Cruise Trips in Norway

Norway is renowned for being home to some of the world’s most beautiful fjords. Indeed, sail along the mountainous west coast and you’ll pass hundreds of them. While some are small, others are vast and stretch inland for kilometres.

In fact, there are so many fjords and islands in Norway that the country’s coastline is over 100,900 kilometres (62,700 miles) in length. This makes it one of the longest in the world.

It’s not all about the fjords though. With the ocean so easily accessible, you’ll be able to sample lots of top-notch seafood on your trip. The country is also home to a wealth of Viking artefacts. These include one of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, which you’ll find in Oslo.

Check out the Nordic Visitor blog to discover the top Norway cruise journeys and the best fjords in Norway.

A cruise is the ultimate way for you to experience Norway’s jaw-dropping coastline. Imagine being able to sit back, relax and soak up the views as you glide past some of the world’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

Plus, unlike many fjord cruise packages, a Nordic Visitor cruise itinerary is flexible. This ability to tailor your tour allows you to add extra nights along the way and take part in optional activities. You aren’t restricted to set departure dates either, so you can choose the start date that suits you.

Not only that, but many of our Norway cruises also include a ride aboard the Flåm Railway. This famous train journey forms just one leg of the incredible Norway in a Nutshell® route.

At Nordic Visitor you can choose from a range of cruise tours that are 5-14 days long. But if you want to spend more than 2 weeks in Norway, it’s possible to extend your tour. In this case your dedicated travel consultant will be happy to advise you on where’s best to add extra days.

The main way of exploring the Norwegian coastline is by  sailing with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten cruise liners. While a one-way journey from Bergen to Kirkenes takes 7 days, the Hurtigruten offers a hop-on-hop-off way of cruising. This gives you the flexibility to shorten or extend your trip as you like.

Most of our cruise itineraries are designed so that you’ll spend some time on the boat. However, they don’t always include the entire 7-day trip. To find out how long you’ll be spending on the ship, check out the “What’s Included” section of the tour that you’re interested in.

The main cruise liners that sail up and down the Norwegian coast are Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages. Every day a Hurtigruten or Havila cruise departs from Bergen, Norway’s “Gateway to the Fjords”, to begin its 7-day voyage north to Kirkenes. It’s also possible to reverse the journey, or take a round trip, if you prefer.

You’re sure to see plenty of incredible places on your journey as these ships stops at 34 ports on their route. When docking for more than 30 minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to hop off and explore your surroundings.

You’ll also have a range of optional shore excursions to choose from, including wildlife-watching experiences and city-sightseeing tours.

The Hurtigruten ships weren’t initially intended for leisure purposes though. Founded in 1893, their original function was to make life easier for the people who lived along the coast by transporting goods and mail. It’s because of this that taking the Hurtigruten is often referred to as going on a mail boat cruise.

Since launching in 2021, Havila Voyages’ fleet have also been sailing this historic route. Though Hurtigruten's larger fleet was first on the scene, Havila’s modern boats have a focus on sustainability.

Travelling with either fleet gives you a unique glimpse into the Norwegian way of life. Plus, you’ll be able to soak up views of enchanting islands, UNESCO-listed fjords and picturesque villages as you go.

Make sure to read this blog to get tips for your maiden voyage on the Hurtigruten.

The cost of a Norway cruise varies depending on a few things, including:

• • The length of your trip
• • The time of year that you’re travelling
• • The standard of accommodation you’d like

Happily, Nordic Visitor cruise packages have plenty of inclusions built in as standard. For example, we cover accommodation, daily breakfast and in-country travel tickets such as trains, ferries and domestic flights. Some trips also include a full-board stay on the Hurtigruten.

Make sure to read the “What’s Included” section of your package for more details.

If you’d like to customise your itinerary, you can extend your stay, add more shore excursions, or opt to include airport transfers. In this case, you’ll still be able to easily see the breakdown of your trip cost when booking online.

If you want to experience the country’s most iconic feature – its fjords – then a cruise is one of the best ways to see Norway. Take to the seas on one of these cruise packages and you’ll have unrivalled views of the stunning Norwegian coastline.

On a Norway cruise with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have all of the freedom and flexibility that travelling independently brings. Plus, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’ll have a hassle-free trip because we’ve taken care of the planning for you.

That said, if you don’t have sea legs, then you might prefer to take the wheel on one of these self-drive tours in Norway. A road trip is perfect if you’d like a more tailored itinerary, or if you’d like to spend more time off the beaten path.

Picture yourself driving Norway’s excellent – and unimaginably scenic – road network, taking in the sights as you go. It's easy navigating and deciding where to visit as you’ll get a travel guide and hand-marked map, complete with personal recommendations.

Alternatively, you might like to experience Norway’s culture and beautiful places with a knowledgeable local guide. In this case, we recommend a Norway guided small group tour.

Guided tours are ideal if you’re travelling solo to Norway but would like company on your trip. They’re also a way to delve more deeply into the local customs while letting someone else, your experienced guide, do the driving.

On the other hand, you could explore the delights of the country’s northern reaches on a partially guided Norway tour package. These trips include a number of guided activities, such as snowmobiling, but also give you time to enjoy travelling independently.

Head to Norway and you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do year round. That said, each season has its advantages depending on what kind of travel experience you’d like to have.

It’s also worth considering that the Norwegian weather varies a lot between seasons, so this might affect your decision.

For example, on a summer tour in Norway, you can make the most of the mild weather. As well as the opportunity to enjoy summer activities, like kayaking, the months from May to September bring longer daylight hours in Norway.

Choose to visit Northern Norway or Svalbard in the middle of summer – June, July and early August – and you’ll encounter a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. This is when the sun doesn’t set at the country’s northern latitudes.

Or, if you opt for one of these Norway winter tours, the chilly temperatures, long nights and chance of snow would offer a different experience.

If you’re hoping to tick seeing the aurora borealis off your wish list, then the best time to travel on a northern lights tour package in Norway is in winter. From October to April, the short days and dark skies will give you the highest chance of witnessing this spectacular natural light show.

Before booking your trip, make sure to read this comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Norway. You can also learn more about the best times and places to see the aurora in Norway.

Anything from 1-2 weeks is an ideal length of time to spend discovering Norway on a cruise package. At Nordic Visitor we offer a range of itineraries from 5-14 days, so you can choose the length of tour that best suits you.

If you can, we recommend spending at least 1 week in Norway. Opt for one of our carefully crafted 7-day trips and you’ll find each is brimming with adventure and coastal highlights.

In 1 week you’ll be able to travel the iconic Norway in a Nutshell® route and sail south from Trondheim on the Hurtigruten along the country's west coast. Or by focusing on one region, you could venture to remote areas within the Arctic Circle, like the photogenic Lofoten Islands.

With up to 14 days in Norway, you could spend more time in exciting towns and cities along the route. Taking things at a more leisurely pace will also let you see more of the top attractions in Oslo and Bergen.

That said, if you’d prefer to see as many places as possible, you might like to combine regions to pack in even more discovery. For example, you could journey from Oslo to Bergen on a scenic railway route. Then head north on the Hurtigruten to arrive in magical Northern Norway.

It’s also possible to tailor many of our Norwegian cruise tours by adding extra nights along the way. Get in touch with us, and one of our regional experts will advise you on where you might like to extend your stay.

For ideas on where you might like to go in Norway, and what you can do during your visit, check out these blog articles:

• • Norway's best vacation spots and ideas
• • 7 incredible things to see and do in Norway
• • Norway’s best Instagram spots
• • 10 must-sees in Norway
   

Yes, you can choose the start date that suits you best, based on the tour package and time of year. Each trip has an online availability calendar, so once you have decided on the right trip for you, simply select your preferred arrival date.

We offer a range of expert-curated cruise packages that have been optimised for each of Norway’s seasons. So while you can travel year-round, your itinerary, along with any optional activities, will be tailored to suit the time of year.

Cruise Norway’s coast during the summer, from May to September, and you could be soaking up views 24/7, thanks to the midnight sun. Or, join a winter voyage between October and April and you may spot the spectacular northern lights.

For exact availability, please check the online calendar for the tour you are interested in.

If you’d prefer to sail with one company over another, it’s good to know that just one cruise liner departs from Bergen heading north each day. On 7 out of every 11 days it will be a Hurtigruten ship, and on the other 4 days it’ll be a Havila vessel. Use this Hurtigruten and Havila departure listing to find out who’s sailing on a particular date.

Yes, our Norwegian fjords cruises are designed to be flexible. You can travel at the time of year that suits you. Simply choose the seasonal itinerary that appeals to you the most.

Our tours are packed with stunning places and the country’s top cultural attractions. However, if you decide you want to spend longer in one location, we can extend your stay there for you. You might also like to add a few shore excursions and activities to make the most of your time in each place.

When you book your package online, you’ll be able to choose from a range of optional extras. If you’re unsure about what activities are best, or you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch. In this case one of our travel experts will gladly advise you.

We advise checking flights for availability, but holding off on purchasing them until after your tour package is booked. Once your trip is confirmed by email, you can go ahead and finalise your flights.

If you weren’t able to book flights to match your itinerary, get in touch with us and we'll do our best to accommodate a change of dates.

Norway’s location in Northern Europe means that you can expect changeable weather, so it’s best to be prepared for all conditions.

We recommend bringing warm and waterproof layers no matter the season so that, come rain or shine, nothing will stop you from exploring. Of course, you can always choose to admire the view from one of the ship’s lounges rather than staying on deck.

For day trips on dry land, it’s worth packing a pair of hiking shoes and a small rucksack. Whether you’re planning a more adventurous shore excursion or a city walking tour, they’re sure to come in useful.

Depending on which ship you’re sailing on, there may be a sauna or hot tub on board, so you might like to throw in some swimwear too. Plus, if you have them, we recommend a pair of binoculars for wildlife watching and admiring the scenery while you’re on deck.

Here’s a basic packing list for your Norwegian cruise:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Woollen or fleece jumpers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Warm hiking socks
• Rucksack
• Sunglasses and sun cream (for summer cruises)
• Face mask (for summer cruises)
• Umbrella
• Binoculars
• Swimwear

For more tips on what to bring with you, read our Norway packing guide.