What cruise to take on Naeroyfjord, Norway’s most beautiful fjord

Well, there are fjords all over Norway. Plenty of them. Big ones, small ones, famous ones, forgotten ones at the bottom of a cul-de-sac. And in the middle of it all, there’s Naeroyfjord.

17 km long, 250 m wide at its narrowest point, cliffs that climb almost 1,800 m above your head, and in springtime up to 25 waterfalls that cascade down the walls at the same time. The Vikings considered it the fjord of Njord, their god of the sea, no less (makes you want to become a Norse god). And UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2005, along with its cousin Geirangerfjord. So between the old-timers and today’s experts, everyone agrees: it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

And if I may add: there’s a reason why I’ve been harping on about Norway’s fjord region being one of the most beautiful in the world. The one that concentrates the most crazy landscapes in the fewest kilometers: narrow fjords, giant waterfalls, perched farms, villages cut off from the world, stave churches, it’s all there.

In short, passing through the fjord region without taking a cruise on Naeroyfjord is just not an option. It’s THE cruise to take in Norway, the one that leaves its mark for years to come.

In this article, I detail all the options for getting on board: the classic Flam-Gudvangen, the car ferry from Kaupanger, the RIB boat for thrills, kayaking for the brave, and guided tours from Bergen if you’re traveling without a car.

Come on, let’s have a look!

Why take a Naeroyfjord cruise?

It starts in Flam, or Gudvangen if you’re going the other way. You climb aboard a silent boat, as most companies have switched to 100% electric catamarans, and that makes all the difference: no rumbling engine, no diesel smoke (quite a change from some ferries!), just the lapping of the water against the hull and the breath of the wind.

For the first few minutes, you glide along the wider Aurlandsfjord, with the small villages of Aurland and Undredal clinging to its shores. Undredal and its 80 inhabitants, famous for their goat’s cheese, remained inaccessible by road until the 1980s. Before that, you could only get there by boat. Suffice it to say that time passes even more slowly here than elsewhere.

Then the fjord narrows. A lot. Suddenly the cliffs close in, the peaks rise vertically above you, and you realize you’ve just entered Naeroyfjord. This is where everyone comes out onto the deck, camera in hand (and you have to anticipate or elbow your way to the best seats in front or at the top): you’re in the narrowest of the UNESCO-listed fjords. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs like white ribbons, and in places you can see old farmhouses perched high above the void, those astonishing Norwegian farms where peasants lived suspended between sky and mountain, accessible only by vertiginous paths.

The 2 hours pass super fast. You alternate between the outdoor deck (it can be cold and windy, so take a fleece even in midsummer, but it’s the best photo spot) and the heated interior with a coffee in hand. Towards the end of the trip, just before Gudvangen, you pass the Kjelfossen, one of Norway’s highest waterfalls at 840 m in free-fall, which is particularly impressive in spring, when the snow has finished melting.

The problem is, once you’ve sailed Naeroyfjord, you’ll compare everything to this. And some other experiences or fjords may seem a little blander 😀 Let’s just say that’s the price of success!

What cruises are available on Naeroyfjord?

There are several possibilities, depending on the season. The best known, which runs all year round, is the electric (and therefore silent) boat cruise between Flam and Gudvangen.

The most spectacular, in my opinion, is the ferry between Kaupanger and Gudvangen, but that’s mainly if you have a car, and it only runs between May and September, i.e. when there are tourists in the area.

Anyway, I’ll tell you all about it!

The Flam – Gudvangen cruise to discover Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord

Perhaps the most popular cruise. There are quite a few daily trips, every 2 hours or so (with 2 boats in rotation).

You can start from Flam or Gudvangen, and both have their advantages and disadvantages:

• arriving at Gudvangen allows you to see the fjord gradually narrowing, so you end up on the best part of the route
• leaving from Flam means you’re starting from an ultra-touristy spot, but you’re only there to park your car. There are perhaps more people in this direction than on the Gudvangen-Flam route.

For my part, I set off from Flam because I wanted to see the entrance to Naeroyfjord. Honestly, it’s fine, because the advantage is that you then rub shoulders with Gudvangen’s store, not Flam’s. So it’s less crowded.

If you’re coming on your own, you’ll need to make a reservation on the Norway’s Best website. This is the official ticket sales platform.

• the journey takes 2 hours
• there are 2 trips in low season, 5 in high season
• it’s possible to make the return trip by boat
• the return journey is by bus
• one-way fare is 665NOK, return fare 1000NOK
• in low season, you don’t need to book far in advance – the day before or the day after is enough
• in high season, you need to book about 2 weeks in advance to get the trip you want.
• remember that this is now Norway’s most popular cruise!

Back to the starting point

Well, that’s cool, you’ve put your car in the Flam (or Gudvangen) parking lot, you’ve made the journey but… well how do you get back?

There are company buses that go the other way. When the boat arrives in Gudvangen, there are buses waiting to take you back to Flam. Be careful, the buses leave shortly after the boat’s arrival, so you won’t have much time for shopping. Make sure you book your bus in advance, always on the Norway’s Best website, as the boat is huge and there may be no more room on the buses.

If you miss the bus, there are still a few options:

• public bus NW420 from Bergen to Sogndal via Flam and Gudvangen. Please note that they don’t accept animals, even in cages.
• the taxi, and the short 15-min ride costs 750NOK. Yup.

And that’s exactly what happened to us 😀 We took our time at the Gudvangen store and missed the return buses. The public bus wouldn’t take us because of the dogs, so we had to call a taxi. Ideally, don’t make the same mistake we did!

The Kaupanger – Gudvangen ferry, ideal if you’re on a roadtrip

This is THE ferry trip to take if you’re driving. And the one I made over 10 years ago, phew!

It’s a magnificent journey that starts on the north coast of Sognefjord (one of Norway’s longest fjords) and goes all the way to Gudvangen via Naeroyfjord (or vice versa, depending on your direction of travel).

It’s perfect if you’re coming from the Sognefjell or Fjaerland routes to Bergen. So, for one thing, it’s magnificent, and for another, ultra-practical.

• it operates from May 20 to September 30
• there are 2 trips in mid-season, 4 in high season
• the trip takes about 2h30
• the price per person is 625NOK, and the car 675NOK. So a car and two people: 1925NOK
• Yes, you absolutely must book in advance, as this is the country’s most popular ferry (along with the one between Bodo and Lofoten).
• Bookings are made through Fjordtours which manages the routes.

Flam -> Gudvangen by RIB boat

This one’s all about the thrill, and I think it works! I haven’t done it, but since we’ve been hanging around Flam, Aurland and Gudvangen, we’ve seen the RIB boats around several times. And frankly, it looks great.

It’s managed by FjordSafari:

• available from April to October
• it lasts 1h30
• and costs 935NOK per person
• bookings are made on the Fjordsafari website

The Alternative Cruise from Bergen to Flam

Alright, let’s be clear right away: we’re not strictly on the Nærøyfjord here, but this option is so cool that it would be a shame to miss it if you’re based in Bergen.

This is a boat connection that links Bergen to Flåm by crossing the entire Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. Just a heads-up: this isn’t your typical panoramic catamaran with a massive tourist deck. It’s a classic boat, almost like a “water bus,” that makes several stops along the way to drop off or pick up locals in the fjord villages. As a result, the pace is different—more authentic and less of a “standardized tourist experience.” Personally, I’m a big fan.

Why it’s great :

• You cross the entire length of the Sognefjord, seeing real life along the banks (the villages, the isolated farms, and the ferries passing each other)
• You arrive in Flåm by sea, which is a totally different vibe compared to arriving by train or car
• Once in Flåm, you have 2 hours on-site before heading back—just enough time to grab lunch, explore the village, and check out the Nærøyfjord cruise pier
• A day trip is totally doable, or you can opt for a one-way ticket and stay overnight in Flåm

Practical info :

• The journey takes about 5h30 each way
• The boat operates from April to October (closed during the winter season)
• About 2 hours on-site in Flåm before the return trip if you’re doing the round-trip in one day
• Prices start at €158 depending on the dates
• Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in July and August—it fills up fast

Kayaking in Naeroyfjord

Because there had to be a sporting activity!

Naeroyfjord lends itself perfectly to kayaking. Firstly, because it’s a very narrow fjord, so there’s no chance of getting lost or swept away by the current (you know the guy who’s had that happen to him). But also because you won’t find many places as beautiful as this one for kayaking. Especially since there are no big cruise ships brushing up against you.

So I’d say, if you’ve got the time, if you like to get out on the water, go for it!

What to see near Naeroyfjord

You’re in one of Norway’s most beautiful regions, if not the richest in history and spectacular scenery, the famous fjord region. So yes, you’re bound to linger around here, and you’re right to do so, for there are plenty of places to see right next to Naeroyfjord!

• the Flam train, a must-see. So yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s Flam. But yes, the route is truly one of the most beautiful in the world. It runs all year round (I just did it again in early April), the scenery is spectacular and really changes from season to season. My advice would be to take one of the first trains, as it’s much less crowded. It’s a 2-hour round trip and the price starts at €60. I’ll write about it in a dedicated article, but get your tickets from Norway’s Best or VY.no. No middlemen like Rail Ninja, who charge a lot more.

• Borgund Viking Church, one of the country’s best-known stave churches (traditional churches), and inevitably one of the most impressive. Admission costs 150NOK and is only open from April to October.

• the pretty village of Undredal, ideally situated (a little cut off from the world) right between Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord. We pass it on our cruise. It’s a nice village and, in addition to the breathtaking view over the two fjords, there’s a lovely stavkirke. It’s well worth a visit!

• Stegastein viewpoint, above Aurland. After a number of twists and turns upwards, it’s a platform that juts out into the void (but not too far, eh?), giving a bird’s-eye view of Aurlandsfjord. The view is fantastic, really. But I have to admit that I preferred the view 2 hairpin bends down even more, as the view is clearer and there are far fewer people (there’s a large parking area).

• the Viking village of Gudvangen, a reconstruction of a period village, as the Naeroyfjord was considered the fjord of the gods, no less (you’ll soon understand why!). The village is touristy, quite folkloric, and closed for part of the year. I’d say it’s not a must-see, but if you’ve got time and kids, why not!

See Naeroyfjord from Bergen in one day

Naeroyfjord isn’t next door, but it’s relatively easy to get there from Bergen.

You can get there by car, it’s about 2h30 to Gudvangen. It’s a great trip. So you can get there and back in a day without too much trouble, with the Naeroyfjord trip, and why not take the Flam train.

You can also take the NW420 bus from Bergen to Gudvangen or Flam, where you can catch the boat directly.

And here’s where it gets really interesting: there are a number of guided tours from Bergen that allow you to spend a crazy day on the boat, along with other activities. Let’s take a look

Option 1 – Nærøyfjord + Stegastein cruise (lunch included)

Day trip from Bergen combining a cruise on the Nærøyfjord and the famous Stegastein lookout, with lunch served on board. The passage to Flam is very short!

• Depart Bergen 8 a.m., return 6.30 p.m. (minibus, max. 30 pers.)
• Photo stop at Tvindefossen waterfall
• 2h cruise Gudvangen → Flåm on electric catamaran
• Lunch + dessert + coffee served during the cruise
• Climb to Stegastein viewpoint (650 m above the fjord)

Ideal if you want to combine the fjord and Stegastein without renting a car, and eat quietly on board

• Find out more about this excursion!

Option 2 – Viking village + Nærøyfjord + Flåm train

This is the most complete version: three iconic experiences of the region in a single day from Bergen. And the only agency to offer both the Naeroyfjord boat trip AND the Flam train.

• Depart Bergen at 8 a.m., return around 6:15 p.m. (minibus then train).
• Stop at Tvindefossen waterfall
• 40-minute guided tour of the Viking village of Njardarheimr in Gudvangen
• 2-hour cruise on the Nærøyfjord (premium catamaran Vision or Future of The Fjords)
• Travel by Flåmsbana, one of the steepest trains in the world (Flåm → Myrdal)
• Return to Bergen by train via the Bergen line

Ideal if you only have one day and want to check off the region’s 3 must-sees (without Stegastein).

• Find out more about this excursion!

Getting to Naeroyfjord without a car

It’s obviously, and fortunately, quite possible!

The train is your best friend. Flam is located on the Myrdal – Flam train line (the famous, superb Flamsbana line). And Myrdal is on the Bergen – Oslo line! So you can do Bergen/Oslo – Myrdal and take the train down to Flam. And from Flam, take the boat to Naeroyfjord. Then take the bus back to Flam and catch the next train to Bergen, for example.

But as I mentioned above, you can also take the NW420 bus from Bergen to Sogndal via Gudvangen and Flam. I advise you to check the timetable on entur.no as it doesn’t run very often.

Conclusion and other resources on the fjords region

Now you know (almost) everything!

Between the classic Flam-Gudvangen cruise, the car ferry from Kaupanger, the RIB boat, kayaking and guided tours from Bergen, you’ve got plenty to do. No matter which option you choose, no matter what the season, no matter whether you’re on a roadtrip or on foot: Naeroyfjord will give you a slap in the face. A good one. The only problem is, afterwards, you’ll be comparing other cruises to this one and… well, it’s going to be a bit blander 😀

My only real advice: book in advance, especially in high season. And don’t dawdle in the Gudvangen store like I did, if you don’t want to end up in a cab at 750 NOK (I’m kidding, but it’s not that bad).

As for the rest, take your time, go out on deck even when it’s cool and windy, and enjoy. This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and it would be a shame to experience it only from behind glass.

And if you have any further questions, or would like to share your own Naeroyfjord experience, please don’t hesitate!

As you prepare for your stay in Norway, here are some other articles that I hope will interest you!

• Norway’s fjord region: itineraries and most beautiful spots, for an overview of the country’s most beautiful region before diving into the details.
• The free map of Norway’s fjords, with all the most beautiful places, hikes, accommodation and restaurants I’ve spotted – it’s a free download!
• Visit Bergen: what to do in a few days, the gateway to the fjords, and for me the most beautiful city in Norway.
• A great one-week itinerary around Bergen and the fjords, to fit the Naeroyfjord into a real road-trip without running around!
• How to get from Bergen to Flam (boat, train, bus, agency), the perfect complement to this article if you’re leaving from Bergen.
• The best day cruises from Bergen, if you want to compare Naeroyfjord with the other fjords accessible from Bergen (Hardangerfjord, Mostraumen, Sognefjord…)
• What to see in Geiranger, Norway’s most impressive fjord, the other UNESCO-listed fjord along with Naeroyfjord – to be done as a combo if you have the time
• Norway in summer, where to go, tips and itineraries for the best season on Naeroyfjord
• Visiting Norway: a complete guide, if you’re starting from scratch and want to plan everything at once

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