Extraordinary Norwegian Fjordlands

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The Norwegian Fjordlands showcase the most dramatic results of the ice age, with some of the deepest fjords in the world and many glaciers still carving high in the mountains. The best way to experience this region is by yacht, giving you the ability to navigate deep into the heart of the country. The longest fjord stretches 205 kilometres inland and two others are on the UNESCO World Heritage natural site. With local experts, unearth some of the hidden secrets in and around the fjords, with breath-taking scenery around every corner and arguably some of the most striking views on the planet.

When to go

May - September

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Ålesund

Arrive into Ålesund, the largest fishing capital port on the North-Western coast of Norway. Stretching between three islands that lie between two bright blue fjords Ålesund is home to 45,000 inhabitants and one of Norway’s largest harbours for exporting dried and fresh fish.

About two-thirds of its 1,040 wooden houses were destroyed by a fire in 1904. In the rush to shelter the 10,000 homeless victims, Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II, who often vacationed here, led a swift rebuilding that married German art nouveau (Jugendstil) with Viking flourishes. Winding streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires, gables, dragon heads, and curlicues.

When you arrive here you will be met and escorted on a tour of the city before making your way to your yacht. Enjoy dinner on the aft deck in the harbour and your first night onboard.

Runde

Spend your morning on a guided tour of the Art Nouveau Ålesund and capture a breathtaking panoramic view from Mount Aksla. At the Sunnmøre Museum, you will visit some of the old farmhouses and wooden buildings which you can enter. The museum has an amazing boat collection including a replica of a Viking ship as well as the heroes of WWII.

In the afternoon, jump in the tender to go to Runde Island. The bird cliffs are the southernmost in Norway and have the widest variety of sea bird species in Scandinavia. This little island has about 150 permanent inhabitants, but during the nesting season from February to August every year more than 500,000 sea birds take over the island. Around 100,000 pairs of puffins nest here, but large colonies of great skuas, gannets, and shags also establish themselves here in the nesting season.

Alternatively, stay on land and visit the seal colony at the famous Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium, where ten large landscape tanks give you the opportunity to study biotopes with different fish, algae, and marine animals. In addition, a series of smaller tanks display special species and biotopes.

Geirangerfjord

After cruising through the night, awaken in the iconic UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord, known for its snowy peaks, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular views. Tackle the Seven Sisters Waterfall hike with your local naturalist guide, to discover a sumptuous picnic lunch set in a deserted shepherds hut on the mountainside.

In the afternoon, cruise to Valldalen where you will be whisked upriver and given guidance before white water rafting for an action-packed outdoor experience in an incredible setting. Enjoy the rush and tumble of the river before entering the main fjord where the current will bring you to the swim platform of the yacht. Step aboard to be greeted by your cocktail of choice.

As the sun sets in the fjord, enjoy the sheltered setting on SUPs and kayaks before dinner on the aft deck under the stars.

Maloy

In the morning, the tender will take you to shore. When you disembark, you’ll be greeted by a local guide armed with electric bikes. Bike to Maloy together, along the iconic Atlantic Highway as your vessel cruises on the horizon.

Spend the afternoon in Maloy, the home of the European National Sea Fishing Championships in June. Visit the famous Kannesteinen Rock before enjoying one of the many hikes of Mount Veten. 615 meters above sea level and the highest point on the island of Vågsøy, you can expect unrivalled views of the Westernmost part of Norway.

Sognesfjord

Another overnight cruise will see you in Sognesfjord. The Sognefjord is called the King of the fjords for a good reason: it is the longest fjord in Norway and the second-longest in the world. The Sognefjorden is enveloped with exceptional natural beauty, tall mountains, waterfalls and scenic forests.

Take a tender or seaplane and adventure down the UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord. The Nærøyfjord is the narrowest and best known of the many arms of the Sognefjord. With its steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, towering peaks, snowfields, waterfalls and small hamlets, this fjord is perhaps the most outstanding natural attraction in Norway. The Nærøyfjord is 20 km long, only 250 metres across at its narrowest and a mere 12 metres at its shallowest. The surrounding mountains reach heights of 1,660 metres, and the fjord is one of the multiple highlights. In the afternoon head off on a high octane zipline adventure. Or if you are looking for something a little calmer, enjoy a scenic ride on the famous Flam Railway.

Bergen

Break up the Fjords with a visit to Bergen at this midway point of your trip. Visit the famous Stave Church, A beautiful and iconic piece of architecture built without using a single nail, and enjoy the streets of Bergen from a whole new point of view with a gastronomic tour of the street art throughout the city. Discover captivating pieces and learn about the different styles of graffiti and street art. Hear the stories of local and international artists who transformed the walls such as AFK, Banksy, C215, DOLK, and many more! Visit a legal street art wall with the possibility of seeing an artist doing a piece live.

At the same time, you will get up close and personal with “Bergen Style” dishes – soup, brown cheese, seafood, and reindeer to name but a few. Visit hidden gems of restaurants and vendors and try local delicacies with the opportunity to include wine and beer pairings for those who would like. Use the vessel’s tender to reach Cornelious restaurant, known worldwide for its fjord to table cuisine and picturesque setting.

Follgefonna

A Helicopter will pick you up from the vessel in the morning and take you to meet instructors and guides on a Fogefonna Glacier Hike. During the walk on the glacier you will experience huge flat areas of ice, but also go into crevasse areas and do some climbing if you like. The hike will be adjusted to your wishes. For some, it will be climbing and adrenalin, for others it will be a quiet walk into a different world. On the glacier, you will have a lunch break with a beautiful view of the North Sea and the Rosendal Alps.

After lunch, you can re-board your helicopter for a scenic flight back to the vessel. Once back at the fjord, you can take a guided tour of Barionet Manor and Estate. Finished in 1665, the house is a window into a series of different time periods and from Rosendal Garden you get a grand view of the enveloping mountains Malmangernuten, Melderskin and Laurdalstind, and of the waterfall Hattebergfossen and Hardangerfjorden.

Hardangerjord

Start your day with water sports on Hardangerford, the queen of the fjords. The second-longest fjord in Norway and with a maximum depth of 800 metres. This is the perfect place to take to the water on high-speed jet skis or relaxing kayaks. Enjoy lunch on board to replenish your energy stores before heading off into town.

HM Queen Sonja of Norway is a passionate mountain hiker, and this is one of her favourite hikes in the Hardangerfjord region. The trail is in the high mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus and offers magnificent fjord views. The hike is long and can be demanding with a steep descent towards Lofthus. You will walk through forests, high mountains, and lush orchards. Alternatively, take a hike to Trolltunga Rock, Norway’s most spectacular rock formation hovering 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake in Odda.

Once at the top there will be a professional paraglider waiting for you. Take the leap into the air and soar high over the fjords before landing in a field next to your anchored vessel. In the evening, the tender will take you to a small island privatised for a mid-charter event with BBQ and live music.

Stavanger

Hike to the iconic Pulpit Rock. Featured in any highlight reel of the Norwegian Fjordlands, it will be an unforgettable experience. Join your Pelorus guide and ascend 350m from the drop-off point, taking around 4 hours.

In the afternoon, explore old Stavanger with a personal guide, visiting the Stave church, Swords in the rock Monument and Landa Park Prehistoric Village. This church is a fascinating architectural gem built entirely out of wood without using a single nail or screw. Drive through one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels to get to Utstein Monastery. The only preserved monastery from the middle ages in Norway. It served as the royal residence for the first Viking king, Harald Fairhair.

Spend your last day in Norway on Icelandic horseback. The first part of the ride takes place on the road. This gives time for both rider and horse to warm up before entering the hillier terrain. The trail is steep, rocky and long. You will straight away appreciate the talent an Icelandic horse has in such a challenging environment.

Sitting on the back of a horse you can go far into the wilds and reach places you never thought was possible. Steer your horse along paths and beaches, and explore the picturesque landscape in the mountainside, whilst enjoying the clean air and the rhythmic sound from the horse’s hooves. Sit on the grass in the sun as the butterflies dance in the air and reflect on your extraordinary trip through the Fjordland before heading back into Stavanger to collect your luggage and depart.