Norway Cruise Port Guides: Things to Do & Tips for Days Ashore

Panoramic view of Geirangerfjord in Norway from a high mountain viewpoint. Deep blue water winds between steep green mountains topped with snow while the village of Geiranger sits in the valley below beneath a bright blue sky.

Norway is one of my favourite places to cruise. From spectacular fjords and waterfalls to colourful coastal towns, there’s so much to see and do.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit several Norwegian ports, some more than once, and these guides share my experiences, favourite excursions and practical tips to help you plan your days ashore.

levated view over the waterfront in Flåm Norway with colourful wooden buildings, a railway station and a long pier beside calm green water. Steep forested mountains rise behind the village with low clouds hanging over the hillside.

Flåm

Experience one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys.

Olden, a small Norwegian village with colourful houses, green fields and red waterfront buildings sits in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. Thick white clouds drift between the mountain peaks creating a dramatic misty landscape.

Olden

Get up close to a glacier or enjoy spectacular fjord views.

View across the harbour in Stavanger Norway with colourful waterfront buildings, boats and modern city buildings lining both sides of the water. Low rocky hills stretch across the horizon beneath a partly cloudy blue sky.

Stavanger

Explore the Lysefjord and see the famous Pulpit Rock

Panoramic view of a Geirangerfjord winding between towering green mountains with snow covered peaks. A narrow road curves along the mountainside and a small boat travels through the water far below.

Geiranger

Explore the beauty of the Geirangerfjord

A powerful waterfall rushes down a rocky hillside into a river surrounded by lush green trees and colourful houses in Hellesylt, Norway. Snow covered mountains rise in the background beneath a bright blue sky.

Hellesylt

Discover a charming village with a cascading waterfall

Elevated view over Haugesund harbour in Norway with sailboats and luxury yachts moored along the waterfront. Colourful wooden buildings with red tiled roofs line one side of the water while a road and promenade run along the other beneath an overcast sky.

Haugesund

Discover Viking history, coastal scenery and more

Planning a Norwegian fjords cruise?

Planning a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords? As well as deciding what to do in each port, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.

From choosing the best time to visit to making the most of those spectacular scenic sail-ins, here are some more tips to help you plan your cruise.

View across a Norwegian fjord towards towering green mountains with snow covered peaks partly hidden by low clouds. Small white and red houses dot the shoreline beside calm blue grey water beneath an overcast sky.

Best Time to Cruise the Norwegian Fjords

Find out what to expect from the weather and scenery at different times of year.

View from the balcony of a cruise ship sailing through a Norwegian fjord with deep blue water stretching between towering green mountains and snow covered peaks. The side of the ship and its wake are visible on the left as the fjord winds into the distance beneath a cloudy sky.

What Is a Cruise-By?

Find out what a scenic cruise-by means and how to make the most of it.

My Tips for cruising the Norwegian fjords

I’ve cruised the Norwegian Fjords a few times now, and there are a few things I’d suggest doing to make the most of your trip.

Get up early for the sail into the fjords

If there’s one thing I’d recommend, it’s setting your alarm for the early morning sail-ins. I was out on deck at 4.30am for the sail into Olden and it was well worth the early start. Watching the scenery unfold as the sun comes up is one of my favourite memories of cruising Norway.

Book popular shore excursions early

If there’s something you really want to do, I’d recommend booking in advance. Popular attractions such as the Flåm Railway and Loen Skylift can sell out, particularly when several cruise ships are visiting. A little planning before you go can help avoid disappointment.

Be prepared for all sorts of weather

The weather in Norway can be unpredictable, even in summer. I’ve experienced freezing early mornings and glorious sunshine on the same day, so I’d recommend packing layers, a waterproof jacket and something warm for those early sail-ins.

Looking for more advice? I’ve put together 25 tips for cruising the Norwegian Fjords, covering everything from what to pack to making the most of your time onboard and ashore.

Read all 25 of my Norwegian Fjords cruise tips