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What type of Norwegian fjords traveller are you?

Do Norway, your way. These shore experiences bring the best of the fjords to you

5 min 25 Jun 2025

Editorial Team

Author

Maybe it’s the landscape; the deep blue waters, soaring snow-capped peaks and rolling green fields. Or maybe it’s the Viking history, palpable in the stories you’ll hear and the places you’ll visit. Whatever it is, the Norwegian fjords have a way of bringing out your inner explorer. But how you choose to explore them is completely up to you.

 

We have more than 390 unique shore experiences in the Norwegian fjords, helping you get to the heart of this magnificent region. So whether you want to hike Pulpit Rock or listen to folk-rock, see the sights by helicopter or horseback, we’ve got an adventure to appeal to your inner trailblazer. 

Best shore experience for breathtaking views: Scenic Flåm Railway

Flåm

As you roll gently past lush valleys and emerald hillsides, rushing waterfalls and sparkling rivers, you’ll soon see why the Flåm Railway has been called the world’s most scenic railway. You’ll hop aboard the train at Flåm station and, settling into the charming, vintage-style, wooden interiors, climb 867m into the mountains over a course of just over 20km. Keep your camera at the ready – around every bend is a new photo op, and the train will slow at key sections of the journey to let you snap away. It’ll also stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can watch the water plunge 93m into the rocks below. When the train arrives at Mydral station, the highest station on the line, it turns around to bring you back to Flåm, allowing you see it all again from a new perspective.

 

You might also like: Sky-High Views at Strandafjell (Hellesylt); Pulpit Rock Hike (Stavanger); Hjørundfjord Cruise (Ålesund) 

Flam-Myrdal train tour
Flam-Myrdal train tour
Flam-Myrdal train tour
Flam-Myrdal train tour

Best shore experience for an active adventure: Fjord Kayaking Adventure

Åndalsnes

Unsurprisingly, we believe the best way to see the fjords is from inside the fjords. And if you want an even closer view of them than you’ll get from your ship, hopping in a kayak should do the trick. You’ll board your trusty watercraft in Åndalsnes, a picturesque town at the base of soaring mountains, surrounded by shimmering fjords. As you glide gracefully through the fjord’s deep-blue waters, you’ll get a chance to see the city from a unique perspective. Then the real adventure begins as you head towards the Romsdalsalpene mountains and Isfjord. The scenery that surrounds you is truly breathtaking – a postcard-perfect view of cascading waterfalls, sparkling waterways and majestic mountains.  

 

You might also like: Kristiansand Helicopter Adventure (Kristiansand); Fjord Horse Riding (Nordfjordeid); Valldal White-Water Rafting Adventure (Hellesylt)

Kayak tour, Norway
Kayak tour, Norway
Kayak tour, Norway
Kayak tour, Norway

Best shore experience for laid-back discovery: Yoga in the Blue Mountain Hall

Olden, Norway

It’s hard not to feel relaxed when you’re seated in lotus pose or stretching in cobra, but when you’re mid-pose and gazing out at serene fjordic scenery, it’s a whole new level of inner peace. The Blue Mountain Hall is a retreat set in Norway’s Oldedalen valley. Three of its walls are made of stone, wood and glass, and the fourth is formed by a massive boulder that fell from the mountains in an avalanche thousands of years ago, a feature that connects you to the natural world. Before your class begins, take time to settle in and admire the views of the cascading waterfall, imposing mountains and gleaming Briksdal Glacier. The instructors will guide you through a series of soothing yoga poses (the class is for beginners and experienced yogis alike) to help release tension from your body. Afterwards, you’ll sink even deeper into relaxation to the sound of atmospheric gongs. Bliss.

 

You might also like: Lofoten Panorama (Lofoten Islands); Trondheim Walking Tour (Trondheim); Hellesylt by E-Bike (Hellesylt)

Hellesylt, Norway
Hellesylt, Norway
Hellesylt, Norway
Hellesylt, Norway

Best shore experience for family-friendly fun: Tasty Troll Chocolate Experience

Stavanger

Take a bite of Stavanger’s sweet side. Chocoholics of all ages will love this enriching day out at Chili Chocolate, a charming local chocolatier. Your experience starts with a stroll through the atmospheric cobblestone streets of Stavanger’s Old Town en route to the shop. Step inside and breathe in the sweet, chocolatey aroma, then feast your eyes on the array of homemade chocolates with bold and unique flavours on display – think yuzu lemon and Norwegian brown cheese. Then it’s time to dive into the world of chocolate-making: roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as you decorate your very own chocolate trolls.

 

You might also like: Experience the Iron Age (Stavanger); Walking with Llamas in Skjolden (Skjolden); On the Trail of Vikings – VR Experience (Stavanger)

Assorted chocolate, nuts and dried fruit in old fashioned style

Best shore experience for an unforgettable fjordic experience: Folk Rock in the Fjords

Hellesylt

You’ve never been to a gig like this before. The backdrop is the glittering, curving expanse of the Geirangerfjord; the stage is a natural outdoor amphitheatre 300m above it. From this unique venue you’ll enjoy the lilting, lyrical sounds of Vangsgutane, a local six-piece folk-rock band that have been gigging for some 30 years. They’ll play tunes from British and Irish bands such as The Pogues and The Waterboys, along with some original tracks, bringing the songs to life with fiddle, accordion, flute, bass, mandolin and banjo. It’s a treat for both your eyes and your ears – and an evening you’ll never forget.

 

You might also like: Briksdaal Glacier (Olden); Fjord Flightseeing (Ålesund), Hike to Langfoss Waterfall (Haugesund)

 

Geirangerfjord, Western fjords, Norway
Geirangerfjord, Western fjords, Norway
Geirangerfjord, Western fjords, Norway
Geirangerfjord, Western fjords, Norway

Why book your shore experiences with P&O Cruises?

Our shore experiences help you get under the skin of a destination and see it from a unique perspective – yours. They’re curated by locals who know and love these places and want you to know and love them, too. It couldn’t be easier to book before you sail or once you’re on board – and of course, when you book through us, you have the added comfort of knowing the details are all taken care of and we’ll always get you back to your ship. 

Iona in the Norwegian Fjords
Iona in the Norwegian Fjords
Iona in the Norwegian Fjords
Iona in the Norwegian Fjords

Book your shore experiences with us and you can enjoy a 10% saving on pre-cruise bookings.

 

We also offer discounts for Peninsular Club members; plus children under 12 pay half the adult ticket price, and children under two go free. See T&Cs for details 

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