Solo Summer 2025 Days 75-78: Norwegian Fjords Adventure - Trivia, Spas, Scenic Cruising, and Stunning Excursions
After several days at sea, I embraced a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and exploration during this stretch of the cruise. Each day was filled with little moments—some lighthearted, others breathtaking—that together created a journey I’ll never forget.
A Day at Sea – Trivia, Spa Bliss, and French Dining
The day before we reached Norway was a sea day, and I started it off with some fun. I joined a morning round of trivia, laughing with fellow passengers as we racked our brains over obscure questions. It was a nice way to ease into the day, and though we didn’t win, the friendly competition was a highlight.
From there, I made my way to the spa and thermal suite, where time slowed down. The thermal loungers faced the ocean, and I spent long stretches just watching the waves roll by. Between the steam rooms, saunas, and warm pools, I felt completely rejuvenated—an ideal balance before the busy port days ahead.
That evening, I treated myself to dinner at Le Bistro, the ship’s French restaurant. I savored rich flavors and elegant dishes, all paired with wine that brought out each note. The setting was intimate, the service impeccable, and it felt like a true celebration meal.
Day 1 – Bergen: Hanseatic History and Funicular Views
Our first stop in Norway was Bergen, a city that immediately charmed me with its colorful wooden houses and vibrant harbor. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city but retains a cozy, small-town feel.
I joined the Bergen on Foot and by Funicular excursion. We started with a walking tour through the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with narrow wooden buildings once used by the Hanseatic merchants. The crooked alleyways, tiny shops, and art studios gave the area a storybook feel. I also saw the bustling Fish Market, where locals sold everything from fresh salmon to king crab, and enjoyed the mix of traditional seafood stalls and modern eateries.
The highlight came with a ride on the Fløibanen funicular railway, which whisked us up to Mount Fløyen. At the top, I stood in awe at the panoramic views of the city, fjords, and mountains stretching endlessly into the distance. Walking trails and even friendly mountain goats dotted the summit, making it an inviting place to linger.
Sailing in and out of Bergen was just as magical—mountains cloaked in green forests dropped straight into the water, and low clouds clung to the peaks, giving everything a mystical Norwegian atmosphere.
Day 2 – Geiranger: Dawn Sail-In, Dalsnibba and the Eagle Road
On this day I rose before sunrise, eager not to miss the legendary sail-in to Geirangerfjord. The ship glided silently through still waters, the air cool and crisp with a hint of morning mist. Standing on deck with a coffee in hand, I watched as the fjord unfolded before me: sheer cliffs rising straight out of the water, waterfalls tumbling down from hidden lakes above, and the sky slowly painted pink and gold by the dawn.
The fjord was nearly silent except for the distant rush of waterfalls. As we passed the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall, its delicate streams catching the light, I understood why so many describe this as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Watching the tiny village of Geiranger slowly come into view at the very end of the fjord felt like sailing into a hidden world.
On shore, I joined the Dalsnibba and Eagle Road excursion. The journey began along narrow, winding roads carved into the mountains. As we ascended, the views grew ever more dramatic. At the summit of Mount Dalsnibba, 4,900 feet above sea level, we reached the Skywalk viewing platform. Standing on glass panels jutting out over the abyss, I gazed down at the fjord far below, with the village of Geiranger a tiny speck at the water’s edge. Snow still lingered on the peaks, even in summer, adding to the sense of grandeur.
Next came the famous Eagle Road (Ørnevegen), a serpentine stretch of 11 hairpin turns climbing steeply up the mountainside. At its lookout point, we stopped to admire one of the most iconic views of the fjord—water shimmering below, mountains towering above, and waterfalls cascading in between. The mix of raw natural beauty and daring road engineering was unforgettable.
Day 3 – Ålesund: Trollstigen, Land of the Trolls
Our final Norwegian stop was Ålesund, a striking town rebuilt in the early 1900s in Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire. Its pastel-colored buildings, turrets, and ornamented facades give it a fairy-tale quality, and the town itself is surrounded by water and mountains.
But my excursion took me deeper into Norway’s dramatic landscapes: the legendary Trollstigen, or Troll’s Road. The Land of the Trolls tour wound through lush valleys before climbing the dizzying switchbacks of Trollstigen. This engineering marvel zigzags up steep cliffs with 11 hairpin turns, passing roaring waterfalls like Stigfossen, which crashes nearly 1,000 feet down the mountainside.
At the top, I stepped onto viewing platforms cantilevered over the cliffs, offering jaw-dropping panoramas of the valley and road below. The mountains here have names drawn from folklore—the King, the Queen, and the Bishop—adding an air of myth to the wild landscape.
Back in Ålesund, I admired the charming town center, its elegant architecture framed by waterways and islands. For those with more time, climbing the 418 steps up Mount Aksla rewards visitors with sweeping views of the town and surrounding fjords, though I only caught glimpses as we sailed away.
Leaving Ålesund, the scenic cruising was breathtaking once again: jagged peaks rising from the water, tiny fishing villages nestled along the coast, and a golden evening light casting the fjords in a glow.
Next up, one final sea day before the last four days of the trip in Iceland!
