Norway is a country of magnificent landscapes, with majestic mountains, azure lakes, and opportunities to see the Northern lights. Many are attracted to its fjords, the inland lakes which are world-famous for their stunning beauty. The question is, should you hike or cruise around these must-see natural wonders? If you’re unsure of how you want to experience them, read on for the low-down on walking vs. cruising.
Priorities
What do you want to get out of your trip to see Norway’s fjords? If it’s the stunning views, and an opportunity to gaze on them for hours, a cruise through the center of the fjords may be more to your liking. Being on a boat allows you to get up and close with the beauty of these natural sites, without any pressure to move along or reach the next destination. A cruise takes care of your comfort, so all you need to do is relax and witness the splendor of the fjords. If you’d like to exert yourself, and feel the challenges that this kind of landscape presents, then hiking is better suited to you. You can wild camp at many locations around the fjords, allowing you to feel a part of this landscape.
Time
If you’re short on time and only able to stay a few days in Norway, hiking may be more to your liking. Choose the right route, and you can be beside a fjord within a matter of hours. Depending on where you begin, some cruises can take days to reach the heart of the Fjordlands, and you will be required to stick to the cruise ship’s itinerary rather than breaking off by yourself.
Food
The cruise ships do frequently stop off and let you alight at towns and settlements, so you can get a taste of traditional Norwegian food. Generally, the food on board is very good as well and caters to a wide range of dietary requirements and allergies. If you’re hiking, you have more choice over when and what you eat but may be limited by the availability in some of the smaller settlements and towns. It really depends on what you’re seeking – traditional Norwegian fare or gourmet dining on board with a choice of what you eat.
Whichever way you choose to experience the fjords, you are sure to have an incredible experience being within this stunning landscape, so consider Norway for your next holiday destination.