The rugged coastline of Norway is famous for its breathtaking scenery and stunning fjords. No visit to Norway is complete without at least one fjord cruise.

There are a huge range of fjord tours available in Norway, from a simple 2-hour cruise visiting the local landmarks to elaborate packages including a 3-course meal and an onboard sauna.

Containing 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s a pristine travel destination that looks like something out of a movie. However, there are tons of tours that go through here which can make it hard to choose one worth your time and money.

We have the top Norwegian fjord cruise tours all right here, so don’t go anywhere!

Be sure to see our reviews of Norway Northern Lights Tours and Norway Whale Watching Tours.

Best Fjord Cruises In Norway

	Fjord Cruise and Whale Safari by Catamaran From Tromsø	Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks From Tromsø	Osterfjord, Mostraumen & Waterfall Fjord Cruise From Bergen
	Best Whale & Wildlife Cruise	Best Lunch Cruise	Best Value Cruise
Departure:	Harborside of Kystens Hus, Tromsø	Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø	Meet at Fish Market, 5013 Bergen
Start:	Contact tour operator	Variety available	Variety available
Duration:	7 hours	5 hours	3 hours
Includes:	Scenic transport via a comfortable catamaran, English-speaking guide, thermal winter suit and life jacket, hot drinks and biscuits	Tour guide, transportation, sightseeing cruise, lunch, snacks, water, coffee/tea, warm clothing, life vest, fishing gear	3-hour round tour cruise to the beautiful Osterfjord and Mostraumen channel
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Don’t miss taking going into the backcountry and seeing the northern lights while you are in Norway, see our reviews here of our favorite northern lights trips.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Norwegian Fjord Cruise Tours For 2026

1. Best Whale & Wildlife Cruise: Fjord Cruise and Whale Safari by Catamaran From Tromsø
2. Best Lunch Cruise: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks From Tromsø
3. Best Value Cruise: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Cruise
4. Best Sunset Cruise: Midnight Fjord Cruise From Tromsø
5. Best Luxury Cruise: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise From Tromsø
6. Best Sightseeing Cruise: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Cruise From Stavanger
7. Best Dinner Cruise: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise From Oslo

Norway Fjord Cruise Reviews

1. Best Whale & Wildlife Cruise: Fjord Cruise and Whale Safari by Catamaran From Tromsø

Our first tour is one of the most well-rated, comprehensive tours in this area. If you’re looking to really get to know the fjords and the incredible wildlife, this one is a top contender. The Tromsø: Whale and Arctic Wildlife Cruise Safari by Catamaran is not only exciting, you’re also going to learn a ton about the area.

This 7-hour tour starts off by you meeting the crew and the rest of your group early in the day to take advantage of the daylight. Make sure to dress warm, with layers, and a waterproof outer layer just in case you get wet! We recommend warm boots with good traction, as well!

However, if you need additional layers, the crew is happy to provide you with a thermal winter suit and a life jacket for safety.

Hop onboard a comfortable, top-notch catamaran located in the Tromsø city center. This makes it easy to access, no matter where in the city you’re staying. While the fjords are generally calm, there are some rougher points in the open water that may make you consider bringing motion sickness medicine.

Experts in all kinds of weather, the crew will make sure you have a great time, even on those dark and cloudy days. They’re incredibly friendly, and once you board, will tell you what to expect on the tour and answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy some delicious hot drinks (tea and coffee) along with some freshly-baked biscuits while marveling at the gorgeous scenery surrounding you. The journey to where you’ll see whales is a bit long – 3 hours out there – so get comfortable.

Along the way, you’ll learn all about the country’s varied wildlife, fishing, aquaculture, little villages around, and weather. Not only that, but they’ll relate it to historical accounts as well, which are always interesting.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Best Lunch Cruise: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks From Tromsø

Next up, we bring you the Tromsø: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks tour. If you’re looking for a slightly shorter tour than the one we just covered, this is a great alternative. However, they pack a lot in to this incredible excursion, where you’ll venture out onto the Arctic Sea and explore its wonders!

Meet up with the captain, crew, and rest of your group at the Scandic Ishavshotel, which is conveniently located close to just about any part of Tromsø. They’ll escort you down to the harbor to board the “Fjord Queen”.

Get that authentic Scandinavian feel by sailing in the classic mahogany boat, which is gorgeous, and comfortable. There are plenty of warm, sheltered cabins with large glass windows to see the Norwegian landscapes from.

If you’d like, you can brave the deck and take advantage of the complimentary insulated bodysuits the crew offers, as well. There’s plenty of refreshments available, such as water, coffee, and tea to keep you toasty.

They even serve lunch on board! If you’d like, don one of the complimentary life vests and check out the fishing options. They have fishing gear available for anyone to use, if that’s of interest to you.

As you cruise along, the crew will tell you all about the region’s history, wildlife, nature, water, and more. The Tromsø region is known for its birds – namely puffins, sea eagles, guillemots, and eider ducks. You may also get to see cormorants, seals, and otters!

The staff knows the best places to go to see these beautiful creatures, and even pilot whales or dolphins if you’re lucky! Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled around the shore, as there’s interesting flora and fauna, such as reindeer hanging out on land!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Best Value Cruise: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Fjord Cruise From Bergen

Perhaps you have a packed schedule and aren’t able to fit in a longer tour that day. No worries, as there are plenty of fun fjord tours to take that are much shorter! Take the Bergen: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Cruise, for example!

Lasting 3 hours, it’s the perfect way to spend the morning or afternoon! You can enjoy the gorgeous landscape and be back to your hotel or lodging in time for lunch. Start out by meeting your group at the fish market for a round-trip tour to the stunning Osterfjord and Mostraument channel.

The modern boat is very comfortable, reliable, and safe. Each has plenty of space on the sundecks, and the kiosks are there to offer unlimited refreshments, like beer and wine.

If you want to get out on the water, this is a great way to do so. It’s nothing complex, but it’ll show you this magnificent UNESCO world heritage site of Bryggen in Bergen and much more.

Not only that, but you’ll be able to get away from the city hustle and bustle and just enjoy the fresh air and scenery. You’ll have plenty of time to see and learn about Bryggen before heading to Modalen, Norway’s second-smallest municipality.

On the way there, the fjord gets smaller, with steep, towering mountains looming overhead. The intense currents of the Mostraument strait are nothing to be messed with, but the captain and crew are experts at getting you there safely. They even sail right up to a waterfall!

While it looks incredible, the staff will catch a bucket-full of the chilly, fresh mountain water for all of you to try.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Sunset Cruise: Midnight Fjord Cruise From Tromsø

If you want to explore the Norwegian fjords in a much different way, we have just the ticket for you! We are sure you’ve never experienced anything like this before! The Tromsø: Midnight Cruise is another shorter one but will allow you to witness a simultaneous sunrise and sunset!

This 3-hour tour offers some of the most jaw-dropping views possible from the fjords. Meet your guide and rest of your group outside the main entrance to the Scandic Ishavshotel. This is a very convenient location for anyone staying in Tromsø, so not much planning is required to get there.

You’ll be welcomed on board a comfortable, modern boat and head out onto the Tromsø fjords. This cruise is only available seasonally, as starting from the 21^st of May onwards, Norway has 24 hours of daylight!

However, you’ll still see signs of sunsets and rises, with fire-like neon oranges and reds painted throughout the sky.

However, even though it’s daytime, you’ll still need to bring enough clothes that you stay warm while still being able to fit into a large thermal suit! These suits are provided by the tour crew, and are made to ensure you stay warm and dry!

While the weather of course varies, you can typically expect incredible skies an even see some animals like eagles! The guide will keep an eye out and point out particularly interesting flora and fauna along the way.

To keep you warm, you’ll be provided with plenty of coffee, tea, and snacks! Check out both the indoor heated lounge or brave the fresh-air deck of the boat.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Luxury Cruise: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise From Tromsø

Do you want to experience the Tromsø fjords in one of the most luxurious ways possible? Do you enjoy the finer things in life and more lush modes of touring? Then check out the Tromsø: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise tour!

This is yet another 3-hour tour, so if you have a packed day of events ahead, it’s easy to fit into your schedule. On this excursion, you should expect gorgeous views of the Norwegian landscapes, fresh air, and even the opportunity to try some of the traditional local dishes!

Your tour starts out by meeting at the Floating Jetty next to Scandic Ishavshotel, which is located in the center of the city and easy to access. Hop on board a luxury catamaran, called the “Arctic Princess” – one of the most gorgeous catamarans in the city.

You’ll be shown around the boat, where you have the Panorama Saloon, which is perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying the company of the others on board while watching through the enormous windows.

You can also choose to relax on the day beds on the outdoor deck, if the weather is right! Of course, you’ll be provided with a warm thermal suit to wear over your clothing if you get cold! Plenty of warm coffee and tea is available to further keep you comfortable, as well as light snacks.

As you glide through the clean, crisp waters of the gorgeous fjords and islands that surround the area, you’ll learn all about them from your guide. They offer up a tasty traditional fish soup to enjoy as you’re taking in the fantastic scenery.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

6. Best Sightseeing Cruise: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Fjord Cruise From Stavanger

If these tours sound interesting to you, but you’d like to focus a bit more on the cultural and historic aspect of the area, we have just the tour for you. The Stavanger: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Cruise tour is another 3-hour adventure where you’ll see much more than the fjords!

While the weather tends to change quite a bit, the staff always makes sure you have the best time possible. Start out by meeting up with the crew at the Strandkaien Pier in Strandgate Stavanger.

Board the top-class boat, where you’ll have plenty of snacks and warm drinks to keep you comfortable. The guide will tell you what to expect on your cruise, and answer any questions you may have.

One of the first landmarks you’ll see is the Vagabond’s Cave, which is supposed to be named after a bunch of vagabonds who hid here for months trying to evade police capture!

The cove is absolutely stunning, with towering cliffsides surrounding an icy-blue pool of water. Next, see the infamous Pulpit Rock, which is naturally-formed to create a steep cliff standing almost 2,000 feet above Lysefjorden!

The almost completely flat top spans a whopping 80 meters across, which looks like it came out of some kind of science fiction blockbuster film.

Everywhere you go, your guide will tell you all kinds of interesting facts and stories about the area. You and your group will also come across sky-high waterfalls, picturesque islands, and captivating scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see some local inhabitants, such as wild goats at a summer pasture!

Make sure to try the fresh, clear mountain water from the beautiful Hengjane Falls! Check out everything from the sundeck, which offers prime viewing of this legendary spot.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

7. Best Dinner Cruise: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise From Oslo

Want an authentic sailing experience while enjoying breathtaking scenery and a delicious dinner buffet? Of course you do! Do yourself a favor and check out the Oslo: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise tour.

Lasting 3 hours, sign you and the rest of your group up for this tour instead of going out to dinner! Start out by meeting at Oslo City Hall, where you’ll be escorted to an authentic Norwegian wooden sailing ship!

The ship alone is photo-worthy, and is everything you probably imagine when imagining the Nordic countries.

Once you arrive, you’ll be able to hang out and explore the ship. The bar offers a wide variety of both hot and cold drinks at an additional cost, which you can sip on before the buffet begins.

Sail past all kinds of islands, including the famous Hovedøya, along with the gorgeous Dyna Lighthouse! The guide will tell you all about its history, geology, and cultural relevance today.

The captain expertly sails through narrow inlets and sheltered bays, so make sure you have your camera out! Passing the Bygdøy peninsula, this area is dotted with fascinating museums and beautiful beaches like Huk Bay.

The Maritime Museum has veteran sailing ships moored outside, which are so massive you can see them from your ship!

Now it’s time to sit down on one of the many benches to enjoy the mouth-watering shrimp buffet dinner! The ambiance is just perfect, and is a great date-night excursion to enjoy with a significant other.  An R&B and Blues band will set the mood, offering relaxing, welcoming background music to complement the experience.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

A Straight Guide to Norway Fjord Cruises, From the Coastal Voyage to the Day Boats

Stand on the open deck as the boat slips into the Nærøyfjord and the walls close in to 250 meters wide. Waterfalls drop straight off cliffs a kilometer high, an old farm clings to a ledge with no road to it, and nobody on board is saying much.

That is the thing you came to Norway for. The trick is knowing which kind of cruise actually gets you there, because two very different trips both go by the name fjord cruise.

I have done both, in May drizzle and August sun. Here is how they break down and what each one costs.

The Two Different Trips People Call a Fjord Cruise

The first is the multi-day coastal voyage, a working ship that runs the length of Norway’s coast and dips into a fjord or two along the way. You sleep on board for six to twelve days and the fjords are part of a much bigger journey.

The second is the day cruise, a few hours on a small boat through one fjord and back. You stay on land and pick the fjords you want.

Most people who say they want a fjord cruise actually want the second one. The headline fjords, the narrow dramatic ones with the waterfalls, are day trips, not multi-day sailings.

Big international cruise ships are a third option. I will get to where they fit and where the new rules are now pushing them out.

When to Go

Summer, June through August, is the obvious window. The Midnight Sun keeps the sky bright past midnight, every boat is running, and you can stand on deck in a fleece.

It is also the most crowded and the most expensive stretch of the year. If you can shift even a few weeks, do it.

May is my quiet favorite. The snowmelt has the waterfalls roaring at full volume and the crowds have not arrived yet.

September and October bring fall color, and the coastal ships swap busy Geirangerfjord for the quieter Hjørundfjord, which plenty of crew prefer. Days get shorter but the light goes golden.

Winter is a different trip entirely. The day boats run a limited schedule and ice can close the Nærøyfjord, but the coastal voyage north turns into a Northern Lights hunt, and that is the reason to go in the dark months.

The Multi-Day Coastal Voyage

This is the real Norwegian coastal experience, and it is not a floating resort. The ships carry locals, cars, and cargo alongside tourists, calling at small ports day and night.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten has run this route since 1893 and it shows, in the best way. The classic Bergen to Kirkenes round trip is 12 days and 34 ports, full board, on one of seven ships.

Full fare starts around $3,078, but they discount hard, often up to half off, so real prices land closer to $1,500 to $1,800. You can also sail a single leg, roughly six to seven days one way, from about $1,170.

The ships detour into UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord from June to August. Outside summer they swap in the under-visited Hjørundfjord instead, which is no consolation prize.

Havila

Havila runs the same coastline on newer ships built to be quiet and clean, with big batteries and more open viewing space. If modern cabins and a smaller footprint matter to you, this is the one.

On the 12-day winter round trip they promise the Northern Lights. If the aurora never shows across the voyage, they give you another six or seven day sailing free, which tells you how confident they are.

The Big Resort Ships

The large international lines, the P&O and Holland America and Princess ships, sail summer fjord itineraries out of the UK and Europe. They are floating hotels with pools and shows, and the fjords are a daytime stop.

The sail-in to Geirangerfjord around dawn is the best hour of these trips, so set an alarm, because ships often enter between 5:30 and 7 a.m. Just know the big ships cannot squeeze into the narrowest fjords the way the small boats can.

The Day Cruises Worth Your Time

These are the ones most people picture, and they are the best value in Norwegian fjord travel. A few hours, one big fjord, and you are back on land by dinner.

Nærøyfjord, From Flåm to Gudvangen

If you do one fjord cruise in Norway, do this one. The two-hour run from Flåm to Gudvangen threads the Aurlandsfjord and then the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, which narrows to 250 meters with cliffs over a kilometer high and no roads at all.

The Fjords runs silent electric boats year-round, from about NOK 595 one way or NOK 960 round trip in peak season. Lustrabaatane runs older classic ferries from April to October for a bit less, around NOK 520 one way.

Take the shuttle bus back from Gudvangen if you want to end up where you started. You can book the Nærøyfjord cruise here.

Geirangerfjord

This is Norway’s celebrity fjord, all sheer walls and the Seven Sisters waterfall dropping 250 meters down one side. The Geiranger to Hellesylt sightseeing cruise runs about an hour and a half to two hours, from roughly NOK 610 for adults, kids half price.

New for 2026 is the hybrid-electric MS Geirangerfjord III, built to meet the World Heritage emission rules. If you are fit, ask about the Skageflå farm drop-off, where they put you ashore at the foot of a cliff path and you hike back, a hard, brilliant four to five hours.

Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock

Down south from Stavanger, the Lysefjord cruise sails right under Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, which juts out 604 meters straight above the water. Rødne’s electric catamaran leaves the old harbor for a three to three and a half hour round trip, around NOK 890 for adults, with a pause at the Hengjanefossen waterfall.

If you would rather see it from the top, the cruise and Pulpit Rock hike combo runs about NOK 1,415 over eight or nine hours. You can compare Lysefjord cruises here.

Norway in a Nutshell, and How to Skip the Markup

The famous Norway in a Nutshell route bundles the scenic trains, the Nærøyfjord cruise, and a bus into one ticket, sold by Fjord Tours. It is a great day of travel between Oslo or Bergen and the fjords.

Here is the part they do not advertise. You can book every leg yourself, the train, the cruise, and the bus, for noticeably less than the packaged price.

The components are the same boats and trains either way. If you want it handled for you, buy the package, and if you want to save money and pick your own departures, book the pieces and do it on your own.

What It Costs and How to Book

Quick price picture before you plan.

• Nærøyfjord cruise, Flåm to Gudvangen, from about NOK 595 one way.
• Geirangerfjord sightseeing cruise, from about NOK 610 adult.
• Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock cruise from Stavanger, around NOK 890 adult.
• Hurtigruten or Havila coastal voyage, roughly $1,170 one way up to $3,000 and more round trip.

Book the day cruises ahead in summer, because they sell out days in advance. The Fjords and Lustrabaatane both refund you if you cancel at least 48 hours out, so there is no reason to wait.

You can compare options on GetYourGuide or on Viator.

Dress warmer than you think, even in July. I wore long underwear on a May cruise and was glad of it, because the temperature drops the moment you leave the dock.

One last rule. Get out on deck and stay there, because the view through the window is fine but the fjord only lands when you are out in the wind with cliffs on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hurtigruten or Havila, which should I pick?

Hurtigruten for the history and the lived-in, century-old coastal feel. Havila for newer ships, more open viewing space, and a cleaner, quieter ride.

They run the same route at similar prices, so it mostly comes down to whether you want classic or modern.

Is a big cruise ship or a day boat better for the fjords?

For the fjords themselves, the day boats win. The narrow UNESCO fjords like the Nærøyfjord are too tight for big ships, so the small electric boats reach places the floating resorts cannot.

A big ship is a fine way to see the coast and a few fjords in comfort, but pair it with an independent day cruise wherever you can.

When is the best time to go?

May for full waterfalls and thin crowds, June through August for the Midnight Sun and every boat running. September and October for fall color and quiet.

Winter only if the Northern Lights on the coastal voyage are your main goal, since the day cruises run a reduced schedule.

Do I need to book the day cruises in advance?

In summer, yes. The popular runs sell out days ahead, especially the Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord cruises.

Both main Nærøyfjord operators refund cancellations made at least 48 hours before departure, so booking early costs you nothing.

Will the new emission rules change my cruise?

From 2026, ships in the five UNESCO World Heritage fjords, including Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, have to run zero-emission, with the rule reaching the largest ships by 2032. The day boats are already electric, so they are fine.

The change mostly hits older big cruise ships, some of which are being rerouted out of the protected fjords. If you are on a large ship, check that your itinerary still actually enters the fjord you booked it for.

Nærøyfjord or Geirangerfjord if I can only do one?

The Nærøyfjord, for my money. It is narrower, wilder, and less mobbed than Geiranger, and the silent electric boat makes it feel like you have the place to yourself.

Geirangerfjord earns its fame too, but it pulls the big-ship crowds in a way the Nærøyfjord does not.