This was only my second cruise, which makes me far from an expert. I may not get all the technical terms right, but what I can share is my honest experience of this journey. Think of this post less as a guidebook and more of a travellers diary of what stood out and what I enjoyed.
This journey took place on one of P&O’s adult only cruise ships Arcadia.
Below is a list of all the ports along the way so feel free to skip and jump ahead to which ones you are most interested in:
Scotland:
- Greenock
Iceland:
- Reykjavik (overnight)
- Grundarfjörður
- Ísafjörður
- Akureyri
Norway
- Honningsvåg
- Leknes (Lofoten Islands)
- Narvik
- Kristiansund (missed port – too windy)
- Ålesund
Enjoy the read as this three-week journey through Iceland and Norway with P&O Cruises was nothing short of unforgettable.
Day 1: Southampton (Embarkation)
The port of Southampton ran like a very well-oiled machine. People in high-vis jackets and lanyards everywhere ready to guide and assist at every corner it was all rather impressive. Dropping off the car was straightforward. We were pointed where to drive, someone took photos of the car, we handed them the keys and from there took our luggage into the terminal. The queen Elizabeth terminal isn’t the most decorative place but it gets the job done.
Check-in was nice and easy. Our IDs were checked, a quick smile for a security photo and within 5 minutes we were sat in the waiting area ready to be called through to security.
Security was a breeze and from there a short walk down the gangplank and straight onto the ship. We headed straight for our muster station (which is the location you go to in the even of an emergency) and then on to the buffet. I would like to proudly announce I was the first (that I know of) to eat a slice of the giant welcome cake they had prepared.
Sailing away from Southampton that evening in the August sunshine was delightful. We ran parallel with the Isle of White and then off into the English Channel. A sea day awaits us tomorrow.
Day 2: Sea Day
I’m not going to cover every sea day we had but one thing is for certain, you won’t get bored on board. There are plentiful activities happening from early morning right through till late at night.
I got up at 6:00am to try the gym out which is located right at the front of the ship on Deck Nine. The layout is great, with fantastic views over the bow and out to sea. Must be a great place to workout while entering a fjord. The gym is well equipped, though I can imagine it becoming crowded during peak hours. It has all the basics you need for a few weeks on board. The male changing room is clean, spacious and the showers have excellent water pressure!
There is a wide variety of activities from dance classes to arts and crafts. Activities are both hosted and non-hosted. The activity hosts are always fantastic and full of energy!
Day 3: Greenock – Scotland
Another early start as I wanted to watch the sail in. The forecast was overcast with patches of rain which actually made the entrance feel more dramatic. The scenery was vast, with sweeping views over the Scottish terrain all around. We docked around 8:00 and disembarked shortly after.
Greenock has a small but modern terminal building with facilities and a restaurant upstairs. Just two minutes from the terminal is a big Tesco which believe it or not is something of a highlight for both cruise goers and staff.
During the sail in I noticed a viewing platform on a nearby hill. A quick search and it is called ‘Lyle Hill’. I can’t recommend it enough! We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather it was mild with s light breeze and perfectly clear. The short 25 minute walk up was rewarding with sprawling views across the Firth of Clyde. The photos speak for themselves. On the way we passed along the promenade with its stunning waterfront views. Crossing under the railway bridge next to Fort Matilda we zig zagged up to reach the viewing point.
On the return journey back to the ship we accidentally stumbled into Esplanade Café and I have to say its the creamiest ice cream I’ve had in years. Made fresh daily it was absolutely delicious and I recommend the Biscoff flavour.
Not everything went perfectly today. Early in the walk somehow managed to lose my cruise card (which is a form of security ID when exiting and returning to the ship). Yes, on the first day off the ship I lose the one thing you need to get back onboard…
Anyway, thankfully, getting a replacement was simple. The port officials escorted me back to the ship (I felt like a VIP but for the wrong reasons). The crew at the gangway were brilliant, after checking I was who I said I was and calling reception, a new card appeared within minutes. So if you lose your cruise card fear not as its a straightforward process to get it replaced. Although I challenge you to try and lose it as early as I did in the trip…
Day 4-5: Sea Days
Day 6: Reykjavik, Iceland
We had pre-booked a Golden Circle Tour with Get Your Guide. The coach picked us up right from the port terminal. Quite a few fellow cruise passengers had booked the same trip so it was a full bus.
Þingvellir National Park:
Our first stop was þingvellir, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The viewing platform provides sprawling views over the national park, free toilets are available which also provide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the scenery. If you follow the path which slopes down from the viewing platform it leads to where the Icelandic parliament was formed in 930 AD, but we sadly didn’t have enough time to explore all of it.
Geysir Geothermal Area:
Next was the famous Geysir hot springs. These are spectacular. Having seen videos previously of water shooting into the air nothing prepares you for the real thing. The eruptions can reach up to 30 metres and the largest happens roughly every 10 minutes.
Behind the hot springs there is a path leading up the hillside, this is worth the walk. It rewards you with fantastic views over the geothermal field and the surrounding landscape. There is a large visitor centre with a couple of shops, cafe and restaurants. Prices are as you would expect in Iceland.
Gullfoss Waterfall:
A short drive from the Geysir Geothermal Area is Gullfoss or ‘Golden Falls’ which our Guide explained comes form historic folklore. I will say that the pictures you see before visiting do it no justice. The sheer size and power of the falls only hit you when you’re standing there in person. The viewing platform near the visitor centre offers a wide panorama, but the best perspective is down the steps and along the valley to the lower platform where you can almost touch the falls!
If you can try and visit outside peak hours as it was crowded and the rocks were slippery so wear waterproofs and appropriate footwear.
Kreið Crater:
Our final stop was Kerið, known as “The Eye of the World”. By the time we had arrived the weather had turned, not many people ventured far from the coach. There are steps and a path down to the waters edge inside the crater which is a lovely turquoise colour. You can walk around the full perimeter of the lake as well as the full perimeter of the crater up top. Inside the crater it was nice and sheltered however when we decided to do a lap at the top of the crater it was a whole other story. Strong winds and sideways icy rain added to the experience!
Overall I’d highly recommend a Golden Circle tour, whether through an organised tour group or by hiring a card and doing it at your own leisure. The scenery is stunning regardless of the weather and each attraction is unmissable all within a short drive of Reykjavik.
Day 7: Reykjavik, Iceland
Because the ship stayed in port overnight, we were able to leave the ship at our leisure and take the free shuttle into the Reykjavik whenever we wanted. The bus dropped us off at Harpa which is the concert hall on the seafront. The weather that morning provided us with uninterrupted views right across the bay.
From Harpa it was a short walk along the seafront to the Sun Voyager sculpture which looks especially impressive with the mountains as its backdrop. Walking directly into the heart of the city, you will eventually come across the famous church Hallgrímskirkja which is the largest in Iceland. It stands out in the city skyline and has a distinctive spire. It is free to wander inside and view the impressive organ which has 5,275 pipes – yes you read that right.
Heading down towards the sea from the church you will come across the famous Skólavöðustígur street, better known as the rainbow road. It is lined with many tourist shops, cafes and restuarants on both sides. At the end of the street there is Reykjavik city hall which is on the Tjörnin lake front (there are free toilets inside). This lake is a peaceful place to stroll around with traditional Icelandic looking houses on one side.
Having only spent half a day in Reykjavik it didn’t seem like there was all too much to do there other than walk around the sea front, admire the church and visit tourist shops. If you are coming to Iceland I would say you don’t need more than 1-2 days max exploring the city itself. The rest of the country more than makes up for it!
Day 8: Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Being on an inside cabin you don’t get to see the outside world until you leave your cabin. In this case I was at the gym when I first saw the scenery surrounding Grundarfjörður. Safe to say I went straight past the gym and out on to the deck to admire. My word this place is scenic.
Looking forward from the ship towards the tiny town, I joked the town was about to triple. According to Wikipedia, Grundarfjörður has just 872 residents, and our ship alone carries around 2000 passengers. With another small cruise ship already in the harbour, the population probably did temporarily triple. The town sits on the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. Even under overcast skies I couldn’t take my eyes off the landscape.
Today we used tenders to get ashore and with the combination of the wind and the waves it made for a short but choppy journey. Once you arrive at the harbour, there are free toilets for crew, guests and passengers a small gift shop and not overly much else. There is a bus that takes your directly to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall outside of town. At the time of visiting this cost €15 return.
We went the opposite direction towards Grundarfoss waterfall which was visible from the ship. At a good pace it is a 45 minute walk from the harbour. The walk follows the main road out of town until you reach a small gravel car park with a simple sign pointing straight towards the waterfall. A well-trodden path leads through a field all the way to the base of the waterfall. From a distance it doesn’t seem that tall, but the closer you get, the more its scale becomes obvious. Birds wheel overhead and nest in the cliff face and I can say it is truly spectacular.
We spent about an hour walking and climbing to get even closer to the base of the waterfall. If you do get closer make sure to turn around and take in the view as it is just ass impressive. I highly recommend waterproofs and proper walking boots if you are going to do this, the terrain near the bottom is rocky, uneven and slippery in places. I could have spent all day there and would love to see it again in Winter when everything is covered in snow.
Back in town, Grundarfjörður is small and very walkable. There’s a lovley church, a couple of cafés and a grocery store with a phramcy attached. I’d love to return and hike some of the nearby mountains.
Day 9: Ísafjörður, Iceland
This place has it all. My goodness, we were so incredibly lucky with the weather as well which helped the scenery stand out even more. Ísafjörður is a town in the West fjords region of northwest Iceland and its name literally means ‘Ice Fjord or ‘Fjord of Ice’. From the moment you arrive the scenery will take your breath away in every single direction.
The plan for today was to walk from the ship through the town, along the edge of the fjord, past the airport to eventually reach a place in the side of the mountain called ‘Troll Seat’. Which simply put looks like a seat carved into the mountainside. Things didn’t quite go to plan as you’ll see but sometimes those are the best days!
Walking alongside the shorefront is flat and peaceful. There is a clear path that takes you all around the bay.
After around 3 kilometers, we spotted a couple of walkers on what looked like a ridge above us to the right. Higher up that ridge, we notice a road tunnel running into the ridge. Approaching the bottom of the bridge there was an information board showing the length and elevation. Naturally we thought why not? and decided to follow the path up the ridge to find out what was up there.
After some loose translations, we believe the structure may be a defensive wall to protect the town from landslides and avalanches. Whatever its purpose, it was a steep climb but one that rewarded us with incredible panoramic views over the fjord and the town below. Running parallel to the wall is a mountain bike trail, and as we soon discovered, there’s a mountain bike centre at the top. On the day we visited there just so happened to be a competition taking place and we were advised to keep our eyes peeled for bikers and leap out of the way if a biker comes hurtling towards us!
Looking back towards the fjord, we noticed a couple more hikers following a stream that seemed to vanish dramatically over the edge of the mountainside. Again curiosity got the better of us, and spotting a faint path, we followed. At first it looked like a sheer drop, but sure enough a narrow and steep trail zigzagged alongside a waterfall all the way down. After descending we discovered the falls to be called Bunárfoss and they were absolutely worth the effort – even if, like us, you accidentally stumble upon them and end up cautiously navigating a rocky, slippery descent.
At the bottom as you are looking at the falls, on the right hand side it seemed to be slightly better maintained with a rope to hold on to. We descended via the left side and it was tricky but manageable even if in some places you had to make your own path.
Ísafjöður has one of the most scenic golf clubs and football pitches I have ever seen anywhere. With some of the most dramatic mountain backdrops it would be an incredible place to play!
The town itself is charming and easy to explore on foot, with a handful of shops and cosy cafés scattered throughout. There’s also a fascinating old hospital that has been transformed into a cultural centre and library.
The walks around the edges of town especially on the waters edge are breathtaking. Behind the town there are also more defence walls that you can access via the steps on the side and then walk along. These give great vantage points over the town and the fjord.
One of the towns standout features is Ísafjörður’s remarkable airport, built out over the water and squeezed between the water and the mountains. It serves just a few flights a day to Reykjavik, but I can only imagine the views as you take off and land here.
From start to finish we spent 6 hours walking covering a total of 17.38 kilometres and I loved every single moment. Whether you’re visiting by cruise ship, plane or road trip, I can’t recommend spending time here enough. Ísafjörður is spectacular and the surrounding scenery is worth every second.
Day 10: Akureyri, Iceland
Its hard to beat the scenery of our previous port in Ísafjörður, but Akureyri certainly comes close. Sitting at the end of one Iceland’s longest fjords, its known as the Capital of North Iceland. On the day we visited the weather was cloudy with intermittent rain which created dramatic clouds over the surrounding hills and mountains.
I’d overheard from somewhere that over 500 whales feed in this fjord every day, which is a staggering number. Considering we had pre-booked a whale-watching tour, that statistic was certainly encouraging.
Over the next 3 hours on the whale watching tour, we witnessed some of the most incredible wildlife activity I have ever seen. I wrote this section the day after and I was still in disbelief, almost speechless, at just how lucky we were.
About 25 minutes after leaving the harbour, we encountered a small pod of northern bottlenose whales, around 4-6 of them. Unfortunately not long after, they soon dived deep, giving us only a brief but exciting glimpse. Time passed and we began to wonder if that might be all we would see. After a further 20 minutes of standing in the cold, wind and rain being blown directly into our faces, we were finally rewarded.
A minke whale surfaced gracefully to the right of the boat, swimming alongside us and coming up for air every few metres. Just eight minutes later, another whale surfaced on the opposite side, heading back towards Akureyri before diving down and revealing its tail.
Then things became truly extraordinary.
Around 20 minutes later, we spotted a huge splash roughly 500 metres away, a whale breaching in the distance. While everyone was looking into the distance hoping for another sign or splash, a whale suddenly surfaced right at the front of our boat, no more than a few metres from where I was standing. It certainly made me jump and I think caught everyone off guard. I managed to capture it on camera and if you look closely at the video, you can even see a humpback whale breaching in the background at the same time. At this point more whales began surfacing to our left, we didn’t know where to look! But the boat captain decided to put his foot down and power towards the whale that was continuing to breach in the distance. As we approached, you could both see and hear the enormous splashes as it crashed back into the water.
For the next 30 minutes, we watched this magnificent creature dive and breach time and time again, putting on the most unforgettable display. It was utterly breathtaking and I genuinely struggle to put into words how special it was. Even as I update and read back through this post half a year later I still get goosebumps.
The team at Whale Watching Akureyri were absolutely fantastic. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating facts throughout the trip. They even recognised the whale we were watching thanks to its unique tail. A humpback whale named Gills and my word did Gills put on quite the show and provided an experience that I will never forget.
Because most of our time in Akureyri revolved around the whale-watching tour, we didn’t have too long exploring the town itself. From what we did see though, it’s a lively and charming place. The airport much like in Ísafjörður, is located right on the fjord at the edge of town. The church dominates the skyline and sits atop a long staircase, you can’t miss it. An impressive building and well worth the climb. Just a short walk further along is a beautiful botanical garden which I also recommend visiting, once inside you almost forget you’re in Iceland.
The main high street is lined with cafés and tourist shops, perfect for a gentle wander. I really enjoyed our brief visit to Akureyri, made all the more special by the unforgettable whale encounter.
Days 11-12: Sea days
Day 13 – Honningsvåg, Norway
After two days at sea we arrived in Honningsvåg, Norway. Located on the southeastern side of the large island of Magerøya, Honningsvåg is a fishing village filled with colourful houses and serves as the gateway to the iconic North Cape.
We had a pre-booked tour to the North Cape, the northernmost point you can reach in Europe by road. The coach journey from the harbour took around 40 minutes, and I can’t stress this enough – make sure you get a window seat, as the scenery along the way is absolutely spectacular. The road winds its way through rolling hills, past shimmering lakes and scattered houses, climbing steadily higher. Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer too, as sightings are very common.
As we climbed higher, it became increasingly clear that we might have a visibility issue. Low clouds covered the hills that by the time we reached the North Cape you could hardly see 10 metres in front of you. The building at the North Cape was an ominous shadow in the clouds.
Our ticket included full access to the building, which houses toilets, a café, restaurant and gift shop. Three floors below the entrance is a cinema, where a short 15-minute film is shown every half hour. The film showcases the island of Magerøya through the different seasons and offers a glimpse of what the landscape looks like throughout the year. There is no voiceover to the film just a background of music to the scenery.
As you exit the theatre you forget you are at top of Europe as you walk down a gentle slope past a very small Thai museum before arriving at the Cave of Lights which shows 6 minute long light projections on the walls. To the lower left of the cave is the King’s View which is a balcony overlooking the dramatic cliffs. We, unfortunately, could not see anything but cloud as you can see by the photos.
Back on the main level you can head outside towards the famous globe monument which is perched almost right on the cliff edge. Again our view was just the inside of the clouds but it made for an experience. Behind the coach parking, which was easier said than done when you can’t see far, are the 7 bronze statues which were created by 7 children from all around the world and put together by an artist here at the North Cape. The is an infomration sign all about these statues located next to the shop.
The bus journey back to Honningsvåg was just as spectacular as the way up (once we had gone below the cloud line).
Back in the harbour we’d been told about a set of steps leading up to a viewpoint behind the town. There is a well trodden path that leads to the base of the steps. There is a small information sign which explains how it was built. Constructed in 2023 with the help of sherpas from Nepal, it is an outstanding work of craftsmanship.
The steps are well designed and easy to follow. A couple of the sections do require a bigger step up than normal so bear that in mind. There are benches designed into the stone along the route up which is the perfect way to catch your breath and soak in the views.
From the top you are rewarded with sweeping panoramas over the surrounding landscape. There’s even a small shelter at the summit which looks a bit like a sauna. Don’t forget to write your name in the book inside!
Back down the bottom the map shows a longer route loop that continues across the hilltop, descends past a reservoir and eventually leads into town. Unfortunately time was against but it is definitely a route for next time.
The town itself is exactly what you’d expect from a small fishing community in the far north of Norway but it still perfect for a gentle wander. Honningsvåg and the island of Magerøya are truly spectacular places to visit, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty. I would love to explore more and highly recommend a visit.
Day 14: Sea Day
Day 15: Leknes (Lofoten Islands) Norway
Ah the weather. We talk about it all the time and today i’ll be talking about it even more. low clouds and steady showers followed us for most of the day. But still, the weather cannot take away the raw, remote beauty of this part of Norway.
We tendered ashore to a pier just outside of town, followed by a short bus ride into the centre of Leknes. The town itself is small and compact, with a modest shopping centre, cafés, bakeries and the usual type of tourist shops lining the high street.
I was keen to get a better view of the surroundings and saw on the map a short walk up a nearby hill called Himmelsteinborga. It’s easy to identify thanks to the large star at the summit, which I assume lights up at night .
The walk begins clearly signposted, leading past a small lake and onward towards Leknes Football Club. Following the road around the base of the mountain, you’ll also pass a frisbee golf course. There wasn’t a clear signpost pointing to the summit, but there was a well trodden path which made the route obvious enough, so I followed it all the way to the top.
Although the low cloud limited visibility, the view was still worthwhile. Up here it was also a particularly good vantage point overlooking the airport, and in places, right out to sea. From where I was standing I spotted a narrow and steep path heading back down. Naturally I followed it. Small tip: if it’s been raining, avoid this descent unless you’re part mountain goat. It was incredibly slippery and treacherous underfoot but I was too stubborn to turn back and go the longer way round.
Back at the bottom, I walked back through town, following the main road out past the other end of the high street. Eventually the pavement disappears and you’re just walking alongside the road. I was heading towards a nature reserve which I had previously spotted on the map earlier in the day.
The entrance I found into the nature reserve wasn’t signposted, it was pretty much just a narrow track leading off the road into a field. It almost looked as if you shouldn’t be going that way but it was perfectly fine and soon opened up into the wider reserve.
Several paths seemed to branch off in different directions. I randomly picked one that gradually climbed a small hill, offering views across the reserve and out into the distance. From here you can see the airport clearly, making it another great spot for watching aircraft movements.
I then decided to backtrack towards what looked like a small cabin/shelter perched on a mound. It was more of a shack, but it had a roof and provided a welcome relief from the relentless drizzle. I could have easily spent hours wandering through the reserve, especially on a better weather day.
Eventually it was time to head back to the ship and rather than head back to town to catch the shuttle bus, I chose to walk the remaining 30 minutes back to the tender pier instead.
The route followed the road I was originally on, passing some typically Norweigan houses eventually turning left and coming out at the main road. Be careful when you cross and it is a main road and cars did come flying round the bend here. The road then leads directly back to the tender pier.
Just beside the pier is a small hill that I’d highly recommend climbing. It offers lovely views over the bay and back towards the ship. on the opposite side of this hill theres even a small beach which I felt obliged to dip my feet in!
All in all, Leknes seemed like a great base to explore the Lofoten Islands. The weather may not have played ball during my visit, but the scenery and sense of place were still impressive. On a clear day I have no doubt this place would be absolutely spectacular and I hope the sun shines for you when you visit!
Day 16: Narvik
Narvik is located on the Ofotfjorden in the Nordland region of Norway. It serves as the administrative centre of Narvik Municipality and simply put it is absolutely stunning. Even beneath low cloud, the scenery surrounding Narvik feels pristine and dramatic in every direction.
Our plan for the day was a pre-booked experience called the Artic Train. We had this arranged independently through Get Your Guide rather than the official P&O cruise excursion. Everything ran smoothly which is always a bonus.
Narvik train station is around a 30 minute walk from the cruise terminal, located up through the centre of town next to the shopping centre on the main high street. The Artic Train takes you from Narvik up into the mountains to Bjørnfjell, a remote station near the Swedish border. The journey climbs steadily through spectacular landscapes and takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way.
There are short stops on the ascent, Rombak and Katterat, where you are allowed to get out and walk around for 10 minutes. I highly recommend stepping off at both, even if only briefly. They offer a chance to stretch the legs and capture photos up close of the train and the surrounding scenery.
At the final stop in Bjørnfjell, there’s another short photo opportunity before beginning the return journey to Narvik. The best views are on the left hand side as you travel up the mountain and on the right side on the way back to Narvik. What I liked about this is that prior to departure the conductor came into each carriage and said that because the best views are only on one side that once we get to the top, passengers swap sides so that everyone gets a chance to see the best views.
After returning to Narvik, we stil had time to explore before the ship departed. I spotted a beach on the map at the base of the hill, so I decided to head there. The route involves a fairly steep descent, starting from the main road and winding through a residential area before joining a coastal path.
The beach is called Ornesvika and its definitely worth the walk. It offers beautiful views out across the fjord. There are diving boards and even a floating pontoon in the water. One feature you can’t miss is the giant yellow deck chair.
The walk back to the ship took around 45 minutes and involved climbing back up the hill, steeper than it first appears, through the town and back down towards the cruise terminal. Everywhere you look in Narvik, there are impressive view. i would loved to spend more time here and explore further!
Day 17: Sea Day
Day 18: Kristiansund
Unfortunately this ended up being a cancelled port due to high winds
Day 18/19: Ålesund
Due to high winds preventing us from docking in Kristiansund, the captain announced that we had recieved permission to dock early in Ålesund. So instead of arriving in the morning we could dock the night before. The sail-in to Ålesund is spectacular, dramatic scenery surrounds you on all sides and you almost don’t know which side to look at. If you are arriving by boat make sure you’re out on deck for both sail-in and sail-away. It is truly not to be missed.
We were able to disembark and explore that evening, though we decided to save our energy for the full day ahead. Plenty of others took up that opportunity to disembark straight away.
The next morning, we were booked onto a tour. We would be climbing Sukkertoppen Mountain (The Sugar Top). The tour included a bus transfer to and from the base of the hike along with 2 tour guides.
The bus journey from the dock was short (around 10-15 minutes). Both of the guides we were accompanied by were fantastic. One guide led from the front and the other bringing up the rear. They were super friendly, encouraging and provided some great facts along the way.
We were absolutely blessed with the weather. Aside from a few scattered showers we enjoyed blue sky and sunshine throughout. The trail itself is tricky in sections but very well maintained. Each time there was a gap in the trees, we were rewarded with breathtaking views across the fjord and over the town below. There are plenty of natural stopping points to take breaks and just admire the views.
One thing to note, this is a popular running route. Every so often we’d hear the shout of “runner” and we had to quickly shuffle to the side to let them pass. Our guide mentioned that the fastest recorded time from top to bottom is between six and seven minutes which is staggering given how rocky and uneven some parts of the path are.
As you near the summit, the landscape opens up into panoramic 360 degree views. Just as we reached the summit we were congratulated with a brief shower from the clouds. We could actually see the curtain of rain approaching us from across the water. It passed almost as quickly as it arrived. While at the summit, our guides happily switched into photographers, making sure everyone that wanted photos had them taken.
The descent was similar in difficulty to the climb. I always find going downhill more challenging, especially when its slippery and involves larger steps. At the bottom of the climb the bus was waiting to take us back to the port. I do highly recommend this this tour, it was roughly 3 hours from start to finish which is ideal as it left the rest of the afternoon to explore Ålesund. That being said with a bit of planning you could do the hike independently. You could walk to the base relatively easily or even just jump in a taxi.
With around 4 hours or so left to explore the town itself before the boat departedwe headed straight into town. One of Ålesund’s main attractions is Fjellstua, reached via its famous 418 steps, offering spectacular views over the town and surrounding islands. Having climbed this on a previous visit we decided to explore elsewhere instead.
Ålesund is beautiful everywhere you look. From the charming little harbour to the colourful buildings, it’s simply a joy to walk around. The side streets are perfect for getting lost in and there’s no shortage of tourist shops along the main streets if you’re looking for souvenirs.
One thing we discovered which we didn’t on our previous visit is a small shopping centre hidden in the middle of the town. From the outside it doesn’t look like much but inside it opens up and there’s a good range of shop if you fancy a bit of retail therapy.
I do recommend walking around the harbour and along the harbour wall. At the end of the wall is a lighthouse, make sure to read the sign on the door. Let me know what it says as its probably not what you’d expect.
At the base of the Fjellstua steps there is a lovely park that offers a peaceful break from the busier streets.
Overall, Ålesund is an absolute treat to visit. If you’re lucky enough to stop here, make the most of every moment. if you have additional time, the mountains rising in the distance look simply spectacular and well worth exploring further.
As this was our final port before returning to Southmapton, Ålesund was the perfect ending to the cruise. Norways as always, regardless of the weather, is a truly special place. I can’t recommend enough visiting whenever you get the chance.
Day 20: Sea Day
Day 21: Sea Day
Day 22: Arrival back into Southampton
Summary:
Looking back, the cruise through Iceland and Norway was an unforgettable one in a lifetime experience. From dramatic fjords and remote towns to incredible wildlife encounters and scenic hikes, every stop offered something truly unique. This cruise will stay with me for a long time. Iceland and Norway have a raw, natural beauty that’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself. It’s a journey I would recommend to anyone who loves nature, adventure and exploring some of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe.