Cruising to Skjolden, Norway

The port of Skjolden tourist information.

Skjolden is at the end of the Sognefjord which rivals the Hardangerfjord, the longer and more famous, but they are both excellent for scenic cruising.  Although this is a small town they have a new cruise terminal so with luck, depending on how many ships are in that day, and how long your ship is, you may get to dock rather than tender. The approach is via the picturesque Lusterfjord, close to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European mainland and ends at the foot of the highest mountains in Norway – the Jotunheimen National Park. If you disembark from a cruise ship in Skjolden, you will be close to a place where some of the most frightening adversaries of the Vikings made their home. At least that’s what the Vikings themselves believed.

Skjolden is surrounded by several of Norway’s major attractions:

The Sognefjell Mountain Road

The Sognefjell Mountain Road has been designated a national tourist route because of the spectacular scenery along the way. The road connects the towns of Luster and Lom. Along the way, it crosses the Sognefjell mountain area. The road is considered the main gateway to the to the Jotunheimen National Park.

Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park, is characterized by high mountains, glaciers and deep lakes. There are more than 200 mountain peaks rising above 2000 m (6560 ft) in Jotunheimen, and these are the highest mountains in Norway. Although not a part of the Jotunheimen National Park, the Jostedalsbreen, Norway’s largest glacier, is also within easy reach for Skjolden’s 300 inhabitants. It is the meltwater from the glaciers in the area that colors the water of the Lusterfjord emerald green (the Lusterfjord is an arm of the Sognefjord). As you approach Skjolden you will be able to enjoy the lush landscape along the shores, where farms add to the idyllic landscape.

Breheimsenteret National Park

Another national park easily accessible from Skjolden is the Jostedalsbreen National Park, Breheimsenteret. The Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in mainland Europe. The Breheimsenteret offers activites such as white water rafting, glacier hikes and kayaking. Distance from Skjolden: 37 miles/60 kilometers

The Feigumfossen Waterfall

The Feigumfossen Waterfall is one of Norway’s highest waterfalls. With a free fall of 715 feet/218 meters, the Feigumfossen Waterfall is one of Norway’s highest waterfalls. On coach tours, you will pass the waterfall on the way to Urnes, and you also get a nice view of it on the way to Nigardsbreen. Distance from Skjolden: 9.3 miles/15 kilometers