Autumn Fjords of Norway

The beautiful town of Ulvik is renowned for its apple orchards, and visiting at this time of year during harvest season will offer you many opportunities to explore the local area, taste different apple varieties, and sample locally produced cider. You will also be perfectly placed to discover the region’s numerous trails on a hike or by bicycle, which offer outstanding views of green hills turning to shades of yellow and red or see the fjord from the unique viewpoint of a kayak as you slice through its glassy waters in the crisp autumnal air. There will also be opportunities to visit the wooden Osa church in Ulvik, known for its distinctive architecture, or go beyond the town to see Vøringsfossen waterfall.

The idyllic village of Skjolden is located at the end of Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjorden, where the deep blue waters contrast against the green landscape and red-roofed houses, creating a summer kaleidoscope of colour. Spectacular waterfalls tumble down steep cliffsides into the fjord below, and close by are the magnificent Jotunheimen Mountains and Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which you will have opportunities to explore on a tour from your ship. You’ll also be ideally placed to enjoy a hike to the tiny hut where world-famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein exiled himself to write some of his most important works.

The beautiful village of Olden is nestled in the inner arm of Nordfjord, with sparkling green fjord waters framed by rolling meadows and towering cliff faces. Venture further afield to visit Briksdal Glacier as it glistens in the autumn sun, offering remarkable views across the fjord on a hike to a natural viewing platform, while the village itself is delightfully compact enough to explore on foot, with paths that offer vistas of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, Loen Skylift, offers you the chance to be transported to the top of Mount Hoven in just a few exhilarating moments. For those wishing for a more tranquil experience, picturesque Lovatnet Lake is close by, whose striking mix of blue and green crystal-clear waters come from melted glaciers.

The picturesque town of Molde makes for an enchanting visit, as you’ll be presented with opportunities to experience one of Norway’s most famous scenic drives along the Atlantic Road, which spans several tiny islands connected by bridges with the ocean on each side. A hike to the Varden viewpoint also offers breathtaking panoramas across the archipelago and the mountain peaks of Romsdalsalpene, covered in burnished autumnal colours. During a stroll through the city, you’ll have the chance to visit a local restaurant and sample fresh seafood, game, berries, and traditional Norwegian dishes like ‘klippfisk’, dried and salted cod, a speciality of the region. Meanwhile, with its proximity to the fjord, Molde offers opportunities to partake in fishing and boat trips, giving you a different perspective of the coastline.

The Hanseatic city of Bergen is steeped in maritime history, with the 900-year old Bryggen Wharf being its highlight. Here, the famous fish market offers appealing fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables. Edvard Grieg, Norway’s renowned composer had a home here and the Troldhaugen Museum is devoted to his work. Close by is the funicular railway, offering unrivalled views from the top of Mount Fløyen.