Fjords are rare and gorgeous sights to behold. Carved by ancient glaciers, they’re perfect bodies of water for cruises. If you’ve never sailed through (or even seen) a fjord before, doing so should be high on your bucket list. Fjords suggest the quiet and indescribable power of the elements, and their beauty is impressive to even the most seasoned travelers. But if you aren’t familiar with them, you might be wondering where the best cruise locations for fjords are.
The most obvious answer to this is Norway. The country is known for its fjords that are often outlined with sweeping cliffs. Most Norwegian cruises take multiple detours to explore the famous fjords, and those who are really crazy about the glacial inlets can look for cruises that solely focus on scenic sailing through fjords. One important thing to note about Norwegian fjords, though, is that they aren’t exactly “active.” You aren’t likely to see animals roaming around and glaciers calving off while sailing around Norway. Instead, you’ll be treated to true wilderness that feels utterly pristine.
If you are looking for a busier fjord experience, though, you may want to turn your sights to Alaska. The Last Frontier isn’t the only American state with fjords – New York and Washington technically have them – but it is certainly the state that is best known for them. Locations like Kenai Fjords National Park are home to massive ice fields, imposing mountains, and a variety of different species of animals. Fjords can be found all over Alaska, and many of them can be explored via day cruises like the one we reviewed here. Alternatively, you can book a cruise from Washington that traverses across Alaska in search of the most beautiful glaciers and fjords.
Another popular cruise location for fjords is Iceland. The island nation has a coastline that is dotted with fjords. The northwest portion of Iceland known as the Westfjords has countless fjords and towering waterfalls, including the powerful Dynjandi that sits directly next to a long and glassy inlet. The Westfjords are a great destination for those that want a more secluded and quiet experience. Even in the tourist-filled summer months, the Westfjords are less busy than the rest of Iceland.
Finally, the more adventurous travelers out there can look to some of the least-visited locations on Earth to get their fjord fix. Greenland and Antarctica offer countless miles of coastline that have been shaped by glaciers, and you are bound to have a truly solitary experience while there. These freezing expeditions aren’t for everyone, but they can be highly rewarding for those who want to get off the beaten path.
These aren’t the only locations with great fjords to see. New Zealand, Russia, Canada, and even the United Kingdom give travelers the chance to sail through these natural phenomena. Do some research and see which fjord location is best for you!