7 days discovering the Norwegian fjords on board a superyacht

With a slightly more unpredictable climate than the classic Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising grounds, Norway isn’t necessarily the first location that springs to mind for a luxury yacht charter holiday. However, for a family-friendly yacht charter with unbeatable scenery and plenty of outdoor pursuits, it is the perfect destination.

Here Damion Moses, captain of 43 metre Daydream - which is currently available for charter in Norway with Ocean Independence - gives us his guide to making the most of the Norwegian fjords on a superyacht.

Day 1 – Stavanger to Lysefjord

Head straight from the airport to meet your yacht in downtown Stavanger – around 30 minutes by taxi – to begin your vacation. If you have time, take a look around this pretty town and make the most of its boutique shopping before beginning your Norway experience.

Once everyone is on board depart from Stavanger for your first fjord adventure in the beautiful Lysefjorden - around a 2 hour cruise. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and lunch underway while soaking up your first taste of Norway’s stunning scenery.

After the Lysefjorden cruise you may also want to visit the Island of Hidle, which has some incredible gardens and is a popular tourist spot in the fjords. Enjoy dinner either at Hidle or on board before cruising to a secluded overnight anchorage.

Indulge in a hearty breakfast this morning to prepare for your hike up to Norway’s famous Pulpit Rock. Perfect for active cruisers, this beautiful hike takes approximately 3.5 hours return and you will be rewarded with some of the fjord’s most incredible views. For non-walkers or those looking for an extra thrill, one of Norway’s longest zip lines is situated near the start of the Pulpit Rock hike and can be incorporated into the trip.

Once back on board, settle in for lunch while you cruise to the Haugesund area. For those with an interest in local history, a guided tour of the Viking farm at Avaldsnes can be arranged before reaching Haugesund, while still leaving plenty of time to look around the picturesque coastal town before dinner. Alternatively, this would also be the perfect time to enjoy a spot of fishing before embarking on an evening cruise to a serene overnight anchorage.

Take an early morning cruise to the Akrafjorden, which offers easy access to a range of exciting activities. Families cruising with children may choose to visit the Trolljuv Adrenalin Park, where the adventurous can zip line across the Trolljuv Gorge and bungee jump from the bridge – or opt for a tractor safari at the Eikemo Moutain Farm. Those looking for something more peaceful may instead wish to take a coastal drive to the stunning Langfoss waterfall or take a gentle stroll through the Rullestadjuvet Gorge on the Old Postal Road.

After rejoining your yacht, ask the captain to position the vessel so you can get some good photos of the Langfoss waterfall from the water. Then relax and enjoy lunch while you cruise for around 3.5 hours to a peaceful anchorage at Rosendal. This is the ideal spot to test out your yacht’s water toys before indulging in a lengthy al fresco dinner.

Before departing Rosendal make sure the crew pick up some bikes as there will be plenty of opportunities for cycling enthusiasts over the next couple of days. For example, after taking the short cruise to Sundal, choose between a 2 hour walk or 40 minute return cycle to Lake Bondhusvatnet and the Bondhusvatnet Glacier.

After returning to the yacht, cruise to Northeimsund to visit the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall. Again, the waterfall is only 4km from your anchorage so it would be possible to cycle instead of taking a taxi.

Today’s final cruise is to the port of Lofthus where you will stay overnight. This scenic passage goes via the beautiful Fykesund where it is possible to get close enough to the Kalrassen waterfall to fill a glass of water from the yacht – an experience children will love. At Lofthus disembark for a private dining experience in the wine crypt at the Hotel Ullensvang, where wine lovers can soak up the atmosphere and peruse the hotel’s fine vintages. The hotel also offers heated indoor and outdoor pools for those who wish to take a dip.

Before setting off this morning take advantage of the helipad at the Hotel Ullensvang and charter a flight over the Folgefonna Glacier and the Trolltunga viewpoint. Those who are suitably impressed with this famous Norwegian landmark can get a little closer with the Trolltunga Zippen - a 600 metre zip line that will take you down 200 metres to the lake below.

After all this sightseeing unwind over lunch on board while you cruise for approximately 2 hours to your overnight anchorage at Eidfjord. One of the main attractions here is the famous Voringfossen waterfall - best enjoyed at sunset before cocktails on deck.

Thrill seekers should take advantage of the many high octane activities on offer in Eidfjord this morning. A 30km down hill cycle through the Hardangervidda National Park is sure to get hearts racing while the unique White Water Jump combines abseiling, zip lining and aerial acrobatics – all over a gushing river.

It’s then time to enjoy lunch underway during a 2 hour cruise to Eide before taking a short taxi ride through the mountains to the Norwegian adventure capital of Voss. If the weather is warm try your hand at white water rafting or, if the conditions aren’t so good, head to the Voss Vind indoor skydiving centre. Once back on board head to an overnight anchorage near the island of Tysnesoy while enjoying the hospitality of your chef and crew.

In the morning take a last opportunity to play with your yacht’s water toys, enjoy some fishing or hop on board the tender for a foodie visit to a local salmon farm. For lunch, cruise to Holmen Island where Cornelius - one of Norway’s best seafood restaurants – will serve you huge platters of local oysters, lobster, crab, sea urchin and scallops all smoked on site.

In the afternoon take your final cruise to the city of Bergen where the best berths are in the port down town. Bergen is a well-established city combining old world history and tradition with modern shopping and entertainment. Most attractions are walking distance from the famously colourful port but of particular note is the Hanseatic wharf area, Floibanen funicular and the local fish market.

Bergen is bursting with great shopping and nightlife so ask your captain for bar recommendations and enjoy a sundowner before making the most of a final dinner party on board.