Every year, hundreds of cruise ships dock along the Norwegian coast. Time ashore is often limited, but there’s plenty of time if you know what to look for and where to find the best Norwegian souvenirs.
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Every year, hundreds of cruise ships dock along the Norwegian coast. Time ashore is often limited, but there’s plenty of time if you know what to look for and where to find the best Norwegian souvenirs.
Here is a guide to the main stops along the route, from Oslo in the south to the North Cape in the north, with tips on things to do and what to bring home from Norway.
Many cruise routes start or end in Oslo, and if you have a few hours to spare in the city, we have some great tips. Karl Johans gate takes you from the Central Station up toward the Royal Palace. Along the way, you’ll pass the Storting, the National Theater, and the university buildings. The Opera House down by Bjørvika is open to everyone; you can walk right up to the roof and look out over the Oslo Fjord.
If you have a little more time, Vigeland Park is just a short subway ride away from the National Theater. With over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron, it is one of the world’s largest sculpture parks dedicated to a single artist.
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A visit to the waterfront with its colorful wooden houses is the natural starting point, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes the area more than just a pretty facade. Walk behind the famous rows of houses, and you’ll find narrow alleys and old merchant buildings that tell the story of the Hanseatic era.
The Fløibanen funicular takes you up to one of the best views of the city in less than ten minutes. From here, you can see downtown, the fjord, and your ship docked at the pier.
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Geiranger is perhaps the most dramatic stop on the route. The fjord is surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls, and the approach alone is an experience. The village is small, and the focus is largely on the surrounding nature; the viewpoints at Ørnesvingen and Flydalsjuvet offer a bird’s-eye view of the fjord.
Ålesund stands out for its Art Nouveau architecture. After a major fire in 1904, the entire city center was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, resulting in a city that looks unlike any other place in Norway.
Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and one of the most popular stops for cruise ships in Northern Norway. Even if you visit the city in the summer, you’ll feel the Arctic atmosphere, with the midnight sun, the surrounding mountains, and the Arctic Cathedral on the other side of the bridge.
Prestvannet, just a short walk from downtown, offers peace and quiet and natural beauty without having to leave the island. If you’re looking for something a bit warmer, try Pust Badstue by the lake, with a view of the Tromsø Bridge.
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Way Nor is a Norwegian souvenir shop chain with locations in Oslo, Kristiansand, Haugesund, Bergen, Bodø, Narvik, and Tromsø. The shops are centrally located in each city center and are designed for those who want to find authentic Norwegian souvenirs and gifts without spending hours searching.
You'll find a wide selection of souvenirs, including local specialties, troll figurines, magnets, clothing, and more.
If you’re traveling further north and need warm clothing, we also have suitable outerwear. Most of what we sell is lightweight and compact, designed to fit in a suitcase or bag between stops. Thermos flasks featuring Norwegian motifs and shopping bags with city names are popular choices that are practical for your trip and make great souvenirs afterward.
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