Norwegian fjord cruise: a brief description of the route, attractions
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The Norwegian fjords are considered the most beautiful natural attraction. Unique landscapes are popular with tourists from all over the world. Everyone can take a cruise through the fjords of Norway, visit unusual places and enjoy the fresh air. This article provides a list of the most popular destinations and a brief summary of the best cruises and their cost.
What is a fjord?
Fjords are sea bays that go very deep into the land, which is why they are surrounded by rocks, forests, and other natural objects. They are located in the western part of Norway. Fjords owe their appearance to the powerful movement of the earth's crust in the region of the Scandinavian Peninsula and the North Atlantic, as a result of which deep faults and cracks formed. Because they were below sea level, salt water quickly filled them. Norwegians believe that each fjord is unique. This is manifested in the shade of seawater, the microclimate, the landscape, and the “character” of the bay. According to reviews, the fjords are really very different from each other.
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Geiranger fjord
Located in Sunnmere, Geirangerfjord (Norway) is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites of its kind. Travelers in their stories about the trip here note that the local landscapes are breathtaking. Everyone can go fishing, rafting, go on a short kayak trip or take a horseback ride. A cruise on the Geirangerfjord in Norway will not leave anyone indifferent, because it is surrounded by beautiful villages, which cruise ships pass by.
In addition, on the territory of the fjord, surrounded by forest thickets, there are picturesque waterfalls, for example, "Groom", "Bridal Veil", and "Seven Sisters". There is a legend explaining their appearance. According to her, once a Viking came to woo his sisters, he held a veil in his hands. The girls turned out to be so beautiful that he froze in amazement and turned into a waterfall. On the neighboring rock is "Veil", and on the opposite bank "Seven Sisters" flaunt.
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The popularity of the natural attraction is also because the Geiranger fjord is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sognef Jord
The second longest in the world is the Sognefjord, which can be found on the map of the province of Sogn og Fjordane. Considered to be the deepest object of its kind in Europe, it is often referred to as the "King of the Fjords". Tourists in their reviews note that they are offered the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the sights both from land and from the bay. When you cruise, be prepared to visit traditional Norwegian villages, a local museum, a national park, and a church.
Not far from the Sognefjord is the Jostedalsbreen glacier, which is considered the largest in Europe. In addition, the Flåm Railway is located here, and you should definitely find time to visit it. It is widely used for tourism purposes, as it runs at high altitudes and is considered one of the most spectacular railway routes in the world.
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Lyse fjord
Cruises in the fjords of Norway allow tourists to spend time surrounded by nature. For example, the Lysefjord route includes a visit to the Kjerag and Preikestolen rocks, which are considered the country's most popular attractions. According to reviews, unusual views of the mountains open up during the cruise. In addition to all of the above, travelers can climb to the top of the Preikestolen rock and visit the House, which offers overnight accommodation for tourists in the summer.
Above the Lysefjord is the Kjerag Plateau, which offers breathtaking views of Norway. According to the reviews, every tourist should visit there. The plateau is famous for its "pea rock" - a cobblestone stuck between the rocks at a height of 1 km above the ground, which can be climbed without the help of climbing equipment. People come here to get adrenaline and take amazing pictures.
Oslo fjord
One of the most beautiful fjords is Oslo Fjord, about which tourists leave rave reviews. On the territory of the sea bay, there are about a thousand tiny islands. On the coast, there are wonderful Norwegian cities. In the description of the cruise of the Norwegian fjords, you can read whether their visit is included in the price of the trip. Most often liners moor in Drammen and Halden.
Halden is a settlement founded in the second half of the 17th century. It is known for the fact that at different times famous artists and architects lived and worked in it. Their work is exhibited at the Oslo National Gallery. According to tourists, special attention should be paid to visiting local attractions - Torget Square, Immanuelskirke Church, as well as a granite obelisk located in the city center.
Drammen is the largest and cleanest port in Norway. Vikings lived here in ancient times, and now the city boasts that most of the people living in it adhere to a healthy lifestyle due to high prices for alcohol and tobacco products and expensive public transport tickets. Tourists who have been here are advised to climb to the top of Mount Bragernes, visit the Kjosterljuve canyon, look at the old manor Mari enlist, and see the Count's Palace and the City Museum. All these sights you can see as part of a cruise through the fjords of Norway.
Hardanger fjord
If you believe the reviews of travelers, in the springtime of the year it is best to go on a cruise on the Hardangerfjord. The fact is that it is during this period that the most beautiful views of the natural landmark open up: tourists get the opportunity to admire flowering trees. By the way, according to numerous reviews, it is in this region that cherries grow, which have the best taste.
A cruise through the fjords of Norway, the route of which necessarily passes through the Hardanger Fjord, will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated travelers, because noisy waterfalls, mountain peaks rising into the sky, snow-white glaciers against the backdrop of emerald greenery are breathtaking.
Nerey fjord
The narrowest but still picturesque Nereusfjord gets its name from the Norse patron deity of the sea, known as Njord. There are small settlements along the coast. Tourists in their reviews note that when looking at a natural landmark, one gets the feeling that the water surface is in confrontation with mountain ranges.
West fjord
During a cruise through the fjords of Norway (you will find reviews of these natural objects in our article), you will be able to explore the Vestfjord, which is both an estuary and an open bay. From time immemorial, fishing has been practiced on its territory, and to be more precise, cod has been mined.
The "attraction" near the fjord is unusual - killer whales that live in its waters. According to reviews, a large number of tourists come here to see marine life. By the way, experienced travelers are advised to go here in the summer, as in spring and autumn the fjord is blown by cold winds, which can spoil the impression of the rest.
Porsanger fjord
The length of this fjord is about 120 km. It starts at the village of Lakselv, which is very popular among tourists, judging by the numerous reviews about it. People who go on a cruise on the Porsangerfjord can go fishing, and visit the national park called Stabbursdalen. Travelers note that the nature in this region is almost virgin.
Trondheim's fjord
When choosing a Norwegian fjord cruise package, purchase a ticket for a trip that passes through the Trondheimsfjord.
The natural object got its name in honor of the city of the same name. An amazing feature of the fjord is that it rarely snows here. Because of this, a unique ecosystem has developed in the estuary: scientists know more than 90 species of marine fish that live in the waters of the bay. According to reviews, rest here is ideal for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet. True, you need to consider that there is a rich commercial area on the coast of the fjord, so the cost of land excursions can hit your pocket hard.
Stor fjord
A special place among the Norwegian fjords is occupied by the Storfjord, whose length is 110 km. It is unique because in a certain area it is divided into two parts, forming two other fjords. Despite this, there are practically no reviews of the natural attraction, as it is not very popular among tourists.
Travel and other Information
Travel time
Prices
The cost of the ticket directly depends on the planned route. The most expensive tours include a trip to the Arctic Circle or the opportunity to see Svalbard. They will cost 150 euros (11.6 thousand rubles) per day. If you want to stay in popular ports, the cost of a Norwegian fjord cruise will be much lower: from 40 to 60 euros (about 3-4.6 thousand) per night. However, such prices are quite rare for the region. On average, tourists pay 90-100 euros (6900-7700 rubles) per day on the liner.
According to tourists, sea cruises are ideal for people who do not have a lot of financial resources but want to visit Norway, because the prices in this state cannot be called democratic, but the cost of cruises is quite acceptable. Please note that you can avoid extra expenses if you pay a service fee that allows you to eat on the ship.
Tours from Oslo
Most tourists go on the Geiranger and Norway in the miniature tour. This Norwegian fjord cruise from Oslo combines a trip along the coast and a tour called "Norway in miniature". The cruise is ideal for travelers who are limited in time and have a clear idea of what sights they want to see. You make your own itinerary, and the duration of the cruise is from 4 days. The cost of the ticket is 7420 NOK (60,120 rubles) or more. In addition, you will have to independently purchase air tickets from Moscow - Oslo.
Tours from Moscow and St. Petersburg
You can go on a trip to Norway from Russia, from the largest cities in our country. Tours to Norway from Moscow and St. Petersburg, as a rule, have an extensive route and often include visiting not only the Norwegian fjords but also the sights of other countries. For example, tourists who have purchased a ticket to the Princess Anastasia liner for 8 nights will see 7 ports, namely: St. Petersburg in Russia, Tallinn in Estonia, Stockholm in Sweden, Oslo, Bergen and Flåm in Norway, and Helsinki in Finland. The cost of such a trip will be 43 thousand rubles or more, but you will not have to pay extra for air tickets from Moscow - Oslo or St. Petersburg - Oslo.
According to reviews, a trip on the same liner for 11 nights includes, in addition to the above ports, a visit to Copenhagen in Denmark and the Sognefjord in Norway. The ticket costs about 53 thousand roubles.
A tour to Norway from Moscow called "3 capitals + Glacier + 4 fjords" is very popular. The trip lasts 9 days and 8 nights. As part of the tour, you will fly from Moscow to Stockholm, visit Frederiksborg Castle, go to Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Neroy Fjord, and stop at the observation deck of the Briksdile Glacier. The route runs through the Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, and Lillehammer. Then you will return to Stockholm and take a return flight to Moscow. The cost of the tour is about 54,000 rubles.
