Making the most of Skjolden
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Skjolden is Norway's innermost cruise port, at the head of Sognefjorden, the world's longest navigable fjord. Ships approach through picturesque Lusterfjord, near Jostedalsbreen, the European mainland's largest glacier, and finish beneath Norway's highest mountains in Jotunheimen National Park. Several major Norwegian attractions surround the fjord and are accessible by short journeys!
A brand new floating SeaWalk cruise pier can accommodate ships of any size, alongside a new service/visitor's centre. A tender quay with four berths is also available.
Skjolden's centre is approx 700 metres away. The walking path passes a marina, restaurant, art gallery and other attractions beside the fjord.
A private operator outside the port hires push bikes.
View the Webcam.
For this port's Cruise calendar, K=Seawalk pier,A=Tender.
Sognefjord, the world's longest passable fjord, runs through the heart of Norway's fjord country for more than 200 km (120 miles) inland. At its head is the small, idyllic village of Skjolden. Lusterfjord forms Sognefjord's innermost arm, and this meeting point of deep fjord, glaciers and Norway's highest mountains is considered one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations. Villages and lush cultural landscapes line both sides of this very picturesque fjord arm, where small idyllic farms grow fruit and berries. From the fjord, you can also see many mountain…
Getting around
A few buses outside the port sell a circular town tour. It visits a mountain farmer who keeps goats and offers goat cheese and goat meat for sale, then continues to the dual waterfalls outside Skjolden. The 45 minute trip costs $20usd or 200 NOK.
Nearby places
Several of Norway's leading attractions encircle Skjolden. Jotunheimen National Park, only a few minutes' drive away, offers dramatic high-alpine ranges, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls. Sognefjellsvegen, the national scenic road through this distinctive mountain landscape, is Northern Europe's highest mountain pass. One hour from port through the famous Jostedalen valley, impressive Jostedalsbreen Glacier can be seen at close range. Urnes Stave Church is Norway's oldest stave church and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of the country's highest waterfalls include the majestic…
Food and shopping
Shopping in Skjolden is very limited. A Co-op supermarket is available, while Fjordstova Community centre contains a souvenir shop, café, library, internet café and swimming pool.
Money
Norway uses the Norwegian crown, or norske krone, abbreviated kr. A 1/100th krone is an øre. 1.00 EUR = about 8 NOK.
Norwegian ATMs are known as Minibank.
Nearly every shop takes major credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa. Bring a passport or driver's licence, because identification is required when paying by credit card.
Staying connected
Norway's official language is Norwegian, which is very close to and mutually intelligible with the two other Scandinavian languages. English is spoken widely.
Most Norwegian homes have some form of internet connection, often broadband, leaving a fairly small market for Cybercafés beyond major cities. Most public libraries offer free internet access. WiFi is available in many places, but not free.
Opening Hours and
Norwegian opening hours have improved, yet many smaller shops still shut early on Saturday, typically at 1 PM or 3 PM, and almost everything closes on Sunday. Door signs often show "9-21 (9-18)", meaning 9 AM–9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–6 PM on Saturday.