Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Nordic Wonders (Norway, Denmark) 8 Days

Bergen, Norway
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Eidfjord, Norway
The quaint village of Eidfjord is nestled in the heart of one of Norway’s most scenic regions. From the Norwegian Sea, the waters of the expansive Hardangerfjord lead to the smaller Eidfjorden and to this charming mountain hamlet. Eidfjord embodies the Norway of every traveler’s dream, the gateway to Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau of soaring beauty. Wild reindeer roam here, among stunning, treeless moorlands dotted with pools, rivers, streams and the Vøringfossen Waterfall, a 550-foot cascade that plummets into the cavernous Måbødalen Canyon.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Norwegian Nature Center
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a sweeping view of one of Norway’s most beautiful regions and explore nature. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach up the valley to Øvre Eidfjord and the Norwegian Nature Center. Here, learn about the nature and wildlife on Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. In this lively center of exhibitions, aquariums and an inspiring “Super Videography” display, you will gain insight into the staggering beauty of this pristine slice of Norway. You will enjoy more than an hour to explore the exhibits independently. Don’t miss the center’s highlight: a five-screen panoramic movie where you can immerse yourself on a journey past fjords, mountains and waterfalls, with drops over steep gorges and gentle sequences over mountain lakes and glaciers. After your visit, your bus will drive you back to Eidfjord.

Haugesund, Norway
The coastal town of Haugesund is considered the birthplace of Norway. The Haraldshaugen Monument marks its unification into one kingdom in 872 and is said to be where the first king of Norway was buried. All the typical characteristics of a seaside Norwegian town are here: rustic timber houses, stunning sea views from the quays and magnificent vistas of fjords from the Steinsfjellet viewpoint. The region’s cultural heritage is inextricably linked to the sea; built on the herring industry, surrounding charming towns have thrived on its success and continue to do so today.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Haugesund
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the rich history of Norway’s scenic coastal town that lays claim as the birthplace of Norway. Haugesund dates to 1217, when it was mentioned in the Norse sagas. Inextricably linked to the sea, it was built on the herring industry. You will meet your guide for a panoramic tour that begins with the outside of City Hall. This neoclassical vision in pink was built in 1931 as a gift to the city from a ship owner and his wife. Continue to the Haraldshaugen Monument, an obelisk celebrating the unification of Norway into one kingdom in 872. Its location is meant to mark the spot where the first king of Norway was buried. Next, you’ll visit the Steinsfjellet viewpoint, 748 feet above sea level. The views here take in all of Haugesund and the stunning fjords in the distance. After time to admire the view, return to your ship.

Kristiansand, Norway
Kristiansand boasts tidy streets, cozy harbors and small-town charm. The town’s Viking past can be traced in the runestones at the Oddernes Church, built in 1040 and dedicated to St. Olaf, patron saint of Norway. In the 17th century, King Christian IV ordered the Christiansholm Fortress to be built to defend the newly founded city. Today, the edifice is adjacent to an inviting harborside boardwalk. The city’s rich traditions are embodied in the old wooden houses of the Old Town and the stunning neo-Gothic cathedral.

Shore Excursions – Kristiansand by Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the major sights and landmarks of charming Kristiansand during a leisurely walking excursion. Meet your guide and stroll through the historic streets as you learn about the town’s past. See interesting sights, such as the modernist Kilden Performing Arts Centre and Kunstilo Art Museum. Continue to Fiskebrygga, a former fish landing that now hosts colorful wooden buildings, restaurants, shops and a fish market. View Christiansholm Fortress, a fortification built in 1672 to defend the harbor; it still displays eight of its bronze cannons from the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, walk through a charming residential area where some of its white-painted houses date back to the 18th century. Pass by Kristiansand Cathedral; completed in 1885, this pale brick and concrete neo-Gothic style building is one of Norway’s largest churches. After, you will walk back to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Århus on Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the iconic sights of Århus during a walk through one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out on a journey past some of the newest and most modern buildings of Århus, as well as some of its older landmarks. See the Gothic-style medieval Cathedral, the longest and tallest church in Denmark, and stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the lively Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, en route to the Vor Frue Kloster, a neoclassical monastery that is home to the oldest bells in Denmark. Admire the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor and walk along the historic street of Møllestien to the ARoS, the country’s newest art museum. Stop to gaze at City Hall, its asymmetrical design a fine example of modern functionalistic architecture, before returning to the pier and your ship.

Skagen, Denmark
Skagen is a charming old seaside village nestled amid pristine dunes, picturesque moors and long sand beaches. During the Middle Ages, Skagen was known for its herring catch, and remains a major fishing center today. With the introduction of the railway, a group of impressionist painters discovered the area’s seascapes and soft evening light and journeyed here to found the Skagen Painters; their work is showcased at the small Skagens Museum. The lure of Skagen inspired royalty to visit: King Christian X was so taken with the setting that he built a summer residence here.

Shore Excursions – Skagen On Foot & the Museum of Local History
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Visit the small, picturesque fishing village of Skagen, Denmark’s northernmost town. Its origins can be traced back to the 13th century and for hundreds of years, the fishing trade has sustained this small community. Set out on foot from the cruise terminal to discover its treasures, journeying along the waterfront and past traditional fishing boats as your guide shares stories of Skagen’s maritime heritage. At Kystmuseet, the Museum of Local History, uncover more of the village’s past as you explore its exhibits—they offer insight into life in Skagen from the 18th century to the present. See replicas of traditional houses and a historic Hansa cutter boat, built in 1924. After, continue on foot through Skt. Laurentivej and Kappelborgvej, two of Skagen’s main thoroughfares. Return to your ship via shuttle, or spend time exploring more on your own.

Oslo, Norway
Oslo is one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant cities. Situated along the stunning Oslofjord and famed for its rich Viking heritage and maritime industries, it was founded by Norse King Harald III in 1040. The city is centered around the lively waterfront district, featuring a backdrop of forested hills and architectural gems, including the Oslo Opera House and the Munch Museum. Several other notable museums celebrate Oslo’s cultural treasures; perhaps the most renowned, the National Museum, is home to the largest collection of public paintings in Scandinavia.

Shore Excursions – Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Park
Duration: 3 hours
Take in Oslo’s eclectic blend of contemporary flair, rich history and scenic views. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and drive past the medieval Akershus Fortress, built during the 1290s by Norse king Håkon V. Pass by some of Oslo’s notable sites, including the Oslo Opera House, Nobel Peace Center, the Royal Palace and the Parliament building. Arrive at Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the city’s most prominent hill. This historic structure dates back to 1892. After time for photos, return to the city and set out to explore Vigeland Park, named after the sculptor whose work adorns this expansive green space. Your guide will accompany you on a stroll along its pathways to view some of the 200-plus stone and bronze sculptures depicting the human life cycle. After, return to your ship.

Oslo, Norway
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.