A Scandinavian cruise offers so many unforgettable sightseeing opportunities; magnificent fjords, snow covered landscapes, historic towns and vibrant cities and there are no shortage of exciting routes available, whether you want to view the Northern Lights in Norway or voyage deep into the Arctic Circle.
Scandinavian cruise holidays are on the wish list of so many travellers, since the opportunity to go on a cruise and view up close the breath-taking beauty of one of the world’s most northerly regions makes for an unforgettable holiday experience. Cruise options around the Scandinavian peninsula, which covers Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, can range from four day breaks to two weeks of exploring this beautiful region.
Explore the land of fire and ice
Iceland has always been a popular cruise option, thanks to its mix of unspoilt wilderness and beautiful but modern capital city of Reykjavik. Iceland is home to 30 active volcano systems and a guided tour to the edge of a volcanic crater is worth the trip alone. Reykjavik itself is the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of the Ellidaardalur Valley or take a day trip to Mount Esja to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views. Bathing at the geothermal beach, viewing the dazzling Northern Lights and witnessing the unforgettable summer midnight sun are just some of the highlights on an Iceland cruise.
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The spectacular Norwegian Fjords
Traversing the majestic Norwegian Fjords is one of the most popular reasons why many people take Scandinavian cruises. Cruising down Sognefjord, the longest (204km) and deepest (1308m) fjord in the world, means you’ll see some spectacularly beautiful spots in what has been described as an almost spiritual setting. You can also take a trip on the Flam Railway, which rises to 865m above sea level and is the steepest railway journey in the world. A visit to the Fretheim Hotel for a spot of lunch and a guided historical tour as well as taking in the views at 650m above sea level at the Stegastein Viewpoint should all be included on your itinerary.
Exploring the Arctic Circle
Journeying into the Arctic Circle makes for a true Scandinavian adventure and this is the region to view some of the world’s most unspoilt areas. Arctic Circle cruises include regions such as northern Norway, Greenland, Svalbard and even some parts of the far east of Russia. As you journey around the top of the world you will encounter majestic glaciers, stunning waterfalls, snow covered wildernesses, fjords and snow-capped mountains. You can visit North Cape to view the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, explore the beauty of the uninhabited Bear Island or take wildlife watching cruises to spot polar bears, whales and walruses.
Visit the Scandinavian cities
Most Scandinavian cruises will include stops at major cities and it’s a good idea to plan your cruise around the cities you’d like to visit such as Amsterdam, Stockholm, St Petersburg and Helsinki, to name just a few. Longer cruises will provide you with the option of multiple city excursions where you can enjoy the sightseeing and immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine and nightlife. Don’t forget that Scandinavian cruises are available all year round and are one of the most popular festive season holiday options.
Photo credits: Geothermal lake by David Evers, Northern Lights and Norwegian fjords by VisitNorway.com, Cruise to the Arctic Circle by Brian Wotherspoon, Stockholm by Wouter de Bruijn
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Lucy
Friday 7th of March 2014
I'm heading out to Bergen and the Norwegian fjords and can't wait – though having seen some of these pics I suspect it might start off an expensive fascination with Scandinavia!
Heather Cowper
Friday 7th of March 2014
@Lucy Yes, I've enjoyed trips to Sweden and Denmark, so the Norwegian fjords are definitely on my lost too
Natascia Russo
Thursday 6th of March 2014
The Northern Lights are simply beautiful. I envy you, I hope I can have the same experience when I go on a cruise.
Heather Cowper
Friday 7th of March 2014
@Natascia Yes the Northern lights are a once in a lifetime experience
Raja Adnan Safdar
Sunday 2nd of March 2014
Arctic Circle is true beauty of world in my opinion, some wonderful views which you ll never forget at least til the time you lost your memory :D
Hels
Friday 28th of February 2014
Joe and I spent 2 months in Denmark, Southern Sweden and Southern Norway one year and had a fabulous time. But we travelled by train or hire car, not by ship.
Cruising is definitely the most organised, relaxing and picturesque way to travel, for sure. But every time we have gone on a cruise, my beloved spouse has spent days in bed with nausea. How choppy are the northern waters around Scandinavia? Do you know of any medications that prevent or relieve sea sickness?
Heather Cowper
Saturday 1st of March 2014
@Hels I'm not quite sure how rough those seas around Scandinavia are, but I assume that the winter spring months are worse than summer in the north sea, although presumably once you get into the fjords things are a bit calmer. I haven't suffered from seasickness myself but I hear that ove rthe counter remedies such as Dramazine are pretty effective and also that there is an anti-seasickness injection that is usually available on board if you're feeling especially rough.