Norwegian Fjords - excursions
 

I shall be going on a Norwegian Fjord cruise next week. Are there any recommended shore excursions - tours really enjoyed by past cruisers on similar trip?

Thanks,
S

When we were in Gairanger cruise passengers were loading up on buses to go to the top of the fjord. In fact, it was not worth it because the cloud cover meant that they would see very little for their money. I think that you need to judge on the spot if the excursion is worth it. Cruise ship passengers were also clearly doing an excursion to the Trondheim cathedral; presumably paying more than they needed to, depending of course on time constraints. The core of Trondheim, including the cathedral, is small enough to do on one's own volition.

If you can link up with a tour to the Glacier Museum and/or one of the glaciers, I strongly recommend that.

The cruise ship passengers were herded onto certain train cars at Flam for the ride up/back. Same train as the rest of us and a very short walk. So if you go there, check price of cruise shore excursion vs. purchase yourself and any "extras" included in the excursion. The day the Italian ship was in port, the cruise rep repeated the English information over the intercom for the entire train to hear. Not sure what the Japanese bus tourists got.

Some people rent bicyles there to ride part way back down or hike. Be careful of time/schedule if you do on your own.

There is a company that offered kayak trips on the fjord--looked like a nice way to get out on the water, but same area you cover on the boat.

Trondheim and Tromso are walkable from the Hurtigruten dock. By the time you have walked around Trondheim, though, you may wish to take a taxi back to the boat.

There is a tram to the top of a local mountain in Tromso. Take the public bus to the Arctic Cathedral and then walk in the direction of the tram (north). The Arctic Cathedral is also worth a short trip inside. If you are on the southbound trip, the midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral was very nice. The musicians were first rate and the program was interesting.

The trip to the North Cape is debatable as to its worth. I took it because I wanted to see a Sammi village up close. They were interesting but it was primarily a shopping stop. The North Cape has a lovely building and a wonderful IMAX film. I'm glad I did it once but I wouldn't do it again.