The deep, perfectly still peaceful fjord rippled gently as the MS Expedition glided through . The calmness was a balm to the overworked senses of balance and seasickness. Crossing the North Sea had meant lots of rocking and rolling and discreet use of those concertina paper bags that nestle in airline seat pockets and aboard ships. You know the ones? Enough said. Now the stillness was soothing and suddenly we were hungry for food again and for exploring the beauty of Norway.  

Our first glimpse was stunning. 

Anchoring near the town of Olden in Nordfjord, we were transferred to town in zodiacs then buses took us up to the Birksdal Glacier for a hike past stunning waterfalls to the base of the glacier.   


Over the next night, we sailed into the very long and deep UNESCO World Heritage Listed Geiranger Fjord, Waking to find ourselves right at the end in the little village of Geiranger surrounded by snow- capped mountains was a highlight so far . Buses were again waiting, this time to take us to the top of Mt. Dalsnibba ( 1,500 metres above sea level) via the scariest hairpin bends, scenic view point stops and icy roads. We passed a still solidly frozen lake even though it is well into Summer. Clouds rolled in and our view to the Geiranger Valley below slipped in and out but it was an amazing introduction to ice and snow for this trip. 

After coming down from the mountain we stopped off at the Visitor Centre and from there had the choice to walk down a series of wooden steps and pathways next to a roaring waterfall to take us back to the ship. Well of course we chose to walk! 

Once all were back on board and had enjoyed a fabulous lunch (every meal was fabulous aboard the MS Expedition!) we spent the afternoon sailing back slowly through the fjord marveling at the many waterfalls and snow covered peaks. While we have included a selection of photographs, the grandeur and beauty is beyond our "point and shoot" photos. We were ever so slowly and gently sailing through 360 degrees of outlandish and extravagant beauty.  

 
NOTE: The West Norwegian Fjords are UNESCO World Heritage Listed.