tours from geiranger cruise port

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Geiranger – Norway

Travel information Norway

Official currency – Norwegian krone Accepts Euro / US dollars – sometimes in souvenir shops Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +1

About Norway

Inhabitants – 5,1 million Official language – Norwegian and Sami Capital city – Oslo

Kingdom of Norway Government – Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Norwegian language

Good day – God dag How are you? – Hvordan har du det? Thank you – Takk Cruise ship – Cruiseskip Port – Havn

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

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Cruise Port Guide Geiranger – Norway: tender port

When you visit Geiranger you are always tendering as there is no pier big enough for your ship. Since 2013 there is however the possibility of your ship to rent a floating pier, but as this will cost the ship a small fortune most ships will choose to tender. All tenders will arrive right in town in front of the souvenir shops and the tourist information centre.

The centre of town, if you can even call it a centre, is right there. You’ll find that the town exist out of supermarket, a couple of souvenir shops, a hotel, a camping, a chocolate shop and that is about it. Therefore staying in town is not really what we could recommend anybody.

Transportation

It is a small town so facilities are probably not what you are used to back home. Check out what options you have underneath:

Public bus system

There is a bus stop, but don’t count on any public transportation to be there and to be back on time as there might be a bus coming by once or twice a day.

Geiranger Taxis

There are taxis available through the tourist information point that you’ll find on the dock. Please know they are limited and so reservations or booking pre hand are advised. Also know it is about +/- 700 NOK (100 USD) per hour and therefore a lot more expensive than a bus tour.

Hop on hop off bus

There is a hop on hop off bus available in Geiranger. Forget about the usual concept of Hop on hop off busses though. If you buy a ticket it is valid for 1 ride. The bus takes you to the most visited and famous viewpoints where you’ll get about 15 minutes of free time. Order the tickets online or on the dock. The bus is not wheelchair accessible.

There are plenty of bus tours offered on the dock. The most impressive bus tour that is available in our opinion is the one that goes to Mt. Dalsnibba and to the Eagle’s bend. Know that often you can buy your tickets on the dock, but why not pre buy them online? Make sure to buy tickets for a time not to early in the morning as some cruise lines are not the easiest when it comes to letting off independent travellers. Order your tickets online through:  http://www.geirangerfjord.no/english

Make online arrangements

Other things you can arrange through the tourist information at the desk or on the link above is: taxi service, car rental, fjord safari, fjord sightseeing, kayak tours, fishing tours, bike rental, rib cruise etc.

Hiking in Geiranger

There are truly some of the most impressive and beautiful hiking paths in the world situated in and around Geiranger. For those of you looking for an easy hike take the new “Waterfall walk” from town up to the Fjord Centre in about 30 minutes. The beginning of the waterfall walk is also marked for you in the map above.

Or start planning a hike with the Geiranger hiking map available on the dock in big print outs, for sale at the tourist information or available online so you can already start to plan ahead:   http://www.geirangerfjord.no/hiking-map

Destination and distances from tender pier:

Tourist information – 50 meter Sjokolade – 150 meter Norwegian Fjord centre – 1,5 km South East

Out of town Eagles Bend – 7 km North West Flydals viewpoint – 4km South East Dalsnibba – +/- 20 km South East

FAQ about Geiranger

– How long is the tender ride? Depending on your position in the fjord between 2 and 10 minutes.

– Weather wise: should I take a tour in the morning or the afternoon? You never know in Geiranger. There can be 4 seasons in a day here. When you have a good sunny day the photo’s are better in the morning, when you have a bad day chances are it will clear up in the afternoon. You really cant tell, although if I would book for myself I would book the afternoon.

– How deep is the fjord? Rule of thumb is that the fjords are just as deep as the mountains are high.

– What does Geiranger mean? It means spear-shaped fjord in old Norwegian.

Scenic cruising Geirangerfjord

It will take your ship about 5 hours to get from open sea to Geiranger. Click here to see what your sailing route to Geiranger is and what there is to see along the way.

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At the end of the Eagle’s road you’ll find the Ornesvingen viewpoint. This one should definitely be on your list when visiting Geiranger. It gives you a view over Geiranger, your ship, the fjord and the seven sisters waterfall. From port it is 7 km / 15 min. drive to the north.

Ørnesvingen

Ørnesvingen, Geiranger

The most famous waterfalls of all is the Seven Sisters Waterfall in the Geirangerfjord. About 15 minutes before your ships reached Geiranger and 15 minutes after it departs from Geiranger your ship will sail past it. Make sure to be ready to admire this magical waterfall. You can also visit the waterfall when you book the rib cruise or when you are going kayaking. Book these activities through the tourist information. Click on this item to be linked through.

Seven sisters waterfall

Seven sisters waterfall, Geiranger

There are a lot of hikes that you can do around Geiranger. Take into account that nothing is flat and it is all uphill. For easy hikes check out the “Waterfall walk” on this page. For the real deal start to plan ahead through the following link: http://www.geirangerfjord.no/hiking-map.

Recommended hikes Geiranger

Eagles Road There are 2 roads going in and out of Geiranger. One of these roads is the famous Eagle’s road. This is a steep stretch of road with 11 hair pin bends that opened up in 1955 to keep Geiranger accessible all year round. Navigating the road is an experience in itself. From port it is 1 km / 3 min drive to the north.

Eagles Road

Dalsnibba is the most famous mountain top in the area. Lots of bus tours will make a stop here. Do realise it is 1500 meter above sea level and therefore sometimes it could be you are in the cloud like you see on this picture. If you are lucky enough to have a clear day, you are able to see all the surrounding mountain tops and your ship all the way in the distance at anchor. Mt Dalsnibba is about 45 minute drive from the dock. From port is 38 km / 45 min drive to the south.

Mt. Dalsnibba

Dalsnibba, Norway

A small white, wooden and octagonal church stands on top of the hill from Geiranger. It’s about a 20 minute uphill walk from town. Check with the tourist information for performances, because usually during the summer this church will give concerts during the day. From port it is 1 km walk to the south.

Geiranger Church

6216 Geiranger, Norway

The waterfall walk is a new simple walk/staircase that opened up in July 2014. In about 20 minutes you can walk from the camping at sea level all the way up to the Norwegian Fjord Centre. The staircase will take you up with spectacular views over the waterfall, the fjord and your ship. Find the start at about 500 meter from the pier at the Geiranger camping.

Waterfall walk

Waterfall walk, Geiranger

Geiranger is a tender port. Geiranger offers several small piers where cruise passengers arrive when in port. Read the full Geiranger cruise port guide for all the information.

Geiranger tender pier

There are two roads going in and out of Geiranger. Geirangervegen or Gearing Road is the road going in south. Driving this road is an experience in itself. The hairpins bends you’ll have to negotiate and the ever changing landscapes along the way never fails to impress. The road goes up into the mountains to about 1500 meter above sea level. Find the start Geirangervegen in Geiranger. It is the road going south.

Geirangervegen

Geirangervegen, Geiranger

AT OWN RISK: If you are interested to shoot this picture go the Flydals view point. Find the public bathroom and step over the small fence here AT OWN RISK. 10 meters in front of you you’ll see where and how to take the picture. From port it is 4 km / 10 min drive south.

Geiranger’s secret photo stop

Flydalsjuvet, Norway

This mountain farm is one that is open to the public. It is a great stop for a refreshment during a hike. Take a good look at this typical Norwegian farm house. If you look closely you will see numbers on the foundation stones of the farm. This is for future reference so the farmers know how to rebuild their house should a landslide come by. Continue here on 2 different hiking paths. From port it is 4 km / 1 hrs walk / 10 min drive to the north.

Westerås farm

Gnr 121 Bnr 5, Geirangervegen 320, 6216 Geiranger, Norway

The Flydals viewpoint is not very high but it will already give you that exquisite view over the fjord. Make sure to stop when driving by or even walk up. From port it is 4 km / 10 min drive to the south.

Flydalsjuvet

Which literally means: deep lake. On your way to Mt. Dalsnibba, about 30 minute drive from Geiranger, you automatically cross it. Make sure you make a photo stop at this 1000 m / 3200 ft high lake that is known for its depth of several hundred meter. This is where the locals go ice skating in the winter. This is what it looks like in early summer. If you are lucky you can even spot wild reindeer here. From port it is 18 km / 30 min drive to the south.

Lake Djupvatn

Djupvatnet, Geiranger

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Excursions & Tours

Hop-on Hop-off Geiranger Highlights Tour

Private Full Day Geiranger Highlights

Private Half Day Geiranger Highlights

Geiranger shore excursions.

Geiranger is a small tourist village in Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county in the western part of Norway. It lies in Stranda at the head of the Geirangerfjorden, which is a branch of the large Storfjorden. The nearest city is Ålesund. The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation.

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Geiranger Mt. Dalsnibba and Eagle Road

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Please be Advised:

• Book Locally
• Why Book Locally
• Our tours tend to sell out
• Booking process is in EURO

Do you have a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. Our team of experts is happy to assist you!

(+47) 922 72 247

Why Book With Us?

• High Quality at a Fair Price
• Excellent customer service
• Tour itineraries based on experience
• You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance
• Back in time guarantee (for cruise ship passengers)

Details about this scheduled guided day tour:

By bus you will depart from the village of Geiranger and drive uphill through numerous hairpin bends. The first stop is at Flydalsjuvet, an amazing place to look out over UNESCO’s Geirangerfjord. After a short stop, the bus will take you all the way up the famous Mount Dalsnibba, to the Geiranger Skywalk, approximately 1500 meters above sea level. Once more you will be able to enjoy a jaw droppingly beautiful view over Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord. The excursion continues to Djupvatnet, a mountain lake which lies at approximately 1000 meters above sea level, where you can take some more pictures.

Before heading back to pier, you will experience the Eagle Road, a spectacular road with 11 hairpin bends. On the steep sides of the road you might spot goats grazing grass. Once you arrive at the last hairpin bend, the bus will stop for a break. You can walk to the platform for another majestic view over a.o. the Geirangerfjord and the waterfall “Seven Sisters”.

NB: In the month of May, the road to Mount Dalsnibba may still be closed (snow and risk of avalanches). Should the road be closed on the day of your visit, our stop there will be replaced with a visit to another beautiful place. Rest assured that this will not lessen the duration or the quality of the tour.

Meeting Point

Cruise Terminal / Joker Parking Lot, Maråkvegen 49, 6216 Geiranger, Norway ( Google Maps ). Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The meeting point is within walking distance from the port/pier and most of the hotels.

We do adapt to the departures of cruise ships.

Guided Languages

What is included.

• Guided Tour
• Admission to Mount Dalsnibba/Geiranger Skywalk

Attention Points

• Tour duration; 3½ hours
• Difficulty; level 1, easy, suited for everybody
• We advise all our guests to be well prepared for different temperatures. Up in the mountains it can be colder than in the village of Geiranger. A warm jacket and appropriate shoes are recommended
• In order for our excursions to be available for everyone, the time of departure/arrival of each excursion is set to match the itineraries of the cruise ships. In case a time of departure needs to be adjusted, you will be notified in time
• Photo stop at Flydalsjuvet
• Photo stop at Djupvashytta
• Visit to the top of Mount Dalsnibba/Geiranger Skywalk
• The Eagle Road
• The waterfall “Seven Sisters"

Download a PDF fact sheet with all the information about the selected tour

Itinerary from the Meeting Point

• Drive to Flydalsjuvet; photo stop
• Drive to the top of Mount Dalsnibba/Geiranger Skywalk; photo stop
• Drive to Djubvatnet/Djupvasshytta; photo stop
• Drive over the Eagle Road; photo stop
• Drive back to the meeting point

*The order of stops may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

I travel on a cruise ship. will i be back in time for the ship’s departure.

Yes, absolutely. We have a back-in-time guarantee for guests travelling on cruise ships. To this end, we kindly ask you to fill in the name of your ship during the booking procedure.

I travel on the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer. Are your tours suited for me?

That depends on the date of your arrival, and the kind of tour you are looking for. We kindly ask you to contact us per e-mail with specifics.

I travel on a cruise ship. What happens if the ship decides to cancel a port call due to, for example, bad weather?

Rest assured that in such cases, you are entitled to a full refund.

Do you pick up passengers at the Cruise Terminal?

Yes, we always have staff (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) ready to welcome our guests on the Cruise Terminal, just outside the security gates. Our buses will be parked on the Terminal, or as close by, always within walking distance.

I will be staying at a hotel/AirBnb, where do I find the meeting point?

Our staff (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) will be just outside the security gates of the Cruise Terminal. Our buses will also be parked on the Terminal, or as close by, always within walking distance. The address of each meeting point can be found on our website under “Contact Us”.

Where is your meeting point? How do I find you?

Our staff members (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) will be waiting just outside the security gates of the Cruise Terminal, carrying the logo of Norway Excursions. Our vehicles also carry the logo of Norway Excursions. Should you not see our staff members on the pier immediately, rest assured that they will at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the tour.

Can I reserve a seat now and pay upon arrival?

We always ask our guests to pay in advance/upon booking. Tickets can also be purchased on the spot if there are available seats on the day of the excursion. However, our excursions tend to sell out and unless you have booked in advance, availability cannot be guaranteed. Please note that any promotional offers or discounts are not applicable to sales on the spot.

We would like to book a Private Tour. Do I have to pay the full amount at once or can it be split?

It is possible to pay the full amount at once. If preferred, it is also possible have each couple/participant of your group pay their own share. Should you prefer to split the payment, we kindly ask you to contact us and we will follow up accordingly.

What happens if I don’t find you/make it to the bus in time?

We kindly ask you to contact us by phone in such cases. The phone number can be found on your ticket or our website. However, rest assured that we do not start a tour without going through our guest list. If anyone is missing, we will also try to call/contact them, using the contact information provided during booking. Please make sure to enter a phone number you can be reached on, with the correct country code.

I have dietary restrictions. Can I still have lunch on your tours?

In most cases, yes. We will always do our very best to accommodate guests with food allergies or restricted diets due to religious or other reasons. We kindly ask you to make a mention of your dietary restrictions during booking, or to send us an e-mail to inquire about your specific wishes.

How big are your groups and what type of vehicle do you use?

The size of our groups depends on the number of bookings we get for a given tour. We do adapt the size of the vehicle to the final number of participating guests. If a small group/vehicle is important for you, we can also gladly arrange a private tour for you.

I use a wheelchair. Can I still join your tours?

We always strive to welcome guests with mobility- or other issues. We kindly ask you to contact us via e-mail to discuss the specifics.

I see you charge in EURO. Can I pay in my own currency?

It is possible to pay in the currency that is related to your credit card. When you arrive on the payment page, you can select that option. We always recommend using our default setting. For live currency rates you can visit www.xe.com. NB: When it comes to foreign currencies, your bank might charge a fee. For more information, we kindly ask you to contact your bank directly.

Related Tours

Ålesund from Fjords to Trolls

Ålesund the Ultimate Sightseeing Tour

Åndalsnes the Troll Road and Troll Wall

Fjordsightseeing in Geiranger

Join in on a fantastic fjord cruise on the Geirangerfjord and experience one of the best and most dramatic fjord scenery in Norway!

A boat trip on the Geirangerfjord offers a variety of mighty mountains and cascading waterfalls. 

Tour description

The boat departs from the harbor in Geiranger, and onboard, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and freshly baked waffles as you take in the view of the Geirangerfjord and the majestic mountains around. If you look up you will see small mountain farms clinging to the cliffs, a breathtaking sight! Your audio guide will tell you fascinating stories about life high up on the mountain farms and the people who lived there.

The boat goes close up to the famous waterfalls "The Seven Sisters", "The Frieren" and "The Bridal Veil". Get out on the deck to get the best views and keep your camera close!

You will also get close up to the animals in and around the fjord, and if you are lucky, you will even see porpoises playing in the water - a classic Geirangerfjord experience!

Have a nice trip!

Other things to do in Geiranger

Hotel in geiranger.

Hotel Union Geiranger

Havila Hotel Geiranger

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Norway , Port Guides

Geiranger cruise port guide – exploring geirangerfjord.

Discover the beauty of Geirangerfjord with my guide to what to do in one of the most beautiful cruise ports in the world.

Home to some of the most dramatic scenery in Norway, Geiranger cruise port is a popular destination for cruise ships in the Norwegian Fjords. To reach the small village, you cruise along Geirangerfjord, known has one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Everywhere you look you are surrounded awe-inspiring views.

The cruise lines that visit here spend the best part of a day in port so there is plenty of time to explore this area of incredible beauty, both from the water and land.

A little bit about Geirangerfjord

It doesn’t matter how many Instagram photos or travel guides you’ve looked at, nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of Geirangerfjord. With its towering mountains and impressive waterfalls, it is the jewel, in the already heavy crown, of the Norwegian Fjords.

Its outstanding natural beauty earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the accolade of being one of Norway’s most visited tourist sites.

Located in the western part of Norway, the 15-kilometre (9 1/2 mile) long fjord is a branch of the Sunnylvsfjord which itself is a branch of the Storfjord. It is one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world.

It is a magical experience sailing into the Norwegian Fjords early in the morning as the sun is rising. Geiranger is more than 100 kilometres inland so there is plenty of time to enjoy the splendour of the scenery. Although, if you can get up early it is well worth it.

The Geirangerfjord is the last section of the sail-in, so if you want to be on deck just for that part, check onboard for expected timings.

The two famous waterfalls, the Seven Sisters and The Suitor, are just before the last bend into Geiranger.

You will of course see all this again as you sail out of the fjord in the evening but there is something quite special being out there as the day dawns. It is also much quieter on deck early in the morning!

Geiranger Cruise Port

Geiranger sits at the head of the Geirangerfjord. Ships dock in the bay and passengers are tendered in via small boats or a floating pier to the shore.

This innovative floating pier, called The Seawalk, comes out to meet the ship. You just disembark as normal and walk along the pier to the land. As well as allowing easy access to the shore, it reduces the environmental impact.

You should be able to find out from your itinerary or by checking with your cruise line which option you will have on your visit to Geiranger.

Once on land, there is a tourist office offering information on what you can see and do in the area, some gift shops and a few cafes.

Tip | Visit Geiranger Sjokolade for some fabulous home chocolate, waffles and ice cream.

What to do in Geiranger from a Cruise Ship

Looking for things to do in Geiranger from a cruise ship? Well you are spoilt for choice in this port.

From panoramic views to exploring the fjord on the water, it’s all about getting out and enjoying breathtaking scenery in Geiranger.

Some of the best things to do include

• enjoying spectacular views from scenic viewpoints
• heading up to Mount Dalshibba & braving the Geiranger Skywalk
• taking a Geirangerfjord cruise and seeing the Seven Sisters Waterfall
• visiting the Norwegian Fjord Centre to learn how fjords are formed
• wandering around Geiranger port
• looking out for trolls…

Eagle Road and Ørnesvingen viewpoint

Geirangerfjord has a kind of S shape to it. For an incredible view from one of the bends, head to the Ørnesvingen viewpoint. It really is one of those views that has to be seen to be believed. And even then you can’t quite believe the beauty of it.

To reach the viewpoint you have to navigate Eagle Road, a narrow mountain road with 11 hairpin bends. It is not for the faint-hearted

Once you reach the viewing platform, 620 meters or so above sea level, you are rewarded with a jaw-dropping view whichever way you look.

Looking to the right, you see how the fjord starts to bend and get a glimpse of the famous Seven Sisters waterfall. To the left you look back over Geiranger tucked in between the towering mountains.

You really begin to appreciate the scale of the fjords from up here. Even cruise ships look tiny, they are dwarfed by the mountainous landscape.

One other thing not to miss here is the waterfall over the other side of the road to the viewing platform. It cascades down the rock face and is a rare opportunity to get up close to a waterfall. Just watch out for the spray.

Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint

Flydalsjuvet is Norway’s most famous view. Yes, its the one you’ve seen many times in tourism campaigns, travel brochures and social media posts.

Snow-capped mountains, green hillsides and sparkling blue water stretch out as far as the eye can see. The tiny village of Geiranger beneath you gives a bit of perspective as to how majestic the towering mountains are.

There are two viewing areas here with a short walk apart. It is worth visiting both while if you can.

I took a scenic tour of Geirangerjford with the cruise line I was travelling with. The tour took around three hours or so and we visited both these viewpoints and an inland lake. While it did feel we spent a lot of time on a coach, there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take photos at each stop.

By taking an organised excursion, it took the hassle out of trying to reach these spots independently and ensured we saw the best views in the short amount of time available in port.

Mount Dalshibba and Geiranger Skywalk

The Geiranger Skywalk is the highest view of a fjord from a road in Europe. The platform, which is 1500 meters above sea level, gives a panoramic view over the mountain tops and the fjord.

With an iron grid floor and a glass guard rail, you’ll feel like you are floating over the mountain. Just don’t look down, there is a 500 meter drop under the platform.

There is a shop and cafe selling souvenirs and refreshments.

Explore Geirangerfjord by Boat

One of the best ways to explore Geriangefjord is by boat. While cruises to Geiranger will allow you to experience the fjord and its stunning scenery, it is also worth considering doing a guided Geirangerfjord tour by small boat or maybe even a RIB safari.

Being on a small vessel means you can get up much closer to some of the highlights of the fjord. It also gives you a much better feel for the scale of the mountains. You will feel quite insignificant with them towering over you, I know I did!

Norwegian Fjord Centre

The Norwegian Fjord Centre is the place to go to learn all you need to know about the Norwegian Fjords.

From explaining how fjords are formed to information on the area’s biodiversity, the visitor centre showcases the unique landscape. You can also join hikes with Fjord Rangers and explore some of the waterfalls in the area.

Popular Shore Excursions

Popular shore excursions in Geiranger include all the places listed above. Pretty much all the cruise lines will offer tours that cover some or all of the scenic viewpoints.

There are also likely to be trips to the Geiranger Skywalk and Norwegian Fjord Centre. Many of these excursions will include refreshments or lunch.

If you are feeling more adventurous than a sedate scenic tour, look for excursions where you can kayak along Geirangerfjord or bike around the mountains. Other shore excursions that may also be offered include a visit to a mountain farm and hiking to the Storseterfossen Waterfall.

Check with your cruise line to see what is available.

Tip | If you see an excursion you like the look of, book it as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment. They can sell out quick.

If you prefer to do it yourself, you can do this in Geiranger but you’ll need to be a bit organised. It can get very busy so it’s best to pre-book any tours, activities or transport in advance.

There is a hop-on-hop-off bus that runs in the summer. Its loop has just four stops including the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.

There are also Renault Twizy two-seater electric cars you can hire which you can use to explore the area.

Weather in Geiranger

The weather is unpredictable in the Norwegian Fjords so it is best to plan for all eventualities.

Most cruise ships visit between May and September and even though this is summer, the weather can be very changeable. While the summer climate is generally mild and calm, don’t be surprised to see sun, wind and rain all in one day.

On my trip in June, I started the day in Hellesylt cloudy and with a bit of dampness in the air. By the time I had reached Geiranger, it was warm and sunny with clear blue skies. By late afternoon the cloud had returned and it was feeling much chiller.

It really is luck of the draw with the weather. The week I went it was mostly clear, sunny and very hot on two days. Yet the week after had rain for most of the time.

So if you are wondering what to pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise , the best advice is to take layers. That way you cover all bases. You can throw a coat, cardigan or hoodie on if you get cold and take off if you get hot.

But at least you have the option unlike me who ended up sweating in a jumper on what probably ended up being one of the hottest days of the year!

Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you leave, pack accordingly and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Tips for Visiting Geiranger

• Plan (and book) activities and excursions in advance if you can
• Get on deck for the sail in. Trust me, a cruise to Geiranger is an experience you don’t want to miss
• If you really don’t want to get up early, make sure you don’t miss the sail out
• Make sure your phone and cameras are charged up. You’ll want to take a lot of photos
• Check the weather forecast before leaving the ship. You may want to take a few layers with you just in case
• You should be able to use contactless payment in many of the shops and cafes. However, if you prefer to take some cash, the currency is the Norwegian Krone.

The Last Word

Geiranger cruise port is a wonderful stop on any Norwegian Fjords cruise. The phrase must see is often overused but in this case it is totally justified.

A cruise to Geirangerfjord really is one of those must do things when visiting the Norwegian Fjords. If you have it on your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed!

You may also like…

• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises
• Olden cruise port – explore glaciers and mountain views
• What to pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise

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Geiranger Norway

Geiranger is a small village located at the end of a beautiful fjord. A fjord interpretation centre and an octagonal church are located in the village. This port is a starting point for nature excursions.

Sailing in this fjord, on arrival and departure, will certainly be one of the highlights of your cruise. The Geirangerfjord is a natural site protected by UNESCO and you can admire the landscape and the many waterfalls including the “seven sisters”. Legend has it that the seven sisters did not find a suitable husband and their tears form the fall. Across the river, a fall surrond what appers to be a bottle-shaped rock that depicts a man who has been refused his marriage proposals by the seven sisters and drowned his sorrow in alcohol.

The tourist centre at the port offers a variety of excursions. This port is very busy, so it is recommended to book your excursions in advance if one of them is particularly close to your heart.

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Useful Information

Norwegian (the majority of residents also speak English which is taught at school) A few words in Norwegians: hallo (hello), tak (thank you), ja (yes), and nei (no).

None are required (except for your tour guides), but you can round up the bill

NOK Norwegian krone

Time difference

from New York: +6h

from San Francisco: +8h

from London: +1h

Where is located the Port of Geiranger Cruise Terminal

The port is located at the foot of the village. The majority of ships anchor in the fjord. A retractable floating sea walk dock can be deployed for one boat only.

Wi-Fi is free at the Touris kiosk.

Travelling around the Geiranger Cruise Port

The village is tiny and can be crossed in 5 minutes. This port is the starting point for excursions to observe nature and landscapes. A tourist information office is located near the wharf. You can find toilets, taxis, souvenirs and book excursions.

A path and staircase run along a waterfall to the Fjord Interpretation Centre.

A tourist bus offers a two-stop tour of the Fjord’s panoramic viewing points (Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Road)

The roads are winding and narrow and many buses shuttle to the observation points.

Activities in Geiranger

Geiranger church.

Located 10 minutes walk from the port along the road (watch out for cars, there is no sidewalk). Notice the boat on the ceiling. Recitals sometimes take place in the afternoon.

Fjordcenter

An exhibition about the culture and traditions of the inhabitants of the region, the fauna and flora as well as the geological aspects of the formation of the fjords.

Excursions in Geiranger

• Bike rental
• Guided tour or kayak rental
• Guided cruises on the fjord
• Bus tour to Mount Dalsnibba
• Helicopter ride
• Scenic tours for impressive views of the Fjord (Mount Dalsnibba, Flydalsjuvet and Eagle’s Road/Bend)
• Visit a mountain farm to learn about the life of the locals and enjoy goat cheese
• Zodiac excursion on the Fjord
• Hiking to Storsaeter Falls

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Norway
• Norway on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Geiranger/d4314-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

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Geiranger (Norway)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-04-28 00:16

Port Geiranger cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Geiranger, Norway. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Geiranger is a small port village and a cruise tourist destination in Sunnmore ((Norway's west coast). It is located in Stranda, at the head of Geirangerfjorden - a branch of the big Storfjorden. The nearest city is  Alesund (approx 110 km / 65 mi). The distance between Geiranger and the other tender port Hellesylt (Sunnylvsfjord) is approx 22 km (14 mi).

Geiranger has been named Scandinavia's best travel destination by Lonely Planet. Since 2005, the scenic area of Geirangerfjord has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall Seven Sisters (height 250 m / 820 ft) is west of Geiranger. The Norwegian County Road 63 passes through this small village (population under 500).

The fjord Geiranger is under constant threat from Akerneset mountain that could erode into it. The collapse could generate a tsunami which could destroy this picturesque village.

Geiranger is a day in transit from Alesund , Flam or Bergen . The cruising season is early Spring through late Autumn. In 2015, the port was visited by cruise ships 179 times, with maiden calls from NCL Norwegian and Disney .

Most cruise ships to Geiranger are docked in the bay and their passengers are transported to the pier via the ship's tender boats. To handle the increasing cruise shipping traffic, the port installed an innovative floating pier in addition to the deepwater quay.

Since 2014, the new SeaWalk Pier (on the photo above) provides easier passenger disembarkation / embarkation without the need of tendering. It allows passengers to walk directly into the village. However, as the new pier allows docking of only 1 vessel, the other cruise ship's passengers will have to be tendered ashore. Aslo, as the SeaWalk Pier requires pre-renting by the cruise ship company, not all companies use its service.

To finance the floating pier project, the port introduced a mandatory docking fee. The decision was explained In an official statement, saying that ship docking is environmentally friendly because when docked the vessels have a lesser environmental impact in terms of discharges or bad emissions in comparison to vessels anchored in the fjord.

Cruisetours allow from Geiranger to be visited (via bus) the Dalsnibba Mountain, Trollstigen and also Alesund. From Vigra-Alesund Airport can be accessed domestic ports ( Bergen , Oslo , Stavanger , Trondheim , Kristiansund , Floro ) as well as Stockholm Sweden , Amsterdam Holland , Gdansk Poland , Kaunas Lithuania.

Geiranger cruise terminal

Geiranger is one of the ferry ports along the "Express Route" - Norway's Government subsidized "Norwegian Coastal Express". This is a regularly scheduled passenger and cargo shipping service in Norway. The "ferry and cruise" itinerary is between two turnaround ports - Bergen (southmost) and Kirkenes (northmost). It connects a total of 34 ports, which are Norwegian communities without any road or air access.

Since January 2021, Norway's coastal ferry service is operated by two companies - Hurtigruten (7 ships) and Havila Shipping (4 ships). The Norwegian Government's annual subsidy for the ferry service is around USD 100 million.

The list of all ports along the northbound "Norwegian Coastal Express" itinerary includes Bergen (turnaround port), Alesund , Floro , Geiranger (Stranda), Maloy (Vagsoy) , Molde , Torvik (Heroy, Leinoya Island) , Kristiansund , Rorvik (Vikna) , Trondheim , Bodo , Bronnoysund (Bronnoy) , Nesna , Ornes (Meloy) , Sandnessjoen (Alstahaug) , Stamsund (Vestvagoy Island) , Svolvaer (Vagan, Austvagoya Island) , Trollfjorden (Hadsel) , Finnsnes (Lenvik) , Harstad (Hinnoya Island) , Risoyhamn (Andoy Island) , Skjervoy , Sortland (Langoya Island) , Stokmarknes (Hadseloya Island) , Tromso , Berlevag , Hammerfest , Honningsvag (Mageroya Island , Nordkapp / North Cape ), Kjollefjord (Lebesby) , Mehamn (Gamvik) , Oksfjord (Loppa) , Batsfjord , Vardo (Vardoya Island) , Kirkenes (turnaround port).

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Geiranger - user reviews and comments

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The approach to Geiranger is stunning. Geirangerfjord is renowned as the most beautiful in Norway. You will tendered to a pier downtown.

Geiranger and Hellesylt are tandem ports: At either one of the ports you will stop only for a few hours to tender passengers who book the overland tour to the other port, where your ship will stay longer. On occasion cruise ships also allow passengers to get off, just to stroll around for an hour or so.

The new SeaWalk pier which is now in operation, provides easy shore access and reduce time-consuming tender operations, allowing cruise passengers to walk directly from the ship to Geiranger town center. Normally when using tenderboats this used to be a three hour affair. Now in less than an hour all passengers can be ashore. The pier can handle only one ship, so tenders may be used. Renting the Seawalk pier is expensive for the cruise lines, so not all lines will use this service.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Geiranger Geirangerfjord Norway

Sightseeing:

Geiranger is the highlight among Norway's fjord district's pearls of natural beauty. Majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, beautiful and wild waterfalls, lush, green vegetation and the deep blue waters of the fjord - yes, it really is like something taken from a fairy tale.

Geiranger itself is not much of a village - a camping site, a few hotels, some attractive souvenir shops and some nice walks along the coast line.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Hop on/off buses are available when cruise ships are in port. You will be able to enjoy a 80 minute tour, with Pre-recorded commentary in 8 different languages, so you can learn about Geiranger while enjoying all the different sights. You will also have 15 minutes photo stops at both viewpoints.

Geiranger and some of these other fjord port villages are very small, small. Unlike Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, etc., they don't have the wider range of transportation options, nor a handy variety of attractions right there. Mt. Dalsnibba (nearly a mile up) is a big, big distance from sea level and this tendering location. In this area, getting "up country" can be important to see a wider range of scenic beauty. Ship tours are not perfect, but they can get you "around" and solve many of your logistical needs. Things are not cheap in Norway, also, whether for private tours and/or by a ship excursion.

To do Mt.Dalsnibba on your own, you'd either need to book a private excursion (there are some listed at the tourist office ) or rent a car. The road will probably be open by early July, as it can be snowing well into June. It is also recommended to wait until the very day you're in Geiranger because if it's raining you won't see much anyway.

The public bus route runs 3 times per day from Geiranger to Dalsnibba in the period 21.06.-31.08. This is a beautiful bus tour with photo stops. The round trip Geiranger-Dalsnibba takes about 2 hours.

Walking instructions

If you want to see Geiranger from the finest view-points, you can drive up to Ørnesvingen, Flydalsjuvet or Dalsnibba (toll road). Or you can walk up to Vesteråsfjellet or Skageflå.

The Tourist Office offers a wide variety of tours and rentals.

As the weather in Norway can be very unpredictable, make sure to check the cancellation policies in case of inclement weather. It is no fun doing an excursion in the clouds.

Taxis are few and very expensive (about 100 Euro an hour).

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Basically a few souvenir shops.

Currency Converter

Communication:

One free (10 minutes) internet station at the tourist office. Some cafes offer WiFi with the purchase of a consumption. And depending on your provider, there is free WIFI on and around the pier and pier shops. Norway is considered part of the European Union as far a data roaming is considered!

Opening Hours and Holidays:

All stores and restaurants are open when a cruise ship is in town.

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Shore Excursion Details

Rib boat tour on the geiranger fjord, geiranger, norway.

Added to Favourites!

• 1 1/2 hrs Estimate Duration

Experience the magnificence of the Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a safe, rigid inflatable boat (RIB). A short walk takes you from the tender pier to where your boat is docked.

You’ll be surrounded by this unique fjord landscape offering famous waterfalls and stunning views. The boat will take you to the end of the Geiranger Fjord and all the way to Oaldsbygda. You’ll come right up close to the waterfalls and have fine views of the farms along the fjord. Your boat will make short stops during the tour at scenic spots.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Activity Level:

• 3 Challenging

Top Tours in Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
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• 1 to 4 hours
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Geiranger Shore Excursion: Mt. Dalsnibba and Eagle Road

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Geiranger, Norway Shore Excursions

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Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

T he fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I've taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you're visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities . Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship's tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you're a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they're the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship's tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you're excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it's a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions .

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

What's the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there's a ship's tour you absolutely want to take and you don't want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you're out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you're on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You'll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you're ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG's cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you're considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there's free time to explore. If it's an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don't try to take on more than you're able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there's a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can't do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don't want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you're seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn't interest you, that's okay, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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Baltimore seafarers' center sees record attendance for annual cruise.

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The Baltimore International Seafarers' Center held its annual Harbor Cruise Wednesday night, which included a view of the site of the Key Bridge Collapse from the Patapsco River.

"We visit almost every ship that comes into the port of Baltimore. The seafarers on board are the men and women that make our world move," said executive director of the BISC, the Rev. Joshua Messick. "They bring all the goods to us that come in on the containers, the cars, the trucks, everything that we need."

The BISC, who serves seafarers that come into the Port of Baltimore, said there are currently eight ships, including the Dali that are stuck in the Port of Baltimore due to the collapse.

"We have more than eight ships at a time from the port, but they come and go. So, these ships being stuck has been unique. They're on this side of the bridge collapse and have nowhere else to go right now," Messick said.

Messick said they are serving the seafarers stuck on these ships the same way they do each vessel that comes into the city.

"We have been offering transportation ashore for them. We've gotten Wi-Fi hotspots on board, thanks to our partners in Tampa. We got them on board so they could deliver those. (We provide) pastoral support for those that need it. It's just sort of constant care and support," Messick said.

Messick said the seafarers are often underpaid and spend months at sea away from their families. He said the BISC ensures no human rights of seafarers are violated and provide things like toiletries and transportation off the ship, as well.

"That's our primary offering to seafarers, is transportation ashore. They can't leave the ship without an escort. So, our staff and volunteers have the credentials to escort them out of the restricted zones in the Port of Baltimore, which are all of the zones in the port of Baltimore," Messick said.

On Wednesday, roughly 150 people attended the cruise. Messick said typically, they have under 80 people each year.

"(The bridge collapse) affects a lot of jobs," said Mike Singer, who attends the Harbor Cruise each year. "I think it's to help the seafarers because they can, they can come out and see where these ships are stuck. People from the other side of the world who work on these ships that don't get to go home for six or (so) months and see their families. So you're helping a fundraiser to help them."

"This year's unprecedented in the number of people we have. A big part of that is, it's an unprecedented situation. There's a great deal of interest in what's happening in the Port of Baltimore right now," Messick said. "There's also more of a spotlight on seafarers and the ships that are here now. So, more people are interested in what's going on."

If you'd like to donate to the Seafarers' Center, you can do so by clicking here .