Norway’s Top Cruise Activities to Try – Must-Do Excursions

Are you ready to set sail through Norway’s stunning fjords? You’ll see amazing natural beauty and deep cultural roots. When planning your cruise in Norway, there are many things to do. You might wonder what are the best activities to do in this awe-inspiring land. Let’s look at the top cruise activities you can’t miss on your Norwegian journey.

• Discover the best shore excursions and cultural experiences to have on a Norwegian cruise
• Explore charming coastal towns, hike to scenic glaciers, and spot wildlife on coastal cruises
• Immerse yourself in Norway’s Viking heritage and savor the country’s delectable cuisine
• Witness the natural wonders of Norway, from majestic fjords to stunning waterfalls
• Maximize your time in Norway by selecting the must-do activities and excursions

My first stop on a Norwegian cruise was Haugesund. I explored the harbor front and the town’s core. The waterfront had many cafes, leading up to Var Freisers Church.

Walking by the Haugesund waterfront, I saw beautiful sights. The Smedasundet Sound’s views were stunning. The harbor was busy with people enjoying the sunny day.

I found shops showing traditional Norwegian dresses for special days. They had bright, embroidered fabrics. The craft that made these dresses was amazing.

Walking along Haradsgata, I visited a Haugesund bakery. I tasted kakestykke, a cake with strawberry cream and marzipan. Eating this treat with a cappuccino was a great Haugesund experience.

Haugesund’s vibrant waterfront, crafts, and bakeries show Norway’s beautiful coastal culture.

Skjolden, a small Norwegian village, was a highlight of my cruise. The stunning surroundings captivated me as our ship docked. I found the scenery of the town to be truly picturesque.

Skjolden is home to approximately 300 people. Despite its size, the village offers a calm and genuine atmosphere. There were no queues or expensive stores here, only welcoming local houses and peaceful surroundings.

Walking along Sognefjord’s edge, I noticed the towering mountains and lush green valleys. The cascading waterfalls completed the beautiful scene. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Leaving Skjolden, our cruise journeyed through the Sognefjord. This is the world’s second longest fjord at 204 km (127 miles). Watching the scenery from my cabin’s balcony was a highlight.

I saw steep mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and charming villages. These sights showcased Norway’s natural beauty. The fjord also features the Jostedal Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, and historic stave churches like the Urnes Stave Church.

“The Sognefjord is a breathtaking fjord that showcases the full grandeur of Norway’s stunning natural landscape.”

My time in the Sognefjord left me with unforgettable memories. Starting in Skjolden made exploring this beautiful area even more special.

Olden is a beautiful town with about 1,500 people. It is situated at the end of a fjord. The Briksdal Glacier was my goal for the day, a part of the Jostedalbreen ice cap. That ice cap is Europe’s mainland’s biggest glacier.

The trip to the glacier started with the 475NOK Glacier Shuttle (about £35 each). This bus made it easy to get to the hike’s starting point. I also took a “troll car” up the trail. It was a quick and fun way to reach the glacier, costing 260NOK (about £19 for a round trip).

The hike up to the glacier took 45 minutes and was very picturesque. I saw the glacier’s lake and the cliffs around it. I also noticed how much the glacier has shrunk due to climate change. On the way back down, I enjoyed more views, like a big waterfall and a wild river.

After the glacier, I hopped on a tourist train for a 1-hour ride. It went around Olden’s valley, passing by Lake Floen and old hydroelectric shacks. This train ride showed me a lot about the area’s nature and history. It was a great way to see more of Olden before leaving.

As I got off the cruise in Trondheim, Norway, I found a city easy to explore by foot. Starting with a walk through Bakklandet, I enjoyed the colorful houses by the quiet canal.

Bakklandet is very old, from the early 17th century. Once, people wanted to tear it down for a highway, but locals fought back. Thanks to their efforts, it’s still a cozy part of the city.

The canal reflected bright colors and peaceful buildings. This mix made a beautiful, Scandinavian view that I loved.

Then, I visited the stunning Nidaros Cathedral, which is key to Norway’s history. It sits where St. Olav was buried and has been a special place for services since the 1400s.

“The Nidaros Cathedral remains one of the primary pilgrimage destinations in Northern Europe.”

The cathedral is impressive, with intricate details of Gothic design. Its surroundings include the Archbishop’s Palace Museum, home to Norway’s crown jewels. This added to my understanding of Norway’s past.

Trondheim, with its small city center and rich culture, was a lovely start to my Norway visit. The colorful Bakklandet and the grand Nidaros Cathedral were truly memorable.

Norway’s fjords are perfect for outdoor fun. Try kayaking in Norway or hiking Norway’s scenic trails. You’ll be amazed by the stunning nature.

Fjord kayaking is a top pick on Norway’s cruises. You’ll silently glide by towering cliffs and waterfalls. It’s a special way to be part of Norway’s beauty up close.

Love hiking? Norway’s got you covered. Its trails show off fjords, glaciers, and mountains. With walks for all fitness levels, you’ll see Norway’s nature at its best.

Choosing fjord paddling or hiking trails makes Norway cruises unforgettable. These outdoor adventures on Norway cruises lead to lasting memories. They also make you love Norway’s natural beauty more.

While on our cruise, we took a bike tour in Oslo, Norway’s lively capital. This tour covered many top sights like the old Akershus Fortress, the unique art in Frogner Park, and more. Biking was a fun and fast way to see Oslo’s rich variety in a short visit.

The Oslo bike tour led us through the city’s best spots. We biked past lovely neighborhoods, seeing bright buildings, busy cafes, and a fun atmosphere. This part of the trip showed us why Oslo is loved for its lively spirit.

Exploring the Akershus Fortress was a highlight in Oslo. This medieval castle by the Oslo harbor impressed us with its big walls, gates, and ancient canons. The view of the Oslofjord was amazing from here.

Inside the Akershus Fortress, we saw the royal rooms and detailed tapestries. This gave us a good look at how Oslo was in the past. It helped us understand the city’s history and its key role in the past.

Our bike tour and visit to the Akershus Fortress were the best parts of our Oslo trip. They let us enjoy the city’s story, culture, and natural features. We left Oslo with a bigger love for this stunning part of Norway.

Kristiansand, Norway’s fifth-biggest city, stole my heart during my cruise. Its historic Posebyen neighborhood was like stepping back in time. The wooden buildings and colorful facades told stories of its past. I also loved the seafront and beaches. They offered a perfect place to relax by the sea.

Kristiansand’s Old Town, Posebyen, was a special place. It has over 30 traditional houses from the 18th century. Walking its cobblestone streets was magical. The architecture and the local events made it lively.

But it wasn’t just about history. I also enjoyed Kristiansand’s beaches. The weather was sunny, making it the ideal spot to chill. There were boat tours to explore the coast deeper. This let visitors like me enjoy more of Kristiansand’s sea charm.

Whether exploring Posebyen or enjoying the beaches, Kristiansand was a gem. It beautifully combines nature and history, showing Norway’s coastal magic.

Norway is a land of amazing waterfalls. During my cruise, I got to see several stunning ones. The Volefossen waterfall was one highlight. I found it on the way back from the Briksdal Glacier in Olden. Its power and height truly wowed me.

I also saw the Laukifossen waterfall on a tourist train in Olden. It showed the old hydroelectric turbine houses by its side. The sight of the falls proved Norway’s nature is both rich and powerful.

Before these falls, I felt awe and thanks. It was for the beauty Norway’s nature offers. The sound of water falling, the mist in the air, and the green around them were fascinating.

“Words cannot describe the incredible beauty of sailing into a pristine and massive fjord, with towering waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides.”

Be it the Volefossen, Laukifossen, or any other, Norway’s waterfalls captivate. Discover them while cruising the fjords or exploring the wilderness. They are a highlight of any Norway travel experience.

A wildlife cruise along Norway’s coast is unlike any other. On the ship or special tours, you’ll see many sea creatures and birds. They live naturally in the wild.

One amazing part of a cruise is seeing whales. Look out for humpbacks, orcas, and minkes in the fjords. Seeing these big creatures is breathtaking.

Norway’s coast is also full of birds. Birdwatching excursions let you see seabirds, like seagulls and eagles. It adds to the beauty of the trip.

The cruises let you see amazing wildlife. You’ll make memories connecting with nature on these wildlife cruises in Norway.

On a Norway cruise, the midnight sun is a must-see. In summer, the sun stays above the horizon through the night. This creates a magical, all-light experience that’s breathtaking from your ship or on land.

Norway’s midnight sun makes any summer cruise special. As your ship skims the coast, you’ll see the sun “set” but stay bright all night. It’s like watching a never-ending sunset on the water.

On land, adventure and culture await under the midnight sun. Picture yourself hiking or kayaking with sunlight at midnight. You can also enjoy local celebrations and food, all with the sun always up.

This natural wonder will stay with you, whether you stay aboard or go explore. It’s a chance to enjoy non-stop daylight and endless discoveries. The memories of these bright nights will shine forever.

Experiencing the midnight sun in Norway is truly unforgettable. Whether by ship or on land, the constant daylight and sun’s glow will make your summer special. This unique experience will be in your heart forever.

Norway is known for its captivating Viking history, attracting travelers worldwide. A cruise along its coast offers a unique chance to explore this past. You can visit museums and take part in shore excursions. Through these experiences, you’ll better understand the Vikings’ influence and their lasting legacy.

Discovering Norway’s Viking roots is best done in its top-notch museums. The Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg and the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo are key stops. Here, you’ll see authentic artifacts, longships, and engage with interactive displays – all a step back in time.

A Norway cruise might also let you step into the shoes of the Vikings. Through reenactments, you can dress in Viking style, pick up their traditions, and even have a go at axe throwing. These activities immerse you in Viking life, fostering a deeper connection to their culture.

“Exploring Norway’s Viking heritage is a truly immersive and captivating experience. From visiting world-class museums to participating in authentic reenactments, you’ll be transported back in time and gain a newfound respect for this iconic culture.” – Traveler, Sarah D.

A visit to Norway means diving into its famous seafood and dishes. You can enjoy freshly caught fish like salmon and cod. Also, don’t miss out on the tasty shellfish. It’s all from the country’s coasts and is known for being sustainable. When you eat these meals on a cruise or shore trip, they’re usually made in a Scandinavian way.

Norwegian cuisine is a star in seafood. In Norway, you can enjoy fish like salmon and cod, and shrimp. These meals often come with ingredients from local places. This gives a true taste of Norwegian food and drink.

“The typical Norwegian eats around 100 hot dogs a year, nearly one every three days.”

A Norway cruise offers a deep dive into the country’s cultural heritage. You get to join in local festivals and learn about the Sami people. These experiences open a door to Norway’s unique culture.

Norwegian ports are alive with festivals celebrating the country’s culture. You can enjoy music, dances, and see local crafts. Tasting traditional foods lets you experience Norway’s way of life closely.

The Sami people are the original inhabitants of northern Scandinavia. Cruise trips may include visits or talks to learn about the Sami culture. You can see Sami art, listen to their music, and learn about their reindeers. This gives a fascinating peek into a culture that has thrived in the Arctic for ages.

Immersing in Norwegian culture helps you understand and respect its many parts. From lively cities to remote landscapes, you’ll see what makes Norway special. Embracing its customs and traditions makes your cruise unforgettable.

“Exploring the Sami culture was one of the most rewarding parts of my Norway cruise. Witnessing their traditional reindeer herding practices and learning about their intricate artistry was truly eye-opening.”

Coastal Norway is not just about fjords and big cities. It is also home to charming fishing villages. These places show off Norway’s maritime heritage and simple life. With their colorful houses and busy harbors, these Norway fishing villages invite you to step into a world of tradition.

Norwegian coastal towns are known for their unique style. Walking their narrow streets, you see stunning architecture. Meeting the locals lets you feel Norway’s small-town charm first-hand. It’s a great way to get to know Norway beyond its well-known spots.

Lofoten Islands is a bustling harbor village, while Geiranger’s settlements are serene. Both show the traditional Nordic life influenced by the sea. Walking around, you’ll find yourself fascinated by the simple beauty and local life in these places.

“The best way to experience the true essence of Norway is to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and immerse yourself in the quaint fishing villages that dot the country’s rugged coastline.”

Staying multiple days in Norway fishing villages is a good idea. It lets you take your time, meet locals, and understand the maritime culture. You’ll see how life has thrived in these places for many generations.

Going to Norway fishing villages offers a special experience. It’s a chance to escape the city and see Norway’s real charm. Embrace the peace, enjoy the seafood, and feel the true spirit of this Nordic nation in its lovely coastal towns.

Norway’s fjords and coastal areas are packed with amazing sights for cruise travelers. You can see stunning views, take part in outdoor fun, and enjoy great food. This Scandinavian country gives a trip you won’t forget easily.

You can hike to see glaciers, watch whales, and learn about Vikings. These top activities in Norway make for memories that stick.

Norway’s beauty, warm people, and lots to explore make a cruise here a top choice. From the private Vibe Beach Club on the Norwegian Breakaway to first-class stays at The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line fits many tastes.

When planning your trip, enjoy the ship’s many features, like pools and observation spots. A Norwegian fjords cruise is perfect for adults and families. It’s a trip that leaves you with stories for years to come, showing off nature and culture like no other.