Norwegian Fjords Cruises

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

It's impossible not to appreciate Mother Nature in a land as beautiful as Norway. The Norwegian Fjords are a stunning sight, and the region's many mountains, glaciers, and waterways are ideal for active types looking to fish, hike, kayak or ski. This peaceful and prosperous nation attract visitors from around the world, and is an idyllic place to visit via ship.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise Highlights

Inhabited since the 11th Century BC, Norway is home to a plethora of history, art and culture. Explore the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo to view preserved ninth century ships, or the Heddal Stave Church in Notodden, dated to 1242. Walk through the Bergen Fish Market, be inspired by the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, and or take in the eye-catching architecture of the Oslo Opera House.

Popular Norwegian Fjords Cruise Ports

Travel to these ports on a Norwegian Fjords cruise to see the best of what this Scandinavian country has to offer:

• Flam, Norway: Visiting this small village means stepping back into a slower, simpler time. There are no traffic lights in the town, and much of the land is dotted with grazing sheep and cheese-producing goats.
• Bergen, Norway: Norway's second-largest city is known for its colorful wooden houses surrounding the historic wharf. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City and visit some of the many museums and art collections on display.
• Stavanger, Norway: A smaller port compared to Bergen or Oslo, Stavanger is an oil-rich city home to scenic spots like the Lysefjord, Sola Beach and Preikestolen, or "the Pulpit Rock," which juts out over the water for a stunning view of the fjords.

When is the Best Time to Go to the Norwegian Fjords?

There are two prime times to visit the Norwegian Fjords: in the summer, when daylight can stretch to 24 hours, and in the winter, when the Northern Lights are visible. Of course, in the winter, it is very cold and there is little to do beyond seeing the lights, so fewer ships go this time of year. Peak travel season by ship is June through August.

What Cruise Lines Go to the Norwegian Fjords?

Most major lines include Norwegian ports in cruises to Northern Europe, and some offer Norway-specific itineraries as well. Here are a few lines to explore for your next Norwegian Fjords cruise:

• Holland America: Holland America, born in the Netherlands, travels to many Norwegian ports during its cruises to Northern Europe. Visit Alesund, a quaint fishing village in the west, or Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway. Take in the magical views night and day from Holland's Panorama deck or your suite's own balcony.
• Costa Cruises: Costa sails to more than a dozen ports in Norway, including Olden, Trondheim, and Haugesund. These Norwegian cruises typically depart from Germany or the Netherlands, and sail between May and September. Costa offers many shore excursions, including kayaking through the fjords, hiking, and visiting medieval churches.
• MSC Cruises: Travel to cities like Alesund, Flam, Molde, Olden, or Tromso with MSC, which sails to these and other ports in Norway from June to August. Many of these itineraries depart from Germany, and include stops in nearby countries like Denmark and Finland.