Places not to miss during a cruise in the fjords
Norway is the land of fjords. Your cruise takes you to the heart of these ancient glacial valleys, to be discovered thanks to a stopover in the Lofoten Islands. This archipelago, located near the Arctic Circle, offers in summer a green nature, suitable for hiking.
If your cruise in Scandinavia stops in Stavanger, don't miss Lysefjord. This fjord owes its name to its luminous granite cliffs. Walking enthusiasts can discover one of the longest staircases in the world (4444 steps).
In Bergen, Norway's second largest city on the southwest coast, visit the famous Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fall under the spell of its colorful wooden houses, which stand out against the green mountains and are reflected in the water of the harbor.
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is spread over an archipelago of 14 islands. A walk in Gamla stan, the old town, is an opportunity to discover the Storkyrkan, a 13th century cathedral, as well as the royal palace.
In Denmark, the capital, Copenhagen, is full of historical places. During your stopover, take the time to visit one of its many castles and palaces: Rosenborg Castle, dating from the early 17th century and of Renaissance architecture, or the Kastellet, a citadel founded in 1662 and considered one of the best preserved in Northern Europe.
Main ports of your cruise in the fjords
You can organize your trip according to different itineraries, from Norway, Denmark or Sweden.
In Norway, two ports are the starting point for cruises through the fjords: Kirkenes and Bergen. Kirkenes is located on the northeast coast of the country and is close to Russia. It is a great opportunity to observe the local wildlife (reindeer and bears in particular).
From Denmark, your trip is organized from the port of Copenhagen. You can head for the Baltic Sea and make a stopover in Stockholm, Tallinn, Visby or take a cruise to the Norwegian fjords, with a stopover in Kiel in Germany.
From the port of Stockholm, Sweden, you can enjoy a Baltic Sea cruise with a stopover in Helsinki, Riga, or St. Petersburg. During your stopover in Stockholm, it is highly recommended to taste a kanelbulle, a small cinnamon bun.
When to go on a cruise in the fjords or in Scandinavia?To enjoy long days and beautiful light during your cruise, the best period is summer, from June to September. The average temperature is 19°C but can reach 25°C to 30°C. The high season is from mid-June to mid-August.
Between the end of September and the end of March, you have the possibility to observe the Northern Lights. During the low season, between April and May, the average temperature is about 12°C, but temperatures can be lower than 5°C.
Main companies offering a cruise in the fjords
Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Hurtigruten are the main companies offering cruises in Northern Europe. Hurtigruten is the company to choose if you want to cruise in the Norwegian fjords.
Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer different itineraries, in the Baltic Sea or the North Sea.
Each company offers full board and you can choose your type of cabin (standard, outside, with balcony) when you book, to make the most of the magnificent Nordic landscapes.