With over 55,000 islands along Norway’s nearly 25,000km coastline, exquisite seafood, heaps of majestic, mysterious history, and, of course, the Northern Lights, it’s no wonder that sailing and cruise holidays to Norway and its iconic fjords have never been more popular.
Indeed, the Norwegian fjords are a marvel of nature, an unforgettable sight of breathtaking beauty and grandeur. Whilst a driving holiday to the country certainly brings with it some gorgeous vistas, there really is no better way to enjoy the fjords than by boat.Sailing along this intricate network of cliff-bordered waterways reveals quietly flowing waters, towering snow-capped mountains, and charming coastal towns.
If you’re looking for some help in shaping your itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 5 essential places to visit on a Norwegian fjord cruise.
Bergen
Cruises in the Norwegian fjords often include the city of Bergen in their itinerary, widely celebrated for its distinctive charm and bewitching allure. Known as the Gateway to the Fjords, Bergen’s bustling waterfront, colourful wooden houses, and surrounding mountains set the scene for an unforgettable adventure. The harbour is particularly picturesque, framed by traditional buildings with triangular tops in a myriad of colours; you’ll want your camera working for this one.
A former European City of Culture and Norway’s second city, be sure to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen, a historic wharf teeming with tradition.
Ålesund
Venture into Ålesund, a city known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, born from the ashes of a great fire in 1904. This city is your key to exploring the legendary Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site marked by snow-capped peaks, crashing waterfalls, and lush, green valleys. It’s truly a spectacle to behold.
Trondheim
Trondheim, Norway’s ancient capital, pairs beautiful 17th-century architecture with a vibrant, youthful energy. Amidst the charming streets and squares, you’ll find the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral – a pinnacle of Gothic design that took over two hundred years to construct and draws visitors from around the globe.
But that’s not all; the city is dotted with museums, like the National Museum of Decorative Arts and the Trondheim Science Museum, which offer intriguing insights into Norwegian culture and history.
Make sure you hang out in Bakklandet while you’re here, The historic neighbourhood is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. With its cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses, and acclaimed restaurants, it’s as charming as it comes.
Back in the city proper, if you find yourself hungry then check out the Michelin-starred FAGN or its more affordable sister restaurant nextdoor, FAGN-Bistro. Both are gorgeous expressions of Norwegian hyper-seasonality, and are not to be missed. The ‘grandma’s brown blue cheese’ dish, in particular, is one of the best things we’ve ever eaten!
For those who’ve had enough of city slicking, fear not; being located on the Trondheim Fjord, visitors can easily embark on a fjord safari from here, experiencing breathtaking views and potentially seeing seals, porpoises, and sea eagles.
Tromsø
Dubbed the ‘Paris of the North,’ Tromsø is an enchanting blend of culture, history, and Arctic adventures. Here, you’ve got a front-row seat to the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, and a chance to experience the rich Sami culture.
Deep in the Arctic Circle and known fondly as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, it’s especially revered for its midnight sun between May 18th and July 26th. Tromso is also a busy location for festivals: films, music, and cultural festivals take place throughout the year. Some of the festivals you’ll be wanting to time your visit to attend include:
- Tromsø International Film Festival: Taking place each January, this is an essential event for film enthusiasts. The festival tends to focus on films from Nordic and North European countries. It’s known for its outdoor cinema where attendees can watch films under the Northern Lights.
- Tromsø Sami Week: In February, Tromsø pays tribute to its indigenous Sami roots with a week-long series of events. This includes reindeer racing, cultural exhibits, music performances, and a vibrant market selling traditional Sami crafts and culinary delights.
- Bukta Tromsø Open Air Festival: Come July, the Bukta Festival brings rock music to the shores of Tromsø. This open-air festival has seen both national and international rock bands play against the stunning backdrop of the Tromsø Sound.
- Tromsø International Snow Festival: In the chilly month of January, teams from around the world gather in Tromsø to compete in this large snow sculpture competition —creating stunning displays that illuminate the city.
- Tromsø Jazz Festival: In August, Tromsø hosts a Jazz Festival featuring international artists with a focus on Northern Norwegian jazz talent. The festival is held at various venues throughout the city, including the famed Mack Brewery.
The city is believed to have been founded during the 9th century, but archaeological excavations show that the region has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. Yep, Tromso is a very special place indeed.
Hammerfest
Venture even further north to Hammerfest, considered the world’s northernmost city. Sounding more like a heavy metal weekender than a city, this lively, poignant place offers mesmerising seascapes and a chance to immerse oneself fully in Norway’s proud history and vibrant culture.
One of the must-visit landmarks here is the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a museum that provides enlightening details about the town’s hunting past and its relationship with the Arctic environment and its animals. For the outdoorsy types, hiking the two-hour trail to Mount Salen offers a breathtaking view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding landscapes. There’s also the striking Church of Hammerfest, a modernist masterpiece and spiritual haven for visitors seeking tranquillity.
No trip to Hammerfest would be complete without experiencing the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. This natural spectacle, occurring from May until late July, lights up the sky with a beautiful, warm glow 24/7, allowing tourists to enjoy daytime activities at any hour.
For history enthusiasts, the UNESCO listed Meridian Column memorial commemorates the first official measurement of the Earth’s size. Lastly, remember to wander around the town, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the wonderful local cuisine, perhaps trying some fresh Arctic seafood, a local speciality.
The Bottom Line
There is a sense of magic that permeates the air in Norway, with its staggeringly beautiful fjords and vibrant coastal towns. The best way to experience these stunning landscapes is without doubt is by cruises, and if you carry this guide with you while you’re cruising, the true majesty of the Norwegian fjords will reveal themselves.
Bon Voyage!
If you’ve not yet had your fill of stunning snow-capped vistas, then check out our guide to the must see destinations in Iceland’s Golden Circle. You won’t regret it!