Book a Cruise to the Norwegian Fjords

Norway does not come to your mind immediately when there is a mention of cruises. Yet, the fjords of Norway, its fingers, have fishing villages that are picture perfect with some dramatic waterfalls. All nature lovers would like to book a cruise to the Norwegian fjords as these deep water bodies are a perfect way to relieve your anxieties and stress. These fjords are carved inlet glaciers that come into the western coastline of Norway. The Norwegian mountains are rising steeply to each side of the coast with waterfalls that cascade. The towns by the waterside are pretty. It is a lovely feeling to explore these fjords in a cruise ship that can enter deep. The larger ships will not be able to do that. The small cruise ships can also drop anchor close to the shores. Many tourists prefer to visit the fjords on a midsized vessel. In addition to the fjords, other highlights of the cruise are the Grieg Museum at Bergen, Mount Dalsnibba at Geiranger, Hellesylt Waterfall at Hellesylt, Arctic Cathedral at Tromso and the Art Nouveau District at Aalesund. Some of the popular cruise operators to the Norwegian fjords are Mundy Cruising, Fred Olsen Line, Hurtigruten Tours, Crystal Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises. The Norwegian fjords are well known for their breathtaking landscape. This has come about due to the mighty glaciers cutting in to the coastline over thousands of years. The region is characterized by overhanging cliffs, exciting waterfalls and rock walls. Working ships are operated to cruise the entire length of the Norwegian coast. The duration of the cruise is mostly twelve days. It starts from Bergen and ends at Kirkenes. The main focus of this cruise is to see the landscape which is spectacular. The ports of call are up and down the coastline of Norway. The highlight of the cruise is Bergen, the old capital city of Norway. It is the birthplace of the famous Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. You will also be reminded of the great film, `Song of Norway’ when you visit Bergen which has both Renaissance and Mediaeval buildings. The natural splendour of this region exceeds all other sights. Bergen has a historic hanseatic port. The Hanseatic League was formed to protect the economic privileges in the cities along the trade routes spreading from the Baltic to the North Sea. This city was founded by King Olav Kyrre in 1070. The first capital of Norway was Trondheim. Bergen became its capital in 1217 and remained for the next eighty seven years when Oslo became the capital in 1300. The primary reason for the importance and growth of Bergen as a city has been due to the dried cod trade from the northern coast. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains. Mount Ulriken is the highest mountain at seven hundred meters above sea level. For lovers of music, the cruise operators do include a visit to Edvard Grieg’s house in Bergen which is later followed by a pianoforte concert at a lakeside. The house has become a museum and it is full of scores of music sheets and information on Grieg’s life. He is also buried in the vicinity of the house. Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord are both popular and have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These fjord cruises are mainly operated during summer between June and August when the climate is warm after the winter snow has melted and you will be able to see the rolling green hills. The weather is warm in July and August when the daylight hours are the longest. Naeroyfjord is regarded as the queen of the fjords. It is situated in the south east of Bergen. It is totally surrounded by mountains and marvellous glaciers. There are many fjord villages with their orchards. Geirangerfjord has many waterfalls and farm hills. There is a well known golden route mountainous road with the sharp Trollstigen road with hairpin bends offering a breathtaking view of the fjord. The Geirangerfjord has a lovely mountainous backdrop and a `Seven Sisters’ waterfall. The fjord is sixty two miles in length. Sognefjord is the longest navigable fjord in the world. It is surrounded by high hills and steep waterfalls. Some voyages have an option to conclude at Copenhagen or Stockholm instead of Kirkenes. The port of Kirkenes is turning out to be an important one for vessels that are conducting seismic explorations in the Arctic. This northern Norwegian town is close to the gas and oil fields. You will not forget your holiday amidst the Norwegian fjords with their unique sights. Norwegian fjords are one of the greatest cruise destinations in the world.