Norwegian Fjords & Mighty Waterfalls

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. 

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.

When you divert into Eidsfjorden aboard one of our smaller-sized cruise ships, yet more everchanging, breathtaking scenes appear within your viewfinder. Like Nordfjord, the landscapes here are often fairly low-lying, but as you journey along the crisp, still waters a number of prominent nature-carved landmarks are seen, from sky-reaching mountain peaks to rolling, verdany hills. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.

Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement. This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.

Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.