Fjords, Mountains & Glaciers of Norway

Åndalsnes is often referred to as the 'Alp town by the fjord'. Located at the mouth of the Rauma River, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town is in one of the most scenic areas of Norway, and a natural starting point for forest walks and hikes to magnificent viewpoints. The Rauma Railway is considered to be one of the best railway routes in Europe, since it was constructed 100 years ago.

Sail into the serene beauty of Romsdalsfjorden, one of Norway’s most picturesque, longest and cleanest fjords, framed by the majestic peaks and waterfalls of the Romsdalsalpene Mountains, which tower over lush green valleys and charming waterside villages. As your ship glides through this majestic fjord, you’ll be treated to views of quaint coastal villages and dramatic mountain landscapes that seem to rise straight from the sea. Along the way, you might glimpse the famous Rauma Railway snaking through the cliffs, or the iconic Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, standing proudly as a testament to nature’s grandeur.

The beautiful village of Olden is nestled in the inner arm of Nordfjord, with sparkling green fjord waters framed by rolling meadows and towering cliff faces. Venture further afield to visit Briksdal Glacier as it glistens in the autumn sun, offering remarkable views across the fjord on a hike to a natural viewing platform, while the village itself is delightfully compact enough to explore on foot, with paths that offer vistas of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, Loen Skylift, offers you the chance to be transported to the top of Mount Hoven in just a few exhilarating moments. For those wishing for a more tranquil experience, picturesque Lovatnet Lake is close by, whose striking mix of blue and green crystal-clear waters come from melted glaciers.

Stretching over 66 nautical miles from the westernmost point in Norway, overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps, to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, picturesque Nordfjord has postcard-perfect icy-blue waters framed by towering peaks covered in lush greenery. As your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, a narrow branch of Nordfjord, the landscape becomes fairytale-like, with forested hillsides leading down to tranquil waters, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages and farms dotted along the fjord edge. Sailing along these fjords in September also offers chances to spot vibrant fruit orchards from the decks of your ship.

The idyllic village of Skjolden is located at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjorden, where the deep blue waters contrast against the green landscape and red-roofed houses, creating a summer kaleidoscope of colour. Spectacular waterfalls tumble down steep cliffsides into the fjord below, and close by are the magnificent Jotunheimen Mountains and Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which you will have opportunities to explore on a tour from your ship. You’ll also be ideally placed to enjoy a hike to the tiny hut where world-famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein exiled himself to write some of his most important works.

Lustrafjord – an arm of the spectacular Sognefjord – boasts the incredible natural beauty and landscapes of glaciers, mountains and charming villages which line the often bright green waters of the fjord. Lustrafjord has inspired the work of many great Norwegian artists over the years and is home to some of Norway’s most famous landmarks, such as UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church – the oldest stave church in Norway – and the magnificent 218 metre high Feigumfossen Waterfall, one of the country’s highest falls.

Nicknamed the King of the Fjords, Sognefjord is Norway’s largest and deepest fjord and the second longest fjord in the world, stretching over 200km from the coast of Bergen to the small village of Skjolden. The tranquil waters and combination of glacier topped mountains, green farmland, steep forested mountainsides and cascading waterfalls provide an ideal place to enjoy Norway’s natural beauty.

The Norwegian Fjords are among some of the most picturesque locations on earth, and Maurangerfjord is no exception. Branching off from Hardangerfjord, Maurangerfjord stretches into Nordrepollen and Austrepollen and is home to the sprawling Furebergsfossen waterfall. The magnificent waterfall flows down the steep mountainside, over large rocks, surrounded by deep green spruces, under the road and directly into the Maurangerfjord.

Known as the 'Queen of the Fjords', Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. At 106 nautical miles long, and the world’s third longest fjord, this stretch of deep blue water is flanked by towering mountains – including the well-known Trolltunga rock formation, magnificent waterfalls and idyllic orchards. Charming villages are located along the banks of the Hardangerfjord, including Eidfjord, which offers superb views of the fjord.

The beautiful town of Ulvik is renowned for its apple orchards, and visiting at this time of year during harvest season will offer you many opportunities to explore the local area, taste different apple varieties, and sample locally produced cider. You will also be perfectly placed to discover the region’s numerous trails on a hike or by bicycle, which offer outstanding views of green hills turning to shades of yellow and red or see the fjord from the unique viewpoint of a kayak as you slice through its glassy waters in the crisp autumnal air. There will also be opportunities to visit the wooden Osa church in Ulvik, known for its distinctive architecture, or go beyond the town to see Vøringsfossen waterfall.

The Hanseatic city of Bergen is steeped in maritime history, with the 900-year old Bryggen Wharf being its highlight. Here, the famous fish market offers appealing fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables, and hosts the annual Bergen International Festival. Edvard Grieg, Norway’s renowned composer had a home here and the Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to his work. Close by is the funicular railway, offering unrivalled views from the top of Mount Fløyen.