3 of the best Norwegian fjords to visit on a cruise

Norwegian fjords offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, from towering cliffs to thundering waterfalls, all set amid a verdant and glistening landscape packed with potential for adventure.

A Norway fjord cruise is the best way to visit these striking waterways and picking a small-ship cruise line that can access areas larger vessels cannot is the best way to go.

Ambassador Cruise Line is just one such cruise company and offers a wealth of cruises to Norway so passengers can take in the stunning fjords both from the comfort of a ship deck and from the land on a series of exciting shore excursions.

There are oodles of Norwegian fjords to visit so we’ve rounded up three of the best to narrow it down for you.

3 of the best Norwegian fjords

Nordfjord is the sixth-longest fjord in Norway at 105km long and is found towards the west of the country – almost opposite the Faroe Islands – stretching inland from the wild coasts of the Stadhavet sea to Stryn.

On your Norway fjords cruise with Ambassador, explore the area by:

A glacier walk: at Briksdalbreen or Kenndalenbreen, or venture out independently by mountain bike to Oldevatnet.

The Loen Skylift: For breathtaking views, try one of the steepest cable cars in the world – which takes you from the fjord to the top of Mt. Hoven in a mere five minutes. At the top, you’ll find phenomenal views of mountains, glaciers and the fjord.

The Olden Kayaking experience: If you fancy getting active, follow a guide down the Nordfjord on an approximate two-hour paddle. Soak up the amazing views of the steep-sided fjords and learn all about them and their formation from your expert. You never know when a question about glaciers might come up in a pub quiz! Holidaymakers in Nordfjord can also try canoeing, boat trips and fishing.

Ambassador’s Norway fjords sailings offer a selection of destination experiences that take in this hotspot. Nordfjord @ Ease introduces you to the gorgeous scenery surrounding the Nordfjord and drives through the picturesque settlements of Blakset, Fjelli and Hopland by coach. Nos Viewpoint is where you’ll get the best vistas of the fjord but it’s at the top of a 488m vertical drop to the waterway so eyes up if you get vertigo!

Sognefjord is the longest and deepest Norwegian fjord. It stretches a whopping 204km inland from the coast of Bergen – and is simply gorgeous. The landscape around the fjord arm Naeroyfjord has been titled “among the most scenically outstanding anywhere” by UNESCO, which has added it to the World Heritage List.

The main port town is called Flam, and is a stop on many of Ambassador cruise Line’s Norway fjords cruises. Highlights include:

Flåm Railway: Considered one of the greatest engineering feats in Norway, this is among the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways, travelling through the majestic, mountainous landscape. Construction on the railway began way back in 1923 and was only finished in 1940!

• For a high-speed adventure, join the Flam RIB Safari experience which safely whisks you along the Aurlandsfjord to the entrance of the spectacular Naeroyfjord (meaning “narrow fjord”) while a guide shares exciting tales and facts about the region.

Naeroyfjord: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow passages and dramatic scenery. On the Norway in a Nutshell excursion, you’ll be able to travel by train and admire the Kjosfossen Waterfall and the Tvindefossen Waterfall as well as Gudvangen located at the end of the Naeroyfjord where mountains soar dramatically either side of the Naeroy Valley.

Cultural Experiences: Explore traditional Norwegian villages and learn about local customs and history. Be sure to sample the local cider and craft beer – the climate in the region has done wonders for food production – apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, goat cheeses and cured meats are all super tasty in Sognefjord.

Hardangerfjord is a pretty big deal, literally. The third-longest fjord in the world and the second-longest fjord in Norway, it cuts inland from the coast just south of Bergen and boasts several scenic branches. Known as the “kingdom of waterfalls,” it’s also famous for its fruit orchards, scenic drives, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Must-sees include:

Vøringsfossen Waterfall: One of Norway’s most iconic waterfalls, plunging 182 metres and now featuring a pedestrian bridge that lets you walk above the cascading water.

Hardangervidda Plateau – Reach Dyranut, the highest point accessible by coach on Europe’s largest mountain plateau, set within Norway’s largest national park. Prepare for lots of ooh-ing and aah-ing.

Hardanger Juice & Cider Factory – Learn about the region’s cider-making tradition and sample fresh local produce in a setting shaped by centuries of fruit farming. Monks in the region began growing fruit here as early as 1300 and the ideal climate along the Hardangerfjord provides has resulted in tip-top apples.

Sysen Dam: Visit this enormous stone dam near the Sima Hydroelectric Power Station, a powerful example of Norway’s renewable energy engineering.

Voss Gondol: Ride a modern cable car to Hangurstoppen for 360° views of fjords, mountains, and valleys. If you take Ambassador’s Voss Cable Car & Tvinde Waterfall excursion, your coach will cross one of the longest suspension bridges in the world (a whopping 1,380m long!).

When is the best time to cruise the Norwegian fjords?

The fjords cruising season runs from early Spring to late September. Summer is the best time of year to cruise the Norwegian fjords thanks to the warmer weather (you might enjoy highs of 25 to 30 degrees!) and longer days (if you head north you’ll hardly experience nighttime at all in the land of the midnight sun).

However, there will be fewer crowds towards the autumn and if you wish to see the Northern Lights on your Norway cruise, the best time to cruise the fjords is between September and April.

Remember, don’t worry if you can’t rustle up anyone to go with you and the time of year you want to travel, Ambassador caters excellently for solo travellers no matter the month!

What to pack for a Norwegian fjords cruise

What you pack will depend on the season you are cruising in.

SUMMER:
Shorts
T-shirts
Sandals
Fleece sweater
Light jacket (water-resistant)
Light scarf
Thin hat and gloves
Light woollen socks
Hiking shoes

WINTER:
Woollen sweater or fleece
Thick winter jacket
Scarf
Warm hat and gloves
Woollen socks
Winter boots with good grip
Spikes

No matter what the season, consider packing:
Binoculars
Comfortable shoes
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Wool sweater or fleece
Wind and waterproof jacket and trousers
Mid-layer jacket