Discover all the best cruises in Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is a bit like the “final boss” of Norway’s fjords. You can admire it from above (and I particularly recommend doing so at the Flydalsjuvet or Ørnesvingen viewpoints, or Dalsnibba if you’re there in high season), and I’d actually say this is where you get the most beautiful fjord views. There’s some competition with Stegastein near Flam, but The vistas here are on another level.
But it’s from the water that the wow factor really kicks in. That’s where you feel tiny against the 1,400-metre walls and get sprayed by the Seven Sisters (when they’re flowing!).
Unlike the Naeroyfjord which I love, getting to Geiranger isn’t a day trip, unless you’re arriving in Alesund. It has to be earned during your stay in the fjords, which is also why you appreciate it even more.
So, here you are in Geiranger and you absolutely want to do a cruise. First of all, you’re right to! But there’s a small issue. Between the regular ferry, fast boats, electric boats, or kayaks, the offering is very broad.
We tested the “ferry with car” version during our latest roadtrip a few weeks ago and it helped us understand the nuances between each option. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right cruise. But one thing you can be absolutely sure of is that you won’t be disappointed. This fjord is magnificent, no matter which boat you take.

Quick version: Which option and for whom?

We’ll obviously go into detail about each cruise later, but if you don’t have time or don’t feel like reading, here’s a quick summary:

• On a roadtrip with your car? Take the Geiranger – Hellesylt Ferry. It’s the best time/efficiency ratio.
• Want thrills and to see the waterfalls up close? Go for the RIB Boat (inflatable boat).
• Looking for calm and the perfect photo? The hybrid electric boat is unbeatable.
• Want to do the classic round trip and for a double dose of scenery? The excursion with a stop in Hellesylt is for you.
• Want to get some exercise and be as close as possible? Kayaking remains the most immersive experience.

The Geiranger – Hellesylt Ferry: the perfect option on a roadtrip

This is the option we chose, and for a very pragmatic reason: logistics. If you’re coming from the Eidsdal ferry and planning to head down towards Stryn or the Briksdal glacier, it’s the perfect choice.
Rather than doing the round trip by road, you combine time-saving with great spectacle. I’d say we didn’t really have a choice anyway, because in April the road leaving Geiranger was still closed. By the way, in April, just after the seasonal opening of the line, there was absolutely nobody, so a pretty fantastic experience. However, in summer, you really need to book several days (or even weeks, especially for weekends) in advance.
For an hour, you glide along the fjord while moving towards your next stop. The boat is a classic ferry: it’s stable, there’s room on the deck for photos, and an indoor lounge if the Norwegian wind gets a bit too rowdy.

• The advantage: You save time on your overall itinerary while enjoying the view.
• The drawback: You lose a bit of that “private excursion” feel — it’s a regular transport service, so it can be crowded and the atmosphere is less intimate.
• Who is it for? For those looking to maximize their itinerary and don’t want to waste time at Geiranger but still want to enjoy it.

There are 2 operators that run the crossing:

• Fjord1
  • runs from April 1st to October 31st
  • from 3 to 7 crossings per day, depending on the season — more details on the schedule here
  • 420NOK per person, 810NOK per car
  • Duration: 1h15
• Fjordtours
  • from May 2nd to December 15th and from March 1st to 31st
  • from 2 to 14 crossings per day
  • 750NOK per car, 360 NOK per person
  • Duration: 1h15

The RIB (inflatable boat): for thrill-seekers who want to get up close

The RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is that big semi-rigid inflatable boat that races along at full speed. Here, forget about a quiet coffee on deck. You don’t go inside the cabin when there’s too much wind. They kit you out in a full survival suit (Teletubbies style, but very effective against the cold) and there you are, seated on suspended seats.
The main appeal is proximity. Where the big ferries stay in the middle of the fjord, the RIB boat literally “hugs” the wall. You pass so close to the waterfalls that you could almost fill up your water bottle. The captain usually throws in a few high-speed turns for the thrill, while regularly stopping to tell the story of the perched farms.

• The advantage: It’s by far the most immersive and spectacular experience. You see details invisible from the bigger boats.
• The drawback: It shakes, it gets you wet (logical, yes I know) and it’s the most expensive option in the harbour.
• Who is it for? Photographers who want unique angles, and those who prefer adrenaline to the calm contemplation of the bigger boat.

The hybrid boat: the silent fjord cruise

If you’ve ever seen photos of futuristic ships with ramps winding along their sides, this is that kind of vessel. These boats are quite a technological feat: they run on electricity once they enter the fjord.

The experience is rather disorientating: the boat glides without any engine noise at all. You only hear the cry of the seagulls and the roar of the waterfalls. It’s extremely soothing and totally in tune with the wild nature of the site. The design is built around the view, with huge bay windows that let you enjoy the scenery even if you stay warm inside.

• The advantage: Absolute silence and rather high-end “Scandinavian” comfort.
• The drawback: As with the ferry, you stay at a reasonable safe distance from the walls. In very high season, things can get fairly cramped on board.
• Who is it for: Families, design lovers and those who want a “clean” and zen cruise.

The classic excursion (round trip) to Hellesylt for twice the pleasure

This is the ideal compromise if you don’t have a car to transport or if you’re sleeping in Geiranger itself. It’s a cruise dedicated to tourism, often on medium-sized boats.
For around 1h30 to 2h, they take you on the full tour. Really. The big added value here is the narration. The audio commentary (often available in several languages) explains how Norwegian peasants used to live on improbable farms clinging to the mountain, like the one at Knivsflå. It’s the “stress-free” choice par excellence.

• The advantage: you do the round trip all the way to Hellesylt, and given how beautiful the cruise is, I find that really worthwhile.
• The drawback: It’s probably the most touristy option — you won’t be alone on deck.
• Who is it for: Those who want the essence of the Geirangerfjord without worrying about logistics, and who really want to make the most of it by staying on the boat as long as possible (without it costing twice as much).

Kayaking: Going toe-to-toe with giants

Kayaking in Geiranger is a lesson in humility. When you’re right at water level in a small craft, the 1,000-metre cliffs feel even more vertiginous.
You can rent a kayak for 3 hours (you’ll need the wetcard, or Våttkort, the Norwegian paddle pass) or set off with a guide. It’s physical, especially if there’s a bit of wind or if a big cruise ship passes in the distance and creates a few waves, but it’s the only way to truly be alone with the fjord. Reaching the Seven Sisters under your own arm power is something you have to earn — but it’s worth it.

• The advantage: Total silence (apart from your paddle strokes), you take in the water and its magnificent colours, and you’re truly inside the fjord.
• The drawback: You only see a limited portion of the fjord (unless you’re an athlete) and it’s very weather-dependent.
• Who is it for: Sporty types and those who want to escape the crowds on the upper decks.

FAQ: Practical questions about Geiranger

Can you visit Geiranger from Flåm in a day?
Let’s be clear: no. It’s a common trap for travelers when looking at a map of Norway without accounting for the terrain. Although the two villages are both on iconic fjords, they’re separated by about 5 hours of driving (around 250 km of switchbacks and tunnels).
If you’re based in Flåm, enjoy the Sognefjord and the Nærøyfjord. Geiranger should be visited as a dedicated stop on your roadtrip, usually after going up Route 5 or the famous mountain pass road (Sognefjellet, a crazy road).
How do you get to Geiranger from Bergen or Flåm?
This is often the big chunk of the trip.

• From Flåm: Allow 4h30 to 5h of driving via the E16 then Route 5. You’ll pass through incredible glacier landscapes.
• From Bergen: Yes, there are plenty of fjord cruises from Bergen. But none that go all the way to Geiranger. You’ll have to come by car. It’s a big day on the road (around 7h). The ideal thing is to make a halfway stop, around Stryn or Loen.

Should you do the viewpoints before or after the cruise?
From experience, I’d recommend doing the viewpoints first. Why? Because seeing the fjord from above (from Flydalsjuvet or Ørnesvingen) gives you the scale of the place. It’s once you’ve seen that perfect “S” from the heights that the cruise really makes sense: you then understand the verticality of the walls you’re sailing past.
What if it rains on the day of your booking?
Go anyway! The Geirangerfjord is one of the few places in the world that’s almost “better” in the rain. Waterfalls like the Seven Sisters are fed by rainfall. Under bright dry sun, they can sometimes be a bit shy. In rain and mist, the fjord turns mystical and the waterfalls roar. Just pack a good waterproof jacket.
Is it mandatory to book the ferry for your car?
In July and August, it’s essential. Vehicle deck space is limited. If you turn up at the Geiranger port without a ticket for Hellesylt, you risk having to wait for several departures or being forced to go the long way round through the mountains (which would be a shame if you’d planned on the crossing).
The case of Dalsnibba
If you’re coming from the south (Grotli), you’ll pass the Dalsnibba toll booth (Geiranger Skywalk). It’s the highest fjord viewpoint in Europe. Beware: it’s very high up (1500m), so even in June the road can be closed if the snow has decided to overstay its welcome. Always check the opening status on the signs at the bottom of the valley before driving up for nothing. And the road leading there from Geiranger is generally closed until the end of April.

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Conclusion

There you go, you know everything! As I was saying at the start, taking a cruise on the Geirangerfjord is a must-do, and you’re spoilt for choice. But even though it’s touristy, I’d also recommend that you visit the surroundings of Geiranger, especially the high viewpoints, because it’s truly beautiful!
Above all, Geiranger fits very easily into a broader visit of the Norwegian fjords and it’s hard to skip when all the roads are open. So really, yes it’s touristy, yes it can get crowded and you need to book in advance, but yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

Other resources on the Norwegian Fjord Region

As you’re planning your Geirangerfjord cruise or your road-trip through the Norwegian fjords, here are a few other articles that should hopefully be of interest!

• A few days in Bergen: discovering the fjords often starts with this Hanseatic city
• What to do in Geiranger: the village at the end of the fjord, to plan your stop before or after the Geirangerfjord cruise
• Which cruise on the Nærøyfjord, the most beautiful fjord in Norway, the other UNESCO-listed fjord that absolutely belongs in your road-trip if you love the Geirangerfjord
• The 13 most beautiful day cruises in Norway, to compare every option and pick the ones that match your schedule
• The best fjord cruises from Bergen, if you want to combine Geiranger with other fjords starting from the south
• The map of the Norwegian fjords, to visualise all the fjords and slot the Geirangerfjord into your itinerary
• Bergen-Flåm by train: the complete guide, how to get there by train, bus or boat
• A one-week itinerary in Bergen and the fjord region, to fit the Geirangerfjord into a real road-trip without rushing all over the place
• The most beautiful places in Norway you absolutely must visit, my personal top picks from north to south to plan what comes next
• Norway in summer: where to go, tips and itineraries, the best season to enjoy the Geirangerfjord and the midnight sun
• Closed roads in Norway, essential before tackling the Trolls’ road (Trollstigen) or the Ørnevegen — how to check conditions in real time
• How to pay tolls, tunnels and ferries in Norway (Autopass), to read before hitting the road if you’re driving — no barriers, everything works through licence plate recognition
• Visiting the fjords of Norway: the most beautiful spots, activities, practical info — everything you need to discover this region!
• Visiting Norway: complete guide, if you’re starting from scratch and want to plan everything at once (itineraries, budget, tips)
• The free PDF guide to visiting Norway, 200 pages of essential info to discover this superb country!