, streamlined shape and less bulk. Ones with Porro prism systems cost less and the view is brighter.
  (4) Aim for a compact pair that you can comfortably hold around your neck for a few hours.
  (5) To help you find the best camera for vacation photos, check out our How to Choose the Best Camera for Your Cruise blog post.
• Plan ahead by familiarizing yourself with the cruise schedule using the Navigator App. You don’t want to miss awe-inspiring sights.
• Dress warm. Even during summer months, Norway can be chilly. Bring your beanie, gloves and jacket with you when taking in the sights.

Are you ready to embark on a cruise that will have you in awe? Do you want to see the best fjords in Norway? Explore our Norway cruise itineraries to choose your cruise adventure. The fjords and all their beauty await you.