We've put together this collection of cruises and tours that feature Norway's fjords at the center of their itineraries, because no tour of Norway is complete without witnessing it renowned fjords. Featuring long and narrow inlets that form between towering rock cliffs, fjords are a staple part of any polar expedition. Along the way, you will spend time navigating through these channels in your cruise ship, but you will also have time to enjoy their dramatic presence from the unique vantage point of kayaks and even explore the glaciers themselves by foot. These natural wonders are unlike anything else in the world! They are also an ideal habitat for classic Arctic wildlife such as musk ox, walruses, and a variety of marine life. Contact our Fjords experts today to start planning your adventure!
Best Norway Fjords Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025
Ponant - theFrench-flagged cruise line offers adventure to remote parts of the Norwegian Fjords on a luxury ship. One of them is Le Dumont-d'Urville, a new generation explorer ship that features cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly design, and unique multi-sensory lounges.
Lindblad Expeditions - a carbon-neutral company responsible travel and sustainability leader for more than 50 years. National Geographic Resolution, its next-generation expedition ship, features the revolutionary X-Bow®. This game-changing design promises the smoothest, most comfortable ride in Norway's beautiful fjords and a quieter ride.
Silversea Cruises- embodies the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising across 900 worldwide destinations. After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud is now the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its four eating options, 20 Zodiacs, and ten kayaks open up a world of almost limitless possibilities.
ScenicUSA - Lose yourself in the ultimate all-inclusive, 6-star lifestyle provided by the World's First Discovery Yacht. Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, Scenic Eclipse has set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising.
Oceanwide Expeditions - Pioneers of ship-based expeditions with a fleet of ice-strengthened vessels.The three-mast schooner, Rembrandt van Rijn, is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Norway.
Polar Quest - is Sweden's arctic expert, organizing small excursion ships since 1999. Their adventures are built on close encounters with wild creatures and stunning landscapes in places like the Norwegian Fjords. M/S Quest is a compact, comfortable exploration ship built in Denmark. The passenger compartment was upgraded in 2018 to take 53 passengers in 26 staterooms, all with sea views.
Viking River Cruises- based in Basel, Switzerland, offers destination-focused itineraries for seasoned travelers interested in geography, culture, and history.
Geirangerfjord: Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes. Visitors can admire the Seven Sisters and the Suitor waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs, or take a boat tour to experience the fjord's beauty up close.
Nærøyfjord: Another UNESCO-listed fjord, Nærøyfjord is renowned for its narrow passageways and steep mountain sides. It's perfect for kayaking, hiking, and scenic cruises. The fjord is particularly stunning in winter, when the snow-covered peaks add an extra layer of magic.
Sognefjord: Known as the "King of the Fjords," Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Stretching over 200 kilometers, it offers numerous attractions including the charming village of Flåm, the Flåm Railway, and the majestic Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
Lysefjord: Lysefjord is famous for its striking natural landmarks, including the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged between two cliffs. Both offer incredible hiking opportunities and awe-inspiring views.
Hardangerfjord: Known for its fruit orchards and the annual blooming of fruit trees, Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway. Key attractions include the Vøringsfossen waterfall, the Folgefonna Glacier, and the charming village of Ulvik.
Aurlandsfjord: A branch of Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and the Stegastein viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the fjord. The town of Aurland is also a great starting point for exploring the area.
Hjørundfjord: Lesser-known but equally stunning, Hjørundfjord is surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps, offering rugged mountain scenery and tranquil waters. It's an ideal destination for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots.
Trollfjord: This small but dramatic fjord is located in the Lofoten Islands. Known for its steep, narrow entrance, Trollfjord is accessible by boat and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including sea eagles.
Nordfjord: Stretching from the ocean to the towering peaks of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, Nordfjord combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. Key sites include the Briksdal Glacier, the historic Loen Skylift, and the scenic village of Olden.
Raftsund: Located in the Vesterålen archipelago, Raftsund is renowned for its stunning landscapes and the famous Trollfjord. The area is ideal for sailing and offers numerous opportunities for observing marine life and birdwatching.
Favorite Activities to Enjoy in the Norwegian Fjords: A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers
Hiking: Discover the fjords offers breathtaking views of the dramatic landscapes. Popular trails include the hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and the trek to the Kjeragbolten boulder. Each hike provides panoramic vistas of the fjords and surrounding mountains.
Kayaking: Explore the fjords up close. Paddle through the calm waters of Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, and experience the tranquility and beauty of these majestic inlets. Kayaking tours are available for all skill levels.
Scenic Cruises: Taking a scenic cruise is one of the best ways to admire the fjords' grandeur. Cruises often include guided tours, offering insights into the region’s history, geology, and culture. Popular routes include cruises through Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.
Wildlife Watching: The fjords are home to diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, seals, porpoises, and even whales. Join a wildlife safari or a birdwatching tour to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Fishing: Fishing is a traditional activity in the fjords. Anglers can try their luck catching cod, haddock, and other local fish species. Guided fishing trips provide all the necessary equipment and local expertise.
Glacier Hiking: Norway’s fjords are dotted with glaciers, such as the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Guided glacier hikes allow adventurers to explore the icy landscapes safely, offering a uniaque perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
Rib Boat Safaris: For a thrilling experience, join a rib boat safari. These high-speed boat tours take you deep into the fjords, providing an exhilarating way to see waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife up close.
Skiing and Snowboarding: In winter, the fjords offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Resorts like Stranda and Myrkdalen provide slopes with stunning fjord views, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers.
Cultural Tours: Discover the rich cultural heritage of the fjords by visiting traditional villages, historic churches, and local museums. Tours often include visits to sites such as the stave churches in Urnes and Borgund, and the Viking Village in Gudvangen.
Northern Lights Observation: During the winter months, the fjords offer a prime location for observing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Head to areas with minimal light pollution, such as the Lofoten Islands or Tromsø.
Photography: With their dramatic landscapes, the Norwegian fjords are a photographer's dream. Capture the beauty of the fjords, from the serene waters and lush valleys to the towering cliffs and vibrant sunsets.
Camping: Camping by the fjords allows you to immerse yourself in nature. There are numerous campgrounds and wild camping spots where you can set up a tent and enjoy the peace and beauty of the fjord landscapes.
Horseback Riding: Explore the fjords on horseback for a unique and leisurely way to experience the natural surroundings. Guided tours are available, offering trails through forests, along the fjord shores, and up into the mountains.
TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 254 reviews on
2 days ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
