The Norwegian fjords are truly a sight to behold, but aboard a cruise in Norway, they are just the tip of the iceberg with the enchanting sights of waterfalls, geysers, and mountains.
On our visit to Southwestern Norway, the breathtaking fjords and spectacular panoramas surely made me wonder why we did not make it to this Scandinavian nation sooner.
What is a fjord cruise?
Practically synonymous with Norway, fjords make for many a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. Fjords are narrow inlets that form when glaciers cut through bedrock, creating steep-sided valleys carving into the coastline. Carved out of rock by the weight of vast glaciers, the fjords of Norway are UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognised for their natural and cultural value.
Case in point: the fjord cruises of Norway. More than 1,000 fjords carve through Norway’s landscape, but cruises visit just a handful of them. Norway’s fjord cruises are a perennial hit— it’s no wonder they are always packed (no matter the season).
Navigating Norway’s fjords: Cruise tours and itineraries
There are many different types of fjord cruises in Norway. Some longer itineraries may include as many as three fjords, while others may call at just one of them. Several cruise tours that run from Bergen allow you to be dazzled by this region’s natural beauty. You can board a boat (14 weekly 3h 50m sailings from Bergen) to explore the city’s popular archipelago, Balestrand, located in Sognefjord. Norway’s longest and deepest fjord will take your breath away and steal your heart. Sognefjord merges with the foothills of the Jotunheimen Mountains. The ‘Sognefjord in a Nutshell’ roundtrip by Fjord Tours is an ideal way to explore the area. You can also take the half-day fjord cruise from Bergen to the captivating Osterfjord and Mostraumen Channel.
The cruise itineraries, however, merely scratch the surface of what Norway has to offer.
To make the most of the spectacular scenery, as we did, consider taking a bus trip through the magnificent hinterland and rejoining the cruise. The fjords do not form networks; they resemble parallel canals, which makes it challenging to hop between them by boat. This led us to make Bergen our base camp and we made our way through its fjords and protected countryside.
We opted for a guided minibus tour and fjord cruise from Bergen that would take us to Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Flåm and the spectacular viewpoint of Stegastein. We booked our tour with Visit Bergen and enjoyed the best of both worlds.
Bergen: A gateway to the fjords
Our tour started with a minibus in Bergen and, the city is worth a trip on its own. The enduringly pretty town screams “postcard” with the neat rows of colourful houses. The city centre, dominated by UNESCO-protected wooden houses, is plenty touristy, and for good reason. We spent a full day exploring, wandering up the steep hills, down the narrow streets and the bustling fish market for the best catch of the day.
Best time to visit: The most popular fjord attractions in Norway — Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord — are best savoured in spring and autumn, when it is less crowded, and you can take in the spectacular sights in tranquillity.
Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint
It was uncharacteristically sunny in one of the wettest regions in Europe. As we drove past Bergen, we watched the never-ending film of rocky atolls and little villages from the windows. It was almost impossible to look away as every frame view was singular: a little wooden house perched atop a hill, with no other house in sight, countless waterfalls rolling down the mountains on each side. The sun, green grass and waterfalls made the drive on E16 one of our favourites in Norway.
Tvindefossen
Our first sightseeing stop was the magnificent waterfall at Tvindefossen. I could already hear the lacy waterfall stream from 500 metres away and view its magnificent grandeur from a distance. One of Norway’s highest waterfalls, Tvindefossen plunges 360 feet down, cascading in multiple tiers. The delicate stream spills between tiers before coming to rest in a clear pool. While the waterfall is beyond captivating, the lush landscape surrounding the waterfall made for a worthy competitor (half eaten by the clouds that had descended unannounced). The array of colours, the sun, silhouettes, and the overall vistas are hard to put into words.
This multi-tiered waterfall is located 12 km from Voss on the road to Flåm. Hugging mountains and diving into valleys, the drive from Bergen to the waterfall is spectacular.
Nærøyfjord
Soon we crossed wild ravines, sparkling rivers, and lush valleys towards Gudvangen to board the cruise on Nærøyfjord. The UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord in Southwestern Norway is surrounded by steep rock walls and dense forests. On many cruises, the ports of call are the highlights of the itineraries, but on Norwegian fjord cruises, things work a little differently. The fjords are the chief attractions.
Picture a green countryside dotted with peaceful villages and deep blue inlets knifing into mountains. Now put yourself in the picture. You’re in a breathtaking vertical expanse of fjord, mountain, and sky, and you can almost feel yourself soaring with the birds.
Much has been written of the boat ride along Nærøyfjord to Flåm, and true to form, it does not disappoint. We stood on the open upper deck to marvel at nature’s beauty. As we cruised along, we passed through tiny farms that clung precariously to steep hillsides. Many towering waterfalls turned the cliffs into bridal veils. Except for a few passing ferries, there was an uncanny calm in the Nærøyfjord.
As it started getting windy on the deck, we moved inside and grabbed two glasses of wine. Tall panoramic windows gave a full view of the marvellous landscape of the calm fjord. And though it was tempting to constantly open the bag and grab the camera, we had plenty of fjord photo ops on the three-hour cruise. If ever there was a moment to disconnect from technology and be present, this was it.
Flåm
Far ahead we could see a town glowing emerald in the bright sunlight. Soon, the ship docked, and we headed out to explore Flåm. This small hiking town (with only 350 residents) receives almost half a million visitors a year. The town is commonly featured on Norwegian fjords cruise itineraries by some of the world’s best-known cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
There are a few things that make Flåm quite interesting: it nestles along one of the steepest railway tracks in the world; it is the base for hiking to the fjords of Aurland; and it leads onto one of the best roads to drive on, the ‘Snow Road’. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful cruise ports, the town is surrounded by unblemished green hills and scattered with boldly coloured houses.
Stegastein Viewpoint
After exploring the town, we boarded our bus from Flåm and continued towards Aurland. Soon after, we started our climb to the top of the Stegastein viewpoint. The road from Aurland to Stegastein is also part of the National Scenic Routes in Norway.
The Stegastein viewpoint is a 30-metre-long platform that lies high above the Aurland fjord. It juts out from a mountain, offering an incredible panorama of the blue waters far below and dozens of waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet. Whether the expansive view incites quiet contemplation about life or an intense photo session, I promise you will be moved by what you see!
I came to Norway to take in the fjords and marvel at its landscapes, but I found much more than that — a sense of freedom in a region that values peaceful time in the wild outdoors.
Related: My Green Adventure: How I Chased The Northern Lights In Norway
(All image credit: Tania Tarafdar)
FAQs
Where can I go on a fjord cruise in Norway?
Several cruise tours run from Bergen and allow you to be dazzled by this area’s natural beauty.
What should I expect to see on a fjord cruise in Norway
Picture a green countryside dotted with peaceful villages. Deep blue inlets knifing into mountains. Now put yourself in the picture. You’re in a breathtaking vertical expanse of fjord, mountain, and sky—and you can almost feel yourself soaring like the birds.
When is the best time to take a fjord cruise in Norway?
The most popular fjord attractions in Norway (Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord) are best savoured in spring and autumn when it is less crowded, and you can take in the spectacular sights in tranquillity.
How long do fjord cruises typically last in Norway?
The itineraries of fjord cruises typically vary from three hours to 7 days depending on what you choose.
What types of boats are used for fjord cruises?
Battery-powered boats are usually used for fjord cruises.
Are fjord cruises suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, fjord cruises are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Do I need to make reservations for a fjord cruise in advance?
You can always make online reservations or make them on the ground at the tour offices.
What should I bring on a fjord cruise?
Be sure to carry warm clothing as the weather in Norway is extremely unpredictable. You may also want to carry water and food on short cruises as the food is quite expensive on the boat.
Are fjord cruises safe?
Yes, fjord cruises in Norway are extremely safe.
Are there guided fjord cruises available, or can I explore on my own?
While many guided fjord cruises run from Bergen, you can also explore on your own.