Norway Cruise from Bergen — 8 Days

Bergen, Norway

Set between seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen makes a graceful introduction to Norway’s western fjords. Its handsome harbour, Bryggen’s timber wharf and the fish market sit close together, easily explored on foot. Ride the Fløibanen funicular for a clear view across the city and islands, then linger over fresh seafood. Bergen is compact, cultured and an ideal place to begin a journey into fjord country.

Rosendal, Norway

Rosendal sits where the Hardangerfjord meets the mountains of western Norway. Barony Rosendal, completed in 1665, is a short walk from the quay. Its gardens look towards Folgefonna and the steep valley beyond. Trails lead into Folgefonna National Park, while the fjord offers a different view from the water. Come ashore for an unusually close encounter with Norwegian history and fjord scenery.

Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger rewards a shore day spent on foot. White wooden houses line the compact old centre beside a lively harbour. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum explains how oil reshaped the city. Climb to the cathedral, begun around 1125, then browse Øvre Holmegate’s colourful cafés and shops. For a wider view, take a boat into Lysefjord, where sheer cliffs rise beneath Preikestolen. Wear good shoes; cobbles and steep lanes are part of the pleasure.

• Fjord Cruising (Fjord Cruising)

Eidfjord, Norway

Eidfjord puts you at the quiet end of Hardangerfjord, where sheer mountains rise from deep, blue water. From the village, roads climb towards Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, and Vøringsfossen waterfall. See the falls from purpose-built viewing bridges, or remain by the fjord for a gentler day. Orchards and local craft give the village a distinctly western Norwegian character.

Skjolden, Norway

Skjolden sits at the head of the Lustrafjord, a quiet arm of Norway’s vast Sognefjord. Steep mountains rise above the water, while waterfalls thread down toward the village. Beyond the quay, roads lead into Jotunheimen National Park, where trails cross glacier-fed landscapes. Across the fjord, Urnes Stave Church is among Norway’s oldest and belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Fjord Cruising (Fjord Cruising)

Alesund, Norway

Ålesund makes an immediate impression: its waterfront is lined with Art Nouveau buildings, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. Beyond the elegant façades, this is a working Norwegian port framed by islands and steep mountain peaks. Climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for a sweeping view across the town and Sunnmøre Alps. Then visit the Atlantic Sea-Park, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums.

Olden, Norway

Olden sits at the head of Nordfjord, where steep green mountains rise from the water and glaciers shape the horizon. From the village, roads lead to Briksdal Glacier, an arm of Jostedalsbreen, with a final walk through valleys and waterfalls. Nearby, Loen Skylift climbs to Mount Hoven for wide views over fjord, peaks and lakes. Come ashore ready to choose: a close encounter with ice, or Norway seen from above.

• Fjord Cruising (Fjord Cruising)

Bergen, Norway

Set between seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen makes a graceful introduction to Norway’s western fjords. Its handsome harbour, Bryggen’s timber wharf and the fish market sit close together, easily explored on foot. Ride the Fløibanen funicular for a clear view across the city and islands, then linger over fresh seafood. Bergen is compact, cultured and an ideal place to begin a journey into fjord country.