Five reasons to visit the Norwegian fjords on a cruise holiday

From the Vikings to the present day, the Norwegian fjords have lured visitors to Scandinavia’s coastline – and it’s pretty clear why. These sparkling lagoons, surrounded by crashing waterfalls, rugged forests and majestic mountains, are, arguably, some of nature’s greatest hits. And while you could choose to travel inland from place to place – and miss out on some stunning views in the process – the easiest (and best!) way to get up close and personal with the UNESCO World Heritage sites and postcard-perfect ports of the country's cove-filled zones is on a cruise holiday.

At the top of the list for savvy travellers? P&O Cruises. The travel company runs thrilling seven-night holidays from Southampton to the Norwegian wilderness every week from April to September. And whether you’re looking for action and adventure or pure relaxation and perfect views, a P&O Cruises holiday to the Norwegian fjords delivers, and then some. Best of all, prices start at £749 per person**. Here are five reasons to do the fjords on a cruise holiday.  

1. The insane views you'll wake up to 

Picture the scene: it's 8am. You've just woken up on board Iona, refreshed and ready for a day of exploring, when suddenly it hits you... The ship pulled into an incredible fjord in the early hours this morning, you're surrounded by some of the most magical nature in the world – and you've not even had breakfast yet. Sounds good, right? Well, you could even have a continental breakfast brought to your cabin – or you could enjoy breakfast in numerous other areas of the ship while you take in the views.

2. It’s an outdoorsy person’s paradise 

If your idea of a good time involves a slight adrenaline rush, a trip to the fjords has you covered. Want to hike up the stunning, 92-metre Månafossen Waterfall? You can do that from Stavanger! Fancy paddle-boarding or kayaking across the still blue waters of Nordfjord from Olden? Go for it. From gentle walks to food-tasting tours of towns – and even a white-water rafting trip down Valldal’s choppy 'adventure valley’ from Hellesylt – this is a trip for every kind of holidaygoer. And P&O Cruises guests don’t even have to do any holiday admin. All these experiences are available as bookable shore experiences.  

 3. The local food markets are a dream… 

What better way to refuel after all that sport than with a Norwegian sweet treat? You can try vaffel (waffles) and skillingsboller (sticky cinnamon buns) on a P&O Cruises shore experience in Stavanger called Baker’s Paradise and Waffles – or eat yourself around one of the many food markets across the fjords. Dreamy indeed. 

4. And the food on the ship is exciting too!

There are plenty of fantastic bars and restaurants to choose from on a P&O Cruises holiday – but it’s at speciality restaurant Epicurean, on Iona, where you’ll eat your most exciting meal of the holiday. Here you can try a thrilling six-course, Norwegian fine-dining tasting menu from Stavanger-born Norwegian MasterChef judge and P&O Cruises Local Food Hero Kjartan Skjelde. Expect first-class seafood and loads of locally sourced and seasonal produce. Afterwards, toast to your day with a nightcap at The Glass House in Iona’s Grand Atrium. 

5. Oh, and we should probably mention the glaciers 

Yes, glaciers! They’re to thank for the formation of the fjords, slicing into the area's valleys thousands of years ago. There are a few you can still visit, but we’d recommend admiring the ice fields of Jostedal Glacier – mainland Europe's largest – on a leisurely cruise through Oldevatnet Lake from Olden. Another excellent option is Briksdal Glacier by Troll Car. On this shore experience from Olden, you can ride a rugged vehicle and then hike the rest of the way to get up close and personal to this gleaming white-and-blue arm of the Jostedal Glacier.

*T&Cs apply.

**Early Saver price of £749 per person is based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of Inside cabin available on Iona cruise G522. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. For up-to-date prices and full T&Cs applicable to Early Saver prices, please visit pocruises.com.

Delve deeper into a P&O Cruises holiday to the Norwegian fjords with our interactive map.