At a Glance
Quick Overview Guide Type Travel Guide
Updated Jan 2026
Read Time 11 min
Region Fjord Norway
A fjord cruise is often the highlight of any Norway trip—gliding through deep blue waters beneath towering cliffs, watching waterfalls cascade from impossible heights, and experiencing landscapes that seem almost too dramatic to be real. But to get the most from your fjord cruise, some planning goes a long way. From choosing the right route to knowing what to pack, these tips will help you maximise your Norwegian fjord experience.
Choosing Your Fjord Cruise
Types of Cruises
| Type | Duration | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise | 1.5-3 hours | Local fjord exploration |
| Day cruise | 4-8 hours | Multiple fjords/stops |
| Norway in a Nutshell | 1-2 days | Train + fjord combo |
| Hurtigruten/Havila | 6-12 days | Coastal voyage |
| Expedition cruise | 5-14 days | Remote areas, wildlife |
Best Cruises by Interest
Photography enthusiasts:
- Nærøyfjord (narrow, dramatic)
- Geirangerfjord (waterfalls)
- Sunrise/sunset cruises
First-time visitors:
- Norway in a Nutshell (comprehensive)
- Flåm-Gudvangen cruise (classic)
- Hurtigruten (ultimate experience)
Adventure seekers:
- RIB boat tours (high-speed)
- Kayak + cruise combos
- Winter aurora cruises
Budget travellers:
- Public ferries (same views, lower price)
- Half-day cruises
- Self-arranged combinations
What to Pack
Essential Items
Clothing layers:
- Base layer (thermal or moisture-wicking)
- Insulating layer (fleece or wool jumper)
- Windproof outer layer (jacket)
- Waterproof shell (rain jacket)
- Warm hat and gloves (yes, even in summer)
- Scarf or neck gaiter
Footwear:
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes
- Warm socks
- Consider waterproof boots for deck
Accessories:
- Sunglasses (reflection off water is intense)
- Sunscreen (UV reflects off water and cliffs)
- Binoculars (for wildlife and distant waterfalls)
Photography Gear
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Camera with good zoom | Capture distant waterfalls and wildlife |
| Extra batteries | Cold drains batteries faster |
| Extra memory cards | You’ll take more photos than expected |
| Lens cloth | Salt spray and mist |
| Waterproof bag/case | Protect from spray |
| Tripod (compact) | Optional, for serious photographers |
Personal Items
- Motion sickness medication (if prone)
- Snacks and drinks (limited options on some boats)
- Water bottle
- Phone charger/power bank
- Small rucksack (leave hands free)
Best Time to Cruise
Summer (June-August)
Pros:
- Warmest weather (15-22°C)
- Longest daylight (up to 20 hours)
- All routes operating
- Midnight sun in north
Cons:
- Most crowded
- Higher prices
- Book well in advance
Shoulder Season (May, September-October)
Pros:
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Dramatic lighting
- Autumn colours (September)
Cons:
- Cooler temperatures
- Shorter days
- Some routes reduced
Winter (November-April)
Pros:
- Magical snowy scenery
- Almost no crowds
- Lower prices
- Northern lights (northern fjords)
Cons:
- Cold temperatures
- Limited daylight (6-8 hours)
- Some routes closed
- Icy conditions possible
Avoiding Seasickness
Prevention Tips
- Choose your seat wisely: Middle of the boat has less motion
- Stay on deck: Fresh air helps significantly
- Focus on the horizon: Helps your inner ear
- Take medication early: 30-60 minutes before boarding
- Eat lightly: Avoid heavy, greasy foods
- Stay hydrated: But avoid alcohol
- Ginger: Natural remedy (tea, tablets, sweets)
Fjord Advantage
Good news: Fjord waters are generally very calm. Unlike open ocean cruising, fjords are protected from large waves by surrounding mountains. Most passengers don’t experience seasickness, even those prone to it on ocean voyages.
Photography Tips
Camera Settings
| Condition | Suggested Settings |
|---|---|
| Bright day | ISO 100-400, f/8-11 |
| Overcast | ISO 400-800, f/5.6-8 |
| Waterfalls | Fast shutter (1/500+) or slow (1/4s with tripod) |
| Wildlife | Continuous autofocus, burst mode |
Composition Tips
- Rule of thirds: Position cliffs and waterfalls off-centre
- Include foreground: Use the boat railing or deck
- Capture scale: Include other boats or people
- Reflections: Calm mornings offer mirror-like water
- Vertical shots: Cliffs suit vertical framing
Best Photo Spots
Nærøyfjord:
- The narrowest section (250m wide)
- Waterfalls on both sides
- Historic farm buildings
Geirangerfjord:
- Seven Sisters waterfall
- Eagle’s Bend viewpoint approach
- Abandoned cliff farms
Onboard Experience
What to Expect
Seating:
- Indoor seating (heated, windows)
- Outdoor decks (best views, cold)
- Premium seating on some boats (reserve ahead)
Facilities:
- Toilets (usually clean and adequate)
- Café/restaurant (varies by vessel)
- Gift shop (larger boats)
- WiFi (some vessels, often patchy)
Commentary:
- Audio guide or live commentary
- Multiple languages usually available
- Information about passing landmarks
Deck Etiquette
- Don’t block views for others
- Be aware of camera angles
- Mind the railings (don’t lean over)
- Keep belongings secure in wind
- Respect quiet moments
Cruise Routes Comparison
UNESCO Fjords
| Route | Duration | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flåm-Gudvangen | 2 hours | Nærøyfjord, narrow passage | Classic experience |
| Geirangerfjord cruise | 1.5 hours | Seven Sisters, cliff farms | Waterfall lovers |
| Hellesylt-Geiranger | 1 hour | Through UNESCO waters | Connecting route |
Other Popular Routes
| Route | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen coastal | 3-5 hours | Island-hopping, coast |
| Lysefjord from Stavanger | 3 hours | Preikestolen from below |
| Hardangerfjord | 2-4 hours | Fruit orchards, waterfalls |
Booking Tips
When to Book
| Season | How Far Ahead |
|---|---|
| Peak summer (July-August) | 2-3 months |
| June, September | 1-2 months |
| Shoulder/Winter | 1-2 weeks |
Where to Book
Official operators:
- Fjord Tours (Norway in a Nutshell)
- Visit Flåm
- Hurtigruten/Havila
Third-party sites:
- GetYourGuide
- Viator
- Klook
Benefits of direct booking:
- Often better cancellation policies
- Easier changes
- Sometimes lower prices
Saving Money
- Book in advance: Early bird discounts
- Combo packages: Train + cruise deals
- Off-season travel: Lower prices
- Public ferries: Same route, cheaper
- Bring own food: Café prices are high
Weather Considerations
Checking Conditions
Best resources:
- Yr.no (Norway’s official weather service)
- Norwegian Meteorological Institute
- Local tourist offices
What Each Condition Means
| Weather | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rain | Deck time limited, but fjord still beautiful |
| Fog | Can reduce visibility dramatically |
| Wind | Deck may be uncomfortable |
| Snow (winter) | Magical scenery, dress very warmly |
| Sunny | Best photos, most crowded |
Special Considerations
Travelling with Children
Tips:
- Dress them very warmly
- Bring snacks and entertainment
- Choose shorter cruises (2-3 hours)
- Indoor seating helps with restless kids
- Point out wildlife to keep them engaged
Accessibility
Most cruises offer:
- Wheelchair access (check specific vessel)
- Accessible toilets
- Indoor seating options
- Assistance with boarding
Book ahead and notify operator of accessibility needs.
Dietary Requirements
- Bring your own food if strict requirements
- Limited vegetarian/vegan options onboard
- Notify ahead for multi-day cruises
- Pack allergy-friendly snacks
Maximising Your Experience
Before Boarding
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early
- Use facilities before boarding
- Grab a good deck position
- Have camera ready
- Put on warm layers
During the Cruise
- Move around the deck for different angles
- Listen to commentary for context
- Look for wildlife (seals, eagles)
- Enjoy quiet moments without camera
- Try both indoor and outdoor areas
After Disembarking
- Check for lost items
- Explore the destination village
- Combine with other activities (hiking, museums)
- Compare photos with fellow travellers
Combining with Other Activities
Perfect Pairings
| Cruise | Add-On |
|---|---|
| Nærøyfjord | Flåm Railway |
| Geirangerfjord | Eagle Road drive |
| Lysefjord | Preikestolen hike |
| Hardangerfjord | Trolltunga hike |
Sample Itineraries
One-Day Combo:
- Morning: Flåm Railway
- Afternoon: Nærøyfjord cruise
- Evening: Explore Gudvangen or return to Flåm
Multi-Day Adventure:
- Day 1: Bergen to Flåm via train
- Day 2: Nærøyfjord cruise + hiking
- Day 3: Continue to Geiranger
- Day 4: Geirangerfjord cruise + viewpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t:
- Underdress: The biggest mistake—bring more layers
- Stay inside: You’ll miss the best views and fresh air
- Wait until last minute to book: Summer cruises sell out
- Forget batteries: Cold drains them faster
- Skip the commentary: You’ll miss interesting facts
- Rush to get off: Often the best photos are at dock
- Ignore seasickness prevention: Take medication early
- Overpack: A small rucksack is enough
Final Checklist
Before your fjord cruise:
- Weather forecast checked
- Warm layers packed
- Waterproof outer layer ready
- Camera charged, extra batteries
- Motion sickness prevention (if needed)
- Snacks and water
- Binoculars (optional)
- Tickets/booking confirmed
- Arrived early for good position
For official cruise information, visit Fjord Tours and Visit Norway.