Norweigan Cruise and Lines drifting beside glaciers in the northern Fjords
Norweigan Cruise and Lines drifting beside glaciers in the northern Fjords

Located in the natural hub of western Norway is the Geirangerfjord; an isolated forested area with a deep river inlet, steep snowy mountain peaks and waterfalls around every corner. The Geirangerfjord is home to abandoned farms and buildings from civilization that has passed in the county of More og Ramsdal, 100km north of Aalesund. Due to its location and the scenery, the best way to really get the most of this majestic area is by water travel: whether it is a cruise boat or ferry  the water is the way.

Cruising through the Norwegian Fjords. Which cruise should I choose?

Cruising past waterfalls along the Geiranger Fjord. Photo by Fjord Travel
Cruising past waterfalls along the Geiranger Fjord. Photo by Fjord Travel

There are a number of different ways to sightsee on the water. The type of cruise you take is dependent on the amount of money you are willing to spend, and the duration of time that you want to dedicate to travelling this amazing area. There are quite a few options, depending on how much time you have so we decided to list several cruise options for every type of traveler.

1.5 hours – M/S Geirangerfjord Sight Seeing

The Lofoten Islands.Photo by Topekstram
The Lofoten Islands.Photo by Topekstram

Sail for up to two hours on a sightseeing and shore excursions tour. See the waterfalls and the abandoned farms and buildings along the carved shoreline. Tours have a minimum of six passengers (in order to sail).
Tickets start at US$17 for children and US$32 for adults.  They always operate in high season from June – August and they can be purchased on site at the pier or online here

3 hours – Kayaking adventure

Passing through villages while cruising through Norwegian Fjords. Photo by Bols Over Cruise Club
Passing through villages while cruising through Norwegian Fjords. Photo by Bols Over Cruise Club

Get up close and personal to the waterfalls and crevices along the Geiranger River by taking part in a kayak cruise. Tours begin with a short walk to the base camp, where you will be given instructions and equipment. From here, your journey begins on the water, where you can peacefully glide amongst waterfalls and deep, still water.

The price for three hours kayak hire and guiding is $129USD. For more information, click here

Day trip – Aalesund/Hellesylt/Geiranger round trip

Älesund is the first port of call along the North Cape exposure cruise. Photo by Telegraph UK
Älesund is the first port of call along the North Cape exposure cruise. Photo by Telegraph UK

Start your trip by travelling by bus through the local town of Aalesund, before embarking at a port in Hellesylt, where you will travel through the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls. You also stop for a few hours in the tiny village town of Geiranger, where you can snap up the atmosphere of the locals.

Prices start at $92USD for adults, covering the costs of local Bus/Boat travel through three towns. For tickets and more information click here

4 days+ Cruise ships

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are seen on the sky above the village of Ersfjordbotn near Tromso in northern Norway
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are seen on the sky above the village of Ersfjordbotn near Tromso in northern Norway

Norway in a nutshell offers cruises up to seven days long, showcasing the very best of Norwegian fjords. You can choose to start your trip from Oslo, Bergen or Aalesund, where you will later be transported by coach to start your cruise at the Geirangerfjord port, and travel through some highlights including Hurtigruten, Bruggen, the Kjosfossen Waterfall and more. Travel by bus, train and boat through some of the most picturesque places in the world.

Prices start at $895USD to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and some meals throughout the duration of the cruise.
You can purchase tickets and get more information on cruise ships online here

The best time to go

Northern Lights over Olstind in the Lofoten Islands. Photo by Cody Duncan
Northern Lights over Olstind in the Lofoten Islands. Photo by Cody Duncan

Based on weather and melting snow on the mountain icecaps, the best time to cruise in Norway is between April and September to ensure that you get the warmest and safest weather as conditions in the later end of the year are near extreme. Always remember to pack warm clothes as the arctic winds can quickly pick up and create a strong chill. All vessels listed here do serve hot drinks and there is always an inside lounge were you can put your feet up and admire the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your seat.