Norwegian Fjords Polar Cruise Routes

Key Takeaways

• You’ll find Bergen to Kirkenes northbound trips take 7 days, sailing past stunning Geirangerfjorden and North Cape. The southbound journey needs 6 days to complete.
• Your winter cruise guarantees Northern Lights views. You can choose from quick 4-day trips or full Hurtigruten voyages through the fjords.
• You can travel with Hurtigruten all year round, whilst Celebrity Cruises and Holland America run seasonal trips in Norwegian waters.
• Your Arctic Circle adventures stretch to Svalbard and Iceland, where you can spot wildlife and join activities. You’ll have chances to kayak, ski and hike along the way.
• You’ll start most fjord journeys from Bergen. These trips last 7-14 nights, taking you to UNESCO heritage sites and charming fishing villages along Norway’s coast.

Northern Norway Expedition Routes

Two Arctic expedition routes run along Norway’s coast:

You can travel northbound from Bergen to Kirkenes in 7 days, or southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen in 6 days.

The northbound journey takes you through:

• Geirangerfjorden
• The Arctic Circle
• The North Cape
• Dog sledding spots
• Northern Lights viewing areas

The southbound route features:

• The Lofoten Islands
• The Helgeland Coast
• Kayaking spots
• Polar history sites

Both routes include:

• Stops at Tromsø and Trondheim
• Views of fjords and mountains
• Northern Lights viewing opportunities
• Optional adventure activities

You’ll find similar weather conditions and landscapes on each route, with the main difference being your direction of travel and specific port stops.

Classic Western Fjords Journey

Norway’s Classic Western Fjords Journey takes you along the stunning southwestern coast, starting from the city of Bergen.

You’ll sail through spectacular fjords and stop at charming ports like Stavanger, Geirangerfjord, Eidfjord and Flam.

You can choose trips lasting 7 to 14 nights, with major cruise operators including Hurtigruten, Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises.

Your journey lets you explore UNESCO sites, walk scenic trails and paddle through crystal-clear waters by kayak.

You’ll discover Norwegian culture through village visits and local museums, whilst onboard experts share insights about the region’s landscape and past.

Summer gives you the best weather for outdoor activities, but trips from September to April offer chances to see the Northern Lights.

Book your trip well ahead – these fjord cruises fill up quickly.

Arctic Circle Sailing Adventures

Arctic Circle sailing trips offer you adventures beyond Norway’s fjords into the polar wilderness. You can explore Svalbard, Greenland’s Scoresby Sund and Iceland’s northern islands, with trips lasting from 3 days to 12 weeks.

Your journey will bring you close to Arctic wildlife, including humpback whales, harp seals and puffins. You’ll sail alongside towering icebergs and through dramatic fjords. The ships stop at local settlements where you can experience Viking culture firsthand.

You can choose from activities like:

• Hiking
• Skiing
• Kayaking

The small ships take just six guests, ensuring you get personal attention. You’ll stay in comfortable double-berth cabins with private bathrooms. Professional crews and certified mountain guides lead your excursion, keeping safety as the top priority.

Your trip can start from three main ports:

• Húsavík
• Ísafjörður
• Svalbard

Weather conditions may affect your exact route, but the crew will adapt the journey to give you the best Arctic experience.

Coastal Norway Cruise Experience

You can explore Norway’s dramatic coastline through several cruise options departing from Bergen, Oslo, or Copenhagen. Major operators like Hurtigruten, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America offer distinct routes along the Norwegian shore.

Your journey takes you through spectacular fjords including Geirangerfjord and Flam. These natural wonders give you perfect opportunities for hiking and photography with their towering cliffs and clear waters.

You can venture into the Arctic region to visit Tromso, Honningsvag, and Svalbard. These northern destinations offer you chances to spot polar bears and experience the Northern Lights.

Your cruise activities include kayaking, snorkelling, and visits to traditional fishing villages.

Most cruise packages last between 7 and 14 nights. Hurtigruten operates throughout the year, whilst other operators run seasonal services.

This straightforward coastal experience lets you witness Norway’s natural beauty from the comfort of your ship.

You’ll find daily excursions match different activity levels, whether you prefer gentle sightseeing or adventurous exploration.

Norway Fjords Winter Routes

Winter Fjord Cruises in Norway transform into magical experiences that differ from summer voyages.

You can choose from four main routes to explore Norway’s stunning winter coastline:

The Northern Lights Cruise:

• You get guaranteed aurora viewing (Hurtigruten offers a free cruise if you miss the lights)
• You travel through prime viewing locations
• You learn about this natural phenomenon from experts

Short Winter Cruises (4+ days):

• You visit ice-covered fjords
• You explore charming coastal villages
• You see frozen waterfalls up close

Arctic Winter Expeditions (6+ days):

• You combine traditional cruising with winter activities
• You can try dog sledding
• You can join snowmobile safaris

Complete Hurtigruten Route:

• You travel the entire Norwegian coastline
• You experience the most comprehensive winter journey
• You visit all major coastal landmarks

Essential Winter Gear:

• Thick, insulated jacket
• Wool base layers
• Sturdy winter boots
• Warm gloves and hat

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Clothing and Gear Should I Pack for a Fjords Cruise?

You’ll need several clothing layers for your fjords cruise:

Essential clothing:

• Breathable base layers (thermal tops and leggings)
• Warm mid-layers (fleece jumpers, wool cardigans)
• Waterproof outer layer (jacket and trousers)
• Sturdy, non-slip walking shoes
• Smart-casual outfits for evening dining

Key accessories:

• UV-protective sunglasses
• Warm hat and gloves
• Warm socks
• Scarf or neck warmer

Useful gear:

• Compact binoculars for wildlife viewing
• High-factor sunscreen
• Small backpack for shore excursions
• Camera with spare battery

Pack these items in a mix-and-match colour scheme to create multiple outfit combinations. Your clothing choices should focus on comfort and practicality over style.

Are Norwegian Fjord Cruises Suitable for Passengers With Mobility Issues?

Norwegian fjord cruises can work well if you have mobility issues. Most modern ships offer wheelchair-accessible cabins, lifts and adapted facilities. You can enjoy the fjords’ dramatic scenery from accessible viewing decks and lounges. Many cruise lines provide modified shore excursions and assistance with boarding. Be sure to book an accessible cabin early and check specific ship facilities before choosing your cruise.

What’s the Best Cabin Location to Minimize Motion Sickness?

The best cabin spot for you is midship on a lower deck near the waterline. You’ll feel less movement here because it’s the ship’s most stable point. Forward cabins make you feel the ship’s up-and-down motion, whilst aft cabins catch more side-to-side sway. Pick a midship cabin to keep your seasickness at bay.

Do I Need a Visa or Special Documentation for Norwegian Fjord Cruises?

You do not need a visa for Norwegian fjord cruises if you are from:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

Your passport must remain valid for six months after your planned departure from Norway.

How Much Should I Budget for Shore Excursions and Additional Activities?

Shore excursion costs range from £140-£390 per person, per trip. You should budget £800-£1,600 for a multi-stop cruise with activities. You can save up to 30% by booking excursions independently instead of through your cruise line. Many popular ports offer local tours at lower prices with similar experiences.