The P&O Cruises Guide to the Norwegian Fjords
Learn more about the Caribbean
Small ships, big adventures
See a new side of the Norwegian fjords with longer holidays on our adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora.
5 min
31 May 2024
Towering cliffs, glimmering seas and fresh air you wish you could bottle – you can never get enough of the Norwegian fjords. So why not spend a little more time exploring them? Arcadia and Aurora, our smaller ships that are exclusively for adults, both offer longer holidays to the Norwegian fjords, spending 12 or 14 nights sailing the region and visiting more ports of call, many of which are exclusive to their itineraries.
Are you in search of sunny northern nights or dazzling Northern Lights? Our ships offer cruises in both summer and winter, so you can find whatever it is you’re chasing.
A 12- or 14-night holiday to the Norwegian fjords takes in many dynamic destinations, but here, we’ve listed six spectacular places you can only see on Arcadia or Aurora.
Contents
Trondheim
Which ships: Arcadia, Aurora
When: April – September
Why go: Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city ticks all the travel boxes – beautiful scenery, fascinating history and an exciting food scene. Feeling outdoorsy? Why not try kayaking or paddle-boarding on the Nidelva River, or renting a bike and cycling through the cobbled streets and past colourfully painted buildings and 18th-century wooden wharves. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find everything from freshly baked pastries to Michelin-starred restaurants to revive you.
View cruises to Trondheim here.
Nidelva river embankment, Trondheim
Nidelva river embankment, Trondheim
Nidelva river embankment, Trondheim
Eidfjord
Which ship: Aurora
When: July, September
Why go: The bijou town of Eidjfjord – population less than 1,000 – appears even smaller when compared to the natural giants that surround it. National parks are laced with trails and capped by glaciers. Still lakes reflect the endless sky. Hardangervidda, the largest high-altitude plateau in Northern Europe, beckons hikers and climbers. And despite its small size, the town offers a warm welcome and an array of tasty local food such as cheeses, ciders, jams and meats.
Discover cruises to Eidfjord here.
Eidfjord
Eidfjord
Eidfjord
Lofoten Islands
Which ships: Arcadia, Aurora
When: April – August
Why go: Leknes is the main hub for exploring the Lofoten Islands, a wild, craggy archipelago that thrusts out into the Atlantic in the far north of Norway. The jagged peaks of the bare mountains combined with the beautiful white sand of the islands’ bays and beaches is truly breathtaking – Haukland Beach was voted Europe’s best by Lonely Planet in 2023 – and quite different from the scenery of much of the fjords.
View cruises to the Lofoten Islands here.
Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands
Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands
Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands
Tromsø
Which ship: Aurora
When: March, August, October, December
Why go: Tromsø’s unique location – there are no other comparable cities this far north in the world – makes it a fabulous base to explore some of the Arctic Circle (and to search for the Northern Lights). A trip into the surrounding countryside will introduce you to some of the culture and scenery of this remote location. There are stunning buildings within the city including the Toblerone-shaped Ishavskatedralen, aka the Arctic Cathedral. And it’s not hard to find traditional northern Norwegian food such as brunost (brown cheese) and all types of seafood.
Discover cruises to Tromsø here.
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge
Ishavskatedralen (Arctic Cathedral) and Tromso Bridge
Alta
Which ship: Aurora
When: March, August, October, December
Why go: Alta is a tiny town with UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to the dozens of examples of rock art dating back more than 6,000 years at the head of its fjord. Winter visitors will find Alta is one of the most reliable places to try to spot the extraordinary phenomenon of the Northern Lights – its skies are unobstructed by light pollution; its cold, dry climate keeps them free of clouds. Outside the town, there are opportunities to learn more about the native Sámi communities.
Discover cruise to Alta here.
Romsdalsfjord (cruise-by)
Which ships: Arcadia & Aurora
When: March – October, December
Why go: The beautiful valley of the Romsdalfjord is a wide inlet fringed with pine-covered peaks. The fjord is an astounding 550 metres deep and 88 kilometres long, extending inland to Isfjorden. Cosy up on deck and savour the scenery as it passes: deep-blue fjords, rolling emerald hills, crashing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, charming coastal towns and colourful fishing villages.
Explore cruises to Romsdalsfjord here.
Andalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord, Norway
Andalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord, Norway
Andalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord, Norway
Teenage Travel Diary: A week in the Norwegian fjords on Iona
12 Months of holidays
5 adrenaline-packed Fjords adventures
Norway, the ultimate winter wonderland
Action-packed Norwegian shore experiences
Six reasons to make a date with Norway
Five energised adventures in the Norwegian Fjords
Iona’s first Norway adventure
7 things to do on a Norwegian Fjords cruise
The Norwegian fjords are like nowhere else on earth, blending sublime natural beauty with compelling cultural wonders. Local resident and writer David Nikel shares four of his favourite destinations
Gateways to the fjords
The Norwegian fjords are like nowhere else on earth, blending sublime natural beauty with compelling cultural wonders. Local resident and writer David Nikel shares four of his favourite destinations
Family fun in the fjords on Iona
of
