Guide to Cruises to Northern Europe

The Northern Europe region combines all countries that are north of Germany: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. We are only focusing on the fjords & Norway on this page. 

The Norwegian coastline stretches for 2,735 km (1,700 miles) with the most breathtaking features being the fjords which are up to 160km (100miles) long.

Most of the region lies beyond the Arctic Circle and appeals to travellers seeking the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in high summer. The Norwegian landscape sees dramatic changes with the seasons and some of the most photogenic views are to be enjoyed directly from the ship, without the need to step ashore.

Most of the world's most northerly features can be experienced on a cruise beyond the Arctic Circle, especially in Alta, Honningsvåg or Tromsø.

The steep and uneven coastal mountains and extensive fjords make any land-based experience a proper expedition, costly and time-consuming. Most of the Norwegian coastline is not easily accessible by car - you either have to fly in a small plane or take a ferry to access these remote areas.

Cruising makes visiting Norway a breeze, it is a much more realistic and cost-effective option for any traveller.

Other destinations in Northern Europe

Northern Europe, has had an interesting ride through history, from Vikings to social democrats, through wars, treaties and peace. The Nordic nations have been inhabited from some 120,000 years ago.

Around 1800 BC, the Norsemen began fashioning tools, jewellery and finely crafted works of art in bronze and traded them as far as Crete and Mycenae.

A thousand years later, the legend of the Vikings was born. With a growing population that drove shrinking in the available agricultural land, the Norsemen were under pressure to find new quality land. In 780 they landed on the coast of the British Isles. The first Viking raid only happened 13 years later, on St Cuthbert's monastery on the island of Lindisfarne in 793.

For 1,200 years, the Norsemen were swinging between war, invasion and treaties with their neighbouring countries, until the second world war.

After the war, Northern Europe had to rebuild and decide what long term path they would take. It is where Social Democracy was chosen as a way forward. Even if they kept their monarchs, the nations' standards were all about equality, free education, fair working conditions, comfortable pensions and generous welfare for the unemployed.

Today Northern Europe is a perfect balance between modernism and their proud Viking heritage.

To truly grasp this is to visit any of the museums in the smaller towns, deep inside a fjord, then take a small wooden fishing boat and spend half of the day fishing looking at the gigantic and breathtaking surrounding scenery, all whilst day-dreaming about battles.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March and if you're after the Norwegian Fjords aim for between May and August.

Northern Europe has become a year-round cruise destination. For those seeking a trip beyond the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern Lights, the winter days are relatively short and the temperatures do not rise above freezing. Most expedition cruises operators will provide Arctic clothing and footwear as part of the cruise package.

The best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is between September and March, as the most brilliant displays occur both in a cold and dark environment.

As the Northern Lights are a phenomenon that is not completely understood, you can only predict the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis about two hours before it happens. But don't worry, the captain will be calling you to go out on deck to admire them when they occur during your cruise.

The best time to see the Norwegian Fjords is between May and August. The summer months are magical. With almost 24 hours of daylight, it is the perfect time to cruise the mirror-calm water in this area.

One of the best experiences is to sit on the deck, taking a mid-night sunbath whilst watching the ribbons of waterfalls tumbling over sheer cliffs and sipping a glass of bubbles.

The summer temperatures are similar to those in the rest of Northern Europe - beautiful and sunny.

Ålesund and Bergen, are recognised as two of the rainiest cities in the world, so don't forget a jacket. If you travel to the Lofoten Islands, the sea can be very rough and windy, especially in spring and winter.

Nature lovers will enjoy the wildlife and breathtaking vistas. Adventure seekers are not disappointed by the Northern Lights and the countless opportunities to do reindeer or dog sledging, as well as skiing and snowmobiling.

Elderly travellers tend to be attracted by the enjoyable views of the fjords, coast and mountains without leaving the ship. Younger travellers appreciate walking, kayaking, hiking and cycling in some of the ports of call, especially Åndalsnes, Bergen or Stavanger.

It may not come as a surprise, but amongst the cruising fraternity, a trip around the Norwegian fjords is high on any bucket list. The breathtaking scenery, culture and weather attracts many first-time cruisers.

Northern Europe as with the Mediterranean, attracts many that have reservations about cruising, because of the high number of ports in any given itinerary. The fact that you are constantly surrounded by land makes it more appealing.

You can ask many cruisers in Europe about their initial holiday at sea, and in many cases, it will be the fjords of Northern Europe.

In 7 to 10 days you can grasp what cruising in the North is all about, which appeals to those who are wishing to take a shorter trip to test the waters or simply those who are looking for a shorter holiday.

A cruise will appeal to many seasoned photographers, as you don't need to leave the ship to capture some unbelievable coastal landscape.

Most ports of call are directly on the water or extremely close to the port, similar to Alaska. This appeals to those who are looking for days packed with sightseeing and pre-Covid independent trips into the towns.

You will find museums on Vikings, life in the Arctic and the local sea trade in every port.