Norway's Brønnøysund readies new 2027 cruise
Cruise Norway's familiarization trip concluded in Brønnøysund, showcasing new shore excursions launching in 2027.
Cruise line representatives explored new shore excursion opportunities in Brønnøysund, Norway, during the final leg of a Cruise Norway familiarization trip. The September 10-11, 2026, visit highlighted a diverse portfolio of experiences set to launch for cruise passengers in 2027.
Port Infrastructure and Access
Brønnøysund's main cruise facility is the Gardsøya pier. This 100-meter-long pier can accommodate ships up to 260 meters in length. Port Director Sølvi Helen Kristoffersen told Seatrade Cruise that recent enhancements, including new mooring bollards from a cargo export pier, have allowed larger vessels from lines like AIDA and Viking to berth. The pier is ISPS-compliant and offers water filling services. A comfortable 2 km pathway connects it to the town center.
Shore power is not yet available for cruise ships. "We're in a waiting queue to get more power out to the coast," Kristoffersen explained. Future plans include constructing a dolphin north of the existing pier to handle ships up to 300 meters long, requiring two hours for entry with available tugboat assistance.
Historical and Natural Attractions
The trip began with a visit to the International War Cemetery, about 25km south of Sandnessjøen. The site holds approximately 7,500 war victims from World War II, including those from the Rigel disaster and Soviet prisoners of war. The group also visited the Tjøtta Guesthouse, a 19th-century inn located 40 km from Sandnessjøen, which serves as a base for exploring the Seven Sisters mountain range and other cultural sites.
A key highlight was Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark and the iconic Torghatten mountain, known for its distinctive hole. The walk to the opening is 120 meters uphill, with parts of the path made wheelchair-friendly. The experience typically takes 2.5 hours for a shore excursion, including guide stories and light refreshments like lefse and tea. The hole is open from April 15 to October 15, with May and June offering optimal viewing.
| Attraction | Key Feature | Typical Duration | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| International War Cemetery | WWII memorial with ~7,500 graves | Not specified | 25km from Sandnessjøen |
| Torghatten Mountain | Mountain with a hole, UNESCO Geopark | 2.5 hours | 120m uphill walk, path partially wheelchair-friendly, 40-min bus from port |
| Tjøtta Guesthouse | 19th-century island inn | Not specified | Base for exploring Helgeland coast |
Sustainable Aquaculture and Culinary Stops
The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre offers tours on modern salmon farming. Staff noted that "2.9 million tons of salmon was produced in the world" last year. The tour covers reduced antibiotic use and vaccination programs, concluding with a salmon tasting. The centre can host two groups of 20-25 people simultaneously for tours in Norwegian, German, or English. A full visit, including transport, often extends to 2.5 hours. The upstairs exhibition area is not wheelchair accessible.
The final stop was Hildurs Herb Garden (Hilders Urterarium), 6.5 km north of Brønnøysund. Atle Torbjørn, who now runs the family farm, described it as "a living library of knowledge... A place of discovery." The gardens feature medicinal plants and a replica Stone Age hut used for fish smoking. For cruise passengers, the venue currently offers coffee and cake in a cosy wooden room or a summer café, with tours lasting about two hours including transport. There are no immediate plans to expand dining options for cruise groups.
The familiarization trip demonstrated Brønnøysund's readiness to welcome cruise tourists with a mix of nature, history, and local industry, all accessible from its developing port infrastructure.
