Highlights & Hidden Gems of the Norwegian Fjords

Seven hills and seven fjords frame Hanseatic Bergen, a city steeped in maritime heritage. Of Bergen’s many attractions, the 900-year-old UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf is a standout highlights. A delight to explore, the Bryggen's cobbled stairways are lined with traditional half-timbered buildings and climb away from the waterfront, leading to curious open spaces that are often overflowing with colourful flowers that perfume the air. 

Bergen has a vibrant fish market and hosts one of Norway's biggest cultural events of the year, the Bergen International Festival. The city was once the home of Norway's most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to his life’s work.

Not to be missed is a chance to ride the Funicular Railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, offering spectacular panoramic views of Bergen and its scenic surroundings.

Next Port | Cruise Hardangerfjord, Norway

Known as the 'Queen of the Fjords', Hardangerfjord is situated centrally in the heart of Western Norway. The best way to experience this incredible fjord is to sail along its 197-kilometre-long stretch of still, azure water, enjoying the spellbinding scenery, towering mountains, waterfalls and idyllic orchards.

Next Port | Eidfjord, Norway

The picturesque village of Eidfjord, set within the scenic Hardangerfjord, is the gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural features. Located beneath a backdrop of soaring mountains engraved with rivers and waterfalls, Eidfjord begs for exploration. 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. The Troll Train offers a 50-minute guided tour of the village, where you can view picturesque scenery and Hæreid, the largest Viking burial site from the Iron Age.

Hiking is very popular in the area, as is kayaking down the dramatic, mountain-flanked Hardangerfjord. Alternatively, you can head to the Vøringfoss Waterfall, a tumbling natural beauty set deep within the mountains of Måbødalen Valley.

Next Port | Cruising Maurangerfjord & Furebergfossen, Norway

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.

Next Port | Cruising Åkrafjord & Langfoss Waterfall, Norway

Enjoy an incredible scenic cruise along the stunning Akrafjord, taking in the magnificent sight of the Langfoss Waterfall, widely regarded as one of the best in Norway. 

As you enjoy an incredible scenic cruise along the Åkrafjord past the mighty Langfoss Waterfall you’ll be so close you can almost feel the spray of this magnificent natural wonder. Widely regarded as one of Norway's best waterfalls - in fact, CNN once voted as it as one of the top ten in the world - the Langfoss is a truly stunning, unforgettable sight. 

Next Port | Cruising Sognefjord, Norway

The magnificent Sognefjord is one of the world's longest fjords and the largest in Norway. Truly one of the world's most stunning natural wonders, a scenic cruise along this spectacular waterway will showcase the best that mother nature has to offer including incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains and glistening waterfalls. 

Next Port | Cruising Lustrafjord, Norway

The Lustrafjord – an arm of the stunning Sognefjord – boasts incredible natural beauty and spectacular landscapes and as you cruise through the glorious glaciers, magnificent mountains and charming villages that line the wonderful, often bright green waters, you’ll see why the fjord has inspired the work of many great Norwegian artists over the years. 

Home to some of Norway’s most famous landmarks, there will be plenty of fantastic photo opportunities on a scenic cruise through Lustrafjord. Be sure to keep an eye out for the 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.

Next Port | Skjolden, Norway

Sitting at the end of the world's longest fjord, Skjolden is considered one of the world's most breath-taking destinations, overlooked by soaring mountains and dramatic cliffs. Beautiful Skjolden is perfectly placed as a gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains and Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe's largest glacier.

Skjolden offers a slice of genuine Norwegian hospitality and nature beyond imagination; it is also home of Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Feigum Waterfalls – the most spectacular in Norway, are equally unmissable.

Ludwig Wittgenstein lived and worked in Skjolden in the early 20th century. Considered by some to be the greatest philosopher of his era, Wittgenstein continues to influence western thinking in logic and language, ethics and religion, and he wrote many of his most influential works when he stayed here.

Next Port | Cruising Nordfjord & Innvikfjord, Norway

The sixth longest Norwegian fjord, and one of the most picturesque, beautiful Nordfjord stretches from mainland Norway's western-most point – overlooking Stadhavet, Sunnmørsalpene and Ålfotbreen – to the magnificent Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest inland glacier. 

A journey along this spectacular waterway aboard one of Fred. Olsen's smaller-sized cruise ships brings ever-changing, breathtaking scenes into your viewfinder. The ocean entrance to the fjord is relatively flat, with low-lying lands and smooth beaches. As you venture deeper, the landscapes become taller and untamed, where isolated villages appear amongst a panorama of lush valleys, mighty cliffs and soaring alpine mountains.

Next Port | Olden, Norway

At its eastern end, the magnificent Nordfjord divides into three arms beneath the glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen, and Olden sits at the beginning of the southernmost of these arms. A charming village, Olden is among green meadows which are ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer, and through which babbling brooks meander between pretty houses.

In the centre of the village is the Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of a 14th century stave church: the timber was used for the pew doors and doorposts. Near the church is the Singerheimen, the former home of William Henry Singer Jr, an heir to a steelworks in Pittsburgh, who lived in Olden between 1868-1943 and donated large amounts of his wealth to fund the building of local hospitals and roads here. Singer was also a gifted amateur artist, and some of his paintings the Olden area can be seen in his workshop.

The beautiful Oldedalen Valley extends for 12 miles behind Olden and is an absolute joy to explore. On an adventure into the valley you can marvel at huge, near-vertical cliffs, a string of spectacular waterfalls and glaciers, such as the Briksdal.

Next Port | Cruising by Hornelen, Norway

A scenic cruise alongside Hornelen with Fred. Olsen offers you the opportunity to get closer to Europe's highest sea cliff. Gliding gently through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on earth you'll stand in awe as you gaze upwards toward the summit of this incredible landmark from the comfort of your ship's decks. 

Next Port | Cruising Romsdalfjorden & Isfjorden, Norway

One of the longest – and cleanest – Norwegian fjords, Romsdalsfjorden is the fjordland at its very best. Framed by the majestic peaks and waterfalls of the Romsdalsalpene Mountains, which tower over rolling, lush green valleys and charming waterside villages, the fjord boasts spectacular scenery to admire as your smaller-sized ship slices through the glassy waters and cool, crisp air.

Sailing deep into Romsdalsfjorden, you may cruise all the way to the fjord village of Isfjorden, situated at the innermost part of the fjord. Isfjorden is idyllic as it gets, a sleepy, unspoilt charm surrounded by some of Norway’s most famous natural landmarks, such as Romsdalshorn and Trollveggen.

Next Port | Åndalsnes, Norway

Surrounded by the incredible mountains of the Romsdalsfjord, Åndalsnes is often referred to as the 'Alp town by the fjord'. Situated at the mouth of the Rauma River, the town is in one of the most beautiful areas of scenic Norway, and a natural starting point for forest walks in the hilly terrain and short hikes to magnificent viewpoints.

With all its natural attractions, this beautiful destination is one of Norway’s most popular locations for sightseers and a mecca for hikers. Known as the 'Mountaineering Capital', Åndalsnes is close to the mighty Trollveggen (The Troll Wall), the tallest vertical rock face in Europe – an appealing challenge for many climbers. Many visitors, who wish to enjoy the sights with a little less effort, can take the Rauma Railway into the mountains to discover amazing views.

Next Port | Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland