Vast landscapes ripe for outdoor adventures, wintery vistas straight out of a Christmas card, a culture founded on Norse myths and Viking legend… there’s a reason the World Happiness Report lists Norway among its highest-scorers every year.
In fact, up and down the country, these sunny-dispositioned Norwegians are partially responsible for helping Norway rise through the ranks of bucket-list destinations. From the electric metropolis of Oslo to the quaint town of Bergen to the fairytale skyline of Ålesund, Norway is a nation synonymous with ‘charm’.
A true paradise on earth, Norway’s clear skies, steely mountains and cascading waterfalls come together to create a tapestry in shades of blue. Marvelling at the region’s natural beauty is the order of the day, every day. From the awe-inspiring sight of a humpback whale breaching the fjord to the jewel-toned glow of the Aurora Borealis above, Norway is packed with wonder top to bottom.The best time to take an expedition cruise to Norway, particularly along the fjords or to the northern reaches of Tromso and Svalbard, is in and around the summer months from May to September. This period offers mild temperatures, extended daylight with nearly 24-hour sunlight in June and July and an ideal climate for optimal wildlife viewing. Expect breathtaking scenery with dramatic fjords, glaciers and mountains, along with abundant wildlife such as whales, seabirds and even polar bears in Svalbard. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in early May or late September.
Talk to an expert
Cruise Connoisseur Nicola Tempest-Mitchell visited Norway as part of a life-changing Arctic cruise and was kept busy from sunrise to sunset with a range of thrilling activities. From kayaking around Ålesund in the snow and hiking Bergen’s mountains to waiting up for the Northern Lights and indulging in an ice-bath-and-champagne Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony—Nicola would recommend trying everything at least once. After all, a once-in-a-lifetime trip should be exactly that.