Skjolden

Skjolden, Norway, is a tiny village at the very end of the magnificent Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Getting here is an experience in itself, as your ship navigates over 120 miles inland, surrounded by stunning, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. With a population of just over 200 people, Skjolden is an authentic and peaceful slice of Norwegian life. The port is a gateway to three national parks—Jotunheimen, Breheimen, and Jostedalsbreen—making it a perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.

⛵ Port Introduction

Your cruise ship will either dock at the Skjolden cruise pier or, if it's a larger vessel, a floating pier called the "Seawalk." The cruise pier is located just outside the village, and the Seawalk is even closer to the town center. In either case, you can walk directly from the ship to the land, so no tender is required. The walk from the cruise pier to the village center is about 800 meters (a little over half a mile) and is on a flat, paved walkway.

⚓ Terminal Information

The Skjolden cruise port has a small cruise terminal building on the quayside. It is a simple facility but provides everything you need to get started.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

The terminal has a small souvenir shop, tourist maps, and free Wi-Fi. It is a modern, clean facility. There is a visitor information center called Fjordstova in the village center, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the port. The Fjordstova offers more extensive information, as well as a cafe, an indoor climbing wall, and a swimming pool. Tour pickups, including for kayaking, RIB boat safaris, and other activities, are located just outside the cruise terminal.

🗣️ Language

The local language is Norwegian, but given the high volume of tourism, virtually everyone you will encounter in Skjolden, from the hotel staff to tour guides, will speak excellent English. You will have no problem at all navigating or communicating.

💰 Money

The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards are the preferred method of payment and are widely accepted everywhere, even for small purchases. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small souvenir purchases, but it is not necessary. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Norway, as service charges are included in the bill.

🚗 Transportation

Skjolden is a small village and is very walkable.

·       Walking: The village center, the Skjolden Hotel, and the Fjordstova visitor center are all within walking distance of the cruise pier. The walk is flat and easy.

·       Bicycles: Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented at local tour companies near the cruise pier and at the Skjolden Hotel. This is a great way to explore the local area.

·       Taxis: Taxis are very limited in Skjolden. You should not rely on them for transportation.

·       Public Transportation: Public transportation is nearly non-existent in Skjolden. It's a good idea to pre-book any excursions you want to do.

♿ Accessibility

Skjolden's accessibility is a 2 out of 10. While the walk from the ship to the village is flat, many of the surrounding attractions, like the Sognefjellet mountain road and the national parks, are in mountainous terrain that would be very difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility.🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get from the cruise port to the town of Invergordon is to walk. It's a very short and easy stroll. To get to Inverness, the train is the best and most convenient option.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get to the village of Skjolden from the cruise port is to simply walk. The path is well-marked, and it's a pleasant and easy stroll that takes about 10-15 minutes.

🚽 Toilet

Public toilets are available in the Fjordstova visitor center and are generally clean and free to use. You can also find restrooms in the Skjolden Hotel and local cafes.

💊 Drugstore

·       Apotek 1 Luster: The closest pharmacy is located in the town of Luster, which is not within walking distance. The Fjordstova visitor center or a local tour guide can direct you to local shops that sell basic over-the-counter medication.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Hike to a Local Waterfall or Viewpoint: Instead of taking a long bus tour, spend your time hiking to a local waterfall or viewpoint. The Skjolden area is known for its incredible waterfalls, and many of them can be reached via a pleasant walk from the village. The tourist information office can provide maps and guidance for trails of all difficulty levels. This is a great way to experience the stunning Norwegian nature up close.

2.       Dine on Local Norwegian Cuisine at the Skjolden Hotel: The Skjolden Hotel is a wonderful place to have a meal. Their restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including meat from local farms and fresh fish from the Lustrafjord. You can have a meal while enjoying a stunning view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

3.       Explore the Fjord by Kayak or RIB Boat: For a truly memorable experience, take a guided kayak or RIB boat tour on the fjord. This allows you to get an up-close perspective of the mountains, waterfalls, and the tranquil waters of the Sognefjord. You can book these tours with local companies right at the cruise port.