Cruising the Scenic Fjords of Norway
Four days of fjordland exploration feature on this exceptional seven-night sailing, packed with unforgettable sights and highlights throughout. You’ll experience the magic of smaller ship cruising in some of Norway’s most spectacular waterways, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Hardangerfjord and Aurlandsfjord, while Bolette will also navigate the narrow and winding, glass-like waters of UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to awaken your senses with breathtaking views and stunning peace undiscovered on larger ships.[ReadMoreMob]
Along the way, visits to four enchanting destinations allow for magical memories to be made ashore. Within Hardangerfjord, amongst tall, untamed scenes of rolling valleys and imposing peaks, charming Rosendal appears; from here you can join an unforgettable flightseeing adventure presenting views of the fjord, as well as the striking Folgefonna Glacier. Meanwhile, Eidfjord is the perfect base from which to tour to the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory, to learn of and sample produce from Hardangerfjord. A call at Flåm offers an opportunity to explore magnificent mountain valleys and see cascading waterfalls up-close via the famous Flåmsbana railway, while Stavanger provides a taste of fascinating Norwegian history and culture.
Your Itinerary
- Discover unforgettable sights of Norway
- Take in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Hardangerfjord
- Make magical memories ashore at Flåm, and Stavanger
Dover, England
Jul 24 | Depart - late afternoon
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns. Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.
Rosendal, Norway
Jul 26 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Tucked away between majestic mountains and rolling valleys at the heart of the Hardangerfjord, picturesque Rosendal is a truly memorable experience, not least because of the stunning journey along Norway’s second longest fjord to get to it.
Once ashore, most attractions in this pretty village can be reached on foot, including the 13th century Kvinnherad Church, the fascinating Shipbuilding Museum, found down by the harbour, and the only Barony in Norway. Sat atop a hill overlooking the village, the Barony is a small castle which dates back to 1665. Today it’s an interesting museum featuring a collection of tapestries, literature and porcelain, and an enchanting Renaissance rose garden.
While Rosendal itself is a wonderful place, the incredible natural scenery further inland is simply unmissable. Folgefonna National Park is a wonderland of ice-sculpted landscapes and glaciers, and includes Norway’s third largest glacier, the Folgefonna. The area is one outstanding photo opportunity. Explore a little further, and the astonishing sights of the Bondhusbrea Glacier and Furebergfossen Waterfall can be discovered.
Cruising Maurangerfjord & Furebergfossen, Norway
Jul 26 | Arrive - early evening | Depart - early evening
The Norwegian Fjords are among some of the most beautiful and picturesque locations on earth, and Maurangerfjord is no exception. Branching off of the stunning Hardangerfjord, Maurangerfjord stretches into Nordrepollen and Austrepollen and is home to the pretty Furebergfossen Waterfall. A cruise along this vast natural wonder offers fabulous photo opportunities and out-of-this-world sights.
Eidfjord, Norway
Jul 27 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early afternoon
The picturesque village of Eidfjord, set within the breath-taking Hardangerfjord, is a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural features and possibly the most beautiful place in the Norwegian fjords. Located beneath a back-drop of soaring, snow-peaked mountains, engraved with rivers and waterfalls, Eidfjord begs for exploration and presents some of the fjordland's greatest photo opportunities The village’s tranquil feel extends to the lush fields that run for miles, meandering through clusters of wood-slat homes in ice-cream hues.
Two quaint churches, one dated back to 1309, are both worth exploring, while the Troll Train offers a 50-minute guided tour of this stunning region. From the train you can experience Eidfjord’s exquisite scenery and Hæreid, the largest Viking burial site from the Iron Age.
Hiking is very popular in the area, and for those keen sports enthusiasts, kayaking down the dramatic, mountain-flanked fjords is a must-do. Alternatively, visitors can head for the amazing Hardangervidda Nature Centre or the infamous Voringfossen Waterfall, a tumbling natural beauty set deep in the mountains of Måbødalen Valley.
Flåm, Norway
Jul 28 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
Flåm is a tiny village on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the spectacular Sognefjord – the longest and deepest fjord in Europe. Situated amongst scenes of picturesque orchards, hamlets, cottages and farmland, this is one of Norway's most breathtaking locations.
Visitors to Flåm are often drawn to the charming village church, with its traditionally decorated walls, while the Flåmsbana Railway is ranked highly on the fjordland's must-do list. Climbing over 20km as it passes through the magnificent mountain scenery, the Flåmsbana takes in incredible sights such as the striking Kjosfossen Waterfall, crashing 225 metres down rugged cliffs. The Flåmsbana Museum, exploring the railway’s design and construction, is worth visiting too.
Flåm is also perfectly situated for boat tours to UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, one of National Geographic's top natural heritage sites.
Cruising Naeroyfjord, Norway
Jul 28 | Arrive - early evening | Depart - late evening
The Nærøyfjord (Naeroyfjord) has been rated by National Geographic as the world's number one natural heritage site and is rumoured to be the inspiration for the snowy scenes in the hit Disney movie Frozen.
The fjord is 18 kilometres long and only 500 metres wide at its narrowest point and the passage through it, which is only accessible to smaller ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet, is one of the most dramatic in Europe. As you cruise through this stunning part of the world you'll see snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and charming traditional farms that cling to the vast hillsides.
Stavanger, Norway
Jul 29 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Behind the bustle of the prosperous and cosmopolitan Stavanger of today lie 1,000 years of ancient seafaring tradition and history. This vibrant, exciting Norwegian city oozes charm and was awarded the prestigious title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2008.
The city’s wealth and thriving oil industry has prompted its tag as Norway’s ‘Oil Capital’, but Stavanger has remained as charming as ever. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, has narrow winding streets and ancient wooden houses gathered round an historic fresh fish and vegetable market. Stavanger is also a university city, which is reflected in the city’s lively, urban atmosphere, and in the varied assortment of shopping and dining experiences.
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum exhibits drilling equipment, a model oil platform, submersibles and audio-visual shows, while the city’s Herring Canning Museum celebrates one of Stavanger’s earlier sources of wealth. Beyond the town, the Three Swords monument commemorates the 9th century battle of Hafrsfjord – the moment Harald Hårfagre became the first King of Norway.
Stavanger is also perfectly placed for the breath-taking Lysefjord, one of the most famous Norwegian Fjords. This stunning waterway is home to the Kjerag Mountain and Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) – two of the country's most popular attractions.
Dover, England
Jul 31 | Arrive - early morning
Home of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is one of England's most iconic towns. Located on the south-east coast of England just 21 miles across the English Channel from France, Dover – home of the world's busiest passenger port – is the first sight for many visitors arriving from around the world.
This historic town is much more than a gateway to Britain, and offers much to discover, including the 12th century Dover Castle – which overlooks the pretty harbour and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels – Archcliffe Fort, and the Western Heights, where a series of coastal defences and unspoilt nature reserves await exploration.