Geiranger & the Norwegian Fjords: My Jaw-On-The-Floor Scenic Heaven

Sailing into Geirangerfjord at 5 a.m. with waterfalls cascading thousands of feet straight into the sea is hands-down the most spectacular cruising moment I've ever experienced — the entire ship goes silent on deck as Seven Sisters and The Suitor waterfalls thunder down. All the fjords ports score perfect 5.0 for scenery.

In Geiranger my perfect day is the first tender off and straight up to Flydalsjuvet or Dalsnibba viewpoint (book the ship tour or taxi early) for those postcard shots you've seen a million times but are even better in person. Then a RIB boat tour weaving under waterfalls so close you can drink from them.

In Flam the Flåm Railway is the world's most beautiful train ride — 20 km, 900 m climb, waterfalls, tunnels, and Kjosfossen stop where a huldra dancer appears. Olden has the jaw-dropping Briksdal Glacier arm you can practically touch, and Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture after the 1904 fire is pure fairy-tale. Norway fjords days are the ones I live for.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Standing on deck at 5 a.m. as we sailed into Geirangerfjord, the entire ship silent except for cameras clicking. Waterfalls poured thousands of feet down cliffs so steep they seemed impossible. Someone near me whispered "this can't be real" — and it does feel like CGI, except it's actual earth, shaped by millions of years of ice. Nothing prepares you for it.

Getting Around the Fjord Ports

Geiranger and Olden are tender ports (efficient and scenic), Flam and Ålesund dock right in the village — everything is walkable or short shuttle. The famous viewpoints and railway are pier-side.

Geiranger viewpoints: Ship excursion or taxi to Flydalsjuvet/Dalsnibba
Flåm Railway: Departures from the pier, book aboard ship
Briksdal Glacier (Olden): Bus to glacier, then hike or troll car

Positively Framed Word of Warning

The dramatic cliffs and narrow fjords create nature's greatest theater — early rising simply guarantees you front-row balcony seats for a show that will stay with you forever.