What to expect on a Norwegian Fjords cruise
Tuesday 1 October 2024
It goes without saying that Norway and the Norwegian Fjords are home to some of the most breathtaking sights and captivating cultures in the world. A Norwegian Fjords cruise will take you up close and personal to some of these iconic locations. In this guide, we take you through some of the wonders you can expect on a Norwegian Fjords cruise, from whale watching to wandering ancient towns, Norway has it all.
What to expect on a Norwegian Fjords cruise:
· Breathtaking scenery day and night
· Captivating culture
· The Northern Lights
· Glaciers and waterfalls
· Wonderful wildlife
Breathtaking scenery day and night
The Norwegian Fjords are one of the most iconic locations in the world, where crystal clear, icy waters meet flourishing flora and fauna and majestic mountain tops. Whether you are exploring day or night, then the fjords don’t disappoint. A trip out on the top deck at dusk will offer burning sunsets and clear night skies where the stars sparkle like gems.
Emmalene, a keen traveller and the name behind the blog A Brummie Home and Abroad spoke a little more about the best times to visit Norway and when is best to explore the wonders it has to hold.
“The perfect time to experience the absolute majesty of the Norwegian Fjords by cruise is on an early morning sail-in. Which means setting your alarm for a ridiculously early hour, piling on all the warm layers you can find and heading out on-deck. Clutching a welcome coffee, we headed to a perfect vantage point to see the sun emerge behind the hills, shimmering across the surprisingly still waters. And despite the hour, we were far from alone. We gathered in a crowd with our fellow bleary-eyed passengers, jaws dropping in awe as the spectacular landscape unfurled before us. If you really can’t pull yourself away from your cosy cabin, make sure you’re on deck for the sailaway – some ports, like Olden, really put on a show which is not to be missed! And summertime in the Norwegian Fjords means longer days – you can enjoy dinner, drinks and a show, and still catch a stunning sunset.”
Captivating culture
The beautiful scenery is one of many draws to the Fjords, with one of the others being the captivating culture that lies within the villages and towns that call Norway home. A cruise to Norway will take you to some iconic towns and villages including Flam, Stavanger and Geiranger where rustic architecture meets deep-rooted heritage and tradition.
Flam, a village in southwestern Norway, is an iconic cruising hot-spot and is known for its dramatic viewing platform that juts out above the Aurlandsfjord. The Flam Railway is the perfect way to explore the village on a port day and offers dramatic views and insight into life in this majestic village.
Stavanger, in contrast, is the third largest city in Norway and is a mecca of culture, entertainment and beautiful architecture. The ancient cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history, and the multiple museums preserve the city’s trade history for all to see.
Geiranger is a small village that sits at the head of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord and offers panoramic views of the surrounding majesty.
READ MORE: 10 interesting facts about Norway
The Northern Lights
It goes without saying that one of the main draws to the Norwegian Fjords is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they dance in the clear night sky.
If you’re planning to see the Aurora Borealis on your next Norway cruise, then make sure you are travelling at the right time of year. You’re most likely to see the lights between September and March due to the longer, darker nights and wintery weather. A trip out onto deck, once the sun has set, is the perfect setting for a gaze into the night sky.
Glaciers and waterfalls
If you’re embarking on a cruise to Norway and the Fjords, then get ready to be dazzled by the mighty glaciers and waterfalls that are dotted across the unassuming landscape.
The Seven Sisters can be spotted in Geirangerfjord. The waterfall is made up of seven waterfalls that plunge into the fjord from the side of the mountain. According to legend, the sisters are unmarried, and the waterfall on the opposite side of the fjord has made many unsuccessful marriage proposals.
Some of the largest ice caps are located in Norway and the country is said to be home to more than 2,500 of them, with Svalbard being the best place to catch a glimpse of the large ice expanses.
Wonderful wildlife
Sitting hand in hand with clear waters and an abundance of flora and fauna is wildlife, and a cruise to Norway will offer a glimpse at some of the rarest animals in the world. Whether you are on ship, or enjoying a port day, keep an eye out for reindeer, puffins and elk, as well as many marine animals.
A cruise in Norway is the perfect place to try and spot whales, seals and dolphins, so make sure you keep an eye on the waters when travelling between location.
If you’ve already booked your upcoming Norwegian Fjords cruise, or this article has convinced you to book a cruise holiday on an Ambassador cruise ship, then hopefully, you have some facts and thoughts to inform your travels. If you still haven’t booked your next cruise, then make sure you explore our cruise deals or check out our blog for more cruise and travel articles.
