A fjord is a narrow inlet connected to the sea with steep cliffs and is created when a glacier retreats from land, leaving behind a U-shaped valley that was “cut” or segregated by the ice.

Want some travel inspiration and photos of the fjords? Read our blog on the best Instagram locations in Norway.

When you travel on a self-guided tour, you travel without a guide or a group. You’re certainly not alone though, as you’re provided with all of your itineraries, tickets, bookings and recommendations. We have a 24-hour emergency helpline as well, so should anything unexpected arise, we’re only a phone call away.

The fjords were formed during the ice age. Each one is a natural phenomenon that brings travellers from across the world to view its clean waters, steep cliffs and natural wildlife. Named as one of the top places to visit in Northern Europe this year, the best way to discover the fjords really depends on how you like to travel.

Our rail and cruise tours offer you the best of both worlds. You have an expert guide to help you plan your route and bookings, but all of the perks of self-guided travel. These include choosing how much time you want in each area, and having the freedom to add dates and activities within the tour.

Each fjord cruise and train package features iconic rail journeys such as Norway in a Nutshell®, as well as Norwegian cruise journeys on the equally famous Hurtigruten coastal ferry.

On the other hand, self-drive options are also popular due to the flexibility that comes with our packages. Our driving tours allow you to venture to restaurants and attractions that are further off the beaten path, all in your own time.

If you’d prefer a local guide to show you around, then a small group tour could be the right match for you. Our group tours are unique in that we keep numbers low so that you have more time to spend learning from your guide. We also use smaller minibuses that are more versatile when sightseeing.

However you prefer to see the fjords, you can rely on your travel consultant to help you plan out your Norway holiday and be there each step of the way.

Each travel season has pros and cons so there’s no straight answer to this – however we can give you a good idea of what it will be like in Norway during different times, so that you can make the best decision for your trip.

Chasing the northern lights is understandably on many people's bucket lists. Many travellers head to Northern Norway hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive “dancing” aurora borealis.

The best time to see them is in the autumn and winter seasons, between September and March. So be ready to wrap up warm as these months bring wintry conditions such as snowfall and chilly temperatures.

If you’re keener to experience Norway in milder weather, though, the spring and summer seasons are well-known for long days, "midnight sun", and warm weather. Perfect if you want those summer snaps of the fjords and the opportunity to join bird watching and kayaking excursions.

Whichever you prefer, we have reliable departure dates and most of our packages can be booked in any month.

Learn more about seeing the northern lights in Norway on our blog on the best time and areas to see them.

No two fjords in Norway are alike as they are naturally formed geological features. The sights from a fjord cruise along Sognefjord will differ greatly to those seen in Geirangerfjord. However, we can recommend the most popular choices that you could see on our rail and cruise packages:

• Geirangerfjord
• Nærøyfjord
• Sognefjord
• Lysefjord
• Hardangerfjord
• Romsdalsfjord

Check out our comprehensive blog article on the most beautiful fjords in Norway for detailed information on which ones may be best for you.

Yes, you can choose your preferred arrival date as most of our packages have daily departures. We recommend booking as soon as you can, though, as you will want to secure your ideal dates.

Also, please be aware that we need a few days to confirm bookings. Once we have organised all your travel plans in Norway, and confirmed this via email, then you can book your flight tickets with confidence.

Our travel consultants understand that you may want more time in the charming fjord villages and cities. You can add days before, during and after the tour. Simply add these on when booking online or if you’ve already booked and want to add dates then contact your dedicated travel consultant as soon possible.

We appreciate that our customers have travel wishlists when they come to Norway, so we cram as many must-see attractions and insider recommendations as we can into our packages. But you can still add extra days to your trip.

If you have a particular must-do activity, or a must-see place, discuss it with your consultant. We’ll do our best to add it to your itinerary.

Also, our standard Norway in a Nutshell® itineraries go from Oslo to Bergen, but you can also travel in the opposite direction. Keep an eye out for links that say, "Looking to start your tour from Bergen instead?" if this is your preference.

We carefully choose accomodation that’s both comfortable and convenient for our guests. The majority of our hotels are based in the city centre and are within walking distance of the stations. However, your hotel can book a taxi for you to get to the station if that is your preference.

You should always bring a variety of sensible layers to add or remove when travelling in Norway. The weather can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to pack:

• A warm jumper or fleece
• A waterproof jacket
• Gloves, scarves and hats
• Comfortable walking shoes/boots/trainers
• Warm socks (specifically for winter travel)

An umbrella can also come in handy, and cruise passengers may wish to bring binoculars to see the fjords and the local wildlife better. To get ideas on how to dress well for the Nordic climate, check out our useful packing guide.