Eidfjord Norway cruise port isn’t the busiest or most well-known of stops on a Norwegian fjords cruise. But the sleepy village atmosphere, coupled with the beautiful variety of hiking paths along rivers, around wild mountains and through wide open fields, ensured that Eidfjord very quickly became my favourite stopping point.
And guys, let me tell you:
I am certainly not a fan of the rain. But even on a damp day docked in Eidfjord, I couldn’t wait to get outdoors and into the beautiful surroundings of the mountains and water. The cool patter of rain drops on the trees and the gushing of water flowing along the river was always enough to get me back to a moment of peace.
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Eidfjord Norway cruise port
Eidfjord is a pretty village in the west of Norway, a few hours east of Bergen at the end of a small arm of the Hardanger Fjord. More well-known ports like Geiranger accept several cruise ships per day, and are therefore often swamped with visitors. It all gets a bit much, and can start to take on an air of Disneyland if you’re not careful. But the little Eidfjord cruise port normally only has one ship at a time; the vibe is far more tranquil here.
As well as the village houses and a few shops and petrol stations, Eidfjord has several campsites: it’s a popular place to come in summer. It’s close to several of the Hardangerfjord area’s most famous natural landmarks- the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, and the stunning Vøringfossen waterfall; so it’s the perfect base for exploring some of the wonderfully wild beauty of the region.
And although the population isn’t big, there have been people living in this area for thousands of years. An easy hike from the cruise port is to an Iron Age burial field complete with 350 graves dating from 400-1000AD. It’s actually pretty beaut, and not spooky at all. (Promise.)
Aside from the obvious activity of hiking, another incredible way to see the beautiful waters of Eidfjord and the Hardangerfjord is by boat. Either go sea kayaking with a local kayak hire company, or book onto a RIB tour for a more fast-paced adventure in the fjord.
Where to eat and drink near Eidfjord cruise port
My go-to coffee shop near Eidfjord cruise port is Fjell & Fjord, which is less than a ten minute walk away from where the ship docks. You can get yourself a great coffee and also some surprisingly reasonably-priced cakes (for Norway), sandwiches, pizzas and salads in this lovely little cafe. Browse some local artworks and pick up some local produce while you’re there. The Hardanger Fjord area is renowned for its apples- in fact, they’re so very renowned that the Hardanger apple is a protected fruit. So make sure you get some bottles of local apple juice before you leave. (Or go in hard with some cider instead.)
The Vik Cafe and Restaurant is a charming family-run guesthouse which was built in 1928 and now serves heartier meals for the more hungry of visitors to Eidfjord. Sit outside on the terrace for beautiful views while you dine al fresco.
And Restaurant Fjell & Fjord has slightly classier surroundings; here you can eat to your hearts content inside a glass conservatory of Fjell & Fjord Hotel, overlooking the port. The menu is delicious, and makes the most of all the amazing local produce available in this region of Norway.
As Eidfjord is a place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, you could also head to the Coop supermarket in port. Pack up some picnic things and maybe even a disposable barbecue to take on a walk and enjoy the fresh air. This is also a great option if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget; everywhere in Norway is on the expensive side, so a shared picnic is a good solution for keeping things affordable.
Hiking in Eidfjord
You can’t go wrong with a bit of peace and quiet, can you!?
My favourite Norwegian cruise ports are, hands down, the ports in tiny villages which are surrounded by nature. The open countryside of Olden and Vik, and the mountains of Geiranger, are just. a few. So it probably comes as no surprise that my favourite way to spend a day in Eidfjord, is to put on some comfy shoes and simply get walking.
This place is so pretty, and so peaceful.
Although I feel like I’ve walked up, down, and all over the place in Eidfjord, my go-to hiking path is a very easy one which takes you from the cruise port in the centre of the village, to a lake upstream. (Or, with more time on my hands, head the long way round- uphill and through fields, past goats galore- before heading back down towards the lake.)
Eidfjord Lake is magical. A completely still body of water with barely even a hint of a ripple, a dark green forest of trees lining the sand and speckled with wildflowers, and a backdrop of wrinkled old-man-mountains.
In fact, if it weren’t for the odd passenger appearing in a puffa jacket and wooly hat, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Lord of the Rings.
The lake is also great for swimming in, although I’ll be honest, pals. I’m definitely not a fan of a cold water swim, and have never tried a dip in Eidfjord Lake, or indeed any Norwegian waters. I’m a massive chicken when it comes to being chilly. But Norway does get sunny from time to time, so if you find yourself docked at Eidfjord cruise port on a glorious summers day- even if not for a swim- it’s definitely worth heading to this beautiful beach.
Eidfjord is beautiful, peaceful, perfection. Even if it does rain a lot.