The famous fjords of Norway (Hardangergerfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and others) attract travelers from different countries. The transparent sea, in which the blue of the sky is reflected, sliding glaciers, sheer like a wall, rocks, crystal waterfalls - this sight is bewitching. And it is best to contemplate this beauty from the sea: from the side of a comfortable cruise ship. Such trips with entry into the fjords (narrow bays framed by high cliffs) are now a very popular destination.
Many companies offer various routes, including with a call to interesting cities of Northern Europe on the road. The journey can begin and end in some foreign port, for example, in Oslo, Amsterdam or Kiel. But in this article we will consider only cruises on the fjords of Norway from St. Petersburg. In this case, tourists will not need to additionally spend money on a ticket. The journey will begin and end in the City on the Neva.
When to go on a cruise
Norway is so close to the Arctic Circle that white nights are observed there in summer, and in winter the sun only appears briefly in the sky. Russian companies organize fjord cruises only during the warm season. Navigation in this direction begins in early May, and the last flight of the year departs from St. Petersburg in mid-September. But, paradoxically, the Norwegian Fjords in Winter cruise is also possible. The fact is that due to the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the sea off the western coast of Norway does not freeze.
Of course, strong winds blowing waves blow, and daylight hours are very short. Therefore, the journey boils down to sailing along the Sognefjord and its sleeve - the narrowest of all - Nereyfjord. This last one is on the list of UNESCO. The Nerei Fjord has a length of 18 kilometers, and along its steep banks are villages in which tourists are offered to try goat brown cheese. As a bonus, travelers who are not afraid to go sailing in winter are given the opportunity to watch the northern lights. In addition, it was at this time that flocks of killer whales and whales came to the shores of Norway.
Sea cruises - entertainment for the rich?
Are cruises on the fjords of Norway from St. Petersburg really so expensive? The cost of a ticket on average varies from 270 to 300 euros (19,800 - 22,000 rubles) for 6 days. But this is an approximate price. The cost of the tour depends on:
- travel time (at the height of summer it is more expensive);
- its duration;
- route;
- saturation of the excursion program;
- type of liner (they, like hotels, have different statuses);
- cabin class (in the middle of the deck without windows; at the side with a porthole; luxurious suite with a balcony, etc.).
The most economical travel options include bus crossings from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, and from there by ferry to Stockholm. Actually, the cruise begins with the capital of Sweden. Thus, from a weekly tour two days are devoted to the fjords of Norway. But on sale there are also luxury cruises for 15 days with visits to various cities of Northern Europe, field trips inland into the mainland. The cost of such tours starts from 1,100 euros (80,700 rubles) per person.
What good cruises are. Reviews
Sea voyages have several advantages over land trips. After all, a cruise ship is, in fact, a small resort town. In it, in addition to cabins, passengers are offered a well-developed infrastructure for recreation and entertainment. Pools, a deck for sunbathing and walking, bars and restaurants, baths, cinemas and even a casino. And in the evenings there is an entertaining show.
Tourists are completely devoid of all the hardships associated with moving. In cities, they do not need to spend money on hotels, because they sleep in their cabins, on board the ship. Passengers living in economy class cabins (without windows) can use the entire infrastructure of the liner. VIP guests (inhabitants of the suites) have some privileges. They have their own lounges, living rooms, restaurants.
A cruise on a ship on the Norwegian fjords is an unforgettable trip. Glaciers, tall cliffs and waterfalls look best from the sea. But a cruise is not a conclusion on a ship. Tourists actively travel by land, if provided for by the excursion program. They visit the city, can climb the glacier or the famous rock "Chair of the priest." If they buy a ticket to St. Petersburg, they are accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.
Economical bus and sea tour for 6 days (5 nights). Route description
Norway fjord cruises from St. Petersburg do not always start directly in the northern capital of Russia. After all, most of the cheap offers exist with foreign companies that own luxury liners. But you can buy a ticket for such a ship in St. Petersburg. Consider the cheapest option for such a trip (from 210 euros - 15,400 rubles). It is called - “Norwegian fjords economy”.
Tourists leave early in the morning on the bus St. Petersburg - Helsinki. There they make a sightseeing tour of the capital of Finland and move to the city of Turku. At this port in the evening they catch a ferry sailing to Stockholm. It should be said that the ship has on its board cabins of various classes, bars and a restaurant with buffet service. After a tour of Stockholm, tourists move to Oslo, where they spend the night at the hotel. On the third day, they finally sail along Sognefjord. Tourists can ride a unique train from Flåm to Kjössfossen Waterfall for a fee. Then they return to Oslo and through Stockholm, Sigtuna and Helsinki return by ferry and bus to St. Petersburg.
Ferry and liner
Agree that the bus is not the most comfortable way to travel. Even if night crossings are not provided, it is still tiring. There is another budget sightseeing tour to Norway from St. Petersburg - on the Anastasia ferry. The cheapest ticket costs 340 euros (25 thousand rubles). The whole trip lasts a week. Princess Anastasia ferry departing from the seaport of St. Petersburg has duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, a sauna, and in the evening passengers can attend shows or dance in a disco.
In the morning, the ship arrives in Tallinn. After passing through passport control, tourists make a tour of the capital of Estonia. Another night at sea - and now the ferry is already in Stockholm. The bus takes travelers to the mountainous region of Norway, where they stay overnight at the hotel. And in the morning of the next day, they arrive in Flom, where they cruise on a Sognefjord cruise ship. Back tourists follow the route Flam - Oslo - Stockholm - Sigtuna - Turku - Helsinki - St. Petersburg. They partially overcome the path by bus and ferry.
Cruise “Music of the Fjords and the City of the Baltic”
This two-week trip is not cheap. At the same time, the fjords themselves are not devoted much time. But during this trip, tourists will see several countries: Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Estonia. And no tiring journeys. A cruise ship leaves from St. Petersburg and returns there. The ship has the following route: St. Petersburg - Copenhagen - Kiel (Germany) - Geiranger (Norway) - Flam - Bergen - Oslo - Copenhagen - Stockholm - Tallinn - St. Petersburg.
Tourists leave the most enthusiastic reviews about this trip. The MSC Meravilia cruise ship is very comfortable. It looks like a floating resort. It has swimming pools, two main buffet restaurants and duty-free shops. And every evening, the theater hosts colorful shows. During the navigation period of 2019, this ship will go on cruises on the fjords of Norway from St. Petersburg on May 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; August 7.
“Unforgettable Fjords”
Even the most fashionable ship can get bored. During the “Unforgettable Fjords” tour, travelers are invited to change several liners, as well as live in hotels on land. In 8 days, sightseers will also see Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Going on cruises on the Norwegian fjords from St. Petersburg, they will be able to sail on the Viking Line (Turku - Stockholm), Crown of Scandinavia ships of DFDS (Oslo - Copenhagen) and Baltic Princesses of Tallink Silja (Copenhagen) - Turku).
But tourists warn: during this trip there will be bus crossings. In addition, only a few hours are allotted to the Norwegian fjords. It will be sailing along the largest of them - Sogne, as well as its two branches - Neuro and Aurland. For an additional fee, you can take a trip along the unique Flomsbahn Railway.
"The beauty of the Norwegian fjords"
The cost of such a 9-day trip starts at 615 euros or 45,100 rubles per person (in an economy class cabin). But tourists during this cruise from St. Petersburg through the fjords of Norway can see not only seven narrow and winding sea bays, but also the Veringfossen waterfall, as well as the Brixdal glacier. Travelers will drive along the highest plateau in Norway - Hardangervidd. They will visit the “Troll Wall”, “The Eagles Road”, the valley of Gudbransdalen.
But tourists warn in the reviews: on the fjords of Ordals, Nur, Geiranger and Nurdals, the trip takes place on small boats. During the tour, it is planned to visit the cities of Northern Europe: Helsinki, Stockholm, Turku, Bergen, Alesund, Sigtuna.
"The kingdom of fjords and glaciers" (from 50 thousand rubles)
For 9 days of this magnificent tour, travelers will visit Porvoo, Turku, Stockholm, Oslo, Hemsedal / Gol, Gudvangen, Flom, Nigard, Bergen, Geilo, Örebro, Langinkoski. In addition to swimming in the fjords, a three-hour walk along the Nygardsbreen glacier, a trip along the Snow Road, photographing at the observation deck above Aurlandsfjord are planned. Tourists in the reviews mention that in Bergen the group spends two days. During this time, travelers are offered a guided city tour (included in the cruise price), as well as a cable car ride to the top of Ulriken Mountain, which offers wonderful views of the entire west coast of Norway.
"Grand tour of the fjords + Copenhagen" (from 73 thousand rubles)
The only inconvenience that travelers will have to experience is the bus crossing on the routes St. Petersburg - Helsinki and Turku - St. Petersburg. The rest of the tour will take place aboard Tallink Silja Line and Seaways DFDS. Travelers will not only visit, but also get acquainted with the key sights of Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Bergen, the villages of Hemsedal, Borgunda, Alesund, Lillehammer.
During the tour, swimming is planned along the most beautiful fjord in Norway - Geiranger - with the waterfalls “Groom”, “Veil of the Bride” and “Seven Sisters”. Travelers will have the opportunity to climb the language of the largest glacier in Europe, Brixdahl, where the snow plays 18 shades of white and blue, take a ride on the Flumbann railway. And, of course, they will take a boat trip along the longest fjord of Sogne, with sunset in its two arms.
Cruise Reviews
When choosing a sea voyage, tourists recommend studying not only the liner's route, but also familiarizing themselves with the list of free services. Reviews of Norway fjord cruises from St. Petersburg often mention that only breakfast is included. Many paid city tours are too expensive. Tourists recommend going ashore and exploring the sights on their own. If you want to go on a voyage on the All-Inclusive system, you can buy a cruise from the ports of Germany, Denmark or Estonia, paying a transfer fee (by bus or plane) from St. Petersburg.