DISCOVER the NORWEGIAN FJORDS
Discover some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic ports and charming local culture on a fjord cruise
It’s ideal for tuning into some Nordic magic
REGULARLY voted one of the top destinations to visit in the world, the Norwegian fjords feature on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List and captivate everyone who visits them. Created when the glaciers of the Ice Age retreated, and seawater flooded the U-shaped valleys, the stunning landscapes of Fjord Norway are largely inaccessible by any other holiday method but are now easy to tour with a wide range of dedicated cruises.
The breathtaking fjords, dramatic mountains and epic waterfalls offer up some of the earth’s most spectacular scenery. Major fjords, like Sognefjorden, are similar in scale to the Grand Canyon; if you’re looking for a destination that will wow you with its natural beauty, this is it.
Craggy mountains plunge into lagoons formed by the fjord, sapphire-blue inlets, impossibly green meadows and beautiful waterfalls – every frame of the passing view is different, making it almost impossible to look away. Fjord Norway is perfect for the adventurous traveller in search of great outdoor experiences, local culture, and fine food.
This is the ideal opportunity to tune in to some Nordic magic. Closeness with nature, spending time appreciating the great wilderness that surrounds them, makes Norwegians some of the happiest people on the planet, officially, too; this year’s World Happiness Report named them the second happiest in the world. NATURAL WORLD NORDIC lifestyle centres on engaging with the natural world, drinking in the region’s remoteness and rusticity, eating local and seasonal simple fare, cooked from scratch.
The fjords appeal in all seasons; in spring the land turns green and fruit trees are in full bloom; in summer you can laze in the sun and explore the lush green meadows. In autumn enjoy the fresh apples, pears, plums, cherries and strawberries at local farms, and the tranquillity of fewer visitors.
Late summer, especially towards the end of September, is the best time to see the Northern Lights. These ghostly swirls of light, shimmering in the night sky, morph in shape, intensity and colour; green is the most common, followed by pink, caused by gas particles in the earth’s atmosphere colliding with charged particles released from the sun. If you can catch them, the lights are a mind-blowing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ports of call are perfect for exploring historic architecture and design, museums and local culture.
Bergen, on Norway’s southwestern coast, is Norway’s second most populous city, full of neat rows of brightly painted houses. The lively market in the port area offers fruit, flowers and crafts. In town, visit the historic old wharf of Bryggen, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the iconic wooden buildings, colourful houses and narrow alleys date back to the 14th century.
Fløyen is a ‘must do’ while in Bergen; a six-minute ride on the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen and you’re met with the most spectacular panoramic view of the fjords, islands, mountains and sea. A ten-minute taxi journey further on is the Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake and park; here the KODE art museums occupy several buildings, where you can see works by Norwegian painters Edvard Munch and Johan Christian Dahl.
Norway’s smaller cities and villages are a further showcase of scenic beauty and unique museums. Stavanger is the former European capital of culture, Molde offers spectacular views, traditional cathedrals and old town houses, while Ålesund’s bright Art Nouveau-style buildings are a nod to its nautical roots.
You will be captivated here by the landscape, the mountains, waterfalls and lush villages that never fail to deliver in beauty and inspiration.