Welcome aboard Ship Rotterdam! This beautiful, medium-sized cruise ship with numerous facilities took us to the Norwegian fjords and back. In this article we take you on our journey and show you the breathtaking Norway to see! In another article we will give you an impression of all the experiences and activities on board. Would you like to know how we experienced the cruise through Norway, where the ship docks and what can be experienced there? Read on to find out!
Sail with Holland America Line from the port of Rotterdam to the beautiful be...
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
Also watch: the stories on Instagram to get a quick impression of our experiences in Norway and on board ship Rotterdam! Click on the image below.
The route
Our route took us from the port of Rotterdam, located directly next to the Erasmus Bridge, to Kristiansand in southern Norway. The ship then took us to Stavanger, Eidfjord and Skjolden among the Norwegian fjords. Below I will give you an overview of the places - in chronological order, the sights and what there is to do.
Our trip started well, on a lovely summer Saturday evening in the Netherlands. We were waved goodbye by people who live along the canal! We sailed out of the canal, and at Hoek van Holland we entered the North Sea and then spent a day at sea. The next day we arrived at our first destination in Norway.
Sail with Holland America Line from the port of Rotterdam to the beautiful be...
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
Kristiansand
Originally the ship would dock at Mandal and we would go ashore by tenders (boats). Unfortunately there was too much wind to accomplish this safely. That's why the captain chose a different course and took us to Kristiansand, the southernmost city in Norway.
About Kristiansand
The city is surrounded by water and has an attractive atmosphere. The river Another flows into the city center of Kristiansand and on the coast is a large island called Otter Island, which used to be a naval base. Further offshore there may be thousands of small islands. The city center has a rectangular street pattern, a historic city center and a city beach.
Kristiansand is a place where many travelers start their journey in Norway when they arrive by car or camper with the ferry from Denmark. Some travel straight on, but that's a shame, because there are many fun things to see and do.
The sights
At Zarcillo Fishing pier, a canal landscape, you should walk around and visit the small fish market. This way you will immediately become acquainted with Norwegian culture.
Bystranda is a city beach that you should not miss during your visit. When the weather is nice, you will feel like you are in the south Europe because of the soft sand and palm trees. If the water temperature is too cold, you can always divert Aquarama, a swimming pool next to the beach with always a pleasant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
The (mainly) white old houses of the old town can be found in the part of the city called Posebyen. Tours are offered to this part of the city, because there is a lot to tell about the history, including a major city fire that destroyed many of these types of houses.
Markens Gate is a traffic-free long street in the city center where you can enjoy shopping and sit on a terrace.
While most sights in the city give you an impression of a small port town, it does Kilden Performing Arts Centre not that. This imposing building, located on the island Otter Island, houses a theater and music venue.
If you want a good view of the city, you have to make a small climb to the viewpoint Brannposten i Baneheia. From here you look over the city, towards the harbour.
Tip: Take a city walk that takes you past all the above sights!
Scenic Cruising Hardangerfjord
Before you reach Eidfjord, you sail through the hardangerfjord. The fjord is the third largest in Norway and is very impressive. So it pays to get up early, find a spot on the ship where you can look around and enjoy the view. High peaks and waterfalls pass you by.
You also sail under the Hardanger bridge Through. This is a suspension bridge with a span of no less than 1400 meters, the longest in Norway. The bridge was built so that it is no longer necessary for car traffic to make a time-consuming ferry crossing. The medium-sized cruise ship fits underneath, larger ships would not be able to reach Eidfjord.
eidfjord
About Eidfjord
eidfjord is actually a small village with only 900 inhabitants, but the picturesque village is surrounded by the most impressive nature: high mountains, valleys and light blue fjords.
The sights
Hardangervidda Natursenter
If you want to get an impression of the flora and fauna of the area, visit the visitor center Hardangervidda Natursenter the place where you should be. The center has exhibitions about nature, aquariums with fish and stuffed animals. The best recommendation is to watch the panoramic film in the cinema. The film takes you on a helicopter flight over Hardangervidda.
Vøringsfossen waterfall
This waterfall, located half an hour's drive from Eidfjord, is not to be missed! It is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway. They have built spectacular platforms in this rugged territory so that you can really take in the waterfall. Each platform offers you a different perspective and an impression of how grand the waterfall is and how breathtaking the surroundings are. The photos speak for themselves.
Activities
Canoeing and kayaking
If you haven't seen enough of the fjord while 'scenic cruising', get into a canoe or kayak and feel even more insignificant in relation to the surroundings. You will be surprised how quiet it is and how nice it is to paddle independently through the area in this way.
Walking through Eidfjord
If you prefer to stay on land, a walk is also a good choice. At the tourist information point of Visit Eidfjord they are happy to help you map out a walking route that meets your wishes. Finding the information point is easy, as it is less than 100 meters from the cruise port.
There is a walk of less than 5 kilometers where you cross the river Eio cross the road and continue your way along the river, over the road Elvavegen, to the sandy beach on the lake Eidfjordvatnet. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the fresh water and/or continue your way back via a higher path, along the Hæreid Iron Age cemetery (cultural heritage) and a viewpoint about Eidfjord.
Tip: Whatever activity you choose, make a stop at Vik Bakeri for a delicious kanelbullar, a cinnamon roll. Take it with you or even better, settle down on the cutest terrace in Eidfjord!
Stavanger
About Stavanger
The city center of Stavanger is characterized by colorful streets, lots of (street) art and old wharf houses. Just beyond that you will find vast plains and high mountains.
The sights
Old Stavanger
This part of the city is home to the well-known historic white wooden houses, west of the harbour. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the plan was made to replace the houses, until a city architect spoke out against this. The houses have been preserved and restored.
It used to be a less desirable area to live in, but nowadays it is. The residents maintain their houses and gardens down to the last detail. Tourists like to take a walk through the small atmospheric streets, take a tour with a guide and take an Instagrammable photo.
Ovre Holmegate
This street in Stavanger is also well known and used by the locals Fargegata, the street of colors. It is an incredibly atmospheric and colorful street in the middle of the city center. It was once a quiet street, but the entrepreneurs decided to take a different tack. They worked together, made a plan and color scheme and voilà!
Many tourists take photos here, sit on the terrace for a cup of coffee and/or visit some shops. Of course, this street is also ideal for the perfect holiday photo. If you want to do something less usual during your visit, you can go to the hairdresser, the sewing workshop and even get a tattoo.
Street art
You will find unique street art almost everywhere in Stavanger, which makes the city even more colorful. Street artists from all over the world like to create their works of art here, partly thanks to it NuArt Street Art Festival which will be held in Stavanger in September.
When you walk through Stavanger, you will encounter both large and small works of art. So keep your eyes open and look around every corner to discover this one too.
Activities
Vintage shopping (bonus tip)
My observant eye noticed that there are many vintage shops in Stavanger. Many of these stores have colorful interiors and a wide variety of items, from home decor and furniture to bags, shoes and a large selection of clothing. Bee Fretex Arkivet bruktbutikk, a well-kept thrift store, I could easily spend an hour. And not entirely unimportant; I bought a beautiful white dress for next to nothing!
Cruise or RIB tour to Lysefjord
Are you less interested in the city center and more in the special and extensive surroundings of Stavanger? Then choose a boat trip to Lysefjord and admire the impressive heights, the Hengjanefossen-waterfall, Vagabond's Cave en Preikestolen, a natural platform on a cliff of no less than 604 meters high.
Would you like it to be a little faster? Then explore the vast surroundings with a RIB tour and sail at high speed to the Lysefjord to also Pulpit rock, Whiskey Falls and much more to discover!
Helicopter tour to Preikestolen
For the adrenaline junkies among us, this is a spectacular activity to undertake from Stavanger. From the helicopter you have a great view of the special surroundings of Stavanger, where you will see many green islands below you and above the cliffs of the Lysefjord will fly in search of the Preikestolen.
Many tourists brave the walk here, but if you are in the area on a cruise ship, there is not enough time for this. The helicopter tour is therefore the perfect opportunity to experience the area quickly and from a unique perspective. Don't miss this opportunity to have an unforgettable experience! Check out the images below for a taste of this adventure.
The shield
About Skjolden
Skjolden is also a small town, tiny even, with less than 200 inhabitants. It is located at the very beginning of the Lustrafjord, and from here you can easily visit various sights.
The sights and activities
Tour surrounding Skjolden
It is fun to discover the area by kayak or RIB boat. About 30 km from Skjolden is Norway's oldest stave church, the Urnes Stave Church, which can also be reached by ferry. Next to it is the highest waterfall in Norway, the Feigumfossen, nearby, with an impressive drop of 218 meters.
Breheimen National Park
Breheimen is one of Norway's most diverse national parks and contains both some of the wettest and driest parts of the country. The name means 'home of the glaciers.' This park offers spectacular hiking trails, both peaceful and challenging, that take you over great heights with beautiful views of the Lustrafjord and the surrounding mountains.
Jostedal Glacier National Park
De Jostedal glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, and the Nigard's Glacier is a side arm of this. Like many other glaciers in the world, the amount of ice has decreased. From the visitor center and a little further, at a parking lot, you have a good view of the glacier. You can learn more about the glacier at the visitor center. Do you have more time and a sense of adventure? Then you can walk the glacier with a guide.
Scenic Cruising Sognefjord
To top it all off, another 'scenic cruising' awaits you. You sail away from Lustrafjord, into the Sognefjord, and that brings spectacular views: waterfalls, picturesque towns and high, green mountain peaks.
Choose a good spot on the deck of the ship, recover from your experiences in Skjolden (earlier in the day), and let the breathtaking landscape pass you by. Also in the 'Crow's Nest' inside the ship, where you have a panoramic view, you can admire the landscape. In addition, explanations about the sights are given over speakers.
Closing comments
Norway's scenery is truly breathtaking, and this cruise is just a glimpse into the many beautiful places this country has to offer. The grand fjords, picturesque villages, blue waters and impressive green landscapes are almost unbelievable in their vastness.
Although I could describe many more sights and activities, the above text and images hopefully give you a good impression of what awaits you when you sail through Norway on a Holland America Cruise. In any case, the experience of disembarking in these beautiful surroundings will stay with me for a long time and makes me want to explore Norway further!
Sail with Holland America Line from the port of Rotterdam to the beautiful be...
- Sailing through breathtaking fjords
- Departure from Rotterdam
- Luxury, comfort and personal service on board
- Suitable for every type of traveler
#collaboration | This article was produced in collaboration with Lieb Management NL and Holland America Line. Everything you read in this article is my personal opinion/experience. Would you also like to collaborate with us? Then contact us.
