What to Expect When Visiting the Norwegian Fjords for The First Time

The Norwegian Fjords are one of the rarest places you can visit on earth. The minute you get there, it becomes clear how photographs barely capture a fraction of the stunning scenery. Watching the dramatic landscapes pass by from the comfort of my Norwegian Fjords cruise is simply one of the best things I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

So, what can you expect when travelling to the Norwegian fjords for the very first time?

A Landscape That Feels Unlike Anywhere Else

It’s not exaggerating to call visiting the Norwegian Fjords a one-of-a-kind journey. You get to see breathtaking scenery during the day, and when the night rolls around, you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights. There are simply not many other places, if any, that offer this.

The fjords stretch inland for tens of kilometres with steep cliffs rising on both sides and waterfalls threading their way down to the sea. One fjord you can’t leave out of your itinerary is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It will give you a great view of the famous Seven Sisters waterfall from the deck of your cruise ship. 

Another fjord that you should make sure you visit is the Sognefjord. It’s nicknamed “King of the Fjords” and for a reason. Stretching for more than 200 kilometres inland, it gives you a classic “Norway postcard” experience with serene blue waters, towering cliffs, and picture-perfect villages.

Distinctive Ports, Each With Its Own Character

Although the fjords share a similar visual language of water and mountains, their surrounding towns and cities offer a surprising variety. We first stopped at Bergen, a coastal city with colourful wooden houses and beautiful neighbourhoods like Nordnes.

While in Bergen, you can hike out into the fjords or stay back and visit the Art Museum or enjoy a quick ride on the Fløibanen funicular railway.

We also stopped at Alesund, a city that turned out to have more charm than I could’ve imagined. It’s almost surrounded by water, giving it a unique setting, and it’s little wonder it’s consistently the most-visited port by passengers.

My favourite port was Geiranger, a spectacular village near the Geirangerfjord. Despite its relatively small size, there is a lot you can do in Geiranger. You can explore the incredible shoreline, hiking trails, or visit local shops. I also took a bus trip to the Geiranger Skywalk, where I enjoyed the highest fjord views of Geirangerfjord and snow-capped mountains at 1,500 metres.

Excursions That Bring the Landscape to Life

Besides sightseeing, there are plenty of things to do on your trip to the Norwegian fjords. If you prefer a faster pace, you can hike the fjords and explore them up close. I visited the fjords in early August when the days are longer and warmer. If you’re planning on Kayaking, I recommend scheduling your cruise from May to October.

June to August offers the warmest weather and the opportunity to see massive waterfalls from snowmelt. The summer months also provide green landscapes and lusher trees, making them also the most suitable for hiking.

On the other hand, this time of the year is also the busiest, so expect crowds. You’ll also have little chance of seeing the Northern lights during this time. So, there isn’t really a bad month for visiting, just different experiences.

A Blend of Weather and Atmosphere

If you’re visiting for the first time, you should know that the weather is unpredictable even in the summer. Some days, we woke up to the fjords covered in mist, while others were crystal clear.

Make sure you bring warm clothing so your time out in town, hiking, or on deck is comfortable. You’ll also find all kinds of hiking trails, some covered in snow, meltwater, and rocky terrains, so some sturdy walking shoes are in order.

Unlike cruises to Africa or the Caribbean, you can get hit with all four seasons in one day in Norway. You want to bring layers to ensure you’re comfortable in any conditions.