Cruising Through Norwegian Fjords and Experiencing Viking Heritage  

From experiencing the breathtaking deep and narrow fjords carved by glaciers over millions of years to delving into the rich history of the Vikings, a cruise to Norway promises a fun and educational adventure for everyone.

Cruise lines operating in Norway prioritize a friendly atmosphere, ensuring that all passengers have something to look forward to during their journey through this stunning part of the world.

On board, you can relax in stylish staterooms or suites, enjoying top-notch dining and entertainment as you explore Norway in all its glory.

Why Choose to Cruise Norway?

While viewing these natural wonders is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, beyond the majestic fjords are picturesque towns and quaint villages that also promise a bag full of opportunities for both history buffs and adventure seekers, waiting to be explored.

By taking a cruise through Europe to Norway, travellers get a unique opportunity to explore the sheer scale of the magnificent fjords, and also learn about the country’s captivating Viking heritage.

There are also a plethora of shore excursions to consider, which include hiking along the fjords to explore hidden viewpoints or kayaking trips that offer a spectacular up-close encounter within the ecosystem of these awe-inspiring sheets of ice.

Moreover, Norway’s proximity to the Arctic Circle means you are well inside the territory of the Northern Lights, which are often witnessed dancing over the fjords.

The best time to see the magical natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights is between the months of April and September on your cruise through the fjords. All you need is a clear dark sky and a little bit of luck.

Fjords and Their Natural Beauty

Fjord is a Norwegian term, derived from an ancient Viking term related to the phrase “crossing point” and the word “ferry”. These long strips of sea between steep cliffs, typically define the geography of Norway.

There are several ways to experience the 10 or so fjords that cruise ships frequent (out of nearly 1000 fjords), with each fjord offering a different perspective. While one way is to enjoy the fjords and take photos of the panoramic views offered from the deck of your cruise ship, the other is to learn all about them with the help of a fjord expert.

An off-beat way to experience one of the most tranquil fjord landscapes in the world is by leaving the crowds behind and opting for a winter rail journey from Bergen to the small fjord-side village of Flam. Desolate walls of ice as they may seem, the fjords are surprisingly a haven for bird and animal life that is bound to add an element of excitement while exploring them.

Keep a sharp eye for white-tailed sea eagles soaring overhead, seals basking on the rocky outcrops and with a little bit of luck a breaching whale or two in deeper waters. On the cliffs, you may also spot colourful nesting puffins, just above the water.

Get to Know the Fjords

Visitors to Norway often get confused as there are many fjords, some have numerous side arms which makes recognising them even more difficult having been created by massive glaciation that extends below sea level.

Having said that, the most dramatic are the ones with side arms such as the Geirangerfjord, the Aurlandsfjord, the Lysefjord and the Naeroyfjord, apart from the narrow Trollfjord in the north and more.

The Rich Viking History and Culture

The seafaring Vikings left an indelible mark on the history of Norway, and a cruise provides the best opportunity to dig deep into the rich story-telling past of these fearsome invaders and bring their many exciting legends to life.

The Vikings were also skilled navigators and honed their skills by guiding their narrow wooden longships through their native fjords. These Norse seafarers, traded as well as raided, within their Northern Europe homelands between the 8th and the 9th century were also adept as skilled traders and craftsmen.

Most ports of call offer an immersive Viking experience that is both entertaining and educational. The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo showcases items dedicated to Viking culture. Cruise ships also offer kid-friendly activities on board which include wearing Viking helmets, wielding safe swords and learn about Viking mythology through engaging story-telling sessions.

Must Visit Ports and Excursions

Oslo

From the Viking Ship Museum to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the capital of Norway offers just the right blend of history and culture. It houses well-preserved artefacts including Viking ships that provide an insight into the daily lives of the Vikings and the technology they used for their advancements and its impact on European history.

The 200 intriguing sculptures of the Vigeland Sculpture Park are another highlight of Oslo. Not only is the park spacious for children to play, but the adults can enjoy the beautiful landscape and the thought-provoking artwork.

Also, while in Haugesund, make sure to take a short trip to Avaldsnes, the homeland of the Viking Kings, to learn more about them on your cruise holiday.

Bergen

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features quaint wooden buildings that are home to restaurants, shops and even museums, which you can explore in the narrow alleys found here. However, the key highlight of any trip to Bergen has to be the ride in the funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen to enjoy surreal views of the surroundings.

To relish some Scandinavian cuisine, just make a beeline to the Fish Market to sample fresh seafood and get to learn a bit about Norway’s fishing industry.

Geiranger

This is another UNESCO site and is said to be the jewel in the crown of Norwegian Fjords as the beauty of this place is simply out of the world.

Take a boat tour of the fjord to see the steep mountain sides, and cascading waterfalls, while gliding over crystal-clear waters. For the more enterprising, a kayaking trip provides an intimate up-close experience with the fjord and an opportunity to spot seals and porpoises. On land, consider visiting the Norwegian Fjord Center to see interactive exhibits explaining the geology behind the formation of the fjords and the rich cultural history of Norway,

Transparency disclaimer: This is a paid guest post by Celebrity Cruises.