Allie Hubers Norway is one of those destinations that’s practically made for cruising.
With its dramatic fjords, charming coastal towns, and the ever-present chance of spotting the northern lights or midnight sun (depending on the season), sailing through Norway is nothing short of breathtaking. But with so many cruise ports to choose from, how do you know which ones stand out?
If you want to visit Norway on a cruise, whether it’s an expedition ship or a mainstream cruise liner in the summer, you’ll want to make sure you optimize your time and money with the best itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise or a longer Northern Europe itinerary, these are the best cruise ports in Norway—each offering something unique and spectacular.
Geiranger: Home to Norway’s most famous fjord
This is the prettiest place I’ve ever visited in the world. If you’ve seen photos of Norway’s fjords, there’s a good chance they were taken in Geiranger.
This tiny village is home to Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO-listed wonder that’s consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world.
Why Geiranger, Norway is a must-visit:
- Seven Sisters Waterfall – One of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, best viewed from the fjord.
- Eagle Road – A winding mountain road with hairpin turns leading to a spectacular overlook of the fjord.
- Dalsnibba viewpoint – At 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level, this offers one of the best panoramic views in Norway.
Pro tip: If you only do one excursion here, make it a fjord cruise or kayak tour—seeing the fjord from the water is an unforgettable experience.
Bergen: The gateway to the fjords
If your cruise stops in Bergen, consider yourself lucky. This picturesque city is often called “the gateway to the fjords,” and it’s easy to see why.
Nestled between seven mountains and surrounded by deep blue waters, Bergen is a perfect introduction to Norway’s stunning natural beauty.
Why Bergen, Norway is a must-visit:
- Bryggen Wharf – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful wooden buildings dating back to the Hanseatic era.
- Mount Fløyen Funicular – Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords.
- Fish market – A lively spot to try fresh seafood, from king crab to smoked salmon.
Pro tip: Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in Europe, so pack a rain jacket even if the forecast looks good!
Ålesund: Norway’s Art Nouveau gem
Ålesund is one of the most unique cities in Norway, thanks to its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. After a devastating fire in 1904, the entire city was rebuilt in this elegant style, giving it a fairy-tale-like appearance.
Why Ålesund, Norway is a must-visit:
- Mount Aksla viewpoint – Climb 418 steps (or take a taxi) for a postcard-perfect view of the town, fjords, and surrounding islands.
- Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium – One of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, great for families.
- Giske and Godøy Islands – Take a short trip to these scenic islands for beaches, caves, and stunning coastal views.
Pro tip: If you’re an architecture lover, a walking tour of Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district is well worth your time.
Tromsø: The gateway to the Arctic
If your cruise ventures into the Arctic Circle, chances are you’ll stop in Tromsø. Known as the “gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is famous for its northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.
Why Tromsø, Norway is a must-visit:
- Arctic Cathedral – A striking modern church with massive stained-glass windows.
- Fjellheisen cable car – Ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen for incredible Arctic views.
- Dog sledding and Sami culture – If you’re visiting in winter, dog sledding with huskies is a must!
Pro tip: If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, visit between September and March for the best chance.
Olden: Norway’s majestic glaciers
Tucked at the end of the Nordfjord, Olden is a peaceful village that feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook.
Towering mountains, emerald-green valleys, and sparkling glaciers create a dramatic landscape that’s both humbling and unforgettable. It’s quieter than nearby Geiranger, but no less breathtaking.
Why Olden, Norway is a must-visit:
- Briksdal Glacier – A stunning arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, reachable via a scenic hike or “troll car” ride through the valley. The scenic hike is on a paved trail, so don’t stress too much about needing hiking boots.
- Loen skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, soaring from the fjord to Mount Hoven’s summit in just five minutes. The view from the top? Absolutely unreal. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time.
- Nordfjord – Cruise ships glide through this spectacular fjord to reach Olden, giving passengers an incredible first impression before they even step ashore.
Pro tip: For the ultimate thrill, pair your Loen Skylift ride with a walk along the Via Ferrata or enjoy lunch with panoramic views at the mountaintop restaurant. Just don’t forget your camera—every direction looks like a postcard.
Stavanger: Where fjords and history meet
Stavanger is a fascinating mix of old and new, with its well-preserved wooden houses and cutting-edge culinary scene. It’s also the gateway to Lysefjord, home to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Why Stavanger, Norway is a must-visit:
- Preikestolen hike – One of Norway’s most famous hikes, offering jaw-dropping views from 600 meters (1,968 feet) above Lysefjord.
- Gamle Stavanger – A charming old town with 18th-century wooden houses and cobbled streets.
- Norwegian Petroleum Museum – Surprisingly interesting, showcasing Norway’s oil industry and its impact on the country.
Pro tip: The Preikestolen hike takes about 4-5 hours roundtrip, so plan accordingly if you want to make it back to the ship on time!
Flåm: The fjord village with a legendary train ride
Flåm is a small village with a big reputation, thanks to the world-famous Flåm Railway, which offers one of the most scenic train rides on Earth.
Why Flåm, Norway is a must-visit:
- Flåm Railway – A breathtaking journey through mountains, waterfalls, and deep valleys.
- Naerøyfjord – A UNESCO-listed fjord known for its narrow, dramatic scenery.
- Stegastein viewpoint – A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic fjord views.
Pro tip: Book your Flåm Railway tickets in advance—it’s one of the most popular attractions in Norway!
Honningsvåg: Far up north
Honningsvåg is the northernmost cruise port in Norway and serves as the gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape), one of Europe’s most extreme points.
Why Honningsvåg, Norway is a must-visit:
- North Cape Globe Monument – Stand at the edge of Europe and take in the sweeping views of the Arctic Ocean.
- King crab safaris – Try catching and eating one of the Arctic’s most famous delicacies.
- Sami culture – Learn about Norway’s indigenous Sami people and their traditional way of life.
Pro tip: Even in summer, it can be cold and windy at North Cape, so dress warmly!
What are the most underwhelming cruise ports in Norway?
Not every stop on a Norwegian cruise is as thrilling as Geiranger or Flåm.
While Norway is famed for its dramatic fjords and charming coastal towns, some ports of call tend to underwhelm travelers. These ports often have limited attractions or unique activities and can be overshadowed by the country’s more spectacular destinations.
Below is a list of Norwegian cruise ports that reviewers and experts frequently cite as the most lackluster, along with explanations of why passengers sometimes disembark only to quickly return to the ship (or skip getting off altogether).
Haugesund: A small industrial city with few standout attractions. The surrounding landscape is relatively flat, and many travelers feel there isn’t much to do beyond a Viking history museum and some coastal walking trails.
Kristiansand: A charming town with a pleasant harbor, but lacking any truly unique sights. The most notable activities include a beach, a fortress, and a folk museum, but visitors often find it forgettable compared to the more dramatic scenery of Norway’s fjords.
Måløy: A small fishing village with minimal tourism infrastructure. While there are a few nearby scenic spots like the Kannesteinen rock and a lighthouse, the town itself has little to offer for visitors, and it often replaces more exciting ports on itineraries.
Nordfjordeid: Primarily serves as a gateway to other attractions like Loen and Briksdal Glacier, which require transportation. The town has a Viking ship museum but lacks major activities for those who don’t book excursions outside the area.
Narvik: A working industrial town known for its iron ore railway and war history. There are a few museums and a cable car ride, but it lacks the dramatic scenery and picturesque charm of other Norwegian cruise ports.
Hammerfest: While it’s the northernmost town in the world, there’s not much to see beyond the small Polar Bear Society museum and some WWII memorials. It’s often a quick stop for photos rather than a full-day experience.
Which Norwegian cruise ports are best?
Norway’s cruise ports each offer something different, whether you’re looking for epic fjords, cultural charm, or Arctic adventures.
If you’re a first-time visitor, Bergen, Geiranger, and Flåm are fantastic choices. If you’re after something more off-the-beaten-path, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, and Ålesund deliver unique experiences.
One thing is certain—no matter where you dock, Norway will leave you in awe. So, pack your layers, bring your camera, and get ready to experience some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on Earth!
