Once you’ve cruised the Caribbean and Alaska, consider checking out the Norway Fjords. This cruise was with Celebrity (also offered by Princess, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines) and the 7 day itinerary made it a great choice to start off our European vacation.
This is a trip where nature seems to be the star, no matter where you look. Fjords, those long, deep waterways created by glaciers, wind through some of the most stunning landscapes on earth, with cliffs rising dramatically from the sea, waterfalls tumbling down from unseen lakes above, and colourful little towns dotting the coastline.
If you’re thinking about hopping aboard one of these fjord cruises, you’ve already made a fantastic choice. The itinerary? Charming towns like Molde, Olden, Ålesund, and Stavanger, each with its own personality and appeal. Let’s dive into what makes each of these places unique and why a fjord cruise is an adventure worth taking.
Molde: The City of Roses
First stop: Molde. Known as the “City of Roses,” Molde is famous for its lush gardens and floral displays that bloom all over the town during summer. But there’s a lot more to Molde than just flowers. The town is perched on the Romsdalsfjord, with views that will leave you grabbing your camera at every turn.
We enjoyed visiting the folk museum located in Molde. Founded in 1912, the Romsdal Museum showcases historic buildings and fascinating interiors from across the region. The “Bygata” town street features typical Molde houses from the pre-war era. Visitors can explore at their own pace or join a guided tour. Set in a scenic park, the museum offers benches for relaxation, a duck pond, and vibrant flower beds.
For those who love a good view (and who doesn’t?), the highlight of Molde is without a doubt the Varden viewpoint. It’s a bit of a hike, but if you prefer taking it easy, a quick drive will get you to the top. From there, you’ll have a panoramic view of 222 peaks in the distance, all lined up like they were posed just for you.
If you’re a fan of festivals, Molde also hosts the Molde International Jazz Festival, one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. Time it right, and you might find yourself tapping your feet to some world-class performances while you’re there. The festival will be held from July 14-19, 2025.
Olden: Gateway to the Briksdal Glacier
From Molde, your cruise ship will sail deeper into the fjords, and you’ll soon reach Olden, a little village tucked away at the end of the Nordfjord. While it might be small, Olden punches above its weight in terms of natural beauty.
Olden is the gateway to the famous Briksdal Glacier, part of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which is the largest glacier in mainland Europe. A short bus ride from the port takes you to the start of the glacier hike.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the trek to Briksdal is around 45 minutes each way and offers some great views of waterfalls and lush valleys. Don’t worry if hiking’s not your thing—there are also troll cars (fun little motorized buggies) that can whisk you part of the way up to see the glacier. We chose to do the walk, although we couldn’t have ridden if we had wanted to as the troll cars were sold out. Be sure to book on line in advance to avoid the trek.
Another big draw in Olden is the Loen Skylift. This cable car takes you from fjord level to the top of Mount Hoven in just five minutes. Once at the top, the views are nothing short of spectacular. I loved the view of the fjord stretching out below and snow-capped mountains all around.
Ålesund: The Art Nouveau Gem
Next up, we docked in Ålesund, a town with a story. After a devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, which gives it a completely different look from other Norwegian towns. The pastel-colored buildings, with their towers, turrets, and intricate details, feel like something out of a fairy tale.
One of the best ways to take in the charm of Ålesund is by simply wandering around town.
There’s the Jugendstilsenteret, an Art Nouveau museum, where you can learn more about the town’s architectural makeover. But for a bird’s eye view, head up the Aksla viewpoint. It’s a bit of a climb (418 steps to be exact!), but once you reach the top, the view is unbeatable. You’ll see the whole town, the surrounding islands, and of course, the mountains and fjords in the distance. (We cheated and got a ride up!)
Ålesund is also known as the gateway to the Hjørundfjord, a more off-the-beaten-path fjord that many travellers miss. If your cruise includes a side trip here, consider yourself lucky—it’s one of Norway’s hidden gems, offering quieter landscapes and just as much natural beauty.
When you’ve run out of ideas, check out the Humboldt Penguins in the Alesund Zoo!
Stavanger: Pulpit Rock and Beyond
Our final stop on the fjord cruise was Stavanger, a lively city with plenty of character. Stavanger is often thought of as the “oil capital” of Norway, but it’s also home to some serious natural wonders. One of the most popular excursions here is a hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), a flat-topped cliff that juts out over the Lysefjord.
The hike to Pulpit Rock isn’t too difficult, but it will take you about four hours round-trip. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with yet another jaw-dropping view.
If hiking isn’t on your agenda, Stavanger itself is a cool place to explore. The Old Town is a picturesque area with well-preserved wooden houses dating back to the 18th century. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There are also a few quirky museums to check out, like the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which gives a surprisingly fascinating look into the oil industry.
Our excursion in Stavanger was to take a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) with a dozen others to get up close and personal with the water and fjords. We booked this 2 hour adventure online. We were given dry suits, life vests and boots. At first, you feel pretty claustrophobic but once the boat is moving, you appreciate the getup!
Life Onboard: Cruising Through the Fjords
One of the great things about a fjord cruise is the experience onboard. When you’re not exploring a port or hiking through a mountain pass, the scenery from the ship is mesmerizing. The fjords are like a moving postcard, with towering cliffs, waterfalls that seem to appear out of nowhere, and the occasional sight of wildlife like eagles or seals.
Many ships will offer lectures about the geography and culture of Norway, so you can learn while you sail. And if you’re lucky enough to cruise during the summer, you’ll experience the Midnight Sun, where daylight stretches late into the evening. There’s something magical about standing on deck, watching the sun dip close to the horizon, only to rise again moments later.
Our unforgettable Norway fjord cruise, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming ports, and rich history, was a journey of a lifetime—one that left us in awe of nature’s grandeur and eager to return for more.
Next Stop – Croatia!
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