Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords

• Day 1 Southampton

  Departure: late afternoon

• Day 4 Stavanger

  Behind the bustle of prosperous, cosmopolitan Stavanger lies 900 years of seafaring tradition. This vibrant Norwegian city oozes charm and was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. The city’s wealth and thriving oil industry have prompted its tag as Norway’s oil capital, but Stavanger remains as charming as ever. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, has narrow winding streets and ancient wooden houses, gathered around a historic fresh fish and vegetable market. Beyond the town, The Swords in Rock monument commemorates the 9^th century battle where Harald Hårfagre became the first King of Norway.

• Day 5 Cruising Åkrafjord & Langfoss Waterfall

  Enjoy an incredible scenic cruise along the Åkrafjord past the mighty Langfoss Waterfall, where it’s almost possible to feel the spray of this magnificent natural wonder. Widely regarded as one of Norway's best waterfalls - in fact, CNN once voted as it as one of the top ten in the world - the Langfoss is a truly unforgettable sight.

• Day 6 Olden

  See the aqua blue ice of the Jostedal Glacier cascading down the stunning Oldedalen Valley, as you navigate the spindly fjords of Norway. Feel your breath catching in your throat, as you sail into this world of wonder, and the dramatic fjord scenery and interlocking valleys inspire you. The village of Olden opens up some of Norway's most majestic natural wonders, from the glacier - which is mainland Europe's largest - to the sloshing waterfalls that run off it, and the bowing forests that sway all around it. A visit to picturesque Olden is all thrilling panoramas and hikes through wildflower sprinkled trails. The Briksdalsbreen arm of ice, reaches out from the main glacier, and sits around an hour's stroll from the village of Olden itself - regular busses can also take you there. Snaking through steep-sided valleys, you can enjoy a walk close to the foot of the ice, and feel the spray of the waterfalls that plummet nearby, as you breathe in some of the freshest air you’ve ever tasted. The crisp glacial meltwater is so clean and pure that it’s bottled up to be sold across Norway.

• Day 6 Cruising by Innvikfjorden

  Located at the eastern end of the Nordfjord where it divides into three arms beneath the glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen, the charming village of Olden sits among green meadows, towering cliff faces, and sparkling glacial waters. In the centre of the village is the Old Church; and just a short journey away is the Briksdal Glacier, formed thousands of years ago, while still breath-taking, has retreated some 859m in the last century, a stark reminder of the effects of climate change

  Stretching over 66 nautical miles from the westernmost point in Norway, overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps, to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, picturesque Nordfjord has postcard-perfect icy-blue waters framed by towering peaks covered in lush greenery. As your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, a narrow branch of Nordfjord, the landscape becomes fairytale-like, with forested hillsides leading down to tranquil waters, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages and farms dotted along the fjord edge. 

• Day 7 Haugesund

  The birthplace of Norway, Haugesund dates back to the Viking Age, where it’s said that the first Viking King of Norway – Harald Hårfagre, is buried. The town has developed into a thriving commercial area, while still retaining its small-town charm. Home to an eclectic mix of Jugend, Neogothic, and Neoclassical architecture, the Haraldshaugen Monument, dedicated to King Harald Hårfagre, is located just north of the town centre.

• Day 8 Lerwick, Shetland Islands

  Capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastlines. Close by are the soaring cliffs of Sumburgh Head, which are perfect for spotting various examples of marine life, such as minke whales, orcas and dolphins; and as an RSPB nature reserve — guillemots, shags and fulmars. In the town, the Arts Centre celebrates the Gaelic heritage of this fascinating seaport.

• Day 11 Southampton

  Arrival: early morning

Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords Itinerary