Five of Norway’s Best Cruise Ports

1. Oslo

Oslo is Norway’s cosmopolitan capital. Oslo is ever popular thanks to its thriving art scene. Two of history’s most famous artists, Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen, both herald from the city – and there is a museum dedicated to each. But Oslo’s artistic heritage doesn’t end there; you can also visit the National Gallery or the National Museum of Art to get your culture fix.

Oslo is also much-loved thanks to the opportunities it provides to get out into nature. It’s a city filled with green spaces and relaxing spots, which offset the centre’s bustling vibe perfectly. Take a stroll through scenic Frogner Park or have a picnic at Sognsvann Lake.

2. Geiranger

From the capital city into the heart of the fjords. Geiranger sits at the mouth of the awe-inspiring and UNESCO-lisred Gierangerfjord, whose cobalt waters stretch for 15km. Sail through the heart of Geirangerfjord to witness waterfalls thundering down the mountainsides, tiny cottages perched at impossible angles and thick forests of trees blanketed under an ivory coating of snow.

Geiranger is also a popular port as the famous Trollstigen mountain road passes through the village. Follow this dramatic, zig-zagging pass to reach the Flydalsjuvet lookout, which offers you sweeping vistas over the fjord. The perfect place to spend sunset.

3. Stavanger

Stavanger seamlessly blends a small town feel with all of the modern features of a big city. The centre, also known as Gamle Stavanger, has been lovingly preserved and is brimming with 173 photogenic 18^th-century wooden buildings. Amongst many independent boutiques and galleries, you’ll also find the Norwegian Canning Museum, which pays testament to the city’s tinned fish production history.

Look a little closer at Stavanger, and you’ll find buildings with roots that stretch even further back in time. One of the most famous is Stavanger Domkirke, a medieval cathedral dating from around 1125. Following a renovation in 1272, Gothic, Baroque and Anglo-Norman details can now all be detected.

4. Flam

Next up is Flam: a small village sitting pretty in part of the deepest and longest fjord in the world, Aurlandsfjorden. It’s also located close to the narrowest fjord, the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the historic railway line which snakes up the impossibly steep mountainsides on its way to the Hardangervidda plateau, providing breath-taking views over the fjord.

Flam’s other main attraction, and what makes it one of our guests’ most-loved ports, is the Stegastein Viewpoint. You’ll likely have already seen pictures of this dramatic viewing platform, which juts out 30 metres from the side of the mountain, offering panoramic vistas.

5. Bergen

Finally, we have Bergen, the second largest city in Norway. Bergen’s history dates back for well over 900 years; it was once a significant site for the Hanseatic League, controlling the trade between Norway and Europe. Soak up a slice of seafaring history at Bryggen, a line of colourful wooden houses at the waterside.

There’s plenty more to do here. Get inspired at the four museums of KODE, which showcase national silver, modern art, contemporary exhibitions and the seminal work of Edvard Munch. Get some fresh air by exploring Mt Fløyen. Take the funicular to the top, before following one of the many hiking trails through the thick fir forests at the summit. You might even discover serene lakes and fjord views on the way.

Daydreaming of Norway’s majestic fjords? Browse all of our Norway cruises to find your perfect itinerary.