exploring theย norwegian fjords, iceland and more.
When we think of vacation, we typically imagine a tropical beach with waves and a nice pool. However, once every year or two, we travel with our extended family on a cruise that is more geared towards sightseeing. Last year, we cruised the beautiful Norwegian Fjords and Iceland.
Cruising suits us just fine. For most of our family, cruising means casino time. A family that gambles together, stays together. We single-handedly kept the casino in business on this ship.ย Europeans just don’t seem to like to gamble like Americans. The casino on a Caribbean cruise out of Florida is packed liked a Ricky Martin concert. The Casino on a Norwegian cruise out of London is just the room that people pass through on their way to or from the dining hall or the entertainment theatre.
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords is a fascinating and beautiful exploration of Norway’s unique coastline. The Fjords are deep and narrow inlets along much of the coast of Norway that increase the coastline by about 10 times. There are over 1000 Fjords.ย Most are very sparsely populated with just a few clusters of houses here and there. Although there are a few fjords that are more populated and attract most of the tourism from the cruise ships.
For the short time you have at each Fjord, you will likely be hiking up a small mountain to reach an amazing view from the top. If you don’t like hiking, Bergenย has a chair lift to the top of Mt. Flรธyen if you’re willing to buy tickets and wait in a long line (we chose to hike).
Bergen, Norway
ร lesund, Norway
Geiranger, Norway
Klaksvik, Faroe Islands
Reykjavik, Iceland
Our ship also stopped in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in Iceland.ย It’s a modern city of 130k people that has been growing rapidly despite experiencing a financial crisis and depression in 2008-2010. We were able to explore the small city on foot. However, we took a taxi to the famous Blue Lagoon Hot springs just outside the city.
Awesome photos Jill. Putting this on my “bucket” list.
Thanks so much, Chris! It was a fabulous trip! Such gorgeous scenery!
I would like to cruise through the fjords of Norway. Love seeing all your pics and learning that some of the ships make a stop in Iceland!
We were so excited that the cruise went to multiple Fjords AND Iceland… It was a perfect way to see that part of the world.
I would love to do a cruise here. Norway is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
It is gorgeous… and a cruise is a fabulous way to see it!
Great photos! I’ve been through much of Iceland, but I haven’t got to Norway yet. Looks like there’s a lot more to see there!
It is so gorgeous and we only saw a small part of Norway. I’d love to go back… same with Iceland.
Absolutely love all of the waterfalls! This looks like such an incredible cruise!
SO many waterfalls… these are just a few! They were stunning!!! The cruise was definitely amazing!
I’m not a big cruising fan, but this looks like a gorgeous cruise!
I hear that often, and I just don’t comprehend! LOL! Cruising is one of my FAVORITE ways to travel… but I do get that it isn’t for everyone. ๐ However, it is a wonderful way to visit so many places in a short period of time!
I would love to see both Norway and Iceland, this looks like a great way to see both! Awesome ๐
Kari, it is an amazing way to see them both! ๐
Those are beautiful photos! I especially loved the photos of the hot springs! I’d like to go there!
Thanks, Amanda! The hot springs were wonderful! We had so much fun!
Wow, these are incredible!! I’m going here someday – it’s on my 3-year-plan!
Awesome! I love that you have a 3-year plan! What other locations are on your list?
How gorgeous! I would love to go!
I hope you make it there someday! It is truly amazing!
These pictures are amazing. Adding to my travel list. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you! ๐ If you make it there, do share!!!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Beautiful photos and I’m going to Norway and Iceland next year. I cannot wait!!
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Thank you! ๐ YAY for your upcoming trip! You will have a blast!
Your pics are gorgeous! I cannot wait to take a cruise around Norway.
Thank you so much, Lindsey! It was amazing! Do you already have plans for a cruise around Norway?! So exciting!!
What a great deal for cruising
Right?! It was a pretty fantastic itinerary!
I could feel a current pass through my spine while I read this post and saw the stunning pictures. Both Norway and Iceland are so lovely, they border o the divine. Thanks for bringing these lovely places alive in front of me.
Wow! What a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much, Vyjay!
How beautiful is this place! I have never been, but goodness it looks like a dream!
It is! The green is just amazing!!!
what a beautiful place to visit I have a good friend that lives there now and loves it Thanks for sharing all the great pictures as well
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Wow! That is amazing! Are you planning to visit?!
These are really far down my list but your pictures are making them creep up! Beautiful representation of the areas.
Aww… that is nice to hear, Heather! ๐ They were never that high on my wishlist either, until we went. Now I can’t wait to go explore more!
Wow! This place looks amazing! Beautiful photography! Love it!
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Thank you so much, Rita! ๐
Beautiful photos. Believe it or not I have not been on a cruise yet. I need to step up my game!
Oh, cruises are lovely!!! We have been on a ton, feel free to email me if you ever have questions! ๐
What a pictures! What a lovely place!
Thank you so much!
I’ve always wanted to go since my parents went some 15 years ago. They loved it and their pictures were no less awesome than yours. Placing it on my bucket list.
Awesome!!! It is definitely a bucket list worthy location!
Beautiful! The Scandinavians are always just a little off the beaten track. A cruise would be a great way to spend more time enjoying!
Yes! It was fabulous… We have also done a Russia/Scandinavian cruise as well, visiting some other lovely locations.
Very beautiful! I would love to visit sometime!
Thank you! ๐ I hope you are able to visit!
The waterfall looks so amazing. I love to tours on places like this.
This was taken from the cruise ship on our way into the port actually… But I am sure there were a ton of amazing tour options also!
I loved Norway and found it to be a beautiful nation! Iceland I have yet to visit, but have been wanting to hit that blue lagoon for ages ๐
The Blue Lagoon was wonderful! I would love to visit Iceland again for longer.
There is nothing better than a cruise like this! There are so many wonderful places and sights to see. It’s also very relaxing, each place looks peaceful and serene.
Gorgeous! Looks like a great trip!
Thank you! It was definitely a great trip! ๐
Incredible captures. I am adding this to my must do list.
Fabulous!!! It should be on must do lists! ๐
Wow what a dream of a trip! So breathtaking!
It was definitely a dream trip! ๐
This looks amazing! A friend of mine came back from Norway recently and loved it, it’s on my bucket list now!
Oh man your pictures are stunning! & making me yearn to travel ๐
Oh, thank you so much!
Wow gorgeous! I need to add Norway to my bucket list for sure.
Ahh this looks so fun, wish I could visit!!
Oh, it was definitely fun! ๐
Only 12 days?! I’d want to stay longer!! Norway looks absolutely beautiful!
Definitely! We were on a 12 day cruise though, so we actually only had a day or two in most of these places!
This is a lovely place, a travel destination must-have. The photos are nice too, very refreshing sites!
Thanks so much!
I really wanted to visit Norway whilst visiting Sweden, but it was too much in a short period of time. I hope to visit at some point, it is simply stunning.
I hope you make it, Laura! It is definitely amazing!
Looks like the perfect winter holiday! Such beautiful and peaceful landscapes
Ah… would look a little whiter in winter! LOL! We were there during the summer! It must be COLD COLD COLD in the winter!
Reading this post and looking at the pictures, I’m now considering to go to Norway for student exchange… It looks so awesome.
Beautiful photos! I would love to see this part of the world on a future vacation!
Thank you, Sheila! ๐ I hope you get there!
Your photos are amazing! I’ve just added a cruise to Norway, Iceland to my must-do list! It’s absolutely a stunning landscape!
Oh, thank you so much! It is an absolutely amazing trip!
I love cruises! I can’t even imagine the beauty in norway and iceland!
I love cruises also!!! So great! This was a gorgeous itinerary!!
I have been to Singapore cruise but it was just three days. Your 12 day trip looks more fun and lovely pictures too. I love the huge waterfall.
Looks like you had a wonderful time! I am loving the color buildings of Norway. Cant wait to see your next adventure!
Thanks so much for stopping by… ๐ We did have a fabulous time! The colors were phenomenal.