Cruising the Norwegian Fjords: Nature, Culture, & the Midnight Sun By Lori May
Haugesund, Norway © CTShier (L); Haugli Bakeri in Haugesund (R)
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summer cruise to Norway guarantees full days for exploration as the sun never truly sets during the season of Midnight Sun. With up to twenty hours of light per day, visitors can maximize time in port towns, take well-lit strolls around the ship promenade, or take an evening dip in the ship pool still bathed in light. All the while, natural beauty abounds while cruising through stunning fjords—narrow deep sea passageways surrounded by towering lands and waterfalls.
Cruise to Geiranger, Norway One of the most photographed waterfalls along the Geirangerfjorden is Seven Sisters, located just outside the village of Geiranger. This 410-meter waterfall features seven separate water spouts trickling down a rocky hillside, and is part of the Geiranger World Heritage Site. Legend says these Seven Sisters dance and flirt with a neighboring waterfall, The Suitor, located directly across the fjord. Here, the cruise ship crawls at a slow speed, while passengers adorn the deck snapping photos of the impressive natural landscape, preparing for a day in the village port. Geiranger has made plenty of must-visit lists for its scenic allure, and currently houses the third largest
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cruise port in Norway. Though the village itself is tiny, with only a few hundred in population, the destination seems full and active as ship passengers combine with land travelers staying in hotels or within local camping sites. Geiranger is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with cycling and hiking paths for a variety of skills levels, and an annual half marathon taking runners from sea level to the summit of Mount Dalsnibba. For food and culture lovers, Geiranger is home to several espresso shops and bakeries serving fresh, local pastries. A chocolate making shop, Geiranger Sjokolade, offers candy samples and decadent flavors of hot chocolate to warm the hands if a cool day occurs while in port. Shoppers will delight at the many local artisan shops offering handmade souvenirs, home decor, crafts, and wool clothing.
Cruise to Haugesund, Norway History buffs should plan their day to include visiting landmarks. King Harald Fairhair is noted for uniting Norway in this very region, and just outside the bustling downtown a wonderful monument and statue pays tribute to this notable Viking leader. A burial mound may also be found in this area at Haraldshaugen.