Nordfjordeid, Norway
A small village on the Nordfjord with a full-size Viking ship, Norway’s fjord horses and glaciers within a day’s reach. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
Vikings, horses and the Nordfjord
Nordfjordeid is a village of about 3,000 people on a branch of the Nordfjord, set in a green valley between steep mountains. It calls itself the Viking destination for good reason: the Sagastad Viking Centre, a short walk from the pier, holds a full-size reconstruction of the Myklebust ship, the largest Viking ship ever found in Norway. The village is also home to the national center for the Norwegian fjord horse, the pale, sturdy little horse you see all over this region.
You can easily fill a few hours on foot here. Many guests also join a ship-sold excursion to the Loen Skylift or the Briksdal Glacier, both a drive of an hour or more each way, or to the lakes and coast nearby. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Nordfjordeid uses a floating walkway called the SeaWalk instead of a traditional pier, plus a tender landing in the village. Either way, you arrive in the center.
The SeaWalk
A floating steel walkway about 720 feet long that connects your ship to the shore. It’s step-free and wheelchair-accessible, and it lands you at the edge of the village, with the old street, cafés and the Viking center a short walk away. In strong wind, the port can limit large ships at the SeaWalk, and your ship may tender instead.
Used by: Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Oceania and Princess.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late, and the big glacier and mountain sights are a long drive from here.
- Loen Skylift. A cable car to a summit restaurant more than 3,300 feet above the Nordfjord. Allow about four hours round trip, including about an hour’s drive each way.
- Briksdal Glacier. An arm of mainland Europe’s largest glacier, at the head of a green valley. It’s a five- to six-hour round trip with a walk to the glacier lake, so it suits guests who don’t mind a long day.
- Hornindal Lake. Europe’s deepest lake, with clear, dark water and mountain views. Sold as a scenic drive or a lake outing, an easier half day.
- Selje & the coast. Tours west to the coast, with the ruins of a medieval monastery on Selja island and wild Atlantic viewpoints. Boat transfers can be tricky for guests with limited mobility, so ask first.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Sagastad Viking Centre
Home of the Myklebust ship, a 100-foot reconstruction of the largest Viking ship found in Norway, plus exhibits and a short film on the Viking Age. It opens on cruise days, about a 10-minute walk from the pier.
The Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre
The national center for the fjord horse, on the edge of the village, where you can see the horses and learn about the breed.
Eidsgata old street
A lane of historic wooden houses with small shops, cafés and a bakery, plus the village church and Viking grave mounds nearby.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. Glacier and Skylift tours spend a lot of the day on the road. If you book anything independently, plan to be back an hour before all-aboard, and more on a tender day.
- Wind can change the plan. The SeaWalk is a floating walkway, and in strong wind large ships may tender or, rarely, skip the call. Your ship will let you know.
- Dress for the fjords. Weather changes quickly. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
- Mobility needs. Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your advisor when you book. Our accessibility specialist can help arrange the right support.
Sailing to Nordfjordeid
Norwegian fjords itineraries call here, typically 7 to 12 nights round trip from Southampton, Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Copenhagen.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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