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cruising
Following the fjords
Norway may be the land of the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, but it has plenty more to offer the visitor, as John Gore discovers on his summer cruise on board the Marco Polo
T
he Cruise and Maritime Voyage’s Fjordland Splendour cruise promised eight nights
exploring Norway’s southern fjords, as part of its no-fl y, adults-only, cruise itinerary.
Fjord Experience Leaving from The London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, Essex, the fi rst day’s cruising over a benign North Sea brought us into Eidfjord, a pretty village set at the head of Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second longest fjord.
HARDANGERFJORD, which stretches for
forming 80% of Norway’s harvest. Eidfjord is the gateway to the Hardangervidda which is the largest high mountain plateau in Europe and Norway’s largest national park. MUST VISIT • Voringfoss Waterfall –one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway, with a free fall of 600 feet. • Fossli Hotel – built in 1891 and home of Grieg whilst he wrote his Opus 66. • The Hardangervidda Nature Centre.
almost 75 miles on the Sorfjord, has depths SOGNEFJORD is ‘the King of the Fjords’. It is the largest in Norway, with totally
of up to 2,700 feet. Along its shores are large fruit orchards, mainly stocked with cherries and apples,
different scenery to Hardangerfjord. Flam has attracted English and German tourists since as far back ast he 1800s, due to its magnifi cent mountain touring areas. MUST VISIT • The Flam Railway, which stretches 12.4 miles whilst climbing 2,485 feet to Myrdal station, offering panoramic views of the region. It also includes a photo stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall, with its free fall of 305 feet. Watch out for the wood nymph! • The Flam Railway Museum tells visitors all
about the construction of the railway, including its 20 hand-dug tunnels. • For a spot of beer tasting, pop into the Aegir Brewery where they brew over 300 varieties.
Sognefjord and is considered to be the most beautiful fjord in Norway. It is the home of the Norwegian Glacier Centre (the only other one being in Patagonia). Here visitors get an understanding of glacier growth and the effects of global warming.
FJAERLANDSFJORD is a tributary of the
olo at sail; right top: Gazing down on Bergen. Norway’s fjord capital; Right: A photo stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall
Main picture: The stunning Fjaerlandsfjord ; Inset: Marco P
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