Ocean Cruising in Nordfjord, Norway
Glistening glaciers, soft sandy beaches, towering mountains and deep lakes. Nordfjord is the sixth-longest Norwegian fjord, stretching 105km from the island of Husevågøy at the mouth to the village of Loen at the other end, and is one of remarkable natural beauty. The region is home to Europe’s deepest lake as well as the largest glacier in mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen.
Why cruise Nordfjord
An idyllic port of call on a Norway cruise, Nordfjord is home to peaceful valleys, gleaming glaciers, cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Located at the West Coast, between Bergen and Ålesund, Nordfjord is slightly more off-the-beaten-track than some of its fellow fjords and as such is often less crowded. Nordfjord is ideally suited to those who love adventure and outdoor pursuits, boasting great hiking, skiing, cycling, kayaking and climbing opportunities.
What to see and do in Nordfjord
Jostedalsbreen National Park
Covering an area of 1,310sq km, Jostedalsbreen National Park is a must-visit. Established in 1991, the park was named after the mighty glacier that dominates it, Jostedalsbreen. The largest glacier in mainland Europe at 800sq m, it covers more than half of the park and is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The park’s diverse landscape varies from verdant valleys to alpine mountains and is where you will also find Nordfjord’s iconic mountain, Skåla. The summit, which towers 1,848m above sea level, is home to a round tower in which only members of the Norwegian Trekking Association can spend the night.
Loen Skylift
The opening of Loen Skylift in 2017 was a momentous event, having been undertaken by Queen Sonja of Norway. One of the steepest cable cars in the world, it whisks you up 1,011m from the fjord station to the top of Mount Hoven in just five minutes. At the top, there’s a restaurant boasting a 210 degree panoramic view overlooking Mount Skåla and Lake Lovatnet in the east, Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Olden in the south, and the Nordfjord that winds its way towards Stryn in the west. There are also hiking trails, so you can explore the mountain on foot.
Hornindalsvatnet
Measured to an impressive depth of 514m, Hornindalsvatnet is both Norway’s and Europe’s deepest lake. The beautiful and tranquil lake is captivating both at sunrise and sunset. On the eastern end of the lake lies the village of Grodås, while the western end is home to the village of Mogrenda.
Hornelen
The area of Nordfjord is also home to Europe’s highest sea cliff, standing 860 meters high. If you’re feeling fit, you can go on our guided hike up to the top, where you will discover panoramic views of the fjord and ocean. There are, of course, a number of hiking trails to enjoy in Nordfjord, which are marked by colours to indicate the level of hike, ranging from beginner to expert.
Sagastad
Opened in 2019 in Nordfjordeid, which is also home to one of the largest and most spectacular Viking graves in Norway, this knowledge centre provides a fascinating insight into the area’s rich Viking history and heritage. The centrepiece of the exhibit is the 30-metre long Myklebust ship, a reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever discovered in Norway.
Need to know when travelling to Nordfjord
Getting around in Nordfjord
Nordfjord Cruise Port comprises the following ports: Måløy, Selje, Nordfjordeid, Sandane and Olden. The port of Nordfjordeid is in the heart of the area, located at Eidsfjorden's end and west of Hornindalsvatnet lake. Some of the largest cruise lines which visit Nordfjordeid during the summer season include MSC Cruises, Aida, Costa, Tui and Marella Cruises.
When to go to Nordfjord
If you wish to ski, the best time to visit Nordfjord is between March and mid-May.
Currency
Nordfjord uses the Norwegian krone.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don't need a visa to enter Norway unless you're planning to stay longer than three months.