Northern Europe trades the Mediterranean’s heat for long, light summer evenings, dramatic fjords and some of Europe’s most handsome capital cities.
When to Go
The season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest weather and longest days around midsummer. In the far north of Norway, early-summer sailings bring the midnight sun; a growing number of winter voyages along the Norwegian coast are aimed at travelers hoping to see the northern lights instead.
Three Kinds of Northern Europe Cruise
Norwegian fjords
Often 7 nights round trip from ports in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands or Denmark, sailing deep into fjords such as Geiranger and stopping at villages and cities like Flam and Bergen.
Baltic capitals
Usually 7–14 nights, linking cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and ports in Germany and Poland. U.S.-market lines no longer call in Russia.
British Isles
Around 10–14 nights circling Britain and Ireland, with calls in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Who Northern Europe Suits
Travelers who dislike heat, lovers of design, history and seafood, and anyone who has done the Mediterranean and wants something different. The fjords suit scenery lovers; the Baltic suits city explorers. Many ports are compact and walkable, which makes independent exploring easy.
Pack layers and rain gear even in July. Northern European weather can change several times in one day, and evenings at sea can be cool.
More on Northern Europe
Our sister site Cruising Scandinavia focuses on Scandinavian and Baltic cruising, European Cruises covers European cruises more broadly, and Europe Port Excursions has excursions in Northern European ports.
A Week in the Fjords, Day by Day
A typical seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise from a northern European port begins with a sea day crossing the North Sea. The following days alternate between scenic fjord cruising and calls at towns and villages, often including Bergen, Stavanger or Alesund, and smaller stops at the heads of the fjords where mountain railways, waterfalls and viewpoints are close to the pier. A final sea day brings you back to the homeport.
- Stand on deck early for the approach into each fjord; the scenery is often best at the entrance.
- Book popular trains and viewpoint tours ahead, as fjord villages are small.
- Expect cooler temperatures on deck than ashore, especially when the ship is moving.
- Bring an eye mask in midsummer; the nights stay light in the north.
Baltic or Fjords First?
If you love cities, museums and architecture, start with the Baltic, where most days are spent exploring capitals on foot. If you would rather watch waterfalls and mountains slide past from the deck, start with the fjords. The British Isles suit travelers with family roots in Britain or Ireland and anyone who enjoys castles, gardens and coastal towns.
Plan a Fjords, Baltic or British Isles Cruise
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