Seven ways to get active on a Norwegian fjords cruise

Fresh mountain air, crystal clear water, and the knowledge you haven’t exactly been holding back at the buffet – cruises on the Norwegian fjords are filled with inspiration to get moving and make the most of the pristine scenery.

As the range of excursions offered by cruise lines becomes increasingly elaborate – don’t just walk, walk with huskies! – it’s ever easier to fill your holiday with boast-worthy activities from stand-up paddleboarding to snowmobiling.

If that sounds like a little too much excitement, never fear – it’s also simple to introduce a more gentle level of effort into your trip. At many ports on the Norwegian fjords, cruise ships dock within walking distance of the city or town centre – and short hiking routes within easy access of the port mean you don’t always need to book an excursion.

In Kristiansand, the Baneheia nature park is just outside the small city centre, with hills, lakes and forests to wander in, and in Bergen the hour-long hike to the top of Mount Floyen starts downtown too, near to the famous Bryggen wharf.

If you prefer exploring independently, some ports also offer bike and kayak hire, but it may be more convenient and reliable – particularly in high season – to book with your cruise line. For extended hikes, or to reach particular beauty spots, you’re frequently better off booking an excursion so guiding and transport come as part of the package.

1. Hiking

Soaring 600m (1968ft) above the picture-perfect Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock is a jutting chunk of granite with a sheer drop on three sides of a square plateau.

A two-hour hike up a craggy trail will take you to the top, where the breath-taking panoramas have led to this spot being nicknamed Norway’s Grand Canyon. Princess Cruises offers a full day excursion from Stavanger for $189.95 (£145).

If you don’t have such a positive attitude to altitude, never fear. P&O Cruises will keep you on the level with a scenic but flat stroll from Stavanger around the Gandsfjord shoreline. This is your opportunity to try Nordic walking in its homeland, and striding along with a pole in each hand means you’ll get a whole body workout. The excursion costs £54.

2. Kayaking

Change your perspective. Swap top-deck views from a cruise ship for a kayak, and see the fjords from sea level as you paddle through the tranquil waters.

Almost all cruise lines offer beginner-level kayaking options in multiple ports, so you can enjoy from-the-water views of Art Nouveau town Alesund with Celebrity Cruises, for £98.20, or propel yourself through pastoral splendour along the rural Eidfjord with Viking cruises, for £59.

3. Snowmobiling

Zoom over fresh powder at Norway’s very northern tip on a snowmobile adventure with Hurtigruten, for £340. Kitted out in warm, windproof overalls and a helmet, you’ll find piloting these high-speed toys gives you a core and shoulder workout as well as a thrill, and if you’re cruising in winter you could even see the Aurora Borealis dancing above you en route.

4. Biking

What goes up must come down – but not necessarily by the same means. Get all the exhilaration with less of the perspiration and try downhill biking. Let a combustion engine deal with the 3,000ft ascent, and then climb on a mountain bike and roll down at your own pace, enjoying the wind in your hair and the gorgeous views of Geirangerfjord. Holland America Line’s Sky to Fjord bike tour costs £107.  

If you prefer not to cheat on the hills, explore the shores of the Aurland Fjord outside Flåm with MSC Cruises, from £50. It’s a moderate, 30km (18.6 mile) ride, with panoramas of tumbling waterfalls and snow-capped peaks providing ample reward for your exertions.

5. Stand-up paddleboarding

How’s your balance? Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is like a cross between surfing and kayaking, and you can give this flavour-of-the-month sport a try in Norway’s clear waters.

Experience an extra thrill by taking Costa Cruises’ excursion in Andalsnes, €95 (£84), where after mastering the basics of SUP, you’ll have a go at negotiating a few river rapids, and possibly come to understand why it’s sometimes called "whitewater swimming".

6. Husky dogs

Venture north of the Arctic Circle and you can get acquainted with Norway’s friendliest, fluffiest inhabitants. Cruise to Tromsø behind a team of huskies, for £250.

In summer, you can still meet the mutts, with hiking-with-a-husky excursions. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers the chance to hang out and trek with the dogs in the mountains outside Tromsø, from $189.75.

7. Via Ferrata

Feeling sure-footed? Dangle 750m (2461ft) above the Nordfjord on the longest suspended footbridge in Europe. Fear not, you’re clipped on – it’s part of the Loen Via Ferrata, a climbing track on Mount Hoven.

You’re harnessed to a steel cable, and iron grips and steps have been bored into the mountain, allowing you to scale steep cliffs with no climbing experience – although you will need a decent level of fitness. Costa Cruises runs an excursion from Olden, for €190.

Read more: Ten reasons to visit the Norwegian fjords by cruise ship