The Norwegian Fjords, these famous sea indentations in the coast, characterize much of the Norwegian coastline and offer great shows, including the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. The Fjords are more and more the dream of many people! But common rumors say that traveling to Norway and the Fjords is too expensive and visiting them all is impossible. It will be true .
Surely a cruise is the best way to visit several and at the same time buy an almost complete trip. Find out more about the costs and itineraries of a cruise to the Fjords !
When to go
The best time to go on a Fjord cruise
- Best time: If you are hunting for the Northern Lights, winter is the best time, while summer is the perfect time for those who want to observe the midnight sun and for those who prefer the cool to the scorching heat or not and a lover of snow.
- Period to avoid : there is no particular period not recommended, indeed it is always a good time to visit Norway. Again it depends a lot on your interests and what you are looking for on a trip to the Fjords.
- Advice : a distinction must be made between a cruise to the Fjords and a cruise in Northern Europe. Most companies make few stops in the Fjords and several stops in European capitals. If your intention is to visit the Fjords, we recommend the Norwegian ferry service Hurtigruten, which sails along the Scandinavian coast every day offering itineraries from 7 to 12 days that include two daily stops.
Climate, Average Temperatures and Precipitation
The Fjords occupy the western part of Norway, which is the one most exposed to the influence of the sea which determines its cool and humid climate with continuous clouds, rains and winds , unfortunately present all year round. However, it must be considered that Norway is a very large country in latitude, therefore the southern fjords have a slightly different climate than those of the north , although it must be pointed out that each individual fjord has its own microclimate different from the other fjords depending on the shape. , of the size and exposure, but in general the more you move away from the sea the more they become less rainy, less cold in winter and warmer in summer.
From the Fjords it is also frequent to witness two as beautiful as particular phenomena: the Northern Lights and the midnight sun . Both are due to Norway’s location near the North Pole, the former occurring in winter and the latter in summer.
SEE ALSO : where and when to see the Northern Lights
Month Average temperature (min / max) Rainy days January -1/4 ° C 21
February -1/4 ° C 17
March 1/6 ° C 19
April 3/9 ° C 17
May 7/14 ° C 17
June 10/17 ° C 16
July 11/18 ° C 18
August 12/17 ° C 19
September 9/14 ° C 23
October 7/11 ° C 24
November 3/7 ° C 22
December 1/5 ° C 22
How much does a cruise on the Fjords cost
Prices, tips and itinerary
- Price : between € 900.00 and € 1,500.00 for a duration ranging from 7 to 12 days. Both the duration and the price depend on the choice of a one-way itinerary, then embarking in one port and disembarking in another, or round trip to the same port. The price is per person referring to a standard cabin, including full board but not any excursions, which can be purchased on board starting from € 60.00, and return flights to the ports of embarkation and disembarkation, which usually they are Bergen and Kirkenes.
- Recommended duration : If you opt for the one-way itinerary, 7 days are the recommended duration to make several stops in different Fjords. In the case of the round trip itinerary, it is better to choose a 12-day cruise to calmly enjoy the stages made.
- Companies that organize cruises in the Fjords : Hurtigruten, Costa and Msc
- Custom quote : click here to request a custom quote
Cruise itinerary
There are different types of itineraries, which as mentioned also touch northern European capitals, such as Stockholm, Tallin, Oslo, Helsinki. The one below is just one of the many Norwegian fjord cruise itineraries.
- Departure from Milan airport , with a stopover at Amsterdam airport, and expected arrival in Bergen in 6 hours;
- Cruise accommodation and departure from the port of Bergen , with the first stop in Floro, where you can make an excursion to the surrounding hills whose peaks offer a beautiful view of the many islands of the region.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Molde , where you can visit this particular city with historical and modern architecture and narrow and sloping streets. In Molde you can see the central statue representing the city and the Romsdal Museum.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Kristiansund , where you can visit the ancient churches and museums of the village or take a kayak excursion to closely observe local animals such as seals.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Rorvik , a port only 5 meters deep. Here you can hike through the mountain forests to discover the wildlife of central Norway or stroll on the village beach to admire the daily life of the local people who make a living from fishing and trading.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Bronnoysund , where you can explore the various islands that surround this large port or cross the bridge over the city and visit the trout aquaculture.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Svolvaer , a quaint and picturesque small port in the Vestfjord, starting point for excursions in the Lofoten Islands. These excursions are available on foot or by bicycle, and include stops for fishing, kayaking and snorkeling. Once back in Svolvaer visit the quaint Magic Ice, a museum of illuminated ice sculptures that also houses an authentic ice bar too!
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Stokmarknes , a small natural harbor on the archipelago of Vasteralen from which to start a beautiful excursion inside the Trollfjord that will take you to discover the rugged nature of this area of ​​Norway and make you have close encounters in a kayak with whales and seals.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Skjervoy , one of the best places to observe the phenomenon of the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. In Skjervoy you cannot miss the beauty of the village and its central streets full of shops and restaurants.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Oksfjord , where you can take an excursion to the surrounding mountains from which to observe the beautiful panorama of the nearby fjords or a boat trip to discover one of the largest glaciers in Norway.
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Berlevag , a small fishing village to be discovered. Here you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and you can visit the Harbor Museum and the Royal Crab Museum. The latter is located a few kilometers from Berlevag and offers excellent tastings of king crabs. And if you are not yet satisfied you can take advantage of the many restaurants near the port that obviously serve fish specialties!
- Stop of 5 hours and departure for Kirkenes , the last stop of your cruise before returning home. You will find yourself in a cosmopolitan city on the border with Russia, which is what makes it different from other Norwegian cities. Here you can visit Andersgrotta, a historic tunnel dug into a cave, and Kirkenes Snowhotel, where you can observe local wildlife such as reindeer, brown bear and puffins. Also enjoy the local cuisine in excellent typical restaurants in the center.
- Return to Italy at Milan airport , stopping first in Oslo and then in Zurich. Arrival expected in 10 hours of travel.
Where they are
The most famous fjords in the world are found in Norway, precisely along the entire west coast of the country. It starts from Stavanger, in the south, up to Kirkenes, in the north, meeting a myriad of archipelagos, islands and islets.
What to bring in your suitcase
A winter cruise on the fjords means entering very cold places, so you have to cover yourself well and equip yourself with everything you need to stay warm . In addition to sweaters and sweatshirts, bring thermal leggings and tank tops to use under your clothes, a fleece jacket and a padded jacket that is also waterproof. Unmissable scarf, gloves and hat, preferably wool, and of course an umbrella.
For a summer cruise, on the other hand, prefer mid-season clothingand the classic “onion” clothing that allows you to cover and uncover yourself easily. So bring t-shirts, tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, a waterproof jacket and long pants. Don’t forget an umbrella!
Travel informed: useful information
- Citta interested : Bergen, Floro, Molde, Kristiansund, Rorvik, Bronnoysund, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Skjervoy, Oksfjord, Berlevag, Kirkenes
- Languages : Norwegian and English
- Local currency : Norwegian Krone (€ 1.00 = Kr 9.71)
- Climate : type of climate, average temperatures
- Entry requirements : An identity card valid for expatriation or a passport valid for the duration of the stay is required. To enter the Svalbard Islands, border controls are instead foreseen, as they do not belong to the Schengen area.
- Distance from Italy : 2,090 km (3-5 hours of flight)
