At a Glance
Quick OverviewCruising through Norway’s fjords delivers landscapes almost impossible to comprehend—sheer cliffs rising 1,000 metres from mirror-still waters, waterfalls cascading from impossible heights, and tiny farms clinging to mountainsides that humans somehow called home for centuries. Whether you choose a UNESCO-listed fjord sightseeing cruise, a multi-day coastal voyage, or an exhilarating RIB boat safari, exploring Norway’s fjords by water offers perspectives that no road can match. This is bucket-list travel at its finest.
According to Fjord Tours, Norway’s leading tour operator, the country’s fjord cruises “take you through the most scenic parts of Norway” combining iconic highlights with authentic local experiences along UNESCO World Heritage waters.
The Major Fjords
Geirangerfjord
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- 15 km of dramatic fjord
- 1,000+ metre cliff walls
- Famous waterfall trio
- Abandoned mountain farms
- Most visited Norwegian fjord
Famous waterfalls:
- Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstre)
- The Suitor (Friaren)
- The Bridal Veil (Brudesløret)
Cruise options:
- 60-90 minute sightseeing cruises
- Full fjord exploration tours
- RIB boat safaris
- Kayak alternatives
Nærøyfjord
UNESCO World Heritage (Sognefjord branch):
- Europe’s narrowest fjord
- Just 250 metres wide at narrowest
- 1,700-metre mountain walls
- Norway in a Nutshell route
- Electric vessels for silent cruising
Experience:
- Flåm to Gudvangen route
- 2-hour cruise
- Premium electric vessel option
- Part of famous combined tours
Sognefjord
King of the Fjords:
- Norway’s longest (204 km)
- Deepest (1,308 metres)
- Multiple scenic branches
- Gateway to Flåm
- Diverse cruise options
Notable branches:
- Aurlandsfjord
- Nærøyfjord
- Lustrafjord
- Fjærlandsfjord
Hardangerfjord
Queen of the Fjords:
- Second longest (179 km)
- Fruit orchards on shores
- Gentler, more pastoral scenery
- Folgefonna glacier views
- Less crowded than Geirangerfjord
Lysefjord
Dramatic cliff scenery:
- Pulpit Rock viewpoint above
- Kjeragbolten access
- 3-hour cruises from Stavanger
- Steep, dramatic walls
- Mountain goat sightings
Types of Fjord Cruises
Sightseeing Cruises
Classic fjord experience:
- 60-90 minute duration
- Covered passenger vessels
- Commentary/audio guides
- Café facilities
- All-weather sailing
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Limited time
- All ages
- Weather uncertain
Popular routes:
- Geirangerfjord roundtrip
- Flåm-Gudvangen (Nærøyfjord)
- Hardangerfjord cruises
Combined Tour Packages
Norway in a Nutshell:
- Bergen Railway + Flåm Railway + Cruise
- Full day or multi-day options
- Seamless transportation
- See our Norway in a Nutshell Guide
Sognefjord in a Nutshell:
- Extended Sognefjord exploration
- Glacier options
- More time in fjord villages
Geirangerfjord packages:
- Rauma Railway combination
- Trollstigen connection
- Multi-modal experience
RIB Boat Safaris
Adrenaline experience:
- Small rigid inflatable boats
- Close to waterfalls
- Wildlife encounters
- Spray suits provided
- 1-3 hour tours
Best for:
- Adventure seekers
- Photography enthusiasts
- Closer nature experience
- Smaller groups
Electric Vessel Cruises
Silent fjord experience:
- Zero-emission vessels
- No engine noise
- Enhanced wildlife viewing
- Premium experience
- Future of the Fjords vessel
Multi-Day Cruises
Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage:
- Bergen to Kirkenes (7-12 days)
- 34 ports
- Trollfjord included
- See our Hurtigruten Guide
Large cruise ships:
- International cruise lines
- Multiple fjord visits
- Full ship amenities
- Less intimate experience
Cruise Departure Points
Bergen
Primary gateway:
- Largest fjord cruise hub
- Norway in a Nutshell departures
- Sognefjord access
- Hardangerfjord trips
- Hurtigruten departures
Flåm
Sognefjord hub:
- Nærøyfjord cruises start/end
- Aurlandsfjord access
- Connected to Flåm Railway
- Multiple operators
Geiranger
Geirangerfjord village:
- Local sightseeing cruises
- RIB safaris
- Starting point for fjord exploration
- Seasonal access (summer mainly)
Stavanger
Lysefjord access:
- 3-hour Lysefjord cruises
- Pulpit Rock views from below
- Year-round options
Gudvangen
Nærøyfjord terminus:
- End of Norway in a Nutshell cruise
- Viking Valley location
- Bus connection to Voss
Best Time for Fjord Cruises
Summer (June-August)
Peak season advantages:
- Best weather
- Longest days
- Midnight sun north of Arctic Circle
- All services operating
- Warmest temperatures (15-20°C)
Considerations:
- Most crowded
- Highest prices
- Book well ahead
Spring (May-June)
Emerging season:
- Waterfalls at peak flow
- Snow on peaks
- Fewer crowds
- Good availability
- Warming weather
Autumn (September-October)
Shoulder season:
- Autumn colours
- Reduced crowds
- Good weather possible
- Some services reducing
- Northern Lights beginning
Winter (November-March)
Limited but magical:
- Reduced services
- Dramatic landscapes
- Northern Lights possible
- Cosy atmosphere
- Hurtigruten year-round
What to Expect
Onboard Experience
Large cruise vessels:
- Indoor seating areas
- Outdoor viewing decks
- Café/restaurant
- Commentary/audio guides
- Toilets
- Souvenir shops
Smaller boats:
- More intimate experience
- Closer to water/waterfalls
- Limited facilities
- Weather dependent comfort
Weather Considerations
Be prepared for:
- Temperature changes
- Wind on deck
- Possible rain
- Sun exposure (bring sunscreen)
- Spray on small boats
What to bring:
- Layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
- Camera (waterproof bag for RIBs)
- Warm hat for deck viewing
Popular Cruise Itineraries
Day Trip: Norway in a Nutshell
| Segment | Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen-Myrdal | ~5 hours | Mountain railway |
| Myrdal-Flåm | ~1 hour | Flåm Railway |
| Flåm-Gudvangen | ~2 hours | Nærøyfjord cruise |
| Gudvangen-Voss | ~1 hour | Scenic bus |
| Voss-Bergen | ~1.5 hours | Train |
Half-Day: Geirangerfjord
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise | 60-90 min |
| Waterfall viewing | During cruise |
| Skageflå farm view | Optional |
| Return to Geiranger | Included |
Full Day: Sognefjord from Bergen
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Express boat to Sognefjord |
| Midday | Explore fjord villages |
| Afternoon | Optional Flåm Railway |
| Evening | Return to Bergen |
3-Hour: Lysefjord from Stavanger
| Highlight | Experience |
|---|---|
| Departure | Stavanger harbour |
| Pulpit Rock | View from below |
| Waterfalls | Multiple cascades |
| Wildlife | Mountain goats, seabirds |
| Return | Stavanger harbour |
Costs and Booking
Price Ranges
| Cruise Type | Price Range (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing (1-2 hrs) | £40-80 |
| Norway in a Nutshell | £160-280 |
| RIB safari | £80-160 |
| Lysefjord cruise | £48-80 |
| Hurtigruten segment | £120-400+ |
Booking Tips
When to book:
- Summer: 1-2 months ahead
- Peak dates: Maximum advance
- Shoulder season: 2-4 weeks
- Winter: Last minute possible
Where to book:
- Fjord Tours (official packages)
- GetYourGuide (comparison)
- Viator (alternatives)
- Direct with operators
Cancellation Policies
- Most offer cancellation options
- Weather delays possible
- Insurance recommended
- Check terms carefully
Practical Tips
Getting the Best Experience
Photography:
- Be on deck at departure
- Move sides for different views
- Wide-angle lens essential
- Protect camera from spray
Seating:
- Outdoor deck for views/photos
- Indoor for comfort
- Move around the vessel
- Both sides offer different perspectives
Dining:
- Eat before/after on short cruises
- Longer cruises have café options
- Bring snacks for flexibility
Motion Sickness
Fjord conditions:
- Generally calm waters
- Protected from open sea
- Rare issues for most travellers
- Medication if sensitive
Accessibility
Large vessels:
- Generally accessible
- Wheelchair areas
- Contact operator ahead
Small boats:
- Limited accessibility
- Requires mobility
- Check specific requirements
Beyond Cruising
Alternative Fjord Experiences
Kayaking:
- Paddling in protected waters
- Guided tours available
- Nærøyfjord popular
- Close to nature
Hiking:
- Trails above fjords
- Viewpoint hikes
- Combine with cruises
Stand-Up Paddleboarding:
- Calm fjord waters
- Growing popularity
- Hire and tours available
Final Advice
Norwegian fjord cruises offer perspectives that simply cannot be experienced from shore. The scale of the cliffs, the intimacy of the waterfalls, the tiny farms perched on impossible ledges—these reveal themselves fully only from the water. Choose your fjord based on what draws you: Geirangerfjord for drama, Nærøyfjord for narrowness, Sognefjord for scale, Lysefjord for rugged adventure.
Consider combining cruises with train journeys for the complete Norwegian experience. Norway in a Nutshell remains popular for good reason—it packs multiple highlights into one seamless day. But don’t overlook smaller cruises and RIB safaris that bring you closer to the waterfalls and wildlife. Whatever you choose, cruising Norway’s fjords creates memories that linger long after the voyage ends.
Information in this guide is sourced from Fjord Tours, Norway’s Best, and regional tourism authorities. Schedules and prices vary—verify current information when booking. Last updated January 2026.