A cruise on the Norwegian fjords

A cruise on the Nærøyfjord

When you think of Norway, images of picturesque Norwegian fjords probably spring to mind. Akin to sailing through a transcendent paradise (albeit a colder and more rainy version), taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you’ll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren’t dreaming.

The stunning Nærøyfjord is an arm of the Sognefjord and also a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. The cruise down Nærøyfjord is renowned for being one of the most dramatic fjord cruises in Europe with scenic landscapes guaranteed to make your jaw drop during the 17-kilometre stretch. The smooth aquamarine waters locked by rugged mountain peaks covered with lush deep-green foliage emanates an ethereal beauty; tiny colourful Nordic villages peek out from under the rolling mist. It’s moody and tantalising and the swirls of blue and green hues merge to form a breathtaking vista.

This is a case where words don’t do reality justice so I’ll let the photos do the talking.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

During the fjord cruise, we passed and stopped at a few Nordic villages situated on the base of the mountains. The pastel-coloured wooden houses backed by dramatic mountain peaks really did remind me of something from out of a fairy tale. Seriously, imagine waking up to the view of the fjords every morning – incredible! (Note to self: look into Norwegian real estate.)

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

The details

We booked a sightseeing cruise on the Nærøyfjord, which runs between the towns of Flåm and Gudvangen. A timetable for the fjord cruise can be found here and tickets can be purchased online here

The fjord cruise also stops in the tiny villages of Aurland, Undredal, Dyrdal and Styvi. Undredal is home to the smallest stave church in Northern Europe dating from 1147 and is renowned for its brown goat’s cheese.

From Gudvangen, you can catch a bus to the town of Voss, where there is a train service to Bergen.

Taking a cruise on the Norwegian fjords is one of those awe-inspiring experiences where you'll need to pinch yourself afterwards to make sure that you weren't dreaming.

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