Viewpoint

This is the mandatory photo stop when visiting Alesund. From the +/- 150 meter high Mount Aksla you will get a beautiful panoramic view over the entire Art Nouveau city centre, your ship, the surrounding islands and the fjord. To get up to the viewpoint simply take the hop on hop off bus, trolley train or taxi from the parking lot in front of the ship or walk up the 418 steps. The steps start in the park in front of the hill.

Bergen is famous for the 7 hill tops it is build on. Please know any hill just to the north and east of the port is suitable for hiking. You’ll find there are several paths going up the hills from the town area. The most spectacular one has to be the Stolzekleiven. It is one of the steepest hikes in the world and it is loved by locals because this is their work out spot. Join them for a adventurous walk. Find the start marked on the map in the Bergen cruise port guide or ask a local. You need 1,5 hours from the ship to the top and the view will be worth it.

One of the best places to appreciate this landscape is at Mirador del Río at the most northern point of the island.

This perhaps is the most scenic sail in into any port of call in the world. Before your ship can dock it needs to sail past the city centre where the minarets dominate Istanbul’s skyline. This is simply something not to be missed. Be on the outside deck at least half and hour before arrival and half an hour after departure.

Did you know you are actually looking at Israel in the back? This point of the Red Sea is a remarkable on. If you are standing on the outside deck you are actually not just looking at Jordan, but also at Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Why not go for a nice 1 hour hike starting in town going to an incredible viewpoint? Total distance is 3,4 km roundtrip and the elevation is 120 meter. Download and print the route via the following link: http://www.skjolden.com/turar/06_eng.pdf

This famous waterfall has a free fall of over 218 meters, which makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Norway. You can take a short walk to reach the waterfall. You can also admire the Feigumfossen from the ship as you sail by. Find the waterfall about 14 km / 8 miles away from Skjolden. Find the Feigumfossen about 20 minute drive south of Skjolden.

When your ship is going to their port of call you eventually need to leave open sea and sail onto the fjords. Your ship will need to sail on the Hardangerfjord for about 6 hours before it arrives in port. This is a spectacular sail in. The closer to the end you get, the more scenic it will be come. Make sure to be on the outside deck 1,5 hour before arrival and visa versa.

There are lots of vikings paths in the area of Ulvik. The most popular is the 2 mile trek going by the cider factory. It is an easy and fun walk. Pick up the map at the tourist information. They provide regular and expert maps.

An easy way to experience the nature and landscapes of the area is to go by cable bar to the top of mount Storsteinen. At the top you will find breathtaking views over the city of Tromsø and the surrounding islands. Either go for a drink or go for a hike. Reach the cable car with bus 26 or check at the tourist information if they have their shuttle bus running that day.

Sailing in the area is absolutely spectacular. In our opinion ships often do not spend enough attention to the sailing route in and out of Tromsø. Did you know there are specific areas to spot whales and puffins and that your ship will come across glaciers? Cruise Crocodile will soon upload a scenic cruising map with the details.

Sailing into Muscat is spectacular. Make sure to be on the outside deck about an hour before you dock because it will give you a spectacular view over the town and its surrounding landscapes.