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5 BEST Fjord Cruises from Bergen, Norway [A Local’s Guide]

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As the “gateway to the fjords”, there are many fjord cruises from Bergen to choose from . It can be a little overwhelming knowing which one is the right fit for you. But I’m here to help!

I have lived in Bergen for more than 7 years now, and grew up just a few hours from here (right by the fjords). As a result, I’m the perfect person to share the best fjord cruises leaving from Bergen!

In the past I have covered some of the great tours and excursions in Bergen , but the ones on this list are focused on just the fjords.

There are a few fjords within easy reach near Bergen, such as the Hardangerfjord, the Sognefjord (with its arms) and Osterfjorden. Some of these are amongst the best fjords in Norway , in my opinion.

Table of Contents

Quick Bergen Travel Guide

Where to stay : Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!

Where to eat : I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide . Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).

Top activities and tours in Bergen :

• Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide )
• Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour )
• Viking ship fjord cruise
• Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
• Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord

Packing for Bergen : My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable).

Getting to Bergen : I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here .

Getting Around : Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.

What is a fjord cruise?

In my Norway travel guide I have explained in detail what a fjord is, so I won’t spend too much time on that here. In short, a fjord is a body of water connected to the ocean , that was created by the glaciers of the last ice age.

There are over 1700 named fjords in Norway, which is quite insane to think about. It is not hard to understand why Norway is the official land of the fjords.

So, what is a fjord cruise ?

There are two types of fjord cruises. One type of fjord cruise is a large cruise ship going on a several days long trip along the Norwegian coastline and into the fjords. Cruise lines like P&O , Costa , MCS and Viking Cruises all have cruises to the Norwegian fjords.

However, the Bergen fjord cruises we are focusing on today are slightly different. They are also what most people think about when they hear the term.

A fjord cruise is a fancy name for a boat trip on the fjord . It has gotten its name because you are cruising silently on a fjord – and probably to make it sound a little more inviting than just “boat trip”.

But, basically, these are the Norwegian equivalent of the party boats in Punta Cana or the catamaran cruises in Cancun .

The cruises can take any shape or size, from large electric vessels to small, fast-paced ones. All though the latter is often called a “Fjord Safari” instead.

No matter where in Norway you go, you are likely to come across a fjord cruise. Whether that’s Flåm , Geiranger, Stavanger or even Oslo .

And of course Bergen. Which is the focus of this article.

5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen

With Bergen being the largest city in western Norway, and within easy reach of several of the best fjords, it’s only natural that there are loads of fjord cruises to choose from.

That being said, which one should you choose?

Below I have outlined the best fjord cruises from Bergen – and highlighted details about each of them. That way, you can decide which is the perfect one for you!

Going on a fjord cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen , and an absolute must when you visit. All of these start from the docks in the center of Bergen, and are round trip cruises. Unless otherwise specified.

#1 Fjord Cruise Bergen to Mostraumen

The fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen is amongst the most popular ones leaving from the city . This is mainly because it is the shortest and easiest way to see the fjords from Bergen.

If you are spending a day in Bergen and are short on time – and don’t have plans to travel from Bergen to Flåm – this is a good choice.

This 3-hour fjord cruise takes you from the Bergen docks through the Mostraumen strait. Along the way you will see the Osterfjord, one of the fjords closest to the city.

I will say, these fjords aren’t the most dramatic in the region, but it is the best option for anyone wanting to see the fjords from Bergen in a day (and don’t have a rental car).

You’ll stay nice and warm inside the boat, which departs year-round. This fjord cruise is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit.

There is also a private option available for this tour, which might be a little pricy for most, but perfect for groups of friends and families.

• Duration : 3-4 hours
• Fjords : Osterfjord
• Max travellers : 85
• Advance booking needed : Yes

#2 Sognefjord Cruise from Bergen

The Sognefjord is known as the “king of the fjords”, and with good reason. It is the longest fjord in the world (with the exception of one in Greenland that is frozen – so it doesn’t count, in my opinion). It is also the deepest.

In addition to this, it has some pretty famous fjord arms. Fjord arms are basically smaller fjords that “stick out” of the bigger fjord.

If you imagine your arm and hand being the main fjord (i.e. the Sognefjord in this case), your fingers would be the fjord arms. This is how I usually explain the fjords and fjord arms when I guide for Adventures by Disney (I work as a Disney Adventure Guide in Norway every summer, and it’s the best job in the world, after travel blogging!).

At the end of the Sognefjord you will find the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both world heritage fjords and a world heritage site. The latter is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord (further north).

This is also where I grew up (in Aurland)!

Therefore, traveling through the Sognefjord from Bergen is a great way to see the length of the world’s biggest fjord. However, it is a full-day trip – so expect to leave Bergen early (at 8 in the morning), and to get back late (around 9 in the evening).

This includes a 2-hour stop in Flåm. I recommend having lunch at the bakery and going on a stroll along the fjord during your time there.

Basically, this is a return ticket on the express boat from Bergen to Flåm. It runs only in the summer months. Many locals don’t consider it a fjord cruise, but a mode of transportation. But, as we established above, a fjord cruise is simply a boat on the fjord – so you’re good to go!

You can also consider getting a return ticket for the next day, and spend the night in Flåm! There are some great hotels in Flåm to choose from, and this would give you a chance to explore the village and region more. Note that accommodation is not included in the boat ticket.

• Duration : 13 hours
• Fjords : Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord
• Max travellers : 150
• Cost : $244 (round trip) / $144 (one way)

#3 The Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise (including train & bus)

As mentioned, the Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Sognefjord and perhaps the most important destination for fjord tours near Bergen.

On this full day trip, you’ll get to not only experience a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, but also the famous Flåm Railway (one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys).

Thus, this is not just a fjord cruise from Bergen, but a round trip excursion taking you from Bergen to the fjords and back using train, bus and cruise. The Oslo-Bergen railway is also included on this trip.

It is very similar to the Norway in a Nutshell tour , so it is possible to book each leg of the journey individually. If you have more than just a day, I also recommend looking at some of my itineraries , that take you from Bergen to the fjords for a night or two.

Sights along the way on this cruise not only include the Nærøyfjord, but also picturesque fjord villages, waterfalls and of course the Flåm Valley (where the Flåm Railway goes).

• Duration : 10 hours
• Fjords : Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord
• Max travellers : 99
• Cost : from $308

#4 Viking Ship Fjord Cruise

If you want a more unique, and exclusive experience, this might be the cruise for you.

Sailing on an authentic Viking ship with just 12 travellers on board is a great way to explore the harbour and sights outside of Bergen. Whilst it doesn’t take you far from the city, and thus not into any of the more dramatic fjords, this can still be worthwhile if you want to go off the beaten path.

During this 1,5-hour sailing you’ll be treated to a hot drink, and some lovely views of the city. Definitely a must for families or Viking enthusiasts!

If you consider yourself the latter, I hope you’ll head on over to read my guides to Nordic symbols and their meanings , Norse Goddesses and of course the most famous Vikings of all time !

• Duration : 1,5 hours
• Fjords : Bergen harbour, Puddefjorden
• Max travellers : 12

#5 Private Fjord Cruises from Bergen

Last, but not least, going on a private Bergen fjord cruise might be more your style. These options are perfect for those traveling in a big group or with a rowdy family.

Or just for a couple wanting a truly exclusive experience on the fjords.

There are several options for private tours from Bergen, taking you through Osterfjorden by private yacht or in a fast-paced RIB boat.

Basically, you can choose your own adventure here, and since it’s just you onboard, you get the full attention of your captain and crew.

• Duration : 4-11 hours (depending on what you book)
• Max travellers : Private
• Cost : from $500
• BOOK PRIVATE RIB HERE / BOOK PRIVATE YACHT HERE

More Fjord Cruises from Bergen

Of course, this list includes the 5 best fjord cruises departing (and ending) in Bergen. However, there are more to choose from. Below you’ll find more Bergen fjord tours to choose from, in case you wanted more options!

Bergen Fjord Cruises FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about taking a fjord cruise from Bergen – answered by a local!

The closest fjord to Bergen is the Osterfjord, which you can reach on a fjord cruise to Mostraumen. However, the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are just 3 hours away!

Personally, I think the fjords are beautiful year round. The most stunning months in terms of waterfalls is May-June, and July-September are also great.

The Norwegian fjords are just a short drive or fjord cruise from Bergen.

Lots of them! Costa, P&O, Viking, MSC, Royal Caribbean to name a few.

Layers. No matter what time of year, the weather in Norway can change fast, so always wear and bring layers. A small puffer jacket, such as this one , is ideal.

YES! The fjords are absolutely breathtaking, with such stunning natural scenery. They should be on your bucket list.

Yes, you can! All though it is a little colder than you might be used to.

Yes, but only small ones, such as Puddefjorden.

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Fjord Cruises from Bergen

See all the ways you can experience the Norwegian fjords from the charming city of Bergen, from two hours to full days. Explore the fjords in a number of ways, from traditional sailboats to hyper-modern zero-emission vessels. There are many reasons why Bergen is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations, the main ones being the historic UNESCO-listed town center with its stunning architecture, and the city’s role as a «gateway to the fjords».

With no shortage of water around, from the Norwegian Sea to the famous fjords of the Vestlandet region; the mighty Sognefjorden, the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjorden, and the attractive Hardangerfjord you can find your fjord adventure around Bergen here!

Fjord Tours offers the «world’s most popular Norway tour», the Norway in a nutshell® tour that brings you from Bergen by train to Myrdal where you board one of the most scenic railways, the Flåm Railway. From the town of Flåm you enjoy a cruise on a silent, low-emission catamaran on the Aurlandsfjord and the unique Nærøyfjord.

The Sognefjord in a nutshell and the Hardangerfjord in a nutshell (without the Flåm Railway) are other variations that offer each its own way to cruise the fjords. If a day trip is not on your schedule, shorter cruises like a 2h sailboat cruise or the popular 3h cruise to Mostraumen from the port of Bergen are great alternatives.

Fjord Cruises - Day trips, Train and Catamarans

Norway in a nutshell®

This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journeys, the Flåm Railway and The Bergen Railway. 

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Customize - 1 day or more

NOK 1595 ,-

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Suitable for all

Sognefjord in a nutshell™

Travel the waterway through the heart of the Norwegian fjord- and mountain landscape on the beautiful Sognefjord. This relaxing fjord experience also includes scenic train journeys with the Flåmsbana and Bergen Railway.

NOK 2205 ,-

Hardangerfjord in a nutshell™

As one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations since the beginning of the 19th century, the Hardangerfjord region is filled with a wide variety of impressive highlights! Idyllic fjord landscapes, lush fruit and cider farms, mighty mountains with dramatic waterfalls and powerful glaciers are just some of the highlights to look forward to!

Customize - 2 days or more

NOK 3120 ,-

Fjord Cruises - From the Port of Bergen

Fjord Cruise Bergen - Mostraumen

Experience fjords, mountains, and stunning waterfalls by taking a fjord cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen. This fjord cruise adventure is suitable for all and runs all year round.

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Sailboat Cruise in Bergen

Join in on an exclusive tour and experience Bergen from a sailboat! With a maximum capacity of 10 people, everyone is ensured of a comfortable and intimate experience of Bergen, "the Gateway to the Fjords".

Ribsafari in Bergen

Take a fjord safari with RIB-boat for a unique and exciting way to experience Bergen. Buckle up and experience the city from a new perspective on your very high-speed RIB-boat adventure!

Mostraumen Fjordcruise & Shellfish platter in Bergen

Experience fjords, mountains, and stunning waterfalls by taking a fjord cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen. Back in Bergen after the fjord cruise, a tasty shellfish platter awaits you in beautiful surroundings by the Fish Market.

5 hours or more

NOK 2101 ,-

Things to do in Bergen

Shellfish Tower at Seafood Restaurant

Just outside the City of Bergen, you will find one of the most exotic attractions in the whole of Western Norway’s archipelago. Cornelius is one of Norway’s best seafood restaurants and a meal here is truly unforgettable. Experience a shellfish tower at Cornelius including transportation from and back to Bergen on a scenic boat ride!

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Fjord Cruise and Dinner at Seafood Restaurant

Just outside the City of Bergen, you will find one of the most exotic attractions in the whole of Western Norway’s archipelago. Cornelius is one of Norway’s best seafood restaurants and a meal here is truly unforgettable. Experience a 5-course meal at Cornelius including transportation from and back to Bergen on a scenic boat ride!

NOK 1495 ,-

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Norwegian Fjord Cruises from Bergen

Experience Norway’s majestic fjords, charming fishing villages and more on a fjord cruise from Bergen. Tour packages include cruise reservations, accommodations and land travel.

Embark on a fjord cruise from Bergen

Norway’s dramatic 2,000-kilometre coastline is one of Europe’s great attractions, and for more than 100 years the popular fjord cruise from Bergen has been offering travellers spectacular fjord scenery. In fact, Lonely Planet called the cruise along the steep mountainsides of the west coast of Norway "The World's Most Beautiful Voyage".

So it’s no surprise that fjord cruises in Norway are among the most popular tours from Bergen offered by Nordic Visitor.

Nordic Visitor specialises in tailor-made fjord tours in Norway that include overnights on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise line.  Our Norway tour packages are nearly all-inclusive , meaning that we handle all of your cruise reservations, accommodations both at sea and on land as well as as any travel via train or rental car.

Ready to take that dream cruise in Norway? Keep browsing below for our suggestions of tour packages that include  a  fjord cruise from Bergen .

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See the fjords on a cruise from Bergen

Start a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise from Bergen for incredible fjord scenery and exciting shore excursions. We handle all your voyage details, accommodations and land travel.

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Capitals of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Capitals of scandinavia in winter, highlights of a hurtigruten fjord cruise from bergen .

The Havila and Hurtigruten coastal voyages sail south to north from the charming city of Bergen to the arctic town of Kirkenes , passing the stunning Norwegian fjords along the coast. It runs year-round, making it ideal to experience the midnight sun in summer or to enjoy northern lights cruises in winter . A one-way cruise from Bergen covering the full route takes around 6 or 7 days and the voyage stops at 34 ports of call, with a variety of shore excursions on offer.

• Need some tips for your first Hurtigruten cruise?  Get our travel expert's advice
• Discover the  best Norway cruises  to inspire you

Here are just a few of the things you can experience on a cruise starting from Bergen:

• Walk around the city of Ålesund and admire its renowned Art Nouveau architecture.
• Sail up the Geirangerfjord , past tumbling waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil.
• Stroll past the colourful wharf houses in Trondheim , the original capital of Norway until the 16th century.
• See the beautiful Lofoten Islands , well known for its jagged mountains and quaint fishing villages.
• Visit lively Tromsø , "The Paris of the North”, where many famous 19th-century arctic expeditions began.
• Cruise along steep bird cliffs to the scenic North Cape , the northernmost point of mainland Europe.

What’s more, the comfortable boats are equipped with many of the amenities of larger cruise ships, such as outdoor hot tubs, a fitness room, different dining rooms and lovely indoor and outdoor viewing decks for bird watching.

Exploring Bergen before your fjord cruise: things to see & do

Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, Bergen is located between the longest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord, and another beautiful fjord, Hardangerfjord. The city makes a great starting point for exploring Norway’s dramatic coastline, but it’s also a fascinating destination on its own. Some of the attractions in Bergen you can visit include the old Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen with its colourful houses -- now a World Heritage Site, the lively Fish Market and the funicular to the scenic overlook on the top of Mount Fløyen.

Starting tours from Bergen: getting here by train or rental car

Nordic Visitor specialises in combining fjord tours from Bergen with scenic  train rides  and  road trips  in Norway. To get from Oslo to Bergen, we recommend the Norway in a Nutshell® train journey , which includes a ride on the famous Flåm Railway, a fjord boat trip and a drive on a steep, hairpin road in the fjords. Plan to spend at least 8 days in Norway if you wish to enjoy a train-cruise combo trip, which includes at least one full day in Bergen. Want to extend your trip? We can even tailor your itinerary to include travel to neighbouring Scandinavian countries.

— NORWAY CRUISE FACTS

Quick facts about hurtigruten & havila.

• Hurtigruten was founded in 1893 to transport cargo, mail and passengers between coastal towns
• Launched in 2021, the Havila fleet has won awards for its sustainability-focused technology
• Havila and Hurtigruten ships stop at 34 ports along this beautiful and historic route
• These cruise liners are considered leaders in the “slow travel” movement

Norway Cruise Travel Experts

As a trusted travel agency with experienced staff throughout the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Norway. What's more, we're certified Havila and Hurtigruten agents. This means we have the most up-to-date information regarding availability of cruises and cabin types.

Nordic Visitor works only with licensed, reputable travel partners that meet our high standards. Plus, Havila and Hurtigruten have the same strict expectations for their certified agents. To ensure the highest quality for our guests, we maintain close connections with them and try their cruise services ourselves.

We go beyond booking cruise services in Norway – we also make all your travel arrangements on land, including accommodation and travel by train and rental car. Our nearly all-inclusive itineraries – that can be customised to your needs – include Norway's must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own staff.

Different ways you can experience Norway

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Norway below.

Fjord Cruise & Train

Self-drive tours, guided small group, northern lights, lofoten islands, hurtigruten cruises, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Christin, United States

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, december 2023.

The tour was perfect and went smoothly the entire time. Communication from Nordic Visitor was timely and detailed. Would book with this tour company again.

Ian, United Kingdom

Norway road trip - complete, july 2023, memories we'll cherish forever.

We found Norway to be a fabulous country and enjoyed every minute of our trip. The scenery was fantastic, the places visited were brilliant and the people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The information pack provided by Nordic Visitor was invaluable, the route chosen for us was superb and the places we stayed in were great. Likewise, the excursions offered, especially the Rib Safari were fantastic and gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Lastly, but by no means least, Irja, our travel consultant, couldn't have been more helpful and I would like to extend a huge thank you to her for all that she did.

Anne-Mari, Finland

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, february 2023, unforgettable in so many ways.

It was unforgettable in so many ways, highlights after highlights. We knew to expect a lot after our trip to Iceland a couple of years ago, also organised by Nordic Visitor. Our expectations were exceeded and more. We saw northern lights three times, the food everywhere was excellent, experienced dog sledding in the moonlight and sleeping in the SnowHotel, and we saw a white reindeer! How lucky we are to have experienced all that. We have now returned home, happy and full of awe.

James, Australia

Northern lights by train and cruise, october 2023, a great experience.

Very well-organised tour and a great experience. Nordic Visitor were very professional and their experience was evident in choosing the well-located and comfortable accommodation they selected for us. Best of all we got to see the northern lights!

Jonathan, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, june 2023, incredibly happy.

Our travel agent, Małgorzata, was amazing to work with! She was able to add a few extra days in Oslo and arranged transportation via train to Bergen. Overall, I thought booking this vacation online and making payments was seamless. All the hotels we stayed in were nice, clean and safe! We loved the breakfast buffets, they were top notch! Also, collecting our rental car and navigating in a foreign country was seamless. We are incredibly happy that our tour package that we received at our first hotel included a physical map that had our tour highlighted.

Costel, Romania

Northern lights norway classic, february 2023, i'll be recommending nordic visitor to my friends.

The trip was really amazing. We had an absolutely superb time in Tromsø; hotel and excursions were spot on. The guide and whole the staff was really professional. Professional photos taken by the guide were really fantastic. They gave us excellent care, more than what we have experienced on any trip. Our favourite experience was the snowmobile, but catamaran trip was great too. Certainly I will be recommending it to my friends. I was very pleased that those who delivered the services showed a lot of professionalism.

Violetta, United States

Best of the norwegian fjords – express, august 2023, very satisfied customer.

This was my second experience using Nordic Visitor. I am a very satisfied customer. A few years ago we did a self-drive tour of Iceland that was just amazing. This time we did a train/cruise combo tour of Norway. Once again, I can only say you will have a fantastic experience and you will appreciate the labuor of organising and planning being handled by experts who know what they are doing. The cruises through the fjords were beautiful as were the train trips. We loved the combination of train and boat travel as each offered distinct beauty from a different perspective. The country is truly lovely and we look forward to booking future travel with Nordic Visitor!

Dian, United States

Classic norway, may 2023, extraordinary.

Extraordinary! Everything went off as planned without a hitch. Our travel guide, Juliana, was exceptional, very responsive in answering our questions and providing updates.

Oi, Singapore

Norway in a nutshell® - classic, september 2022, very satisfied with nordic visitor.

We were very satisfied with the tour and overall experience with Nordic Visitor. The hotels were strategically chosen and the quality of hotels was satisfactory. The optional tours were also highly recommended. Timings of the schedules throughout the tour were ideal and not rushed.

Julie, United States

Wonders of the norwegian fjords, august 2023, best vacation we ever had.

Our family of 5 (3 adult children) loved our Norway fjord tour. We saw the most beautiful scenery and loved each hotel. The food was delicious. Something for everyone. Our guide Al and driver Chris kept things running smoothly. We will have memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Nordic Visitor. Best vacation we ever had!

Alan, United Kingdom

Norway in a nutshell® express - winter, march 2023, an excellent decision to book with nordic visitor.

Following research, we decided to book with Nordic Visitor. This was an excellent decision. The booking process was easy and informative and Hanna was always available for guidance. The accommodation provided was top class and, importantly, convenient to the train stations from which we travelled. Our tour was amazing throughout with stunning scenery and sights.

Gailmarie, United States

Highlights of norway, july 2022, the tour gives you a fabulous overview of norway.

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway. We did a lot of travel in between sights but this enabled us to have a real breadth of experience, from fjords to mountain passes, railway adventures and small boats. Our tour guide was excellent and the sights and experiences outlined for us were top-notch. The materials provided about our tour were excellent and well thought out.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Norway adventure.

Norway’s second largest city with a population of about 270,000, Bergen is known as the...

Situated on a cluster of small islands at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord is Ålesund, a...

Lofoten Islands & Svolvær

Lofoten is an archipelago above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway that encompasses the...

What to bring

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

What’s the weather like in Norway? You just might ..

Norwegian Food

Find out more about Norwegian delicacies

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

Our Services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
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• Enjoy personal service from Norway travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
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Do you have a question about our Norway tours? Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

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Norway in focus: the unesco-listed nærøyfjord, a little something about the northern lights, first hurtigruten cruise tips for your maiden voyage, in brief: what to do in bergen.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway

The best way to see the fjords is from a boat! Here is our list of the top day cruises available.

Read more about the Norwegian fjords :

• The most famous fjords in Norway
• The little-known fjords you mustn’t miss
• The best activities to experience the fjords

1. From Bergen city centre to Mostraumen

Join a fjord cruise from Bergen through spectacular fjord landscape! Narrow fjords, steep mountain sides, mighty waterfalls – a unique fjord experience ! Daily departures all year. Book your fjord cruise to Mostraumen from Bergen here

2. Fjord cruise from Stavanger to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen

On this fjord cruise from Stavanger, we sail silently with our brand new electric boat MS Rygerelektra into the beautiful Lysefjord and Preikestolen. Gaze up at majestic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) from the sea. See the mysterious Vagabonds Cave. Be charmed by goats at summer pasture. Feel the refreshing spray from the impressive Hengjane waterfalls. Have an unforgettable adventure in any weather! Book your fjord cruise from Stavanger to the Lysefjord with Rødne Admire the breathtaking Pulpit Rock from below and explore Fantahålå from the comfort of a modern and comfortable catamaran. As the wind blows through your hair, you will also have stunning views of small islands, waterfalls, traditional farms and local wildlife as you cruise along Lysefjord. The fjord is exceptionally straight and is lined with granite walls which you can appreciate from the deck or the large panoramic windows on board Go Fjords cruises. Book your fjord cruise on the Lysefjord with Go Fjords

3. From Stavanger to Flørli 4444

The cruise into Lysefjord is an adventure in itself. We sail through spectacular fjord scenery past impressive Preikestolen and on to the Hengjane Falls before arriving at Flørli at about 10:30 in the morning. Flørli is perhaps best known for its world-record wooden staircase, with 4,444 steps. You can climb the stairs on the way to the old power plant 750 meters above the village, with spectacular views during the trek. Book your fjord cruise to Flørli here

4. From Ålesund to famous Geiranger

3 fjords in 3 hours! From Ålesund you travel through three different fjords and spectacular scenery before you arrive in Geiranger. You can either choose to stay in Geiranger, or take the boat back again, after a few hours in Geiranger where you can have lunch and go for a short sightseeing tour to the closest viewpoints Ørnesvingen (the Eagle bend) or Flydalsjuvet. Book your fjord cruise from Ålesund to Geiranger

5. The car ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger

On your way to Geiranger you can enjoy the Geirangerfjord, see the famous Seven Sisters waterfall and the Bridal Veil (Brudesløret) waterfall and gaze up at the abandonded farms clinging on to the mountain sides.

6. Fjord tour Flåm - Gudvangen - Flåm

Experience the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest and most spectacular of the inlets of the Sognefjord, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Area. Available all-year! Start your fjord cruise from Flåm or Gudvangen. If you travel from Flåm, you will first sail through the idyllic Aurlandsfjord, which is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, the boat continues through the narrow Nærøyfjord before arriving Gudvangen, innermost in the Nærøyfjord. The trip takes around two hours one way.

7. Hjørundfjorden from Ålesund

See unspoilt nature on this cruise from Ålesund to Øye, through the 35 km long Hjørundfjord! The Hjørundfjord is surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, with mountains streching up to 1700 m.a.s.l. Pass villages along the way, some without road connection. You can disembark at Trandal, where you can try the world's most instagrammable swing. Book your fjord cruise from Ålesund to the Hjørundfjord here .

8. Wonderful Rosendal from Bergen

The most beautiful and fastest way to travel from Bergen to Hardanger! A day trip to charming Rosendal - or the perfect starting point for the trip on to Trolltunga. In Rosendal you can visit the Barony, Scandinavia's smallest castle from 1665, visit the Folgefonnsenteret or just stroll in the center with narrow streets, cozy cafes and nice galleries. Book your fjord cruise from Bergen to Rosendal .

9. Cruise on the Lovatnet lake in Nordfjord

Technically not a fjord cruise (it's on a lake), there are few boat trips more beautiful than the trip on Lovatnet lake in the Lodalen Valley, encircled by high mountains and glacier tongues of Jostedalsbreen glacier.

10. Full day cruise from Haugesund

Go on an unforgettable trip to famous natural gems along the coast. The fjord cruise consists of a guided tour to destinations such as Flor & Fjære, Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri and Espevær. When you arrive at your destination, you will be given a tour by a local guide, followed by a delicious dinner.

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THE BEST BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR (2024): OUR IN-DEPTH REVIEW & HOW TO BOOK!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR TO TAKE DURING YOUR VISIT TO BERGEN?

Well look no further! Below we describe in-depth the best full-day Bergen Fjord Cruise tour that you can take straight from the city of Bergen in 2024.

More specifically, it is the ‘Nærøyfjorden to Flåm Cruise And Stegastein Viewpoint’ full day tour with the reputable local tour company, Fjordrive AS, that we will be focusing on.

We personally completed this “Badge of Excellence” rated tour during our recent trip to Bergen, and absolutely loved it!

Now, if a majestic waterfall, a drop-dead gorgeous scenic fjord cruise and a jaw-dropping viewpoint is what you’re after, this is the tour for you! We want you to have the same experience.

Includes : Or in-depth tour review on what to expect, prices, what to bring, where to stay in Bergen and more!

BERGEN FJORD CRUISE: AN INTRODUCTION

Our review below of Fjordrive AS’s ‘Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint’ guided tour are true and honest reflections of our personal experience of this exact tour that we recently had the joy of taking part in during our 4 days in Bergen itinerary , Norway.

We had a brilliant time, and wanted to share our personal experience and tips for this tour with you:

WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THIS BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR?

Listed below are all the inclusions you can expect on this epic Bergen Fjord Cruise tour experience with Fjordrive AS: • Comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for transport.

• Pick-up / drop-off from a convenient central Bergen spot just outside of the Tourist Information centre on the Fish Market side of the Vågen harbour. The exact location of the lay-by they use is shown here on Google Maps .

• 1 dedicated professional guide who will transfer you safely to all stops whilst imparting their in-depth knowledge and expertise. When we took this tour, our guide was Thomas, who was incredibly friendly and passionate about the area! • A stop at the mighty Tvindefossen waterfall.

• Tickets included on the scenic cruise through the breathtaking Nærøyfjord from Gudvangen to Flåm villages on a modern, state of the art vessel.

• A photo stop at the infamous Stegastein cantilevered viewpoint with epic birds-eye views of the Nærøyfjord from above.

Click to book this “Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint” tour! 🚢⚓🏔️

WHEN CAN YOU BOOK THIS BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR?

You can book this full day ‘ Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint ‘ guided tour all year round when visiting Bergen.

It is worth mentioning from our own personal experience, if you book this tour for the cold Winter months, the itinerary order may need to be slightly adapted to accommodate external factors out of Fjordrive AS’s control, such as weather conditions.

For example, when we completed this tour in late November, we still stopped at the Tvindefossen waterfall, however due to the glacial temperatures the waterfall was frozen solid and we were not permitted to get too close due safety reasons. To see a mighty waterfall frozen in its tracks was still pretty cool though!

Likewise, the main fjord cruise that usually departs from Gudvangen village could not due to the water around the area freezing up. Therefore instead, we visited Gudvangen for a food / toilet stop as planned but instead boarded the fjord cruise vessel from a village located 5 minutes up the fjord, called Undredal.

As it turns out, this was a blessing in disguise for us as Undredal is one of the most beautiful and authentic Norwegian villages we’ve ever seen, full of rainbow coloured wooden houses against a mountainous backdrop. We were super happy to visit there, albeit briefly!

Rest assured that Fjordrive AS do their absolute best to make sure customers still get to experience as much as they possibly can despite these kind of external factors they may face.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY: THE FULL ITINERARY

Pick-up from bergen centre.

Make your way to the designated pick-up point in central Bergen. When we visited, they lay-by they used was located here just outside of the Tourist Information centre on the Fish Market side of the Vågen harbour. It’s directly opposite the Scandic Torget Bergen hotel.

You’ll know you’re in the right place as there will most likely be your other tour companions there too.

For our tour, the minibus left at 8am sharp, so it is advised to arrive to the meeting point 10-15 minutes beforehand.

In case of any unknown changes since we did this tour, always follow the direction of the pick up information sent to you directly by the tour operator, which is usually a day or so before the tour commences.

After your assigned guide arrives and performs a quick head count, your small group will be welcomed onto the modern Mercedes minibus to begin your epic full-day tour!

STOP 1: TVINDEFOSSEN WATERFALL

The first scenic stop on this ‘ Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint ‘ is Tvindefossen waterfall – a dramatic and mighty waterfall that tumbles fiercely down the rugged 150 metre high cliff face!

This waterfall is also conveniently close to the roadside, so you can easily stand back and appreciate its beauty straight off the minibus if that’s as far as you wanted to go.

Or, during the warmer Spring / Summer months, you have the opportunity to get even closer to feel the sheer power and rush of this natural scenic hotspot.

As mentioned before, note in the colder Winter months this waterfall will be frozen solid and the ability to get too close will be limited due to safety precautions.

STOP 2: STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT

The next stop on this full-day tour, Stegastein viewpoint, was one of our absolute favourite highlights of this entire trip!

Set a staggering 650 metres above the Nærøyfjord, this unique viewing platform juts and cantilevers 30 metres out from the mountainside, allowing for truly undisturbed panoramic views of the Nærøyfjord below, which you will not get anywhere else!

As an added bonus, the mountain road up from Aurland to Stegastein is part of the recognised “National Scenic Routes” in Norway. While a very safe road, it is worth noting those with a fear of heights best not to look out the window, as the sheer drops as you wind up the mountain could be unsettling for you!

STOP 3: GUDVANGEN VILLAGE TO BOARD THE NÆRØYFJORDEN SCENIC CRUISE

Cruise on the scenic E16 highway to the secluded village of Gudvangen, the gateway to the protected and UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord, where your scenic cruise will begin!

First, spend a short while exploring the scenic complex at Gudvangen village, making the most of the toilet, large café and gift shop facilities. We loved that this complex had a really welcoming, Norwegian wood cabin vibe throughout!

When the time comes, board the modern, state of the art luxury cruiser for the main event of this tour – the 2 hour cruise down the idyllic Nærøyfjord in ultimate style and comfort!

Sit back and relax in the warm, modern lounges of the lower deck or venture to the 2 open top decks for epic views of these beautiful, gigantic fjordlands.

STOP 4: FLÅM VILLAGE

This wonderful scenic cruise terminates in the tiny village of Flåm. As you disembark you’ll basically see a cluster of small wooden buildings consisting of a large gift shop, toilet facilities, a café and even a pub lined along the shipping dock, which is the main area you will explore before heading to the minibus.

Here is also the terminating station of Flåm railway, where you are likely to see people boarding and waiting for a train. Directly next to this is the bright yellow building of the Flåm Railway Museum , a small museum which is definitely worth a look round! The museum is free to enter.

Get all comfortable, cosy and even had a little snooze on the direct drive from Flåm village back to Bergen city centre. Drop off is at the same location as this morning’s pick-up.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS FULL-DAY NÆRØYFJORDEN, FLÅM AND STEGASTEIN TOUR COST IN 2024?

The prices for this ‘ Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint ‘ tour start at just under £177 GBP / $223.98 USD per adult, and £101 GBP / $129 USD for children aged 4 to 14 years. Anyone 15+ years qualifies for an adult ticket.

BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR: ADDITIONAL FAQ’S

How many people will be on this tour.

This Bergen fjord cruise tour has a maximum capacity of 20 people, due to the smaller size of the minivan. This makes the tour feel a lot more intimate and less of a ‘mass tourism’ trip.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVING ON THIS TOUR?

It is important to note that there is a considerable amount of driving on this full day tour, however it is necessary to enable you to see so much and travel to such incredible locations from the convenient pick up location of Bergen city in just one day.

From our personal experience, the guide was very aware of this and ensured we had adequate stops to go to the toilet, stretch your legs, get refreshments every 1.5 / 2 hours, clearly communicating and consulting personally with the group as to how long they wanted to wait for the next one, etc.

The longest driving stint was from Flåm village back to Bergen at the end, which we assume just seemed longer as this was a direct drive back to the city without any additional scenic stops. Nonetheless, by that point our group was super tired and the majority of us just relaxed and snoozed until we returned back!

ARE PREGNANT WOMEN ALLOWED ON THIS TOUR?

Yes, pregnant women are permitted on this full-day Bergen fjord cruise tour. I can personally vouch for this as when we took the tour, I was 30 weeks pregnant with our son!

I contacted Fjordrive AS beforehand and they were extremely accommodating and assured me they would make multiple toilet stops on the way and ensure I was comfortable – which they did.

Once thing I would suggest is, despite the minivan being comfortable, there isn’t an awful lot of legroom and the most we drove without stops is 2.5 hours, which was on the way back. So it all depends on how far along you are and how comfortable you are sitting down for an extended period of time.

I know I was beginning to struggle with that, so I invested in this Emoobin Donut Pain Relief Pillow for Pregnancy , which I had brought to Bergen with me. This subtle addition was a life saver and make me a lot more comfortable on this trip!

BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR: OUR TOP TIPS

1. If possible, try to book this tour on a day where the weather is not forecast to be a total wash out with rain, as this will make the experiences and scenic stops a lot more enjoyable. This is not always possible with the notorious wet weather of this region, so we advise to pack a light rain poncho or umbrella just in case!

2. Lunch or refreshments are not included in the price of this tour, however there are plenty of opportunities to additional purchase them throughout the day. The majority of the time it is quick sandwiches and snacks on offer, but the Gudvangen village café or Flåm village stops are your best bet for more of a hearty full cooked lunch.

3. As mentioned before, note that the tour itinerary may need to be slightly modified during the colder Winter months due to unforeseeable weather conditions, however Fjordrive AS will do their absolute best to make sure the tour is adapted to still the best it can be.

4. You will be taking lots of photographs throughout the day, so make sure your phone does not lose charge! There are apparently USB charging ports on the minibus, though we didn’t personally see or use them. We recommend potentially taking your own portable battery charger and lead just in case!

CONCLUSION: IS THIS BERGEN FJORD CRUISE TOUR WORTH IT?

In conclusion, we believe that is full day “ Nærøyfjorden Cruise, Flåm And Stegastein Viewpoint “ guided tour absolutely worth the trip.

While we understand it is more on the expensive side, having personally experienced the trip and itinerary we believe the distance covered, guide professionalism, itinerary planned, transport comfort and most importantly – the scenic sights and activities included – are worth the price paid.

As long as you are prepared that it is a long old day (approximately 11 hours) with quite a fair bit of driving with stops, we are confident you will enjoy every moment of this epic adventure exploring the jaw-dropping Nærøyfjord and surrounding Vestland of North West of Norway from Bergen!

A BERGEN FJORD CRUISE ALTERNATIVE

If however, if you are tight for time in Bergen or would just prefer a shorter trip, the very popular Mostraumen Fjord Cruise is a good alternative for you.

This Bergen fjord cruise ventures down the Western fjords easily accessible from Bergen, including the Osterfjord, and is very popular with visitors for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it’s super convenient to get to by yourself, simply make your own way to the main Vågen wharf in Bergen centre and board the vessel from there.

Likewise, it is only a half day tour, lasting just 4 hours from start to finish, leaving port at 10am and returning around 2/2.30pm.

This tour is resultantly a lot cheaper as well, starting at just £60 GBP / $77 USD per adult!

The highlights for us on this Mostraumen Fjord Cruise were actually located near the very end of the Osterfjord, before the boat turned back around for its return journey.

First was the tiny settlement of Mostraumen, accessed by a narrow canal, and the second were the large waterfalls at the end of the Osterfjord. As we visited in November, these were actually frozen solid when we visited!

OUR VERDICT

When we visited Bergen, we were fortunate enough to experience both the Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise and Stegastein viewpoint full day tour and the Mostraumen Fjord Cruise, so had the opportunity to compare the two directly.

If you can only do one fjord cruise from Bergen, we would highly suggest the “ Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise and Stegastein viewpoint ” full day tour, as here the fjords are miles larger and more impressive, plus you see so much more during the day.

We personally found the pace of the Mostraumen Fjord Cruise quite long winded too, it seemed to take a while to get to the actual fjord itself. However – this may well be because we were directly comparing to the full day tour we had taken first!

However, as mentioned previously, this half-day Mostraumen Fjord Cruise alternative is still very picturesque (particularly as you come to the end of the Osterfjord) and worth the trip if you do not have the time for our recommended full-day tour.

WHERE TO STAY IN BERGEN

Below is our hand-picked collection of top hotels to stay in Bergen city centre, all of which are located extremely close to the pick up / drop off location of this tour:

⭐ Scandic Torget Bergen (1 minute walk / 10 metres from tour pick up point – directly opposite the cobbled main road!)

💎 Bergen Børs Hotel (5* Hotel) (3 minute walk / 170 metres from tour pick up point)

💎 Opus 16 (5* Hotel) (3 minute walk / 200 metres from tour pick up point)

⭐ Clarion Hotel Admiral (4 minute walk / 290 metres from tour pick up point)

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP? CHECK OUT OUR FAVOURITE SUPPLIERS BELOW:

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Hurtigruten Expeditions is now HX!

• Inspiration

Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen

Roundtrip Voyage from Bergen | Explore Norway’s Coastline

Regular departures

Voyage overview

Our 12-day Norwegian coastal cruise travels northbound and then southbound, taking in Norway’s many fjords and mountains along the way. Your ship will call at 34 ports of all sizes and cross the Arctic Circle twice over 2,500 nautical miles. It is the definitive scenic route to see the Norwegian coast.

Discover our full scenic route with 34 ports visited twice, northbound and southbound, allowing you to really get to know the heart and soul of Norway’s coastline

Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as we sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains

Spend half your voyage on an Arctic tour of Norway, maximising your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoying 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer

Take your pick from all optional hikes and the full list of optional seasonal excursions to enhance your coastal experience

As we follow our scenic route and cruise Norway’s coastline, most of the ports we visit by night northbound are revisited by day southbound, allowing you to discover majestic fjords, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, market towns, and isolated hamlets. You also have our full range of available optional seasonal excursions to tailor each day of your journey the way you want.

All Aboard!

Your voyage starts in Bergen , the second-largest city in Norway and gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen boasts architecture influenced by prosperous 14th-century German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League.

If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district, now an artisan quarter complete with cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood. There’s also the Fløibanen funicular which takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen for views of the city.

To get the most out of your visit to Norway, don’t forget that we can also help you to arrange tours before or after your voyage, such as the Norway in a Nutshell programme.

Your voyage begins

Before boarding, you can relax in our comfortable guest lounge at the terminal. Once aboard, enjoy the first of many delicious meals made from fresh coastal produce as we depart Bergen and sail the old Viking route along Hjeltefjord.

You’ll also meet your ship’s Coastal Experience Team who will be your guides as we cruise Norway’s coastline, organising lectures, onboard activities, and optional hikes.

Time in port:

Bergen : 14:45 - 20:30

Iconic Architecture and Fantastic Fjords

Enjoy early morning in the Nordfjord near Torvik. We then sail past West Cape for our approach to Ålesund.

Art Nouveau city

Ålesund is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. If you’re travelling with us in spring or winter, you’ll have most of the day to explore this picturesque town.

Into the fjords

In the summer, from June to August, we set course for UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord *. This is a protected and preserved piece of paradise with towering mountain cliffs and waterfalls like the famous Seven Sisters cascading into the fjord.

Geirangerfjord is replaced by Hjørundfjord for the following sailings: 2024: 5th June, 16th June, 27th June, 8th July, 19th July, 30th July, 10th August, 21st August 2025: 1st June, 12th June, 23rd June, 4th July, 15th July, 26th July, 6th August, 17th August, 28th August

In spring, from April to May*, and in autumn, from September to October, your ship will sail to Hjørundfjord , hidden away in the Sunnmøre Alps. There’ll also be a call at the scenic village of Urke to gaze at the view of thousand-year-old farms, the fjord, and the lush mountainsides. *Only on voyages departing in 2025-26. 

Mountains and roses

The last port of the day is Molde . In summer, there might just be enough daylight to see the amazing view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, called ‘the Molde Panorama’.

From mid-June to late August, the streets and gardens here will be adorned with the sight and scent of roses of all shades, living up to Molde’s nickname as ‘The City of Roses’.

Florø : 02:45 - 03:00

Måløy : 05:15 - 05:30

Torvik : 08:20 - 08:30

(01.11-31.03) Ålesund : 09:45 - 20:00

(01.04 – 31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 18:00 - 20:00

(01.04-31.05* & 01.09-31.10) Urke: 12:15 - 15:45 

(01.06-31.08) Ålesund: 09:45 - 10:00 & 19:00 - 20:00

(01.06-31.08) Geiranger: 14:25 - 14:45 

Molde : 22:35 - 23:05

City of Kings and Palaces

This section of the voyage sees us enter the Trøndelag region of Norway, marked by crumpled hills, fields dotted with farmsteads, and low-lying coastal settlements.

Magical, medieval, and modern

Founded by Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997, Trondheim today is Norway’s third largest city and a mix of historic buildings and a vibrant student population.

You’ll have three hours to explore Trondheim and its array of highlights, either by yourself or on one of the optional excursions we offer.

A must-see site of the city is Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed “Norway’s Notre Dame” for its Gothic style and considered the most sacred building in all of Norway. Next door to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace where Norway’s crown jewels are on display.

Nearby, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro sits over Nid River, marking the entrance to the old Hanseatic district of Bakklandet. The neighbourhood’s colourful wooden wharves propped up on stilts by the river’s edge now house a variety of eateries. Up from Bakklandet is Kristiansten Fort which has beautiful panoramas of the city and fjord.

Back on board

In the afternoon, the ship sails northwest, passing the ochre-coloured Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, islets, and rocky reefs. After that, we head towards charming Rørvik .

Kristiansund : 02:45 - 03:00

Trondheim : 09:45 - 12:45

Rørvik : 21:40 - 22:00

Into the Arctic

We cross the Arctic Circle early in the morning, beginning your Arctic tour of Norway. We mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that’s sure to wake you up.

Above the Arctic Circle, you can see the sun 24 hours a day in summer, while in winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights greatly improve.

Forces of nature

At 10:00, we call into Ørnes , near to Norway’s second-largest glacier, Svartisen. The pier here is popular for the Love Bench where sweethearts have declared their lasting romance with a padlock.

We then sail to  Bodø , the second largest city in Northern Norway, overlooked by the Børvass peaks. Admire fabulous street art or join an optional boat excursion to Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom. 

Welcome to Lofoten

That afternoon, the ship enters the Lofoten archipelago. The 1,000 metre-high Lofoten Wall is a stunning sight on the horizon, as if there to welcome us.

Stamsund is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the islands and busiest between January and April when Arctic cod, known locally as skrei , swim from the Barents Sea in the north down to Vestfjord to spawn.

Come evening, when you see rows of traditional fisherman’s huts on stilts, known as rorbuer , you’ve arrived in the pretty harbour of Svolvær , the main town of the Lofoten Islands.

Brønnøysund : 01:35 - 01:45

Sandnessjøen : 04:35 - 04:50

Nesna : 06:00 - 06:10

Ørnes : 10:00 - 10:10

Bodø : 13:05 - 15:20

Stamsund : 19:15 - 19:40

Svolvær : 21:20 - 22:15

Capital of the Arctic

We dock into Harstad  just after 07:00. You can go for a peaceful early morning stroll around town. 

The ship will then continue to Finnsnes which connects the beautiful island of Senja via the impressive Gisund Bridge. Keep on the lookout for a variety of seabirds with several colonies nearby, including puffins.

Gateway to the Arctic

We then sail to the historic Arctic exploration capital of  Tromsø where you’ll have four hours to explore the city or join an optional excursion.

Along the waterfront you’ll find Polaria, a centre exhibiting environmental research in the Arctic with a small aquarium. Take your pick from the many shops and restaurants in the city centre, including Mack Brewery and favourite local watering hole Ølhallen pub. There are also cafés offering delicious cinnamon buns where baristas create innovative coffee art. Across the fjord from where the ship docks, you should be able to see the iconic Arctic Cathedral with its beautiful stained-glass mosaic.

Leaving Tromsø in the early evening, we head north for the trading post of Skjervøy , founded in 1622. On our way, we’ll pass the Lyngen Alps which rise majestically from the sea.

Stokmarknes : 01:30 - 01:40

Sortland : 02:55 - 03:10

Risøyhamn : 04:35 - 04:50

Harstad : 07:10 - 07:45

Finnsnes : 11:00 - 11:30

Tromsø : 14:15 - 18:15

Skjervøy : 22:10 - 22:25

Norway’s Northern Frontier

The ship reaches the town of Hammerfest on the island of Kvaløya early in the morning. In summer, the island has herds of reindeer migrating here in their thousands.

You’ll know we’ve reached Havøysund when you see the wind turbines of the landmark Havøyglaven wind farm which produces enough electricity to power 6,000 local homes.

At the top of Europe

We arrive at Honningsvåg mid-morning, portal to the North Cape where a globe monument marks the top of continental Europe. An optional excursion will take you to North Cape from Honningsvåg by bus, passing herds of reindeer on the way, depending on the season.

Sámi heartlands

Near the entrance of Kjøllefjord village, look out for the striking, building-like rock formation Finnkirka, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the indigenous Sámi. You can join an optional summer excursion to meet local Sámi, learn about their life reindeer herding, and listen to joik folk songs.

Continuing north

We reach our northernmost port of call, Mehamn , in the evening. If visiting in the months of February and March, you might spot tons of cod drying on outdoor wooden racks called hjell , mainly destined for export.

The ship then sets off for Berlevåg . On the way, we pass the tall Slettnes Lighthouse, the northernmost mainland lighthouse on Earth.

Øksfjord : 01:50 - 02:00

Hammerfest : 05:05 - 05:45

Havøysund : 08:30 - 08:45

Honningsvåg : 10:55 - 14:30

Kjøllefjord : 16:40 - 17:00

Mehamn : 18:55 - 19:15

Berlevåg : 22:00 - 22:10

Norway’s Eastern Edge

We call at Båtsfjord and Vardø in the night, before docking at Vadsø early in the morning.

Looking to the skies

The area around Vadsø is one of the most scenic and popular birdwatching spots in the Arctic, lying directly under the migration path of birds flying from east to west. Watch for hooded crows and sea eagles.

Near the Norwegian border

By the time we reach Kirkenes after breakfast, you’ll have travelled further east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul. You’ll have a choice of optional excursions to explore the area.

Journey’s turning point

Kirkenes is where your Norwegian coastal cruise changes direction and the ship heads south. Several of the places we sailed to during the night we’ll now see during the day.

Back in Vardø , you can visit the solemn Witches’ Monument and the star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress, built in 1737. The northernmost fortification of any kind, it remains a part of the military to this day.

We return to the small, bustling port of Båtsfjord and then make for Berlevåg for late evening, crossing paths with the northbound ship.

Båtsfjord : 00:00 - 00:30

Vardø : 03:30 - 03:45

Vadsø : 06:55 - 07:10

Kirkenes : 09:00 - 12:30

Vardø : 16:05 - 17:00

Båtsfjord : 20:00 - 20:30

Berlevåg : 22:25 - 22:35

From the Top of Europe

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund .

The northernmost cist

In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest , which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements.

See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.

Mountains and marine mammals

We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy , surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.

If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.

As we make our way to Tromsø , you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway.

Midnight magic

We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Mehamn : 01:20 - 01:30

Kjøllefjord : 03:25 - 03:35

Honningsvåg : 05:45 - 06:00

Havøysund : 08:00 - 08:15

Hammerfest : 11:00 - 12:45

Øksfjord : 15:50 - 16:05

Skjervøy : 19:30 - 19:45

Tromsø : 23:45 - 01:30

High Peaks and Idyllic Islands

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.

After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.

Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.

Our birthplace

Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.

A ship-sized fjord

Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if weather permits. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.

Leaving Lofoten

We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!

The ship then sails for Stamsund , eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

Finnsnes : 04:20 - 04:40

Harstad : 08:00 - 08:30

Risøyhamn : 10:45 - 11:00

Sortland : 12:30 - 13:00

Stokmarknes : 14:15 - 15:15

Svolvær : 18:30 - 20:30

Stamsund : 22:15 - 22:30

A Landscape of Trolls

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!

We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen , gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.

Legend has it…

Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.

You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Coastal Experience about it!

We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.

Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

Bodø : 02:30 - 03:30

Ørnes : 06:25 - 06:35

Nesna : 10:25 - 10:35

Sandnessjøen : 11:45 - 12:15

Brønnøysund : 15:00 - 17:25

Rørvik : 21:00 - 21:30

Coastal Communities and Klippfisk

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.

Capital of the Viking Age

Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River.

Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city.

Dealing in dried cod

We dock at Kristiansund ’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian.

Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.

Peaks and petals

The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Time in port

Trondheim : 06:30 - 09:30

Kristiansund : 16:30 - 17:30

Molde : 21:15 - 21:45

Until Next Time

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik . On our approach to Måløy , you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough.

Morning highlights

You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.

The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.

The home stretch

Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.

As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.

Explore more of Norway

Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to the Captain, crew, and fellow guests.

But your journey doesn’t have to stop after disembarkation. We offer a Bergen sightseeing tour as well as a range of post-voyage programmes that you can add to your trip, including seeing Sognefjord by train or a tour of Oslo.

Ålesund : 00:30 - 01:20

Torvik : 02:35 - 02:45

Måløy : 05:45 - 06:00

Florø : 08:15 - 08:30

Bergen : 14:45

We have several ships in the fleet that we travel with.

MS Kong Harald

Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel.

MS Nordkapp

MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage.

MS Nordnorge

MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle.

About your trip

What's included.

12-day voyage in cabin category of your choice

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen

Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team

Engaging onboard activities and lectures:

Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway's history, biology, geography, geology and culture 

Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage

A welcome event and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come

Presentations about the ports we visit

Presentation of excursion programmes

Point of interest presentations out on deck

Captain’s dinner and a farewell event

What's Not Included

Flights and transfers

Travel insurance

Optional seasonal excursions

Luggage handling

Optional hikes with the Coastal Experience Team

Prices are in EUR per person based on two people travelling together sharing a cabin

Not all cabin categories are available for all departures

Single cabin pricing available on request

Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability

Know before you go

• FAQ: The Coastal Express
• Meet the team on our Coastal Express ships
• What to pack for a Norwegian cruise

Special Offers

There’s more than one way to sail with us and discover the many wonders of the Norwegian coast.

Original Coastal Voyages | Save up to 50%

Experience our home with up to 50% off selected voyages when you book by 30th June 2024.

Travel solo for no additional cost

We have a range of cruises in Norway for those who like to travel solo. And, unlike other cruise lines, we won't charge you extra!

Our Northern Lights Promise

For those who have your heart set on witnessing the swirling glow of the aurora borealis, we make you a promise no one can match.

Optional Excursions

Explore your destination even further with our wide range of exciting excursions. The excursion programme presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage.

Geiranger With Trollstigen Pass

Starts from

The Geirangerfjord

Summer (Jun - Aug)

Art Nouveau Walk (Spring & Winter)

Spring (Apr - May), Winter (Nov - Mar)

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium and Mount Aksla

Art Nouveau Walk (Autumn)

Autumn (Sep - Oct)

1 hour 30 minutes

A Taste of Norway

The Hjørundfjord

2 hours 15 minutes

Mountain Hike in the Hjørundfjord

2 hours 45 minutes

Hike with a Visit to a Shieling

Hjørundfjord, Geiranger, and Ålesund

6 hours 30 minutes

Kayaking in Ålesund

Alnes Lighthouse

3 hours 30 minutes

Hjørundfjord - tastes and traditions

Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum

Trondheim – Norway’s capital of technology

Spring (Apr - May), Summer (Jun - Aug)

Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Autumn (Sep - Oct), Winter (Nov - Mar)

Trondheim City Walk

Kayaking on the River Nid

2 hours 30 minutes

Cycling In Trondheim

Spring (Apr - May), Summer (Jun - Aug), Autumn (Sep - Oct)

Svartisen Glacier

Ørnes – deep within the majesty of Helgeland

Arctic Coastal Walk

2 hours 10 minutes

Experience Bodø and Saltstraumen

RIB Safari To Saltstraumen

Meet the Vikings (Winter)

Stamsund – the essence of Lofoten

Winter (Nov - Mar)

Meet the Vikings (Summer)

Highlights of Lofoten

2 hours 40 min

Farm Visit in Lofoten

The Arctic Capital: Tromsø

Tromsø – gateway to the Arctic

Dog Sledding (Tromsø)

Polar History Walk

Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing In Tromsø

Explore Tromsø by E-bike  (Spring & Summer)

The North Cape

Honningsvåg – gateway to the North Cape

Birdwatching Safari

Summer (Jun - Aug), Autumn (Sep - Oct)

Sámi Culture

Kjøllefjord – beautiful wilderness where nature rules

Snowmobile Trip In The Arctic

The North Cape Exclusive (Platinum guests only)

Fishing Village Visit

The Norwegian Border

Kirkenes – right on the border

Riverboat to the Norwegian Border

Snowmobile Safari

Kirkenes Snow hotel

ATV/Quad-safari to the Norwegian border (Kirkenes)

King Crab Adventure (Summer)

King Crab Adventure (Winter)

Breakfast at the North Cape

The Northernmost Town In The World

1 hour 45 minutes

Midnight Concert in Tromsø Cathedral

1 hour 15 minutes

Snowmobile Trip in the Polar Night

Mountain Hike In Hammerfest

A Taste of Vesterålen

Harstad – at the heart of Northern Norway

4 hours 15 minutes

Lofoten Islands

Svolvær – at the heart of Lofoten

Sea Eagle Safari

Stokmarknes – the birthplace of Hurtigruten

Lofoten by Horse

RIB Adventure in Lofoten

Discover a Fishing Village

Spring (Apr - May), Autumn (Sep - Oct), Winter (Nov - Mar)

The Hurtigruten Museum

Sortland – the blue city

Lofotpils Brewery

UNESCO Vega Archipelago

Sandnessjøen – gateway to the Helgeland Coast

Visit the Salmon

Brønnøysund – coastal charm right in the middle of Norway

Hike to Torghatten Mountain

Trondheim With Nidaros Cathedral

The Hidden Rooms of Nidaros Cathedral

The Atlantic Road

Kristiansund – home of the Bacalao

4 hours 30 minutes

Bergtatt – Magnificent Marble Mine

Pre and post programmes.

Island Seafood Dinner & Boat Trip from Bergen

Bergen – gateway to the fjords

Sognefjord in a Nutshell | 1 day

Sognefjord in a Nutshell | 2 days

Norway in a Nutshell | Overnight Voss

Norway in a Nutshell | Overnight Flåm

Norway In A Nutshell | 3 days Flåm and Voss

Norway in a Nutshell | 1 day

Snowhotel – A Unique Winter Experience

Gamme Cabins by Kirkenes Snowhotel

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7 of the best small ship cruises to the Norwegian Fjords for 2024 & 2025

Published 24th January 2024 in Cruise Advice By Alex Loizou /cruise-news/cruise-advice/best-small-ship-cruises-norwegian-fjords

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The staggering beauty of the Norwegian Fjords needs little explaining. This stunning landscape has been shaped over millennia by powerful glaciers leaving rugged rock walls, overhanging cliffs and spectacular waterfalls plunging into the sea. Discover our pick of the best small ship Norwegian Fjords cruises below.

The Norwegian Fjords one of the few areas in the world where ships schedule cruising hours simply to give passengers the time to watch the scenery - and the tranquil experience of gliding through the glassy waters and coming to terms with the sheer scale of the region is unforgettable.

If it is the Norwegian Fjords you want to see, check carefully to see how many days are actually spent in fjordland. For variety, pick a cruise which includes the North Cape or even Spitsbergen, or alternatively combine with a Baltic exploration. For us, this is a region where small ships come into their own, so here's a round-up of the seven best luxury small ships that will be cruising the Norwegian Fjords in 2024 and 2025:

Best small ship cruises to the Norwegian Fjords

1. windstar cruises.

Windstar's lovely Star Legend accommodates a maximum of just 312 guests, and departs Edinburgh for a 10-night sailing to Copenhagen on 12th July 2024 , with the reverse route on 12 August 2024 , repeating the same in July and August 2025 , visiting some of the highlights of Norway's fjordland, including Bergen, Geirangerfjord, Olden and Flam.

Formerly operated by Seabourn, this popular little ship emerges from an exciting refurbishment in 2022, further enhancing the friendly and casual ambience that so delights those guests who prefer a smaller ship.

2. Seabourn

Seabourn Sojourn, the luxury line's elegant 458-guest ship, departs Dover on 10th August 2024 on a 14-day North Cape and Majestic Fjords itinerary, with the same itinerary on 14 June and 12 July 2025 .

Scenic cruising of Sognefjord, Trollfjord and Nordfjord, combined with time in numerous towns and villages along the entire Norwegian coast as far as the North Cape, makes this a particularly lovely voyage on which you'll enjoy Seabourn's outstanding comfort and service in the land of the Midnight Sun.

The French flagged cruise line's Explorer Yachts offer lovely seven- and 10-night Norwegian Fjords cruises in early and late July 2024 and June 2025. Visiting at this time means long days, better weather and beautiful fields of wildflowers. Starting or finishing in Bergen, we recommend and additional night or two to explore this beautiful historic city.

Ponant also offers an unusual autumn departure in November 2024 on icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot to see the fjords in a whole new light, which also mixes in stops at the stunning Lofoten Islands.

4. Viking Ocean Cruises

The Norwegian heritage on board Viking ships is clear, from the soft reindeer skins in the Explorers Lounge to the snow grotto in the spa. Light and airy, you will enjoy the stunning scenery from the spacious lounges and deck areas.

These beautiful vessels, accommodating a maximum of 930 guests, offer a choice of lovely summer cruises to combine a taste of the Norwegian Fjords with the Baltic from Stockholm, or with the North Cape and back to the UK. For a Scandinavian style and lots of variety at an inclusive price, Viking is a great choice.

5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Sailing from Amsterdam on 15th June 2024 aboard the stunning 496-guest Seven Seas Navigator, this 17-night cruise includes four days exploring the fjords and the great northern capitals such as Helsinki and Oslo, as well as lesser-explored gems such as Gdansk and Tallin, before arriving in Copenhagen - a perfectly designed northern itinerary.

Similar options depart in June, July and August 2025 , and whichever you choose you'll enjoy Regent's inclusive pricing, from flights to shore excursions, drinks and gratuities, with not a penny more to pay.

6. Silversea

Through June, July, August and September 2024 , Silversea's 596-guest Silver Dawn - launched in 2022 - operates a series of magical cruises, all including the Norwegian Fjords, returning in the same period in 2025. We love this stunning ship which features S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), showcasing authentic local cuisine from each destination with special shore excursions, onboard cookery demonstrations and classes, and the ever-changing menus at the new S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant.

Choose from itineraries which include plenty of time ashore in pretty towns such as Ålesund, Hellesylt and Flåm, and scenic fjords including the Eidfjord and Geirangerfjord.

Join the elegant expedition ship Scenic Eclipse on 15th June 2024 for an exciting Scenic expedition cruise sailing from Edinburgh to Tromso. Along the way you will enjoy a close-up view of the fjords, exploring by zodiac with an experienced expedition team, before heading further north to the Lofoten Islands. In 2025, the 4 August sailing also mixes in exciting Svalbard exploration including Tromsø, well within the Arctic Circle.

Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding will be part of your experience, and a programme of lectures and seminars will enhance your all inclusive voyage, as you adventure in style.

This is just a selection of what's on offer, and many of the ships mentioned have alternative voyages in the region. So if the Norwegian Fjords are on your 'must see' list then give us a call, and we will find the right small ship cruise for you.

Alex is Director of Sales & Marketing at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for 10 years and in travel for over 18 years. Most recently he's cruised on Regent Seven Seas and has also sailed with Seabourn, Crystal, SeaDream, Tauck and Ponant. His favourite destination is South America however he's also enjoyed cruises in the Western Mediterranean, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, India, Myanmar, South East Asia and Antarctica. When he’s not travelling he loves walking holidays; a favourite included a trek to Everest Base Camp.

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Explore the Norwegian Fjords on a small ship cruise...

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Norwegian Fjords Cruises

See Baltic, Scandinavia and Norways breathtaking scenery and natural wonders

Cruises from Bergen

Bergen is an arrival and departure point for many cruise ships on their way to Northern Europe. This includes cruises to Norway and the Norwegian fjords, as well as Scandinavia and the Baltic. Cruise lines including Viking Cruises, and others all provide departures from Bergen.

Bergen is a destination that should be on the itinerary of each cruise through Norway due to its alluring setting in the middle of Fjord Norway. Around 330 cruise ships make port visits in Bergen each year, bringing in a total of more than 600,000 cruise passengers. Cruise passengers frequently stop at Bergen on their way to or from the Norwegian fjords. Skolten Cruise Port, also known as Vagen Harbor, is where smaller cruise ships dock when they arrive in Bergen, whereas Dokken Port, located next to the Fish Market, is where the larger cruise ships land.

Bergen, Norway

The Bergen Card is available for either 24 or 48 hours and grants the holder free rides on the city’s buses and Bybanen (Bergen’s light railway) as well as free or subsidized admission to a wide variety of museums and attractions. Beginning your exploration of Bergen’s rich cultural scene with a stroll around the city’s ancient Bryggen neighborhood is a great way to get started. This section of the town runs parallel to the harbor and was a major center of trade back in the 17th century. These days, it is filled with plenty of quaint museums and cafes, and it is famous for the brilliantly colored buildings that line its streets.

Aside from that, the Bergen Art Museum is home to some of the most impressive works of art in the entirety of Norway, and the Buergen Kunst Museum features artworks by the likes of Picasso, Munch, and Miro, in addition to a large number of works by local artists.

Bergen’s Seven Mountains

The Seven Mountains, which surround the city of Bergen, hold a special place in local lore and are a symbol of the region’s reverence for nature. Hiking in the varying mountainous and forested terrain that surrounds Bergen is a popular pastime. The mountains provide not just wide hiking pathways for people of varying levels of fitness but also breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. You can choose from a variety of activities, from a casual 15-minute stroll in the sun to more challenging ones like day hikes and steep inclines. There are many more than seven mountains in the Bergen area, but these are the ones most often thought of as the “official seven.” They are: Ulriken, Flyen (sometimes called Flyfjellet), Lvstakken, Damsgrdsfjellet, Sandviksfjellet, Lyderhorn, and Rundemanen.

If you don’t feel like making the ascent on foot, you can always take the cable car from the city center up to the peak. The most popular peak is Mount Fyen, which can be reached from the city via the Flibanen Funicular, though the fitter among us are more likely to choose the 40-minute hike. From the top, you can see the fjords and the shoreline as you make your way to the other mountains, such as Mount Rundemanen and Mount Ulriken. The Ulriken cable car is conveniently accessible via regular bus service and the seasonal sightseeing bus.

Norwegian Fjords, Baltic and Scandinavia cruise from Bergen

No matter which route you choose to take on your cruise through Northern Europe, you will see recognizable sites and scenery along the way. There are a variety of fascinating cruises available around Northern Europe that are suitable for almost any traveler. Find cruises to destinations such as Norway’s Fjords, the Baltic Sea, and Scandinavia that depart from the cruise terminal in Bergen and choose the best itinerary.

Norway and Norwegian Fjords

Bergen is also a great place to start a cruise up Norway’s west coast toward the North Cape to the land of midnight sun and majestic Northern lights . Those embarking on cruises from Bergen can visit places like Stavanger , Haugesund , Olden , Flam , Alesund , Trondheim , Leknes , Eidfjord , Honningsvag , Kristiansand , Geiranger , Hellesylt , the Lofoten Islands , and many more. Most visitors come to see the fjords, two of which—the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord —are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The longest fjord is Sognefjord , and the Hardangerfjord is well-known for its cherry and apple trees. Nordfjorden is the sixth-longest fjord in Norway, so it’s no surprise that it also attracts many cruise ships.

Denmark , Germany , Poland , Lithuania, Latvia , Estonia , Russia, Finland , and Sweden are the nine countries that are located on either side of the Baltic Sea. It is easy to arrange a cruise from Bergen with stop to any of the Baltic capitals, such as Helsinki , Tallinn , Riga , Stockholm , or St. Petersburg. There are also stops in Baltic Sea cities like Kiel , Warnemunde , Gdansk , Muuga , Klaipeda , and Visby . on routes that leave from Bergen.

Scandinavia

The term Scandinavia in local usage covers the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The cruise may make stops in many locations in Scandinavia, including Copenhagen, Aarhus , Skagen , Gothenburg , and Helsingborg .

Explore cruises out of Bergen

Ship schedule from Bergen includes Northern Europe , Norway and Norwegian Fjords , Scandinavia and Baltic Sea .

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Bergen – Norway

In the city of Bergen you have lots of options on what to see and do, whatever your interest is. Go hiking in the mountains, enjoy the scenery from Mount Floyen, visit the art museums in town or learn about Bergen’s vibrant history.  Find out underneath what it is you can see and do in the Bergen Cruise Port Guide.

Bergen cruise port – fast fact

– Cruise ships usually dock about 1 km or half a mile away from the city center. – The city center of Bergen is easily explored by foot. – Public busses are available at the cruise dock. Pay with card to the driver. – There is a hop on hop off bus in Bergen.

Travel information Norway

Official currency – Norwegian krone Accepts Euro / US dollars – sometimes in souvenir shops Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +1

About Norway

Inhabitants – 5,1 million Official language – Norwegian and Sami Capital city – Oslo

Kingdom of Norway Government – Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Norwegian language

Good day – God dag How are you? – Hvordan har du det? Thank you – Takk Cruise ship – Cruiseskip Port – Havn

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Alesund Oslo Geiranger Eidfjord Molde Trondheim

Cruise Port Guide Bergen – Norway: docked

In Bergen cruise ships often dock at the Bontelabo or at Skolten pier. These two cruise docks are right next to each other and both of them are about 1 km / half a mile away from the city centre.

Most ships do not run a shuttle bus, but check with the front office on board your cruise ship if this will be the case for your call. If you want to reach the city centre you can either walk for approximately 1 km, take the hop on hop off bus, take public transport or take a taxi.

In a very rare occasion your ship will dock at the other side of town. Click here to be redirected to the Bergen Havn website where you can check where your ship will dock. Remember that the Bontelabo and Skolten pier are the cruise docks described here in this cruise port guide. The Festningskaien is actually nearest to bryggen, but not all cruise ships are able to dock here. If you dock at Jekteviken, you will be able to take the free shuttle bus into the city centre. 

Official taxis in Bergen

There are usually a limited amount of taxis available on the cruise dock in Bergen. You will find them on the parking lot where it marks “taxi” on the ground. Keep in mind that taxis are pricy in Norway. Rule of thumb is you usually pay around 700 NOK (+/- 100 USD) per hour. Expect a short ride to the city centre to cost you around 15 euro.

Public Transport in Bergen

There is public transport from the port to the city centre. Any bus coming by the port, going towards the right hand side, goes to the city centre. The bus stop is located on the main road directly at the port. Pay the driver directly in NOK for a ticket. You can also pay for the ticket with creditcard.

Going a bit further afield than the city center? Skiss runs the local bus and light rail network. You can easily schedule your trip on their English version of the website. Click here to be forwarded to the Bergen public transportation operator Skyss.

Hop on hop off bus Bergen

There is a hop on hop off bus service available at the port. It is a nice way to get around the city, but keep in mind that also everything is within walking distance.

Trolley train Bergen

In town, at Bryggen, is where you usually find a trolley train that provides tours through the city centre. Find its departure location on the map above. It is marked with a blue train logo.

Wheelchair accessible locations

Bergen is making a great effort to make as much as they can wheelchair accessible. Please find a list of the locations that facilitates wheelchair friendly services:

-Bergen Aquarium -Bergen Kunsthall -Fishmarket -Fløibanen -Magic Ice Bergen -Storeblå Aquaculture Visitor Centre -Ulriken Cable car -Bergenhus Fortress Museum (right by the cruise port) -Bryggens Museum -Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen -Fjell Fortress -Hordamuseet -KODE – Art museum -Norwegian Fisheries Museum -Textile Industry Museum -Osterøy Museum

Norway is fast on its way to become a cashless country. Norwegian Krone is the official currency however you will find that most places accept creditcard like Visa and Mastercard.

Fun facts about Bergen cruise port

• Last year 325 cruise ships made Bergen their port of call
• Which means that there were just as many ships visiting Bergen as before corona
• Bergen’s city council decided that a maximum of 3 ships or 8000 passengers are allowed to dock in Bergen in one day.

Find your port of call:

• Mediterranean
• Norway – Cruise port guides
• Baltic & Scandinavia
• British isles
• Western Europe
• French Polynesia
• North America
• Central America
• Southeast Asia
• North Africa
• Middle East

There are only a handful of stave churches left in Norway. These typical churches from the 11th and 12th century mark a very unusual and intriguing time in history for Norway. Just outside of Bergen there is replica of a stave church you can visit. Simply take the light rail/tram from the city centre and go the outskirts of town to visit. We have marked the tram stop for you in the Bergen Cruise port guide. Ask for directions though, it is still about 1/2 mile walk from the tram stop and there are no signs.

Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church, Bergen

The castle ground lay opposite of the docking locations in Bergen. On this premises you will find the Haakon’s hall, Rosenkrantz tower and many other important historical buildings. All of these building will tell you the story and history of the city of Bergen. Make sure to visit this on your way to the city or back to the ship.

Bergenhus fortress

Bergenhus fortress, Bergen

In Bergen you never quite know when you are going to run into the cutest neighborhood of all. There are still many areas in the city where you can find the traditional wooden houses.

Old wooden neighborhoods

Steinkjellerbakken, Bergen

This is a mansion just outside of Bergen that you might pass. It is the residence of the Norwegian Royal Family. On a sunny day it is nice to visit the gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery there.

Gamlehaugen

Gamlehaugvegen 10, 5230 Paradis, Norway

Edvard Grieg is the most famous composer Norway has ever known. He was born and raised in Bergen and although he travelled the world, he always comes back to Bergen. His house is nowadays a museum where you will also find a new auditorium and visitors centre. It is quite a way out of town so plan a visit ahead. You can visit this sight by taking the taxi or the light rail. From the city centre take the light rail tram in direction “Nesttun” and leave the tram on the station “Hop”. Follow sings to “Troldhaugen”for ca. 20 minutes. Or click here to be linked to their website to see when they have their shuttle service running.

Troldhaugen: house of Edvard Grieg

Troldhaugvegen 65, 5232 Paradis-Bergen

Find this very interesting museum about 1 km walk from the dock. It focuses on the history of the Hanseatic League in Norway. The Hanseatic League was basicaly the European Union of its time and for the first time in European history the countries would start to work together rather than work against each other. In this museum you can learn all about life during the Hanseatic League and what made it such an incredible cooperation.

Hanseatic Museum

Hanseatic Museum, Bergen

Bergen is famous for the 7 hill tops it is build on. Please know any hill just to the north and east of the port is suitable for hiking. You’ll find there are several paths going up the hills from the town area. The most spectacular one has to be the Stolzekleiven. It is one of the steepest hikes in the world and it is loved by locals because this is their work out spot. Join them for a adventurous walk. Find the start marked on the map in the Bergen cruise port guide or ask a local. You need 1,5 hours from the ship to the top and the view will be worth it.

Stolzekleiven

Stolzekleiven, Bergen

The port of Bergen offers several docks for cruise ships. This is the main location. Curious about the other locations? Check out the full Bergen cruise port guide here. 

Bergen cruise dock

Bergen has a famous fish market where you can basically try anything that the Norwegians get out of the ocean and the fjords. Try anything from king crab to fresh boiled shrimps. It doesn’t stop there because you can also try some very unusual sausages. Have you ever tried elk or reindeer sausage for example?

Fish market

Fish market, Bergen

This is a MUST see in Bergen. This UNESCO world heritage site is what Bergen is famous for. Get a sense of what this trading city in the medieval times used to be all about. Today there might just be a couple of houses that stand here, but back in the days it used to be hundreds. Make sure not just to stick around on the dock here. Whenever you get the chance to pop into an alley you should go for it, because the neighborhood continues behind these houses.

Bryggen, Bergen

One of Bergen’s main attractions is the Fløibanen funicular. Find the lower station right in the center of town. Buy a ticket and hop on the funicular. It will take you up Mt. Floien where you will have an incredible view over the city of Bergen. It is also a great starting point for a hike. There are several recommended hikes on Mt. Floien. We do highly recommend you to buy your tickets in advance through the Floyen.no website. The queue for the Floibanen can be long, especially during summer time with a lot of ships in port. You can buy your ticket on the website and pass the line when you get there. It is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Skjolden en Bonelabo cruise dock.

Fløibanen funicular

Fløibanen AS, Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen, Norway

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