Norway is a cruise destination that appears on many people's travel bucket lists - and rightly so! Steeped in history, it is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and picturesque fjords. With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offering lots of exciting Norway itineraries, you could be witnessing the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky in no time at all. Just don’t forget to read our traveller’s guide to Norway before you go.
A traveller’s guide to Norway
Facts about Norway
- Population: 5.328 million (2019)
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Language: Norwegian
Where to go in Norway
On a cruise to Norway with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you’ll have the opportunity to visit many popular ports of call including Bergen, a coastal city famous for its colourful wooden houses and Tromsø, the best place to see the northern lights in Norway. Here is a handful of the incredible sights waiting to be seen:
Ålesund
The enchanting town of Ålesund offers a quintessentially Norwegian experience with its rugged mountains and captivating fjords. Ålesund offers exciting activities focused on nature and culture; you can head off on a boat trip, wander along marked paths on the mountains, cycle around idyllic islands or participate in a sightseeing tour by boat, city train or on foot - the possibilities are endless!
Things to do in Ålesund:
Top pick: Aksla viewpoint - Make your way to the top of Town Mountain to the Aksla viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful town centre and the amazing Sunnmøre Alps. Walk the 418 steps to Aksla viewpoint, go by car or take the city train up to Fjellstua.
Bergen
The city of seven mountains, Bergen is an exceptionally popular port of call on Norway’s southwestern coast. Most tourists find the atmosphere, cultural landscape and architecture more compelling than the typical sights so why not spend an afternoon strolling around the city, enjoy a concert or hike through the mountains?
Things to do in Bergen:
Top pick: Hiking in Bergen - Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, making it the ideal spot for hiking lovers. The most popular mountains are Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, which is the highest mountain in Bergen. If walking isn’t your thing then head up on the Ulriken cable car instead.
Bodø
Situated on a beautiful stretch of northern Norway, Bodø offers a truly remarkable experience. Bodø’s landscape is a charming backdrop and Mount Ronvikfjellet is the perfect spot to admire the midnight sun. 18 miles from Bodø is a narrow channel with the strongest tidal current in the world. The channel, which connects Saltfjord and Skjerstadfjord, sees up to 400 million m3 of seawater force its way through thus creating a very powerful whirlpool.
Things to do in Bodø:
Top pick: Cave exploring - Just outside the city of Bodø you’ll find the largest number of caves in Norway. Set off on an adventure as you journey in the dark along with a local guide. Discover subterranean streams and waterfalls, lakes and inimitable stalactites and stalagmites.
Flåm
Situated at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the mighty Sogne, Flåm nestles between high cliffs streaked with waterfalls. It is the terminus of the Flåmsbanene, the mighty railway line that travels just 12 miles to Myrdal through stunning scenery and a gradient of 1 in 18.
Things to do in Flåm:
Top pick: Segastein viewpoint - Situated 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord is the spectacular Segastein viewing platform. The structure, which juts out 30 metres from the mountainside, offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the fjords, mountains and surrounding landscape.
Olden
At its eastern end, the magnificent Nordfjord divides into three arms beneath the glaciers of the Jotunheimen Mountains. Olden sits at the beginning of the southernmost of these arms. It is an utterly delightful charming village, set in green meadows which are ablaze with colourful flowers throughout the summer.
Things to do in Olden:
Top pick: Kayaking in Nordfjord - Experience the magnificent views of Nordjfjord (pictured above) by water. The kayaking tour will take you along the green fjord where you’ll be surrounded by steep mountains, soaring waterfalls and blue glaciers.
Tromsø
Situated 400km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø’s climate is surprisingly moderate. The main part of the town stretches along the east shore of the island of Tromsøya, linked to the mainland by a gracefully arched bridge. It is one of the best places in Norway to witness the aurora borealis.
Things to do in Tromsø:
Top pick: Whale watching - Tromsø is one of the best places in Norway for whale watching. Take a tour on a RIB boat for a chance to see whales swimming, hunting and playing amongst the fjords surrounding Tromsø.
Sail away with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-owned favourite in the British cruise market. It’s no wonder the cruise line is so popular; their classic-styled mid to small size ships are able to dock in smaller, more unique ports of call, while the home-away-from-home ambience on board ensures guests feel comfortable every step of the way.
As the No.1 Cruise Specialist for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we’re delighted to present their brand new 2022 no-fly Norwegian fjords launch. Cruise to the heart of Norway’s famous fjords, appreciate the spectacular scenery and delve deep into Fred. Olsen’s varied history. Here are five reasons to book a cruise to Norway with Fred. Olsen:
They know Norway
The Olsen family business boasts over 170 years of seafaring heritage. In 1848, Fred. Olsen acquired two small ships which they operated from Hvisten in Norway. Thanks to their legacy, no one can show guests the Olsen homeland quite like the Olsen’s themselves. Experience journeys immersed in history and folklore such as the tale of Torghatten, a scenic cruising highlight.
They pick the right place and the right time
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have recently launched their 2022 no-fly Norway cruise itineraries. Each voyage is expertly crafted to showcase the very best of this part of the world. Take advantage of the cruise lines smaller ships which have been ready-made for navigating size-restricted waterways, bringing awe-inspiring natural wonders and enchanting ports closer to you.
They take the scenic route
Simply sailing from port to port isn’t for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. An opportunity to see the magnificent Langfoss waterfall, for example, is a result of dedicated navigation of size-restricted Åkrafjord, where bigger ships simply cannot go.
They take their time
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines stay for longer in the places that matter. Spending a night in Alta, for instance, maximises the chance to witness the Northern Lights, while extended stays in Tromsø showcase the Arctic city’s dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
They sail from regional ports
Fred. Olsen sail from more UK ports than any other cruise line. Plus, cruises departing from Edinburgh and Newcastle allows guests to be deep in fjordland the day after stepping aboard.
