lovatnet lake cruise

Visit Lovatnet Lake in Norway: Everything You Need to know

Are you planning a trip to Norway soon? 

Head to Lovatnet lake where you can find some of the most scenic, colorful and beautiful landscapes in Norway. 

This guide contains all of the most up-to-date information for first-time visitors to Lovatnet Lake. We've included the best ways to get to the lake, the best time to visit, where to stay, activities to do, and much more! 

Read about our experience and why we think Lovatnet Lake should be included in every Norway itinerary!

Lovatnet Lake Overview

Lovatnet Lake, also known as Lake Loen, is a glacial lake that has multiple streams from the Jostedalsbreen and Tindefjellbreen glaciers. The water drains at Loelva river to the Nordfjorden. It is 10 square km in size, 11km long, and 52m above sea level.

Lovatnet is widely recognized for its bright blue waters, surrounded by high cliffs, making it one of the most beautiful places you have to visit in Norway !

Compared to other parts of Norway that can be extremely touristy and crowded, particularly during the busy summer months, Lovatnet Lake stands out for its tranquility. 

Where is Lovatnet Lake

Lovatnet Lake is located in Stryn Municipality, around 2 kilometers away from the village of Loen in Norway.

Brief History

Apart from Lovatnet Lake’s breathtaking beauty, it is also known for its tragic history. 

Between 1900 and 1950, several rock slides from the mountain Ramnefjellet fell into the calm water of the Lovatnet lake, causing deadly tsunami waves that killed many people and damaged the surrounding areas.

Is it Safe to Visit Lovatnet Lake

With today's advanced technology, warning systems are now in place, making Lovatnet Lake a relatively safe place to visit while in Norway.

Looking for travel insurance? Get one today with Heymondo and get 5% off for being our reader!

How to Get to Lovatnet Lake

Car: The easiest way to reach Lovatnet Lake is to rent a car. You can rent one at Alesund Airport and drive to Lovatnet Lake, which takes around 3 hours. Rent a car in advance .

Most ferries operate on a regular basis. Check the updated schedules at frammr.no .

Note: The road along the lake is narrow. Be careful and be prepared to reverse on a tight and winding road.

Bus: You can also take the public bus from Alesund Airport to Stryn. However, there is no direct bus and you will have to transfer, which would take approximately 4.5 hours.

Take the FB65 bus from Alesund airport to Moa trafikkterminal, then the 110 bus to Stryn rutebilstasjon. Lovatnet is about a 20-minute drive away from here.

Check the updated bus schedules at skyss.no .

Best Time to Visit Lovatnet Lake

For the best weather conditions, visit Lovatnet Lake during the summer months, from June to August . 

During this time, you will be able to see the lake's stunning bright blue waters, which look surreal. This is also the busiest time in Lovatnet lake, so if you're planning to camp, head there early to secure a great spot closer to the water. 

Read: Best Time to Visit Norway

Tip: The weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast at yr.no .

Where to Stay Near Lovatnet Lake

The closest village to the lake is Loen. Here are the best places to stay in Loen if you’re not camping around the lake. 

Things to Do in Lovatnet Lake

There are plenty of things you can do in Loen Lake, whether you’re visiting for the day or doing an overnight stay. Aside from visiting the lake and swimming, here is a list of the best activities you can include in your itinerary.

You’ll find a few campsites along the road, but one of the best places to camp in Lovatnet is at Sande Camping. There’s plenty of parking and space to put up a tent directly by the lake. Additionally, toilets and showers are available in the property. 

For a more comfortable stay, you can also rent a cabin. Find more information at Sande Camping website . 

Another great activity you can do is to rent a kayak and paddle down the Loen Lake. It’s a great way to experience the stunning lake from a new perspective! 

You can rent a kayak from any of the campsites surrounding the lake. Alternatively, you can join guided tours by Loen Active almost all year round.

If kayaking is not your thing, you can always join a boat tour and experience the Lodalen valley and the surrounding nature. The boat trip lasts around 4 hours and is also a great way to see the Ramnefjell and Utigardsfossen.

For updated prices and booking, find more information at MS Kjenndal II .

Loen Skylift 

To get some of the best views of Lovatnet Lake, get on a cable car at the Loen skylift to get to the top of Mount Hoven. You’ll not only get a panoramic view of the lake but also Mt. Skala and the Nordfjord. 

Find the updated prices and book in advance at loenskylift.com .

Our Experience at Lovatnet Lake

We visited lake Lovatnet in July. Even though we visited in the middle of the summer, we were still met by cloudy skies. This, however, made the scenery not less spectacular. 

As lake Lovatnet lay on our route, we arrived there around lunch time. We drove our car to the side of the lake and enjoyed a delicious lunch by the water. Surrounded only by nature and a few local fishermen. 

We decided to continue our way after lunch and set up camp near the Briksdalsbreen Glacier , so we didn’t get the full Lovatnet Experience. But what stood out the most to us was the tranquility of the area.

Is Lovatnet Lake Worth Visiting?

If you plan on visiting this area of Norway, you have to make sure to visit Lovatnet Lake! The combination with nearby destinations such as Briksdalsbreen glacier make it a great place to enjoy your time in Norway.

Keep in mind however, that Norway has plenty of beautiful lakes to offer, Lovatnet is just one of them. When you plan your Norway trip, make sure to visit one of these phenomenal lakes that fit in your itinerary.

Are you ready to visit Norway? Read our quick guide to Norway’s tourist visa and start planning your trip today!

And that’s the guide to visiting Lovatnet Lake in Norway. 

Whether you view the lake from above, take a boat, or simply enjoy the view from the shore, Lovatnet Lake offers an incredible experience that will live long in your memory, as it has for us.

‍ Have you visited Lovatnet Lake? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!

Some links in this Lovatnet Lake guide may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

Share this article

Related posts.

Guide to Driving the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway

Looking to drive the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway on your own? Here is a guide that includes the best time to drive, things to do, photography tips, and more!

Visiting Briksdalsbreen Glacier in Norway

Here is a complete guide to the most popular glacier arms to visit in Norway - Briksdalsbreen Glacier! Find out when to visit, best way to reach the glacier, troll car and hiking information, and many tips to help you plan your trip.

Complete Guide to Pulpit Rock Hike in Norway

Discover one of Norway’s most popular hiking destinations with our comprehensive guide to hiking Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). Find the best time to visit, what to expect, and many of our top hiking tips.

Lovatnet Lake

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lovatnet Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Lovatnet Lake & Kjenndalen Glacier Hike

Exceptional value.

• Excursion Details
• Customer Reviews

Points of Interest

• Jostedalsbreen National Park
• Kjenndalen Glacier
• Lake Lovatn

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Enjoy a truly unique half-day excursion through stunning countryside, starting with a drive along the Nordfjord, the sixth longest in Norway, before continuing up the Kjenndalen Valley, to the trailhead for Kjenndalen Glacier. The glacier is situated in the Jostedalsbreen National Park, and is home to the largest ice sheet in mainland Europe. Stretching over 37 miles in length, it is divided into three major arms, and is over 1,312 feet deep at certain points. You will then enjoy a quick, easy hike through this wonderful landscape that leads to the face of the glacier, which you will notice is an intense blue-green color. Hiking boots and a rainproof jacket are recommended. After hiking to the glacier, you will then stop for coffee or tea, accompanied by delicious pastries at the delightful Kjenndalen Mountain Lodge. Afterwards, you and your party will head to the stunning Lake Lovatn, where you will board a small motor boat for a once-in-a-lifetime twelve mile cruise along the lake's turquoise waters. You guide will explain to you how the lake's waters have been colored by clays washed down from Kjenndalen Glacier. After your cruise, you will head back to Olden through more stunning Norwegian countryside, a truly magnificent experience.

Special Notes:

Child price:.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for a scenic cruise around Lake Lovatn

Refreshments at kjenndalen mountain lodge, guided hike to and from viewpoint kjenndalen glacier, re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship.

Lovatnet Lake

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lovatnet Lake - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• CRUISE TIPS & PORT GUIDES
• Countries Visited
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America
• Marella Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Cruise Packing

Cruises , Norway

Enjoy spectacular views on a loen skylift and kjenndalen shore excursion.

Climb to the top of Norway’s Mount Hoven above the Nordfjord on the Loen Skylift for sensational views of mountains, glaciers and fjords.

One of the things I knew I really wanted to do on my Norwegian Fjords cruise was the Loen Skylift. The cable car takes you right to the top of Mount Hoven offering sweeping views as far as the eye can see.

As I was travelling solo, I decided to take the safe option and book a P&O shore excursion . I’d heard the excursions often sell out quickly so I booked a trip called Loen Skylift and Kjenndalen around six months before and to be honest didn’t really think that much more about it. 

On returning from the Briksdal Glacier shore excursion , I had booked for the morning, it was straight off one coach and onto another. 

Although there is plenty of time to do two shore excursions in Olden , if you book with P&O Cruises , and probably other cruise lines, you may find there is no (or only very little) time between the two. Something to keep in mind when looking at what excursions to do if you are visiting Olden on a cruise.

One other thing to look out for is that excursions to the Loen Skylift might be named as Mount Hoven cable car. So it can get a bit confusing when working out what to book.

We departed at 1.30pm and as the guide ran through the schedule it transpired we wouldn’t get to the Skylift until 3.45pm.  First, we had a trip along Lovatnet Lake with a couple of stops at scenic viewpoints. 

Located around six kilometres east of Olden, Lovatnet Lake is known for its turquoise waters. The colour comes from the melt water from the glaciers that lie on the peaks of the surrounding mountains.

There is also a darker side to the lake. In 1905 and 1936, large landslides of rock fell into the lake causing tsunamis that swept away some of the local villages. One of the stops on the way to the Kjenndalen Glacier was a memorial to these tragic events. 

Kjenndalen Glacier

The Kjenndalen Glacier is located Jostedalsbreen National Park. It is an arm of the largest glacier in Europe, the Jostedal Glacier.

Our first stop to view the glacier was at a bridge over the stream flowing down from the mountain. The crystal clear water surging over the light rocks and under the bridge made quite a sound. After a short amount of time to take in the dazzling scenery, it was off to get a closer look at the Kjenndalen Glacier.

Arriving at the viewpoint, our guide gave us until 3pm to view the glacier. However, he hadn’t realised the time. With the walk to the glacier a good seven or eight minutes, there was literally just enough time to take a photo and head back. 

It was a little rushed but everyone got back to the coach in time. Thankfully, as it turned out, otherwise we would have missed our slot on the Skylift. In fact, the guide did mention something about potentially not getting there in time so it was a nervous drive back for me. 

On top of the world at the Loen Skylift

Fortunately, we made it in time. After collecting our tickets, we all squeezed into the cable car and started the climb up to the top of Mount Hoven.

I find this a little hard to believe, but the Loen Skylift (sometimes known as the Olden Skylift) is a relatively new attraction. It only opened in 2017 (by the Queen of Norway no less). I’m not sure what people did before to enjoy the incredible view from up there. Climbed the mountain themselves I guess?

The Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. Travelling at a speed of seven meters per second, it takes between five and seven minutes to reach the top (or the bottom if you are coming down), 1011m above the fjord. There are two cable cars, with room for 35 people in each.

As you begin to ascend to the top of the mountain you get a little hint at what the view is going to be like at the top. However, once you reach the top the panoramic views are simply breathtaking.

If you are like me you probably have an image in your head of what looking out over the fjords is like. This is it and more. It surely is one of the best views in the world. 

It’s like watching tennis with your eyes moving from side to side, I honestly didn’t know which view to keep looking at. Both sides are equally magnificent.

Looking to the left you overlook Mt. Skåla, Lake Lovatnet and the Jostedalsbreen National Park.

To the right, you see the village of Olden and the Nordfjord that winds its way out into the distance. You also get a great view of any cruise ships that may be in port in Olden. They look like tiny toy ships from up there.

As huge as cruise ships are, the mountains on either side dwarf them. The view gives you a real sense of the scale of the majestic mountains and stunning fjords.

If you are feeling adventurous (or are just incredibly brave) you can take part in various air sports from the top of the mountain. Every now and then I could hear the crunch of footsteps on the snow. A few seconds later a paraglider appeared and floated off into the distance. There was also base jumpers soaring over the landscape , which looked amazing and terrifying in equal measure. 

If you can tear yourself away from the view – and trust me it is very hard to do that – there is a restaurant, cafe and bar in the Mountain Station.

So whether you want to try a meal using local ingredients, sip a drink while taking in the view or have a cuppa and waffle to warm up, there will be something for you in this building.

Sadly, all too soon it is time to return to earth. I think we had about an hour up there. It was enough time to enjoy the view although personally, I’d like to have had a little longer there. It would have been good to have had time to be able to visit the cafe and explore some of the trails.

It really is one of the best Norwegian cruise shore excursions you can do. I enjoyed it so much I’ve booked another cruise so I can return and visit again.

Once we were back on the ground, our guide casually mentioned that the cable car operator had hiked up the mountain. That is why there is a ticket machine at the top. People hike up and get the cable car back down.

Something to add to the maybe one-day when I return list…

How to get to the Loen Skylift from Olden

What ever cruise line you are cruising with are likely to offer excursions to the Loen Skylift. You should be able to book these via your cruise lines website or onboard with the excursions team.

Alternatively, or if you cruise line doesn’t offer an excursion, you can use the local shuttle bus between Olden and the Loen Skylift. The leaves on the hour from the cruise pier in Olden and returns on the half hour. This gives you the flexibility of choosing when you visit and how long you stay there.

You should be able to find the bus easily when you disembark your cruise ship. If not, just ask for the Olden cable car and everyone should know what you mean.

Find out more about the Loen Skylift ticket and transport options

The Last Word

While writing this, I’ve been debating whether to recommend this tour or not. It’s a bit of a yes and no.

It was a very interesting afternoon, the viewpoints were incredibly picturesque and our guide was fabulous. Informative and engaging he shared information about the area with good humour. 

However, we drove for over two hours with just a couple of quick stops where you had just a few minutes for photos. So it felt like a lot of being stuck on the coach. 

The main attraction (for me at least) was the Loen Skylift with its spectacular view and that seemed tacked on at the end. Knowing what I know now and having visited the Briksdal Glacier in the morning, I probably would have chose a different option. 

I appreciate, I was very fortunate with the weather but the Loen Skylift was the highlight of the afternoon. And quite possibly the whole cruise.  

Although at the time I don’t recall seeing any stand-alone trips to the Loen Skylift, I probably should have paid more attention to what I was booking. In hindsight, I think it would have been better to have made my way to the Loen Skylift independently. It seems very easy to get to the Loen Skylift from a cruise ship using local operators. This is something I plan to do on a future visit.

Doing it independently gives you a bit more flexibility on the time you visit and importantly, you can decide how long to stay up on top of Mount Hoven. 

You can comfortably do a trip to Briksdal Glacier in half a day, either on a cruise line excursion or independently. That still allows plenty of time to visit the Loen Skylift from Olden. 

Booking a cruise line excursion gives you the reassurance that the ship won’t leave without you if there are any delays. However, you do lose a bit of flexibility and the choice of how much time to spend in the locations you are visiting.

Local tour operators would not have a business for long if they couldn’t get people back in time for their ships departure. So, if your cruise line doesn’t offer the exact trip you are looking for, it is worth seeing what other options are available.

So, if your cruise itinerary includes Olden, have a think about what you really want to see there and how you want to see it.

Once know this, it will help you decide which shore excursions are for you. 

You may also like…

• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on P&O’s Iona
• Exploring the Briksdal Glacier on a shore excursion
• Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock shore excursion
• Touring Geirangerfjord viewpoints on a shore excursion

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lovatnet Lake

Visit Website

Send us an e-mail

+47 57874040

Lovatnet is a lake in Stryn municipality in Westland county. What makes Lovatnet so beautiful is the green color that comes from the melt water from the glaciers that lies on the mountain peaks around.

Source : Nordfjord

Your recently viewed pages

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia Cruise Ports

Loen (Norway)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-05-18 15:38

Port Loen cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Loen, Norway. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Loen is a small port village in Norway's Nordfjord District (Vestland County, Stryn Municipality) with population under 500. The port is located at Nordfjorden's easternmost end, and approx 6 km (4 mi) north of Olden and approx 11 km (7 mi) southeast of Stryn. To the southeast is Lovatnet Lake.

As cruise port, Loen is the stop from where is offered bus tour travel to the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier. Sized approx 19 km2 (7 mi2), the glacier is a branch of Jostedalsbreen/Jostedal Glacier and part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park (highest peak Lodalskapa is 2083 m / 6834 ft above sea level). The cruise company that most often includes Loen in its ships' schedules is Lindblad Expeditions . Another popular brand that occasionally visits the village is Ponant .

Loen Skylift (2017-opened/inaugurated by Norway's Queen Sonja) is an aerial tramway/gondola lift that departs from Loen to reach Mt Hoven (height 1011 m / 3317 ft). The lift's max speed is 7 m/s (23 ft/s) and the cable car's highest vertical ascent/above ground is 170 m (560 ft). In 2017, Loen Skylift served around 92000 tourists.

By length (106 km / 66 mi), Nordfjorden is Norway's 14th-longest fjord (mainland Norway's 6th-longest) - following Sognefjord (205 km), Hardangerfjord (179 km), Vestfjorden and Vestfjorden-Nordkapp (155 km), Storfjorden- Svalbard (132 km), Trondheimsfjord (130 km), Porsangerfjorden (123 km), Lyngenfjorden (121 km), Kvaenangen (117 km), Storfjorden-More og Romsdal and Ullsfjord-Troms (110 km), Wijdefjorden (108 km), and Isfjorden-Svalbard (107 km).

Nordfjorden can be accessed only by boats and ships, including regularly scheduled ferries leaving from Anda (to Lote), Isane (to Starheim) and Maloy/Vagsoy Island (to Oldeide, also stopping at Husevagoy Island). The shore excursion designed for cruise tourists includes a morning visit to the fjord, bus transportation to Loen Valley, a stop at Lake Lovatnet and visiting Kjenndal Glacier. To more adventurous travelers are offered trailing and hiking options. The excursion ends in the late-afternoon.

Loen - user reviews and comments

Celebrity Blog

• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• Special Occasions
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

11 Serene Lakes in Norway to Visit

By Kerry Spencer

Last updated: June 19th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Norway’s lake scenery is among the most beautiful on the planet. The north European country—lying on the western fringes of Scandinavia—is scattered with thousands of lakes, typically freshwater pools filled with glacial meltwater.

Most of Norway’s lakes share similar qualities. Bound by pine-clad mountains and verdant hills, the waters shimmer a spectrum of soothing greens and blues.

Norway’s best lakes are found close to the craggy seashore, inland from the dramatic fjords, and near Oslo, the cosmopolitan capital. They nearly all offer hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and the chance to go wild swimming.

Discover some of the best lakes in Norway, from idyllic lakes atop Bergen’s city mountains to tranquil stretches where the only sound is the soft rumbling of waterfalls.

Djupvatnet, near Geiranger

Traverse switchbacks on a thrilling journey to Djupvatnet from Geiranger . The zigzagging drive takes roughly 45 minutes, with several viewing points along the route allowing sweeping vistas of the snow-capped mountains, mountain villages, and cascading waterfalls.

The 565-foot-deep Djupvatnet is often snow-covered, even by early summer, thanks to its altitude of 3,333 feet above sea level. Once you’ve gazed at the dazzling natural pool, continue your journey by ascending the 4,843-foot Mount Dalsnibba.

Geiranger Skywalk

Step onto the awe-inspiring Geiranger Skywalk, a mountain top viewing platform cantilevered over the edge of Dalsnibba’s rocky plateau. Ensure your camera is fully charged to capture the far-reaching views over the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjorden.

Take a seat by the roaring fire at Geiranger Skywalk Café and tuck into a sticky cinnamon roll, or the Norwegian classic snack of waffles, jam, and cream.

The toll road from Geiranger to Dalsnibba is only passable during summertime, so only suitable if you’re visiting between June and August.

Oppstrynsvatn, Olden

The slender, deep-green Oppstrynsvatn is located near the village of Stryn and close to the port of Olden in western Norway.

Stretching from Hjelle in the east to Mindresunde in the west, Oppstrynsvatn is surrounded by sharp mountain peaks and icy glaciers that feed into the lake. Its deepest point is in Nesje, where Oppstrynsvatn is around 755 feet, making the lake one of the 20 deepest in Norway.

One of the best things to do in Norway is to go for an exhilarating hike around Oppstrynsvatn to soak up some of the fresh mountain air and serene fjord landscape. Look out for locals or vacationers enjoying the fishing here, with Arctic char, trout, and, during summer, salmon and eel in the lake.

Briksdalsbreen, Jostedalsbreen National Park Center

On the lake’s southern shore, you’ll find the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center, which tells the story of Jostedalsbreen glacier and its many arms—including Nigardsbreen and  Briksdalsbreen, one of the best places to visit in Norway . Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in mainland Europe and lies to the south of the lakes outside of Olden.

Jostedalsbreen National Park Center

Jostedalsbreen National Park Center offers a wonderful insight into the region. Visit the indoor exhibition to view equipment used by some of the first Jostedalsbreen glacier guides.

The exhibition also details the glacier’s geology, including how it was formed, and answers questions such as why are glaciers blue and glacial meltwater viridescent, or greenish?

Outside, take time to enjoy the stillness of the lake-facing Botanical Garden. Around 200 plants, trees, and flowers are on display, while the Geological Park displays 26 types of rock from the regions Nordfjord, Sunnfjord, and Sogn.

There’s a gift shop and cafe at the center to relax with a coffee and browse Norwegian wooly sweaters, handmade jewelry, and local jelly, cured sausage, and honey.

Randsfjorden, near Oslo

Lying directly above Oslo , the trout-filled Randsfjorden is just over an hour’s drive from the capital. Norway’s fourth-biggest lake is long and narrow, with the Dokka and Etna rivers flowing into the north of the lake and the lake draining into the Randselva river to the south.

Great crested grebe

The Randsfjorden’s Dokka delta is a protected wetland and one of the best places near Oslo for bird watching, with plenty of waders and migrating birds. Look out for great crested grebe, pink-footed goose, common teal, tufted duck, common crane, golden plover, and common greenshank.

At the southern tip of Randsfjorden, there’s a child-friendly beach where you can enjoy a splash and swim in the refreshing water. There’s also a fun-filled inflatable bathing park with slides and other obstacles set out in the water that you’ll need to pre-book for a one-hour session.

Lake Skomakerdiket, Bergen

High up above Bergen , Lake Skomakerdiket is located on one of the city’s seven mountains, Fløyfjellet. This peaceful lake is easily reached from the center of Bergen by taking the city’s Fløibanen funicular railway from the lower station on Vetrlidsallmenningen to the top station.

Boarding the funicular is one of the best things to do in Bergen , offering a scenic journey taking less than 10 minutes, with impressive views across the city from the top.

Lake Skomakerdiket is one of the best lakes in Norway to visit if you’re traveling with children. It’s a short 10-minute walk from the station to the lake and there’s a children’s playground right by the top station, too.

Surrounded by green foliage, Skomakerdiket is an idyllic summer spot with free canoe rental from late June to August. You don’t need to pre-book, either. Just turn up at the lake’s pier.

You could also follow the hiking trails from Skomakerdiket to one of Bergen’s other mountains, including Fjellhytten, Blåmann, and Rundemanen.

There’s a cafe by the lake and a restaurant, Fløien, at Fløibanen top station.

Read: Magnificent Mountains in Norway

Hornindalsvatn, near Olden

Lakes in Norway are outrageously beautiful, and Hornindalsvatn is no exception. At 1,686 feet, Hornindalsvatn is Europe’s deepest lake. The water here is also some of the clearest.

Roughly a 30-minute drive north of Olden, head for the village of Grodås, nestled into the lake’s easternmost point. Hire kayaks or rowing boats to paddle across the lake.

If you remember to pack aqua shoes and a wetsuit or suitable swimwear, consider going for an exhilarating swim in the crystalline pool. Trout fishing is popular, too, though you will need a license, which can be purchased from Raftevolds Hotel or Grodås Camping in Grodås.

The village has limited facilities, though there is a cafe and restaurant. Go prepared with snacks and a drink to enjoy beside the lake.

Mosvatnet, Stavanger

This small circular lake on the outskirts of Stavanger is a popular walking and running spot, particularly among locals who live in the south of the city. Stroll from the center of Stavanger to Mosvatnet via the pretty Eiganes neighborhood. You could also rent a bike and enjoy a cycle ride to and around the lake.

Stop at Stavanger Art Museum, located within a contemporary glass-domed building by the lake. Admire the museum’s 19th-century to present-day Norwegian art. The museum houses an exquisite collection of landscape works by 19th-century Norwegian artist Lars Hertervig.

The museum is surrounded by fragrant lavender shrubs and rose bushes during summertime. There’s a cafe with lovely lake views and a gift shop selling a delightful collection of pottery, ceramics, and other locally-sourced souvenirs.

Lovatnet, Olden

A short distance from the villages of Loen and Olden, the silky Lovatnet Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world , fed by mountain streams, mainly from the Jostedalsbreen and Tindefjellbreen glaciers. The water flows from the lake through the Loelva river, finally reaching the spectacular Nordfjorden.

Mount Hoven, Olden

For some of the most jaw-dropping views of one of the best lakes in Norway, hop on the Loen Skylift, a cable car at the innermost section of the Nordfjord. The five-minute cable car journey will whisk you 3,316 feet to the top of Mount Hoven.

Step out to extraordinary views in every direction, including the snowy peak of Mount Skåla, Lake Lovatnet, Jostedalsbreen, Olden, and Nordfjorden.

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Hoven restaurant. On a pleasant day, take a seat at the outdoor terrace to soak up more views and relish dishes such as fresh beetroot salad, a charcuterie platter of locally cured meats, and creamy wild mushroom soup.

Another option in summer is to enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the lake aboard MS Kjenndal II. The boat operates from Sande in the northwest to Kjenndalstova, the southeast tip of the lake, including a two-hour stop.

Sit back and enjoy the dramatic backdrop of dense pine forests, which appear to tumble into the luminous emerald lake. You’ll also get a glimpse of the magnificent Ramnefjellsfossen, one of Norway’s most impressive waterfalls , which drops in four stages from a total height of 2,684 feet.

During a stop in Kjenndalstova, enjoy deliciously sweet waffles and a steaming cup of coffee before returning to Sande. If you’re eager to get even closer to the water, rent a boat or canoe in Kjenndalstova and enjoy a paddle on the lake.

Read: Best Lakes in Europe

Hålandsvatnet, Stavanger

Located just a few miles northwest of Stavanger, Hålandsvatnet is one of the most serene lakes in Norway.

A five-mile trail conveniently loops around the lake, offering you the opportunity to hike Hålandsvatnet in its entirety on a neatly carved path. You could also tie a visit to Hålandsvatnet in with a coastal hike and continue towards Vistestranden, a small sandy cove that lies less than one mile from the lake.

Tyrifjorden, near Oslo

The gorgeous, sapphire-blue Tyrifjorden near Oslo branches in four directions, forming a unique H-shape. The lake is surrounded by swathes of pine forest with small, sandy Norwegian beaches dotted around the shore.

Pick a section of the lake and follow some of the best hiking in Norway either on the shore or in the dense woodlands that surround it. There’s little else here, so Tyrifjorden is perfect if you’re looking for a more scenic off-the-grid activity when visiting Oslo. Pack water and snacks to keep you going.

Oldevatnet, Olden

Oldevatnet is within easy reach of Olden, not far from the striking ​​Briksdalsbreen arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier. This shimmering strip is cradled between jagged, green-covered mountains, with mountain vistas reflected in the water.

Between June and August, you can hire three-person canoes, two-person kayaks, and five-seater timber boats from Yri Outdoor on the lake’s west shore. Yri Outdoor also doubles as an alfresco cafe serving fresh bites alongside breathtaking lake views. Mountain hikes are popular, too.

Whether you decide to go active on the lake or stay shoreside and marvel at the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers, time spent at Oldevatnet is guaranteed to be a peaceful experience.

Lake Mjøsa, near Oslo

The 73-mile-long Mjøsa is Norway’s largest lake. The lake’s southern tip, Minnesund, is a 50-minute drive from Oslo, while the northern point, the winter ski resort of Lillehammer, an outdoor adventure center in summer, is just over a two-hour drive.

There are multiple kayak, bike, and boat hire stations around the lake, including in Tingnes, the midpoint of Mjøsa, and the location of the lake’s information office. Fishing is popular in Mjøsa, too, with large brown trout in abundance in the pristine waters.

In Hamar, on the east shore of Mjøsa, you’ll encounter one of Norway’s most famous diving towers. A jetty leads to a walkway, leading to a modernist, circular dive platform built into the water. Join locals and make a splash into the glistening water.

Afterward, enjoy a relaxing waterside sauna experience at Kok’s sauna boat. The sauna cabin features a large window with lake views. Paddleboarding and water skiing are also available during the summer months. Hamar offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés, too.

A direct train service operates between Oslo Central Station and Hamar, which takes just over an hour, making Lake Mjøsa perfect for a day trip.

From Olden to Oslo, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing are just some of the activities on offer at the best lakes in Norway. Discover this stunning country on a luxury cruise to Norway .

Kerry Spencer

Kerry Spencer has been writing about travel for 15 years. A former magazine editor and the UK editor of Cruise Critic, she lives in London, where she now writes for a number of print and online publications, including Imagine Cruising, Cruise Critic, and Selling Travel, among others.

Related Itineraries

Norwegian Fjords

• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
• DEPARTING FROM ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
• Starting from $983 USD
• Starting from $1266 USD

Best of Scandinavia

• 13 nights ON CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
• DEPARTING FROM AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
• Starting from $1827 USD

Norwegian Fjord & Arctic Circle

• 12 nights ON CELEBRITY APEX
• DEPARTING FROM SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND
• Starting from $2594 USD
• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY APEX
• Starting from $2781 USD
• Starting from $2854 USD

Related Articles

Insider’s Guide to Sorrento, Italy

Insider’s Guide to Limassol, Cyprus

10 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon

20 Best Things to Do in Madeira

Insider’s Guide to Tallinn Old Town

13 Stunning Italy Cruise Ports to Visit

8 Best Hikes in Italy

11 Best Beaches in Singapore

25 Best Desserts in the World

30 Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

17 Unique Places to Visit in California

When Is the Best Time to Visit California?

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Please view our Privacy Policy .

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

10% DISCOUNT ON THE SECOND BOOKING FOR ANOTHER TOUR

• Most Popular

Loen Skylift Tickets & Transportation

Quick Details

• Calendar Schedule: Every 30 min
• Duration : as long as you want.
• Shuttle : every 30 min | Olden – Loen (6 kilometers)
• Included : transfer directly to and from the cruise pier in Olden; a comprehensive network of hiking trails
• Mt. Hoven is at 1011 meters above sea level.
• Hoven Restaurant & Bar at the Mountain Station

Discover one of the steepest cable cars in the world

Norway’s new attraction has opened! Loen Skylift is located only 6 kilometers from the Port of Olden and takes you from the fjord to the top of Mt. Hoven (1011 meters) in only five minutes. Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable cars in the world and offers a breathtaking and unforgettable view of the Norwegian fjord landscape.

After five airy minutes, you arrive at the Mountain Station and Hoven Restaurant, where you can enjoy a 210-degree panoramic view overlooking Mt. Skåla and Lake Lovatnet in the east, Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Olden in the south, and the Nordfjord that winds its way towards Stryn in the west.

Each cabin has room for 35 passengers. Loen Skylift runs continuously during operating hours without fixed departure times.

Breathtaking views of the fjord landscape

From Mount Hoven, you can explore the mountain on your own on a comprehensive network of trails on foot in the summer or skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. The possibilities are many — the choice is yours.

Olden Adventure offers a package including Loen Skylift and transfers directly to and from the cruise pier in Olden. Departures are on the hour from the pier and every half hour from Loen throughout the day as long as the ship is docked in Olden, giving you as much time as you wish in Loen.

• The shuttle bus goes between Olden and Loen.
• The ride on the bus takes about 10 minutes each way along the Nordfjord.
• The drop-off point in Loen is directly by the fjord station of Loen Skylift.
• Chevron down Meeting Point

Check in is at our pre booked desk next to Olden Adventure Office on the pier. You will find us just to the right after leaving the security gate. Note that we will have a representative checking you in at the tender port if the ship is at anchor.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund when cancelling 24 hours before the tour starts. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather circumstances or if the cruise ship is not coming to Olden for whatever reason.

Related Excursions

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Briksdal Glacier Shuttle Bus

Hop on the bus and explore Olden’s beautiful turquoise waters at the famous Briksdal Glacier!

• Hour Glass 1 hour

Open Top Glacier Sightseeing

Climb aboard our open-top bus and take a tour of the beautiful landscapes of Olden!

Kjenndalsbreen Glacier

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

KJENNDALSBREEN GLACIER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (7.36 mi) Oldevatn Camping
• (8.04 mi) Olden Camping
• (8.35 mi) Sande Camping
• (7.98 mi) Gryta Camping
• (9.13 mi) Melkevoll Bretun
• (2.48 mi) Kjenndalstova
• (8.55 mi) Aabrekk Gard
• (9.02 mi) Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge Restaurant
• (9.96 mi) Molla Gjestehus
• (9.75 mi) Stabukk Café

Lovatnet Lake

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lovatnet Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Moscow - St. Petersburg 5-star cruise by Vodohod

8 days and 7 nights

• Moscow - St. Petersburg Cruise
• Route Moscow - Uglich - Goritsy - Kizhi - Mandrogui - St. Petersburg
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Rostropovich
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.
• Prices and Dates

Moscow : Welcome on board! Check in begins at 14:00 (2.00 PM), but you may board earlier or later depending on you arrival in Moscow. If you order a transfer, you will be met at the airport or train station by one of our drivers and taken by comfortable car to the river port where you will board your cruise ship (transfer is optional).

Over the next few days, you will get the chance to explore Moscow and learn about its riveting history. You will be taken on a city tour and see Moscow's most interesting sights and learn about this amazing city's past and present. You will also have a chance to do some light shopping and there will be time to relax aboard the ship in the evenings. One of the highlights of your time in Moscow is a visit to  Red Square  and the  Kremlin . You will also visit one of the Kremlin's famous cathedrals. The Kremlin as we know it today was rebuilt as a stone structure during the beginning of the 14th century but the actual site has been inhabited and used as a fortified city wall for centuries before this period. The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure - at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city's former military fortification, a palace and the workplace of the Russian President. The Kremlin is the center of Russia's political life and State power and has been home to Tsars, General Secretaries of the Soviet Union and Russian Presidents.

Moscow  is Russia's political and financial capital as well as a major world class cultural center. The city includes many must see attractions from the Kremlin and Red Square to the Assumption Cathedral. Moscow is the largest city in Europe. It is unique in that it blends the ancient with the modern. See medieval structures among modern office buildings, walk down crooked old city streets opening up to wide, busy boulevards. It is a fantastic city and truly a site that shouldn't be missed.

Uglich : You will be taken on a walking city tour with visit to the  Kremlin , the  Church of St. Demitrius on the Blood  and the  Transfiguration cathedral .

Uglich  was founded in 1148 as a small princedom bordering on Muscovy and is one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia. The view of the town as you approach it from the Volga River is breathtaking with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John's Church rising on the horizon. The history of the town is fascinating; At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in honorary exile at the Kremlin in Uglich. It was here in her garden that the 10 year old Prince Dmitry of the Rurik Dynasty, heir to the Russian throne was murdered by Boris Godunov who wanted to seize power for himself. On the spot of his death, the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood was built and still stands today. The death of Prince Dmitri brought on the start of the Time of Troubles, a dynastic and political crises and one of the most tumultuous periods in Russian history which ended 15 years later after the election of a new Tsar, Mikhail Romanov (the first Tsar of the Romanov Dynasty). Inside the Kremlin the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry also stands. During your time in Uglich you will learn more about the town's past and walk along the paths of Russian history.

Arrival in the ancient village of  Goritsy . Tour of the  St. Cyril on the White Lake Monastery  and the  Museum of Icons .

Goritsy  is a tiny settlement 7 kilometers from the St. Cyril on the White Lake Monastery. The remains of the Nunnery of the Resurrection that sits on the banks of the Sheksna River can be visited and is within a quarter of a mile of where the ship stops. Goritsy is definitely a site to see for anyone with an interest in Russian history. St. Cyril on the White Lake was founded in 1397 by Kirill Belosersky on the shore of Lake Siverskoye. The monastery had wide trade in the 15th to 17th centuries and was used as a fortress to protect Russia's nobility during the Times of Troubles.

After the tour you will return to your ship and set sail in the direction of St. Petersburg along the Volga Baltic Canal. The Volga Baltic Canal is a series of canals and rivers that connect the Volga river to the Baltic Sea.

You'll cruise along Europe's second largest lake,  Lake Onega  and arrive on the island of  Kizhi . Here you will visit a fascinating open-air museum containing numerous examples of elaborate Russian, wooden architecture.

Kizhi Island : Via the Volga Baltic Canal, our cruise takes us to the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. The island is renowned for its open-air  Museum of Architecture , which is assembled from over 80 monuments of wooden architecture from various areas of the country and restored to form a glimpse of the past. The most impressive site on the island is the  Church of the Transfiguration or Preobrazhenskaya  (the church of twenty-two wooden domes). This masterpiece of architecture, featuring five tiers of 22 domes, was built in 1714 without the use of a single nail, only an axe and pine trees. The church magically changes color as the day grows old, it is certainly one of the most interesting things you will see during your time in Russia.

A stop in the village of  Mandrogui . Enjoy walking around this traditional Russian village in its beautiful setting and spend a day of rest, relaxation and fun. We will have a fantastic barbeque picnic on the banks of the river featuring one of Russia's favorite specialties - shashlik (meat shish kebab prepared on an outdoor fire). You will love it!

Mandrogui  is really more of a living museum than a live-in village. It features a collection of old wooden houses and is geared towards showing visitors what a traditional Russian village resembled in the past. One of the features here is the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of Russia's favorite pastime.

Arrival in the imperial capital of Russia -  St. Petersburg . Your time in St. Petersburg will begin with a  Panoramic City Tour . This tour is the best way to get acquainted with all of the city's major highlights. Our professional guide will take you down  Nevsky Prospect , St. Petersburg's most famous and vibrant thoroughfare. There you will see some of the city's most interesting architectural monuments including the Kazan Cathedral (exterior) and the Winter Palace. You will see the  Peter and Paul Fortress  (interior) - a symbol of St. Petersburg and also the oldest building in the city.

One of the highlights of your entire cruise will be a visit to the  Hermitage , Russia's premier museum containing one of the largest art collections in the world. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace - the residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum contains over 3 million pieces of art with dates ranging from high antiquity to the present day. Among the Hermitage's treasures are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and many others.

On the last day of your cruise you will say goodbye to Russia, your ship's crew and the many new friends we are sure you will have met during your time with us. We are sure that your memories of the trip will last a lifetime and we look forward to welcoming you to Russia sometime in the future. Our driver will meet you at the ship and take you to the airport to see you off (transfer is optional).

St. Petersburg  is Russia's second largest and second most important city - the Northern capital of the country, Russia's cultural center, and considered the world's 'Northern Venice' due to its extensive system of canals and islands. Walk along Nevsky Prospect and experience the grandeur of pre-revolutionary imperial Russia. Pass palaces from the past and gaze at the famous embankment of the Neva River with its numerous bridges and striking architecture. St. Petersburg is also home to Russia's largest and busiest port and with its many world class theaters and museums has a very high level of cultural life.

Prices and Terms

Prices are per person.

The surcharge for single occupancy in a double cabin is 75% of the total cruise price. Surcharge for single occupancy in Deluxe or Suite cabin is 100% of the cruise price.

Included meals:

• Full board, three meals per day (from dinner on arrival day to continental breakfast on departure day). In case of late arrival (after 23:00) or early departure (before 06:00) a boxed meal is provided instead of dinner/breakfast. Breakfast is buffet style, lunch and dinner are served at your table.
• Coffee station (tea, coffee, biscuits) available from 06:00 to 19:00;
• 1 bottle of mineral water (0.5 l) per person per day in cabin;
• Lunches in the city: water for your table;
• Dinners in the city: 1 bottle of mineral water (0.5 l) + 1 glass (150 ml) of red/white wine or 1 glass of juice (200 ml) per person;
• Lunches and Dinners on board:
• For lunch and dinner: white/red/sparkling wine/beer in glasses (with no limit), water with no limit
• For breakfast: water with no limit, Cappuccino or Espresso without extra charge 
• Welcome “bread and salt” ceremony;
• Welcome cocktail - 1 glass of sparkling wine or juice per person;
• Tea or coffee for all meals;
• Russian Tea Ceremony;
• Themed dinners;
• “Captain’s dinner” with a special menu
• In cool weather: hot tea upon returning on board after shore excursions;
• In hot weather: Cold iced tea or juice upon returning on board after shore excursions;

Included services in cabins

• Bathrobes in Suite cabins;
• Toiletries provided in all cabins - shampoo 30 ml., shower gel 30 ml., conditioner 30 ml., body lotion 30 ml. (refill as needed), shower cap, slippers;
• Safe in all cabins;
• Minibar in Suite cabins (for additional fee);
• TVs and phones in all cabins.

Included services on board

• Hot towels upon returning on board after shore excursions;
• Onboard guides speaking English / French / German / Spanish / Italian; service of onboard guides for other foreign languages can be provided upon request for an additional fee;
• Sightseeing programs in each port as per itinerary (optional tours are available on board)
• Daily entertainment including lessons of the Russian language and Russian songs, dance evenings, folklore concerts, and more.
• Headsets for shore excursions
• Luggage handling in river ports from the inspection point to the ship and from the ship to the bus, as well as on board.

Services available on board for an additional fee:

• Optional tours
• Culinary master class;
• Vodka tasting with traditional snacks;
• Sports equipment rental: bicycles, Nordic walking poles, folding chair canes;
• Bottled water during shore excursions
• Birthday greetings (cake, music)
• Hairdresser services

Other included services:

• Russian visa invitation  - the document necessary for obtaining a Russian visa when applying for a Russian visa at the local Russian Consulate in your country.  PLEASE NOTE:  your passport should be valid for no less than 6 months after the planned departure from Russia and it should have at least 2 blank pages. The process of applying for a visa may take a long time and we recommend that you start the process 3 months before your trip. In case you are booking the trip last minute, we recommend that you check with the Russian Consulate in your country whether you have enough time for the visa application process. In case you have to cancel your trip because of visa issues standard cancellation policy will be applied. 

Not included:

• Visa processing costs. For US, UK, Australian, Indian and Canadian citizens, our company offers  Full Visa Support . With Full Visa Support, you send us your passport and other documentation and we obtain the Russian visa for you. 
• International airfare.
• Arrival and departure transfers. We can arrange these for an extra fee.
• Additional drinks and water in ship restaurant and drinks from onboard bars
• Suggested gratuity for crew and staff (7€ or $10 per traveler per day)
• Forwarding of baggage/souvenirs
• Travel insurance.  We highly recommend to purchase travel insurance before embarking on your trip to Russia. It’s always good to have extra protection while traveling far from home.  Click here  to learn more.
• Items of a personal nature (laundry services, bar charges, beauty salon services, telephone and cable charges and medical services).

Please be informed that all pre/post cruise services (additional arr/dep transfers, hotel accommodations, additional excursions, etc.) can also be arranged by us.

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY IN 2022:

Conditions of payment:  To book your cruise, a 25% irrevocable deposit is required. The trip must be fully paid 75 days before the cruise starting date.

Cancellation terms:  75 or more days before the trip – a fee equal to 25% of the entire package will be charged. 74-65 days before the trip – a fee equal to 30% of the entire package will be charged. 64-41 days before the trip – a fee equal to 60% of the entire package will be charged. 40-35 days before the trip – a fee equal to 75% of the entire package will be charged. 34 days or less before the trip or in the event of a no-show - a fee equal to 100% of the package will be charged.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

Request a quote download brochure

Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Lorem Ipsum

Moscow to Astrakhan

14 days – 13 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Airport transfer / Check-in

Volga dream experience:

City Tour / Moscow Metro/ Tretyakov Gallery

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum 

Volga dream experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Russian Cooking Class

Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony

Relaxing day of leisure / Onboard activities

Volga dream experience: An onboard presentation

City tour / XVIth-century Kremlin / Folk concert by a local children’s group

Volga dream experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

City tour /  Kazan Kremlin / Concert of traditional Tatar music

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

City tour / Space Museum /  Samara State Art Museum

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

City tour /  Radishev State Art Museum

Volga dream experience: -

Mamayev Hill / Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum

Concert in a local Conservatory

Volga dream experience: Concert in a local Conservatory

Tour to a fortress of Astrakhan

Volga dream experience: Farewell dinner

Check-out / Airport transfer

Meals: Breakfast

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

Choose a date

View all months

Choose Staterooms

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

Request a quote

Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

Text: A A A Print ECNS Wire

• China's expanded visa-free policy to boost cruise travel

(ECNS) -- Foreign tourist groups arriving in China by cruise ship via all ports along the country's coastline will be exempt from visas, the country announced on Wednesday.

Tourist groups each consisting of two foreigners or more, and organized or received by Chinese travel agencies, can enter China visa-free on board cruise ships via designated ports in 13 Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Sanya, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

Since October 2016, China has been piloting a visa-free policy for inbound cruise tourist groups in Shanghai. Since the implementation of the policy, the city has seen an annual average growth of 10 percent in cruise passenger arrivals.

Previously, the scope of stay under the pilot policy in Shanghai was limited to cities where cruise ports were located along with nearby cities and Beijing. While now they can visit coastal provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions as well as Beijing, an NIA statement noted.

Mao Xu, a senior NIA official, remarked that the new policy would make inbound cruise ports more flexible, and will be beneficial for foreign cruise liners to plan more diverse routes.

China resumed international cruise transportation to and from Chinese ports in September 2023. Last year, the number of domestic and foreign passengers transported by Chinese cruise ships exceeded 107,000. Currently, the inbound cruise tourism market in China is showing promising momentum.

Li Tao, a senior official at the border inspection department of the NIA, said that foreign passengers arriving by cruise ship are exempt from providing fingerprint biometric information. Passengers entering and exiting the country on the same cruise voyage are exempt from entry and exit stamps and from filling out foreigner arrival cards, further enhancing efficiency.

Besides, several Chinese government departments have jointly issued a notice stating that all national 5A and 4A tourist attractions, national and provincial-level tourist resorts, national-level tourist leisure districts, as well as three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels, must accept both domestic and foreign bank cards. Efforts are being made to actively establish foreign currency exchange points in cultural and tourism venues with a significant number of foreign visitors, aiming to improve the quality of foreign currency exchange services.

Related news

Int'l students hit by UK visa changes

Surge seen in searches for travel to Cuba following visa-free policy for Chinese nationals

Marine ecological pasture complex gains development momentum in E China

Folk festival Siyueba celebrated in Guizhou

Magnificent scenery of Gangshika snow peak in Qinghai

Giant planet with density like cotton candy discovered

Intercity rails in Guangdong begin trial operations

Stunning sunset glow illuminates Beijing sky

Collapsed Baltimore bridge starts demolition in U.S.

Two-color water lily blooms in West Lake

In Numbers: China Brand Day 2024

Saltwater rice transplanted in Xinjiang

Golden harvest scenery of wheat field in E China

Cheongsam show presents elegance of old Chinese fashion

Asia's first FPSO facility sets sail in E China

China launches Shiyan-23 satellite

10,000-metric ton-class river-sea vessel completes maiden voyage to Chongqing

Lotus enters blooming season in summer

In Numbers: International Nurses Day

Poster: Happy Mother's Day

Xi attends farewell event held by Hungarian PM Orban

China Brand Day 2024 held in Shanghai

Construction of Changtai Yangtze River Bridge in progress

Starry night with rare aurora borealis in N China

China in Diplomat's Eyes｜Vibrant China through lens by Jordanian diplomat

2,000-year-old Chinese relics exhibited in Hungary

Victory Day military parade held in Moscow

Scenery of karst sinkhole in Guangxi

Insights | China and Europe: Growing cooperation and strong consensus against hegemony

China sends Smart Skynet-1 01 satellite into space

'Panda Train' on China-Laos railway makes debut in SW China

Wheat enters harvest in Yunnan

Xi arrives in Budapest for state visit to Hungary

Xi, Vucic jointly meet press in Belgrade

Xi attends welcome ceremony held by Serbian President Vucic

China's third aircraft carrier completes maiden sea trial

Xi arrives in Belgrade for state visit to Serbia

A glimpse of Serbia's capital Belgrade

Most popular in 24h, more top news.

• China achieves localization of core high-density connectivity module for quantum computing
• Chinese business community strongly criticizes new tariffs
• Rumormongers in Taiwan to face sanctions
• Beijing warns Manila not to abuse fishing arrangement

The 'Song' of Yunnan Tea｜Why Have They Come from Afar and Chosen Yunnan?

The "Ya" of Yunnan Tea｜A Yunnan Bamboo Weaver's Bond with Tea