Top Five Ports in the Norwegian Fjords

• The UNESCO Icons: Discover why the crystal waters of Geirangerfjord and the cascading Seven Sisters waterfalls are considered the absolute jewel in Norway’s crown.

• City Meets Wilderness: From the Art Nouveau architecture of Ålesund to the adrenaline of the Loen Skylift in Olden, we reveal the perfect mix of culture and adventure.

• The Top 5: Read on for our expert guide to the essential ports of call, including why a ride on the world-famous Flåm railway is a non-negotiable experience.

Norwegian Fjords cruises offer something unique, something spectacular. The mystique of the wilderness where tiny islands are suspended on deep sapphire waters, and craggy mountain ridges hide the source of cascading waterfalls. 

But what and where exactly are the Norwegian Fjords? 

Norway, in Northern Europe, is home to more than a thousand amazing Fjords - which are narrow in-land waterways which run in between steep cliffs - dotted across the coastlines of the country from the North to the South. But some of the most famous and spectacular Fjords are predominantly located along the western side of Norway. 

A cruise is an ideal way to access the iconic beauty and majesty of the Norwegian Fjords, guiding you around and through their beauty and pausing at various ports for you to discover more. 

Cruises typically travel to the Fjords in the popular Western and Southern parts of Norway, where you can bask in the breathtaking Scandinavian scenery on sea days as well as on port days. 

Some stops offer vibrant cities while others are charming villages, and most provide a great variety of informative excursions and activities, from visiting intriguing art galleries to hiking in the stunning Norwegian wilderness. 

Lots of popular cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Princess Cruises offer itineraries starting from a variety of UK and European ports to the Norwegian Fjords, and usually last between seven and 14 days. 

So, which ports are best for a Norwegian Fjords cruise? Below we share five of our favourite Norwegian ports and why you should visit them as part of your next cruise holiday. 

1. Oslo

As Norway’s dynamic capital, Oslo has plenty to offer. Its port location is conveniently situated close by to the city centre, making it easy for you to explore the city’s attractions. For culture lovers, you’re in for a treat with over 50 different museums and many galleries to explore and get lost in. 

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is a highlight – the largest in the world by a single artist, with more than 200 bronze, granite and cast-iron sculptures. Or, if you love winter sports, head to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower to discover over 4,000 years of skiing history. 

Alternatively, take a trip back in time by taking a guided tour of the Akershus Fortress, which dates back to the 1300s and was historically used as a residence by Norwegian royalty. 

2. Geiranger

If you’re seeking the definitive Norwegian fjord experience, the village of Geiranger is a must-visit. From here, you can explore the Geirangerfjord – known as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is an utterly awe-inspiring vista.

Taking a kayak is an incredibly serene way to visit these Fjords, quietly paddling past the Seven Sisters Falls, which descend 410 metres and split into seven separate streams. The landscape is so enchanting that it even inspired animation filmmaker Disney when creating the scenery around Arendelle in the hit film Frozen.

3. Ålesund

Visit Ålesund, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Nordic fairytale. Its Art Nouveau architecture is renowned, with beautifully ornate turrets and spires. As a cultural centre, it hosts numerous festivals, including the Ålesund Theatre Festival and Jugendfest and Trandal Country Festival. 

For nature enthusiasts, there’s the nearby bird sanctuary island of Runde and the Atlantic Sea-Park, one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Europe.

4. Olden

Olden needs to be on your itinerary if you love outdoor adventures. Start by taking the Loen Skylift cable car up to Mount Hoven. 

At 1,011 metres, the panoramic views are magnificent. Here you can hike one of the many breathtaking trails or if you’re feeling bold, try zip-lining or paragliding. Down below, you can take a boat fishing in the crystal-clear lakes or explore the charming, picturesque village.

5. Flåm

For picture-postcard fjord scenery, it doesn’t get better than Flåm, where the snow-capped mountains give way to verdant green forest and grassland and cool, rushing waterfalls meet the fjord’s deep waters.  

A trip on the Flåm railway is a must – regarded as the world’s most beautiful and one of the top attractions in Norway, it winds its way through this spectacular landscape from Aurlandsfjord to crawling up and through the mountains to Myrdal station. 

Or perhaps continue your water adventure with a Nærøyfjord cruise to gain a close-up view of this gorgeous landscape. For an authentic insight into Viking history and lifestyle, pay a visit to The Viking Valley in Gudvangen.

A Norwegian Fjords cruise is like no other. With natural beauty and serenity unrivalled anywhere else in the world, it will leave you totally captivated by this Scandinavian region.