Top 5 Accessible Norwegian Cruise Ports
Best Norwegian Ports for Accessible Cruises
Holidays to the Norwegian Fjords, cruises around Norway, and trips along the beautiful Norwegian coast have long been a favourite with those seeking awe-inspiring scenery, historical towns and relaxation. A picturesque region filled with dramatic fjords and snow-capped mountains, a Norwegian fjords cruise offers guests the chance to experience this spectacular destination; with cruises ranging from short breaks to two-week long escapes.
A range of different cruise lines offer Norway cruises, from Hurtigruten, to Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises; giving you the flexibility to choose either a more budget-friendly getaway or a luxury cruise. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a Norwegian cruise out there for you.
However, one of the first things you might be wondering is how accessible is Norway? The Norwegian government aims to ensure that there is equal opportunity for everyone visiting Norway, by frequently updating the infrastructure around the country to ensure that the majority of attractions, walkways and transport is accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges. It is important to keep in mind, however, that winter brings snow and ice to the region, making certain attractions more difficult to access.
Throughout Norway, you’ll find accessible hiking trails, with routes that have been specially constructed with flat walkways, high rails and other features. Examples of these include the Hamaren Activity Park in Fyresdal and the Stovner Tower walk in Oslo. Alternatively, there are accessible gondolas throughout the country granting remarkable views out over the mountains, such as the Romsdalen Gondola in Andalsnes.
If you’re planning on cruising to Norway in the near future, this quick guide will give you handy tips about the top accessible Norwegian cruise ports, including the distance of the port to the main attractions, which attractions are accessible to those with mobility issues and other useful information.
1) Flam Port
First up on the list of ports in Norway you'll want to keep an eye out for is Flam Port. Situated in Aurlandsfjord, Flam is often found on Norwegian cruise itineraries, due to its picturesque scenery and the variety of attractions that are located within easy reach of the port, such as Flam Church, which dates back to the 17th century. Surrounded by roaring waterfalls and awe-inspiring mountains, Flam is often described as one of the most scenic ports to cruise into.
Around the port, the pavement is mainly flat and even and the village is within easy reach of it, making it accessible to wheelchair and mobility-device users. There’s also accessible toilets along the way, both in local restaurants, hotels and in the tourist information office.
Whilst the majority of attractions are within easy reach of the port, there are larger adapted vehicles available upon request if you wish to travel outside of the village. The Flam Railway, a very popular tourist attraction which offers a journey around the Aurlandsfjord is wheelchair accessible, with two spots onboard for wheelchair users. Other top wheelchair accessible attractions include the Stegastein viewpoint and the Flam Railway Museum. Cruising to Norway might feel daunting if you're a wheelchair user or someone with mobility issues, but you'll be pleased to know that wheelchair accessible cruise ports are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the effort being made to make sure you can enjoy your getaway.
2) Alesund Port
Next up is the iconic port of Alesund. A picture-perfect destination, Alesund is situated in a peninsula, surrounded by the Storfjord and Moldefjord. The cruise dock is a stone’s throw to the heart of Alesund and can cater up to three ships at a time. And once you leave the port, you’ll be within touching distance from numerous museums, shops and green spaces.
Featuring flat pavements and dropped curbs throughout the main streets in town, along with accessible toilets in various shops and the town hall, Alesund is considered one of the most wheelchair-friendly destinations in Norway. Top accessible attractions in Alesund include the Art Nouveau Museum, the Aksla Viewpoint (this will require a shuttle/taxi to reach the top) and the Alnes Fyr lighthouse.
There’s also a wide selection of accessibility-friendly shore excursions available, both through a variety of cruise lines and ones you can book privately onshore.
3) Geiranger Cruise Terminal
In 2013, Geiranger Cruise Terminal announced they would be constructing a floating pier system, known as the SeaWalk (pictured below). With this new addition to the port can easier access to the shore, allowing cruise guests to easily get from the ship to the town centre. It’s important to note, however, that if there are multiple ships in Geiranger, it might be necessary to get a tender boat to shore. Once on shore, you’ll be greeted by flat and even pavements, accessible toilets (situated in the tourist information office and hotel) and some adapted transportation.
Nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord, this majestic destination is a haven for nature lovers, with a variety of accessible shore excursions on offer, such as the Geiranger Fjordservice that offers boat trips and to the Geiranger Skycafe which grants out-of-this-world views from its large windows.
There’s also adapted attractions, such as the Norwegian Fjord Centre, that features an array of exhibits with information about the surrounding environment, culture and other fascinating topics. It also boasts a cinema hall and auditorium, cafe, shop and an imaginative learning area for children.
4) Oslo Cruise Terminal
The bustling capital of Norway, Oslo is a hub of historic attractions, modern eateries and high end shops. Cruise ships can dock directly at the cruise terminal, which is situated within easy reach of all the top attractions and amenities.
The cruise terminal has flat pavements, with wheelchair access to the shop within it, that sells an array of traditional and modern souvenirs. From the terminal, it’s approximately 200 metres to an array of restaurants, shops and attractions - including Akershus Fortress which is, for the most part, wheelchair accessible. It’s important to note however, that users of mobility devices may need assistance as some of the paths throughout the grounds have cobblestones.
Other accessible attractions in Oslo include the Opera House (the exterior can be climbed by those in motorised wheelchairs, however due to the steep incline, it’s not recommended for manual wheelchairs or those using other manual mobility devices, such as a walking stick), the Viking Ship Museum and the the Royal Palace.
Oslo has also invested a lot into making their public transport accessible, with a variety of buses, trams, metro carriages and ferries being adapted to assist those with mobility issues. There are also a number of accessible toilets throughout the city, in various restaurants and in attractions such as the Opera House.
5) Tromso Cruise Port
Last but not least, we have Tromso Cruise Port. Situated above the Arctic Circle, Tromso is known as the home of the midnight sun, and one of the best places to see the northern lights from. Connected by two bridges, Tromso has an abundance of attractions waiting to be discovered. Due to its location, however, it can get very icy around the winter months making it less accessible to those with mobility issues.
Located at the centre of the city, the cruise terminal has several docks, including quay 1 and 7, where smaller ships will dock, and the Breivika docks, quay 24 and quay 25, where the majority of cruise ships will dock. Usually, there’s a shuttle service available to take you to the centre of town. Throughout the port, you’ll find flat and even surfaces and there are accessible toilets within easy reach of the port.
The city centre is mostly flat and there are wheelchair accessible buses and taxis available. Top attractions, including the one of the Tromso Cable Car carriages have been adapted to fit wheelchairs, and there is an accessible platform at the top that boasts incredible views. Other accessible attractions include the Arctic Cathedral (with access ramps and dedicated spaces inside the church) and the Tromso Museum (with ramps and elevators to all floors).
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Sail to the mystical Norwegian fjords on an unforgettable cruise getaway. With so many fantastic Norwegian cruise deals on offer, you’ll be able to find the ultimate cruise escape for you. Book a Norwegian cruise holiday with Iglu Cruise today and get ready for a getaway filled with spectacular scenery and memories that last a lifetime.
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