Day Eidfjord, Norway / Scenic cruising HardangerfjordArrives 07:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM / Cruising "In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor.
Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer."
Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
"From easy guided hikes and the summer-skiing resort on the Folgefonna glaciers to the serious hiking trails that encompass waterfalls and panoramic vistas, Norway’s Hardangerfjord region offers truly exceptional outdoor experiences. Norway’s Queen Sonja is known to favor the hiking trails around the village of Kinsarvik so much that a tough 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike is named after her.
Day Molde, NorwayArrives 10:00 AM Departs 09:00 PM Molde, town, western Norway. It lies along Molde Fjord, an inlet of the Norwegian Sea. A port since the 15th century, Molde was partially destroyed by fire in 1916, damaged during World War II, then rebuilt completely. During April 1940 it was the temporary home of the Norwegian government. Local industry includes fish export, textile mills, and furniture manufacture. Molde’s outstanding gardens have earned it the nickname “Town of Roses.”
Day Geiranger, Norway / Cruising GeirangerfjordArrives 07:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM / Cruising "Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful spots in Scandinavia—if not the world. These are among the planet’s longest and deepest
fjords, with steep walls of rock dropping some 500 meters below the water’s surface and rising 1,400 meters above sea level.
Waterfalls tumble down from high above, free-flowing rivers snake through forests and glacial lakes stretch for miles. It's no
surprise that these glacially carved masterpieces cut into Norway's western coast were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with
the nearby Nærøyfjord, in 2005.
The small village of Geiranger lies at the head of the Geirangerfjord, and being here is all about being outdoors in the clean, crisp
Norwegian air to enjoy the stunning scenery. Cruise ships anchor at the end of the Geirangerfjord and passengers can hike, kayak,
bicycle and ski to see the gorgeousness up close.
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Cruising Geirangerfjord
The coast of Norway is fringed with jagged fjords cut into the shoreline by glaciers eons ago. One of the most spectacular inlets is
the mighty Geirangerfjord, a popular cruising destination and, along with the nearby Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When
Norway’s glaciers retreated they left deep valleys in their wake that filled with seawater, in the case of the Geirangerfjord to a
depth of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). Above the surface, the fjord’s sheer rock walls shoot straight up three times as far. You'll
want to wake up early to catch the exhilarating views during the nine-mile cruise up the Geirangerfjord to the tiny village of
Geiranger; your ship will likely make this trip in early morning to give you a full day in port. If you’ve sprung for a balcony cabin,
you won’t regret it. Otherwise, head for the open decks to soak up the stunning scenery and the crisp, fresh Norwegian air as the ship
moves up the calm, glasslike channel.
Day Bergen, NorwayArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs.