Scandinavia · FJORD CRUISES IN ALESUND
Good fjord cruises in Alesund fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join an English-speaking guide such as Kira or Daniel for a 3.5-hour coach tour above Geirangerfjord. Stop at Flydalsjuvet, Djupvatnet, Dalsnibba Skywalk, and Eagle Bend, with sharp mountain roads, timed photo stops, and a return planned around your ship.
“This Tour is a must do if you spend a day in Geiranger, only term to describe: Breathtaking.”
Join Bonseye in Geiranger for a 75-minute guided RIB boat trip beneath the De Syv Søstre, Friaren, and Brudesløret waterfalls. English-speaking guides such as Geir, Alex, and Bjørn combine fast boat runs with local stories, mountain-farm history, and close views from an electric boat.
“Our guide was fabulous. He provided us with interesting facts and myths. He also handled the boat adventurously yet safe! Highly recommend.”
Leave Ålesund for Storfjord, Valldal, Gudbrandsjuvet, Trollstigen Plateau, Stigfossen, and Trollveggen. Guides such as Lulu, Claudia, and Giulia add local stories, while an optional buffet lunch makes this a full day in the mountains. Check road conditions before booking, since Trollstigen may close.
“This was a great excursion and really got you out to see some of the beautiful natural beauty that makes up this part of Norway. That being said, it is a long day and mostly on the bus and the bus had some very steep steps which was a bit hard if you have limited mobility. But all in all a wonderful experience and well worth it!”
You’ll spend about three hours each way on a modern catamaran from Ålesund to Geiranger, with panoramic windows, outdoor decks, a snack kiosk, and an audio guide in 10 languages. In Geiranger, you have 1 to 3 hours for lunch, shops, waterfalls, or a short walk before the return sailing.
“Overall it was a great experience! I would recommend it highly! My only problem was getting there at the same time as a big cruise liner, to many people in a small place.”
From Bonseye in Hellesylt, you’ll ride a RIB boat for 75 minutes toward Geirangerfjord, stopping near De Syv Søstre, Friaren, and Brudesløret. English-speaking local guides such as Bente, Kim, and Ovi share stories as you skim close to the water in warm, waterproof outerwear.
“Great experience. Friendly and helpful staff. Excellent equipment provided.”
Sail five hours roundtrip from Ålesund on the vintage MS Bruvik, passing Trandal, Sæbø, and Urke before a one-hour stop in Øye. You get indoor and outdoor viewing areas, an English audio guide, and snacks for purchase. Bring your own food, since Øye has almost no services.
“My husband and I really enjoyed our day on the water! The weather wasn't the best but Victor and the crew made sure we had the proper gear for the outing! Rain coats, pants, boots, and gloves were all available for our use. Lunch was delicious. Staff was prompt at meeting point in the morning and very attentive to our skills and needs. we highly recommend this excursion.”
Take a four-hour guided catamaran trip from Geiranger through the full Geirangerfjord. See Seven Sisters, The Suitor, and Friaren Waterfall up close, taste fresh waterfall water, then spend 90 minutes exploring Hellesylt before returning.
“The proximity to the waterfalls and the water tasting were great.”
Cruise from Geiranger Harbor into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll pass the Seven Sisters, Bridal Veil, and Suitor waterfalls, listen to the Voice of Norway app in 12 languages, and choose between panoramic indoor seating and an open outer deck.
“it was it was the most fantastic trip anyone could ask for. everyone should take a ride on Durango fjord as it is the most beautiful Fjord of all! instructions for everyone”
Join an English-speaking host aboard the white catamaran MS Keiser Wilhelm for a one-hour roundtrip from Geiranger. You’ll see the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, pause at Friaren Waterfall to taste its water, and have time for photos and a drink from the onboard bar.
“Es hat alles perfekt geklappt, würde den Ausflug jederzeit wieder machen. Preis-Leistung super”
Travel nine hours from Ålesund to Geiranger on a modern catamaran with Fjord Rangers speaking English, German, and Norwegian. Enjoy local food, Veil Falls, Flydalsjuvet, the Norwegian Fjord Centre, and a 327-step waterfall walk. Guide Ionnes is among the team.
“good itinerary, well organised, great and fast ship, friendly crew, good guides, good food served as well”
Set out from Hellesylt harbor in a stable kayak for a two-hour guided paddle along the fjord. Guides such as Richard, Jakub, Peder, and Vibeke teach the basics, share local stories, and point out wildlife, waterfalls, and Helsetkopen mountain. No kayaking experience is needed.
“Fantastic experience kayaking in the fjords and next to the ship. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
Spend a full day traveling from Ålesund to Geiranger by boat and bus. Cruise Hjørundfjord and Geirangerfjord, stop in Øye, Hellesylt, and Geiranger, taste waterfall water, and return via Eagle Road, Eidsdal, and Kokarsteinen.
“enjoyable well coordinated tour. we went in late August so crowds were a bit less on the boat itself. the cruise through both fjords and the bus connection were all very beautiful and we also appreciated the timeliness. keep in mind that Geiranger itself is a boring tourist trap full overrun by cruise ships. what you're really paying for with this tour is the journey. the journey is well worth it and we felt like it was a great value.”
Travel from Ålesund to Øye by boat through Hjørundfjord, then continue by bus through Norangsdal Valley to Hellesylt and Ljøen. An English-speaking guide and audio guide in 14 languages add context, though meeting instructions and commentary can be uneven.
“We moesten er 820 om 830 vertrekken maar we vertrokken pas 9 uur. Niemand stond ons op te wachten. We waren zelfs geholpen door andere operators . Slechte start!!!”
Cruise from Ålesund into Hjørundfjord aboard the classic MS Bruvik. You get live English guiding, audio commentary in 15 languages, a warm soup lunch, open decks, and a short stop in Sæbø. Expect grand mountain views, a relaxed pace, and simple onboard comforts rather than a polished luxury cruise.
“Bardzo fajna wycieczka, dla kogoś kto nigdy nie oglądał fjordów z bliska. Super możliwość zobaczenia tego z innej perspektywy. Ale czas wydłużony. W połowie trasy zatrzymaliśmy się na odstawienie połowy grupy do autokaru, płynęliśmy dalej, a na powrocie zatrzymaliśmy się w tej samej wiosce do zwiedzenia. Tam nie było co zwiedzać, więc straciliśmy łącznie ok 1h. Lepiej w tym czasie byłoby popłynąć dalej albo po prostu wrócić. Lunch to jedynie zupa z dodatkami (ziemniaki, marchewka, kiełbaska, pokrojona parówka) i chlebem i bagietką. Rozgrzewające, ale w smaku nie wiem co miało przypominać. Plus taki, że donosili świeże porcje pieczywa i zupy, więc można było się najeść. Na pokładzie była też ...”
You’ll cruise from Ålesund to Øye on Hjørundfjord, ride through Norangsdal Valley, pause in Hellesylt and at Ljøen viewpoint, then cross Storfjord by ferry. An English-speaking guide leads the trip, while a free audio guide is available in 14 languages.
“I don't understand the prior bad ratings unless they had awful weather and couldn't enjoy this trip like we did. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful fjords boat ride and then the bus back to Alesund. The scenery was absolutely stunning. It can be a bit chilly even with the sunshine so dress in layers and they provided some blankets on board. There are seats in back of the boat but come early, although you can walk around the boat. There is a very comfortable interior cabin. Bathrooms were nice and clean. The crew was great. The boat was comfortable and clean. The staff was so accommodating for me with my…”
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