Itinerary
NORWAY
With its serene fjords, epic wildlife and UNESCO World Heritage Sites peppered along its coasts, Norway is primed for exploring by superyacht. BOAT plans your route...
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
ADOBE STOCK
MARIUS BADSTUBER - UNSPLASH
MARIUS BADSTUBER - UNSPLASH
JORG ANGELI - UNSPLASH
JORG ANGELI - UNSPLASH
Bottom left: Geirangerfjord has achieved UNESCO World Heritage status. Top right, before reaching Bergen, stop at the adventure centre of Voss for paragliding and white-water rafting. Top right: Rosendal
THE ITINERARY
Ålesund
Meet the yacht moored at Ålesund, a vibrant art nouveau city, which lies on Norway’s serrated south-west coast and is often considered one of the country’s most beautiful cities.
Settle down for a decadent lunch on the aft deck. In the afternoon, head into town and walk among the colourful architecture, picking up souvenirs and local delicacies.
For the best view of the city, head to the city park and walk up Fjellstua, a steep path of 418 steps that towers over the city.
Right image: The Apotekergata No 5 restaurant is housed in a chic old warehouse in Ålesund
Runde island
Following a leisurely breakfast on board, the yacht will begin a gentle cruise 15 nautical miles west to Runde island, passing puffins and the occasional seal.
This sequestered isle has just over 100 people and more than half a million birds, which congregate on its soaring cliffs.
Spot rare breeds such as razorbills and guillemots with a local guide before cruising around the island and beyond to Kami Skotholmen, the famous restaurant that sits alone on a tiny islet.
Sample the catch of the day and the creamy crab soup for which the restaurant is known, before settling in for the afternoon to play pétanque or enjoy wine tasting. Dine on board this evening, as the yacht cruises deeper into the fjord system.
Geirangerfjord
Having cruised 67 nautical miles, breakfast is served in Geirangerfjord, considered the jewel of Norway’s fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Surrounded by 800-metre cliffs and verdant mountain peaks, spend the morning kayaking these extraordinary waters, past cascading waterfalls including The Seven Sisters, which is made up of seven different streams tumbling simultaneously down beside you.
In the afternoon head to shore to see this dramatic landscape by foot and call into the Geiranger Sjokolade Fjordnær to try its selection of chocolate delights.
Left image: Kami Skotholmen is famed for its seafood
Shop in Ålesund
Norway is known for its Setesdal jumpers. Pay a visit to Spøteriet in Ålesund or the Devold outlet in Langevåg.
Fosseråsa trail
Walk the Fosseråsa national hiking trail and pass behind the Storseter waterfall. Along the way you’ll see the gravity- defying Skageflå farm.
Geiranger drive
Drive to Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint, Geiranger Skywalk, in a Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, for hire at Geiranger Sport Car Rentals.
SECOND AND THIRD IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES, ADOBE STOCK
Walk the Fosseråsa national hiking trail and pass behind the Storseter waterfall
Sognefjord
Following an overnight cruise, awake to see the mouth of Sognefjord, which lies just over 100 nautical miles south of the entrance to Geirangerfjord.
This is Norway’s longest fjord and is studded with idyllic waterside villages, including Vikøyri and Årdal.
Cruise to Solvorn where you can hike the famous Molden trail, which takes you 1,116 metres above the fjord through a spectacular forest track. Return to the yacht in the afternoon and enjoy dinner on board.
Near Solvorn, enjoy an al fresco hot tub at the Raaum Gard lodge
Flåm
As dawn breaks, the yacht will continue its excursion in Sognefjord and cruise 30 nautical miles to the fjord village of Flåm.
Following lunch on board, head to shore to the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most beautiful routes, which begins beside the water and whisks you up to the Myrdal Station, 867 metres above sea level.
Spanning 20 kilometres, the spectacular mountain track is one of the steepest gauge lines in the world with 80 per cent of the journey running on a gravity- defying gradient.
A trip on the Flåm Railway is a look at both spectacular nature and extreme engineering skills
Bergen
Arrive at Bergen just after breakfast, having cruised 120 nautical miles along the Sognefjord overnight.
Known as the capital of the fjords, Bergen may be a large city but it emanates small town charm with its cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses and picturesque wharf.
Wander the cobbles, picking up novelties and in the evening, head to the one-Michelin-star Lysverket by Christopher Haatuft for a 10-course tasting menu of modern Nordic cuisine.
Rosendal
After a leisurely breakfast on board, the yacht will weigh anchor and cruise 40 nautical miles south-east towards Rosendal, passing pretty hamlets nestled along the rumpled coast.
It's home to the obscure Salmon Eye installation, sequestered out in the Hardangerfjord; spend the afternoon exploring this seaborne art exhibition centred on Norway's aquaculture.
Dinner tonight is at the floating restaurant Iris, which offers an unusual expedition dining experience under Chef Anika Madsen.
Left image: Salmon Eye which examines the footprint of Norway’s aquaculture industry.
Right: The restaurant Iris literally takes its guests on a journey, with courses at multiple stop
Flåm by bike
Cycle the verdant pathways along the Aurlandsfjord or explore Flåm’s old town on two wheels.
Undredal cheese
Located between Flåm and Gudvangen, Undredal is home to the famous Norwegian white and brown goat cheese, which can be bought from the local shop Undredalsbui.
Folgefonna glacier
Taking a full day
to complete, the Folgefonna glacier is one of Norway’s largest glaciers and can be hiked with a local guide.
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES
First published in the April 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.