The Norwegian fjords were formed by glaciers carving through solid rock over hundreds of thousands of years. The result is a coastline of extraordinary drama — sheer cliff faces rising a thousand metres directly from the water, snow-capped peaks reflected in mirror-still water, and waterfalls cascading down mossy green walls into the silence below.
The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the ships that sail them move slowly — partly because the fjords demand careful navigation, and partly because no one wants to rush through scenery this extraordinary. Passengers tend to gather on deck even at 6 a.m., watching in silence as the ship glides deeper into the rock.
The fjord region is also culturally rich. Bergen — the traditional gateway city — is a medieval Hanseatic trading port, its colourful wooden wharf buildings (Bryggen) now a UNESCO site and one of Norway's most photographed landmarks. Flam offers one of the world's most scenic railway journeys. Alesund is an Art Nouveau town rebuilt after a catastrophic fire in 1904.
Photography note: The light in the fjords, especially in June when the sun barely sets, produces extraordinary conditions for photography. A wide-angle lens and a tripod for long exposures will be well rewarded. The best light is typically early morning and late evening.
Most major cruise lines sail the Norwegian Fjords between May and September. Compare lines and find your perfect sailing.
