November 4, 2022, 5:02 am | Read time: 4 minutes

A trip to Norway was a long-held dream of mine. To discover as many places as possible and escape the very hot summer in Germany, I chose a cruise to the far north and did not regret it. Here are my personal tips for a cruise through Norway’s fjords.

All the tips and inspiration from this article are also available in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World – narrated by Sabrina Keskowski, Product & Business Manager at STYLEBOOK:

What is a Highlight?

The absolute highlight of my cruise through Norway’s fjords was the journey through the Geirangerfjord from Hellesylt to Geiranger. Along the route, the so-called Seven Sisters (seven closely spaced waterfalls) and the opposite waterfall named Suitor offer a spectacular view.

According to legend, the Suitor wanted to marry each of the seven sisters, one after the other. However, all seven refused to marry. As a result, the Suitor turned to the bottle, indulged in alcohol, and the waterfall took the shape of a bottle.

Incidentally, the Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

Also interesting: Bastøy – probably the most luxurious prison in the world

What You Absolutely Should Do

Another highlight is the Romsdal Gondola, Norway’s longest cable car in the port city of Åndalsnes. The cable car covers a distance of 1,676 meters and about 692 meters in altitude from the fjord to the excursion mountain Nesaksla. Once at the top, you enjoy an indescribable view over the entire fjord. However, a downside is the hefty price of about 50 euros for the round trip.

Where Are the Best Restaurants?

If you want to eat traditional Norwegian fish, it’s best to do so on land in one of the ports. My favorite was a small inconspicuous restaurant right at the port of Stavanger called “fisketorget.” Otherwise, the restaurants on the cruise ships naturally offer a wide selection of (international) dishes.

Also interesting: The exciting history of Hammerfest in Norway

How Expensive is Norway?

A trip to Norway, especially on a cruise ship, is not for the budget-conscious. Food, alcohol, and attractions are exceptionally expensive in Norway. You can easily plan for about 10 euros for a glass of beer.

If you want to save money, you should keep the following tip in mind: In Norway, the value-added tax rate for most goods is 25 percent, and for food, it is 15 percent. Many stores offer foreign customers the opportunity to have 12 to 19 percent of the VAT refunded upon leaving Norway. It is therefore advisable to always ask for the so-called tax refund check when shopping. With these receipts, you can often collect the refund directly on board at the end of the cruise.

Also interesting: Saltstraumen – the world’s strongest whirlpool in Norway

Do’s & Don’ts

An absolute must-have for Norway are ankle-high hiking boots and a good rain jacket. The weather is sometimes very changeable, and the endless nature invites you to extensive hiking tours.

To avoid hidden costs, always remember to disable automatic network selection on your smartphone or tablet when on a cruise near the sea or in port. On the high seas, neither the EU roaming regulation nor special travel packages from mobile providers apply.

Where Do Cruises to Norway’s Fjords Start?

In Germany, cruises to Norway’s fjords start in Hamburg or Kiel.

Couples or Family Vacation?

Personally, I took a family vacation in Norway, but the nature with its myriad possibilities is suitable for any type of vacation–whether for families, couples, or singles. Many cruises also offer childcare, allowing parents to enjoy uninterrupted hours on land and on the ship.

Relaxation or Adventure?

Definitely relaxation AND adventure. Whether hiking, cycling, or water sports–adventure seekers will find plenty to enjoy in Norway. But the calming power of nature in Geiranger or a leisurely stroll through Trondheim can also be relaxing and soothing.