How to plan a fjord cruise
If you have always wanted to see some of the world's most impressive fjords, you might be interested in taking cruises from Greenock in Scotland. By heading to Norway aboard a boat, you will be able to explore the country's four well-known fjord regions.
Fjords are caused by a glacier retreating and creating a deep narrow split in the land. This steep U-shaped valley fills with water from the sea, resulting in breathtaking sights.
Norway could be at the top of the list of places to visit for those who are keen on seeing these fjords up close, as the nation is home to a vast number of these valleys.
When planning fjord cruises, take a look at where each trip is heading to, as the locations listed on the highlights is likely to determine your decision over which holiday to book.
You might want to see one particular region in Western Norway, for example, or you may prefer to have a longer cruise and stop at all of them.
Each fjord region has something different to offer, with some allowing you to enjoy trips on the waterway and others giving you the opportunity to explore the area's interesting towns.
You might wish to venture to Sogn Og Fjordane first, as this is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.
It measures more than 200 km, and at the furthest point inland its water is 1.3 km below sea level, rising the nearer it gets to the coast.
As a result of its huge size, you could travel to a number of different places to see Sogn Og Fjordane and enjoy a variety of views.
This is also a great place to head out on to the water itself and take in the impressive sights of the steep cliff tops as you kayak along the fjord. Alternatively, you may wish to take photos from on top of the mountains, in which case, why not venture out on hiking trips?
There are a number of national parks in the region, so you'll be able to find somewhere that offers beautiful views of Norway's countryside as well as its deep valleys.
If you are interested in seeing Sognefjord, you could take a trip to Hordaland, as this area also offers close proximity to this landmark.
In addition to this, by coming to Hordaland, you'll be able to gain easy access to another fjord, Hardangerfjord.
Hordaland provides tourists with other attractions, which will help them make the most of their trip, including the charming city of Bergen.
This area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic buildings, and you are sure to enjoy walking between the brightly-coloured houses and soaking up the quaint atmosphere during your visit here.
You might also want to pay a visit to Rogaland, which borders Hordaland. This area has a wide selection of different fjords for you to look at and explore, whether you choose to see them from the water or climb up the mountains to get a panoramic view.
On a trip to Rogaland, it is worth heading to Boknafjorden, where you can take a look at a variety of fjords stretching inland from the wide bay.
More Og Romsdal could be another region you make sure is included on your cruise excursion, as you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking sights of the steep drop to the valleys below when you visit some of the fjords here.
With so many different fjords and regions to visit, you might want to look up cruises in 2012 that visit a select few or even all of these destinations.
Book today and you could be enjoying a cruise to Norway's fjords sooner than you think.
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Tags:
- fjord cruise ,
- norway
