Scandinavia · FJORD CRUISES
Every fjord town sells a cruise and they are not the same trip. These 15 compare Bergen's Mostraumen run, Stavanger's Lysefjord sailing, the Geiranger boats and the Lofoten Trollfjord, on price, length and how far in you actually get.
Join Rødne Fjord Cruise at Bergen’s Fish Market for a 3.5-hour round trip through Osterfjord to Mostraumen. You’ll pass Bryggen, watch for eagles, feel waterfall spray from the sun deck, and warm up inside with coffee, waffles, or cinnamon buns. English and Norwegian audio commentary is included.
“Good view. But a little bit cold and windy on the deck in winter due to the weather.”
From Strandkaien in Stavanger, you’ll ride Rødne’s electric catamaran into Lysefjord for 3.5 hours. Expect clear English or Norwegian commentary, panoramic windows, sun decks, a kiosk, and close views of Preikestolen, Fantahålå, waterfalls, and sometimes seals.
“The boat was spacious. They stopped and slowed down for us to take pictures.”
Cruise Oslo’s inner fjord for 90 minutes on a modern electric ship. From the meeting point by the Opera House, you pass Akershus Fortress, Bygdøy, Gressholmen, Hovedøya, Sørenga, and more. Use the Voice of Norway app for commentary, or simply enjoy the quiet ride, wide windows, open deck, café, and bar.
“Really enjoyable tour, the boat was very new and allowed good views all round while remaining warm. (I think it was -6 on my tour) The audio guide was helpful, though a little clunky knowing which parts went for where you are which could have been my fault not understanding it correctly.”
From Svolvær, Brim Explorer takes you by hybrid-electric catamaran through Høla, Oddvaer, and Reknesbukta to Trollfjord. Expect warm lounges, open decks, live English guiding, possible underwater-drone viewing, and good chances of seeing white-tailed eagles. Guides such as Tobias, Bee, Margot, and Ivan have led recent departures.
“Erik and Dilota(?) were excellent and went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable and helpful to make sure we made it to our flight on time!”
Cruise Tromsø’s fjords on Brim Explorer’s quiet hybrid-electric catamaran, with English-speaking guides, panoramic windows, outside decks, an underwater drone, and a land stop at fish racks or a local fish farm. Expect Arctic scenery, fishing history, possible eagles or dolphins, and food and drinks for purchase during the four-hour trip.
“Fantastic activity- almost felt like a hidden gem in the very busy Tromsø. A MUST do activity!”
Spend two hours on a 100% electric Oslofjord cruise from Rådhusbrygge 4. An English audio guide points out Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Munch Museum, islands, and waterfront homes. Stay aboard for a round trip or ask the crew about getting off at Bygdøy for museum visits.
“The boat ride was wonderful. Great views and relaxing environment.”
Sail from Tromsø for 3.5 hours aboard a warm, spacious Rødne catamaran. Guides such as Daniel and Jana explain Arctic wildlife, local history, and photography while you watch for sea eagles, seals, porpoises, foxes, reindeer, and puffins. Use the panoramic cabin or outdoor decks, with coffee and tea included.
“An amazing experience with friendly staff and knowledgeable guides, recommended.”
Spend two hours touring Oslofjord aboard the quiet electric Ms Brisen. An English-speaking guide such as Susie, Sarah, or Frederick points out Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Dyna Lighthouse, Bygdøy, and the islands while you watch from three outdoor decks or warm panoramic saloons. Pastries, drinks, and tap water are available onboard.
“The tour was amazing. Guide explained everything throughout the ride. There is a bar inside. You can buy a drink and snacks. Toilet also available. You can stay indoor if it’s too cold outside. What a great experience!”
Sail from Strandkaien into Lysefjord aboard a comfortable Helgøy Skyssbåt. You’ll see Preikestolen from below, Fantahålå cave, Ådnøy, and Hengjanefossen, often from close range. A live guide and multilingual audio guide explain local stories, including the legend of the seven sisters and seven brothers.
“It was a really great trip around the Fjord and very informative. Very polite staff . It was one of the highlights of all the onshore activities for us, and the price was most acceptable. Well done, would recommend to anyone.”
Spend about 10.5 hours moving from Bergen by coach, ferry, and train. Visit Njardarheimr Viking village, cruise the Nærøyfjord on the electric Future of the Fjords, and ride the Flåm Railway. Guides such as Michael, Linda, Tracy, and Maria are praised for clear commentary, humor, and careful timekeeping.
“This was a wonderful, well-organized day. I am so impressed with how well it was planned and how our guide, Michael, and driver, Linda, cheerfully and skillfully let us through it. Michael is an awesome guide - funny, warm, informative, and attentive to the scheduling. The morning drive passed by stunning scenery. The Viking Village was amazing - it truly put you in the footsteps of 1,300 years ago. The fjord tour was terrific - the boat was great with plenty of room for all despite being quite full and the views were breathtaking. The trainride from Flam was again beautiful and had a funny surprise! Pay attention to Michael’s…”
Join a small group of up to 12 people for a fast, open-air RIB ride through Geirangerfjord. Guides such as Mario and Uri share local stories while you stop near the Seven Sisters, Friaren, and Skagefla farm. Warm flotation suits, life jackets, goggles, and a photo stop are included.
“Incredible way to see waterfalls and scenery you won’t get to from land. Mario as an excellent guide, and made the activity more than just a trip to see waterfalls. It was my Girlfriends birthday who loves water, and more so waterfalls and Mario really added to the occasion. Norway is beautiful and this really was a worthwhile trip 🇳🇴🙏🏻”
Join an English-speaking guide from Tromsø for five hours of fjord views, snowy valleys, frozen lakes, and coastal photo stops. Guides such as Mansoor and Abdul are known for useful local details and taking photos. A warm minivan, hot chocolate, lefse cake, and thermal suits on request make this a practical winter outing.
“We had such a great time with Mansoor on this tour! We got on a comfortable mini bus. As we drove along the islands, Mansoor gave us clear instructions on what to expect, and along the way he also shared a lot of information and fun facts about the places. Every spot we stopped at were so scenic and Mansoor also helped us with taking photos and videos. We were well taken care of, and the tour had thermal suits in case you needed them, there was hot chocolate and traditional cake which tasted amazing! It was such an unforgettable experience, the views were great, but what topped this experience…”
You’ll spend about four hours cruising from Bergen through Osterfjorden to Mostraumen, passing Bryggen, Nordhordland Bridge, waterfalls, villages, and steep rock walls. The boat has indoor seating, sundecks, toilets, WiFi, and a small kiosk. Dress warmly, arrive early for a window seat, and confirm the exact pier before departure.
“Excellent fjord experience. Short and well managed. Do not miss it when in Bergen. Take it in the morning then after lunch explore Bergen”
Spend two hours on Oslo Fjord aboard a traditional sailing ship from Rådhusbrygge 3, opposite City Hall. You’ll pass Hovedøya, Dyna Lighthouse, wooded shores, summer cabins, and the Opera House. Choose from several departures, use the English audio guide or free 13-language app, and warm up with a blanket or drink from the onboard bar.
“It was pleasant enough but not fantastic. I liked the English guide and many of the facts were so interesting but there’s just so much time taken leaving the harbor. I know it can’t be helped but I guess I was clueless as to what to expect.”
Ride from Ålesund to Trollstigen with an English-speaking guide such as Christina, Anna, Kira, or Sam, stopping at Kokarsteinen, Gubrandsjuvet, Stigefossen, Troll Wall, and local villages. Expect dramatic fjords, eleven hairpin turns, a comfortable air-conditioned bus, and a long day on winding roads.
“It was amazing beautiful sightseeing and our guide was marvelous worth the money and effort really spectacular place.”
Pick a season, a coastline or a capital.
