One Day in Skjolden at the End of Norway’s Longest Fjord

Tucked beneath towering peaks and perched at the tip of the fjord, Skjolden quietly reveals why the most remote places in Norway often leave the biggest impression.

I’ve been fortunate to explore many corners of Norway over the years, but on a recent cruise I visited somewhere completely new to me: Skjolden.

Tucked away at the very end of the mighty Sognefjord, this small village turned out to be one of the most rewarding stops of the whole journey.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Unlike well-known cruise ports like Bergen or Geiranger, Skjolden rarely makes headlines. But sometimes that’s exactly what makes a place memorable.

Watch: A Day in Skjolden

Perhaps you prefer watching video to reading? If so, fear not! You can watch this video which covers my day in Skjolden in detail:

I hope you enjoyed the video! Please do read on for more details and lots more phoots from my day in Skjolden, plus travel advice if you’re planning a trip yourself.

The Journey In

Our ship began the long sail into the Sognefjord in the early morning. I made a point of heading out on deck long before we arrived in port, coffee in hand, watching as the steep cliffs closed in and waterfalls tumbled from the hillsides.

The final stretch into Skjolden took us along the Lustrafjord, a quieter branch of the fjord system that feels almost like a secret passage.

Along the way, we passed Urnes Stave Church perched on a hillside. One of Norway’s oldest stave churches, Urnes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it was hard to spot at first, it looked impressive even from the ship.

If you're sailing along the Lustrafjord, I recommend some binoculars to make the most of the experience.

First Impressions of Skjolden

As there was another ship docked at the small pier just outside the village, we anchored in the fjord. This gave us an incredible view upon waking up, no matter in which direction we looked.

The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque: emerald-green water, low clouds toying with the tops of the mountains, slender waterfalls, and a scattering of wooden houses. It felt a world away from the busy cities.

As we anchored, we used tender boats to get to shore. The tender arrival point was just outside the village, where several vendors offered trips in kayaks, RIB boats, and other activities.

From here, it was an easy 10-minute stroll into the centre. Along the way, I passed colourful gardens, traditional houses, crossed the river, and spotted kayakers heading out onto the fjord.

Exploring the Village of Skjolden

Back in Skjolden, I still had time to wander the village centre. The small visitor hub offers hiking maps, souvenirs, and even an indoor climbing wall. That's something I didn’t expect to find in such a peaceful place!

I say peaceful, but with two cruise ships in port it was a pretty busy place. The visitor centre in particular was crowded, and I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for contributing to overtourism.

That being said, the locals I did meet were more than happy to meet us and chat. I'm sure there's a balance to be struck in the future.

If you’re up for a moderately steep climb, the walk to Sengaberget viewpoint offers sweeping views of the village, the fjord, and the surrounding valley. I didn't have time to get up there as I had booked a trip (more on this later!) but my friend Steph did and took some photos for me.

The view of the village and fjord looked more than worthwhile, so it's definitely on my list for the next time I visit.

A High-Mountain Excursion

I had pre-booked an afternoon excursion up to the Sognefjellet road, Norway’s highest mountain pass and one of the country's designated National Scenic Routes.

The trip was run by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and used a local guide who had lived in Skjolden for his entire life. He was full of stories, of course!

Within minutes of leaving the village, our bus was climbing into alpine territory. We passed through dense forests, then suddenly emerged above the tree line into a snowy wilderness, even in early June.

At over 1,100 metres above sea level, the viewpoint at Oscarshaug gave us a dramatic panorama of the surrounding peaks and plateaus.

The rest area takes its name from King Oscar II, who crossed the mountain in 1860. A cairn was later built here to commemorate his journey.

I couldn’t resist the short walk up to the cairn, although I quickly regretted leaving my jacket on the bus. It was freezing up there! Still, the fresh air and stunning views made it one of the highlights of the entire cruise.

A Philosopher’s Hideaway

On the way back down, we stopped briefly at Åsafossen, a powerful waterfall just outside Skjolden.

It’s a lovely spot on its own, but also marks the trailhead to a curious local attraction: the remote cabin where philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once lived and worked.

While I didn’t make the hike myself, two friends did and shared photos of the modest wooden hut hidden in the hills.

It’s possible to arrange visits through the Wittgenstein Foundation if you’re interested in combining a walk with a dose of philosophy.

If You Go: Visiting Skjolden

Planning a trip? Here's some important information to bear in mind before you travel.

Getting There: Skjolden is located at the very end of the Lustrafjord, a branch of the Sognefjord in western Norway.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, but it’s also accessible by car or bus from Sogndal (about 2.5 hours) or Lom (around 1.5 hours). The scenic Sognefjellet mountain road is typically open from late May to early autumn, depending on snow conditions.

Visitor Information: Skjolden visitor centre is located in the village, just a 10-minute walk from the cruise pier. It offers maps, hiking advice, souvenirs, a café, toilets, and a small indoor climbing wall.

Things to Do: Outdoor activities such as RIB safaris, kayaking in the fjord, and guided mountain tours can be booked in advance through local operators.

Popular hiking trails include the walk to Sengaberget viewpoint and the trail to Åsafossen waterfall. For culture lovers, trips to the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church and guided visits to the Wittgenstein cabin are available in season.

Good to Know: Skjolden is small, so facilities may be limited outside of cruise call days or peak summer. Accommodation is limited, so book in advance. Bring layers—weather conditions can vary quickly, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.

Skjolden might not have the name recognition of other fjord destinations, but that’s part of its magic. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air and appreciate the quieter moments of travel, even if you're visiting on a cruise ship.