Photo of an Ambassador cruise ship next to a coastal town with mountains in the background

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES YOU CAN VISIT ON A NORWAY CRUISE

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Norway is an incredible cruising destination, known for its fjords, welcoming culture and, of course, as a wonderful place to see the northern lights! Whatever reason travellers have for visiting Norway, they’re always left awe-inspired and blown away by the sheer natural beauty of this majestic country.

Photo of a Norwegian fjord on a sunny day

If you’re looking for yet another reason why cruising is the best way to see Norway, this article has it! Read on to discover the four incredible Norway UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can access via an Ambassador Cruise Line sailing, including:

Bryggen, Bergen
Rock Art of Alta
Struve Geodetic Arc, Hammerfest
West Norwegian fjords

Photo of a cruise ship in the harbour at Bryggen in Bergen

Bryggen, Bergen

One of the most popular attractions in Norway and granted World Heritage status in 1979, Bryggen is a highlight of any cruise to Norway from the UK.

Ready to welcome you in, Bryggen is a harbourside area in the town of Bergen that’s known for its Hanseatic wooden houses. The starting point of this historic city, those who visit Bryggen will be able to see the beginning of Bergen’s creation. Established sometime before AD 1070, Bryggen has been a crucial trading port for Norway since its conception in the Middle Ages.

Photo of a row of coloured Hanseatic wooden houses along the harbourside in Bryggen

From the popular fish market to the shops selling souvenirs, there’s plenty to enjoy here today when you visit on a cruise. For those who want to learn more about the area, a trip to the Bryggen Museum can be an inspiring way to spend your time.

Another must-see in Bergen is the Fløibanen funicular, which takes you to the top of Mount Floyen, 320m above sea level. This five-to-eight-minute journey is well worth it for the tremendous views you enjoy at the top. And for an equally delightful way down, hike back through the charming ‘troll forest’, with enchanting sculptures, waterfalls and hidden coves for you to discover.

Photo of cave art showing a hunter and reindeer at the Rock of Alta in Norway

Rock Art of Alta

History lovers will be able to travel back thousands of years when you stop in Alta. The Rock Art of Alta is a set of detailed petroglyphs (cave art) that are thought to date back as early as 5000 BC. Since the first carvings were discovered in 1973, thousands more have been uncovered. You can see depictions of prehistoric life, including dancing, rituals, hunting, landscapes and animals.

Photo of a scenic view over the Alta Fjord in Norway

Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, the Rock Art of Alta is the only prehistoric monument in Norway.

With four carving sites and one painting site, there are plenty of petroglyphs to see, but for the best experience head to the Alta Museum. With scenic views over the Alta Fjord, you’ll also be able to walk around the open-air exhibit and see some of the best examples of Alta’s rock art.

Photo of the Struve Geodetic Arc point, an obelisk in the Arctic Circle

Struve Geodetic Arc, Hammerfest

The Struve Geodetic Arc point in Hammerfest can be quite unassuming, and many may not realise that it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site if they were to walk past it on a port day. However, for those in Hammerfest, taking the time to visit this obelisk will offer you a chance to witness first-hand a part of ancient history.

Photo of a coastal Norwegian town at sunset

Starting in the Arctic Circle at Hammerfest and stretching through ten countries across 2,820km to the Black Sea, the Struve Geodetic Arc represents the first accurate measurement of segment of a meridian and, therefore, the first exact measurement of the world. From Hammerfest, there are now 34 commemorative points, with the final found in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine.

West Norwegian fjords

The best has been saved for last, as the West Norwegian fjords are the final site on the list of UNESCO sites in Norway that you can see on a cruise.

Comprising Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, these two fjords sit 120km apart and are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. With steep-sided cliff walls towering over calm waters, the fjords are best seen by ship.

With Ambassador’s Norwegian Fjords cruises, you’ll be able to take in the stunning UNESCO fjords in Norway. Both of Ambassador’s ships have the highest level of eco-credentials possible, meaning they’re able to venture where many others can’t – into the Geirangerfjord!

Photo of an Ambassador cruise ship on a Norwegian fjord

These four cultural sites are just some of the incredible things a cruise of Norway can offer. Whether you want to enjoy prehistory and see the Rock Art of Alta or are looking for overwhelming natural beauty at the West Fjords, you’ll find bucketloads with an Ambassador cruise to Norway.