Planning a cruise to Norway? Discover nine of Norway’s best cruise ports to add to your itinerary.
With incredible scenic landscapes, the natural beauty of the fjords and numerous charming cities, Norway is a must-see cruise destination. However, with so many ports to visit, it can be quite hard to choose the right itinerary. Every port has something to offer. Whether that is a magical journey along the fjords, dramatic landscapes or a delightful town or village.
To help you choose the right itinerary, I take a look at some of the top Norway cruise ports, many of which I have visited, and highlight some of the things you can do at each destination.
Cruise ports in Norway
Alesund
Located on the west coast of Norway, the picturesque city of Alesund is known for its attractive architecture and beautiful surroundings.
The city is spread out over a row of islands that extend out into the Atlantic Ocean and are linked together by a number of bridges. Alesund sits at the head of the fjord network that leads to the world famous Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords.
Because of this it is a popular stop on Norwegian Fjords cruises, however there is much more to the city than the spectacular scenery that surrounds it.
One of the things Alesund is most known for is its Art Nouveau architecture, which gives the city a fairlytale look. However, it wasn’t always this way.
A large part of the city was destroyed in a fire in 1904, with many homes and buildings burnt down. Art Nouveau was in fashion at this time and it was decided to rebuild the town in this manner. Many buildings remain in this style, sitting side by side with buildings that survived the fire.
Whether you like wandering around a city or want some adventure in the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Alesund including
- strolling around taking in the stunning architecture
- visiting the Art Nouveau Centre which explores this style of architecture
- enjoying a panoramic view of Alesund and beyond at the Fjellstua viewpoint
- visiting one of Scandinavia’s largest saltwater aquariums, Atlantic Sea-Pak
- taking a boat tour to explore the Geirgangerfjord or islands surrounding the city.
Cruise ships dock in the centre of Alesund so you can easily explore on foot. There is also a hop on hop off bus that operates when cruise ships are in port.
Find out more about Alesund
Read more | Cruise tips to make the most of your Norwegian Fjords cruise
Bergen
The vibrant city of Bergen sits between two fjords, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, in the south west of Norway. So, it is no surprise to learn that the city is known as one of the gateways to the Norwegian Fjords.
As well as some spectacular natural beauty, the city is packed with history, culture and a lot of charm. From colourful wooden houses, absorbing museums, and breathtaking views, Bergen is a city that has something for everyone.
Don’t miss the many restaurants and cafes that line the city streets. Here you can dine on fresh seafood, try some traditional Norwegian dishes or snack on pastries and coffee.
Things to do in Bergen include
- Taking a trip on the Floibanen funicular for a stunning view of the city, nearby fjords and surrounding mountains
- Wandering around the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Eating seafood at the fish market
- Visiting a museum
- Exploring the nearby fjords
- Hiking up one of the surrounding mountains.
Cruise ships dock a short walk from the city centre. If you don’t fancy walking you can pick up a hop on hop off bus at the port that will take you to the main attractions in the city.
Discover more about Bergen.
Flam
Flam is home to some of the most stunning fjords scenery in the world, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjords.
The tiny village (with just 350 or so residents) is also known for its scenic railway. Often said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Flamsbana takes visitors on a stunning journey through the fjords and mountain landscape.
An incredibly picturesque port, Flam is a very popular stop on Norwegian Fjords cruises. Ships dock in the main harbour although if there are two ships in, you may need a tender.
Things to do in Flam include
- Taking a ride on the scenic Flamsbana Railway
- Visiting the Flam railway museum
- Flying along the Flam zip line
- Cruising the nearby fjords
- Hiking to the Brekkefossen waterfall
- Exploring the area by bike
- Enjoying a FjordSauna
- Taking a trip to the Stegastein Viewpoint
This port may disappear from cruise ship itineraries over the coming years as Norway moves to only allowing emission free cruise ships, tourist boats and ferries into the UNESCO World Heritage fjords by 2026.
Discover more things to do and see in Flam.
Read more: Flam cruise port guide
Geiranger
Geiranger is a small village that sits at the head of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world.
If you’ve not heard of Geiranger you would almost certainly have seen an image of the fjord it overlooks if you have seen any pictures of the Norwegian Fjords. It is one of Norway’s most iconic views.
Things to do in Geiranger include
- Enjoying jaw dropping views of Geirangerfjord including Flydalsjuvert and Ornevegen
- Braving the Geiranger Skywalk for even more amazing views
- Exploring the fjord by boat tour or kayak
- Getting up close to one most photographed waterfalls in the world, the Seven Sisters
- Learning more about the region at the Norwegian Fjord Centre
Cruise ships dock in the bay in front of Geiranger. An innovative floating walkway come out to meet ships which allows easy access to land. If this is not available, passenger are tendered to the shore.
Read more about the Geirangerfjord region.
Hellesylt
Hellesylt is a tiny village that sits at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord. Near the western end of the Geirangerfjord, this charming village is perhaps a little overlooked at times thanks to its famous neighbour.
However, while Geirangerfjord is the main attraction in the area, Hellesylt with its charming atmosphere and own beautiful scenery more than deserves its place on a Norwegian Fjords cruise itinerary.
Surrounded by mountains and with a waterfall roaring through the centre of the village, it is an idyllic scene.
Things you can do here include
- Marvelling at the Hellesyltfossen waterfall roaring through the village
- Visiting the Sunnylven Church
- Strolling around the village and surrounding area taking in the scenic views
- Sailing along the Geirangerfjord on the local ferry and then visiting the Geiranger viewpoints
If your cruise ship docks here they are likely to offer a number of different excursions to Geirangerfjord, Geiranger and Mount Dalsnibba.
On my visit I took an excursion which included the ferry over to Geiranger and a tour of the scenic viewpoints over the fjord. The journey along the Geirangerfjord was spectacular and the viewpoints provided some breathtaking views of the fjord and village.
Olden
Standing in the shadow of towering mountains, the small village of Olden is the entry point to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway.
The glorious mountains, blue glaciers and sparkling lakes of the surrounding area makes a port of call here one of the highlights of a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it is of the best Norway cruise ports you could have on your itinerary. I absolutely loved my visit here and have booked another cruise so I can return.
Situated 66 miles inland, the cruise into Olden is a mesmerising journey past some incredibly picturesque scenery including mountains, rolling countryside, fjord farms and small villages. Watching the sun rise for the day as you sail along the fjord is a really magical moment.
Once you arrive in Olden, you are surrounded by more gorgeous views and natural landmarks including the Briksdal Glacier and the Loen Valley.
You are really are spoilt for choice of what see in Olden. Things to do include…
- Exploring the Briksdal Glacier, on foot or by one of the famous troll cars
- Enjoying inspiring aerial views of the fjords and lakes from the Loen Skylift
- Kayaking along the calm waters of the fjord
- Wandering around the village and surrounding area.
Cruise ships dock at a small area next to the village or anchor in the bay. Around the port area there are a few shops, a pub and a ticket office for a local tour operator. It is a short walk into the village itself.
Stavanger
One of the oldest cities in Norway, Stavanger is a charming city with some quite spectacular scenery on its doorstep.
Once home to more than half of Noway’s sardine canning factories, the city is probably better known these days for its proximity to one of the country’s most famous fjords, the Lysefjord.
Things you can do while in port in Stavanger include
- Wandering around the old town
- Visiting the Catherdral
- Strolling along the colourful Øvre Holmegate street
- Touring the oil museum
- Taking a boat trip to the Lysefjord
Cruise ship dock in the centre of town. It is just a few steps to the city’s shops, cafes and other amenities.
Find out more about Stavanger.
Read more | Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock shore excursion review
Tromso
Located in the heart of Norway’s arctic region, Tromso is a lively city that is packed with culture, history and more bars (per capita) than any other Norwegian city.
Much of the city is built on an island that is linked to the mainland. Surrounded by fjords, mountains, and the draw of wilderness of the arctic, there is no shortage of adventurous activities to enjoy in and around Tromso.
You can also experience some natural phenomenons here if you are lucky. In the autumn and winter you may catch a spellbinding Northern Lights show, while in the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun. This is where the sun doesn’t set over the horizon so it never really gets dark.
Things to do in Tromso inlcude
- Chasing the Northern Lights
- Visiting the Artic Cathedral
- Touring the Tromso museum
- Visiting the polar museum
- Taking the cable care up to the top of Mt Storsteinen for a panoramic view
- Strolling around the botanical gardens
- Trying your hand at dog sledging
There are two locations where cruise ships can dock in. One in the city centre and one around 5k outside the city. Cruise ships often put on shuttles into the centre of Trosmo and there are also public transport options available should you dock here.
Discover more about Trosmo.
Trondheim
Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway. It has a rich history going back over 1000 years and was once the Viking capital of the country.
Today, it is a popular port and vibrant city with lots to see and do. From historic sites, engaging museums, boutique shops and fabulous restaurants, it is an enchanting place to visit.
The colourful city is easily explored on foot with plenty of bars and cafes on hand if you need a refreshment stop.
Things to do in Trondheim include
- Visiting the Nidaros Cathedralm (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Wandering around the Old Town
- Hiking the surrounding area
- Strolling around one of the city’s museums.
Cruise ships dock a short walk from the city centre. Shuttle buses are often provided to get you into town.
Find out more about Trondheim.
Read more | Discover the best time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords
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