Springtime Scenery of the Fjordland

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.

The Lysefjord is a stunning example of the Norwegian fjords' spectacular natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago, Lysefjord is lined by magnificent mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high into the unpolluted skies above.

In some sections of the fjord the water is as deep as the mountains are high, however at the shallowest point the water depth drops to just 13 metres. This means only small ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet can cruise the Lysefjord.

Sailing along the glassy waters on board a smaller cruise ship is without doubt the best way to take in the fjord's eclectic sights. Lookout for tumbling waterfalls, wonderful wildlife and pretty settlements dotted along the shores; and marvel at the sight of the impressive Lysefjordbrua suspension bridge as so you sail into the fjord.

On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices. If you’re very lucky you may hear the gunshot-like bang of Kjeragsmellet – an unexplained natural phenomenon that’s particularly prominent in the winter months.

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.[ReadMoreMob] 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.

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. [ReadMoreMob] 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 sparkling glaciers, such as the astonishing Briksdal.

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.

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.[ReadMoreMob] 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 [ReadMoreDesk]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.

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.