Seven days in the Norwegian Fjords

28 January 2015

Norway is a country of just five million people and an outdoor lovers paradise with such activities as hiking, glacier trekking, fishing, kayaking cycling and white-water rafting are available to its visitors. The ideal way to navigate through its fjord system is undoubtedly via boat, especially in the summer when the sun never sets.

DAY 1 BERGEN

Arrive in the city described as the “gateway to the Fjords”. Bergen has a wealth of attractions to explore. Spend your day meandering the streets, admiring the quirky cafes, excellent seafood restaurants and the simply stunning panorama offered from the top of the old funicular.

DAY 2 ALESUND

Following an overnight sail along Norway’s west coast, pass the Alnes lighthouse to arrive in the vibrant fishing port of Alesund. Its brightly coloured townhouses and quaint harbour mixed with its art-nouveau architecture has made it one of Norway’s most popular haunts.

Stroll through the old fishing port of Alesund

DAY 3 ALESUND TO GEIRANGERFJORD

The cruise to Geirangerfjord is one of the most picturesque in the world; enjoy steep cliffs, deep fjords and dramatic waterfalls. Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited villages in the region due to its natural wonders. Be sure to find time to explore the village, and the Brudesloret, Friaren and Seven Sisters waterfalls.

Stop off for a few souvenirs in Bergen

DAY 4 GEIRANGERFJORD to TRONDHEIM

Cut through Norway’s dramatic fjord system to arrive in the ancient city of Trondheim – Norway’s once capital city. Viking King Olav Trygvasson founded the city over 1,000 years ago. Today, it is a pretty reminder of what life used to be like in Norway. Cross the old wooden bridge to marvel at the restored wooden buildings in Bakklandet or play golf at an oceanfront course.

The old wooden bridge of Trondheim is a perfect example of the old Viking history | © Shutterstock

DAY 5 TRONDHEIM to OLDEN, SOGN OG FJORDAN

Olden is a quaint village set in the heart of the fjords amidst rolling green meadows and the Oldedalen valley. It is flanked by near-vertical cliffs and imposing glaciers: 1,500m up the valley is the Lokenfossen waterfall. Olden also sits at the tip of the southern-most arm of where the Nordfjord has divided into three. Visually stunning and steeped in history, Olden is the Norwegian fjords at its finest.

Day 6 OLDEN – FLAM – GUDVANGEN Olden-Flam

Sail overnight to arrive in the tiny village of Flam. Lost in the midst of the Aurlandsfjord, Flam is set to a backdrop of sky-high cliffs, glassy water and a sleepy, wooden hut-filled village. Head ashore and enjoy lunch under the watchful eye of Norway’s deepest gorge and steepest mountains. After lunch set sail for Gudvangen, set in the Nærøyfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. It is the narrowest navigable fjord in the world. Gudvangen has changed very little over the years allowing visitors to get a taste of life in a traditional fjord village.

Enjoy lunch on shore in the pretty village of Flam | © Morten Rakke

Day 7 GUDVANGEN to BERGEN

The final leg heads back into the World Heritage City of Bergen. Enjoy a leisurely sail passing picturesque waterfalls, deep gorges through narrow fjords. Arrive in time for lunch, some souvenir shopping before leaving the dramatically beautiful country of Norway.

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