In Flam, Norway and thinking about taking the Naeroyfjord Cruise to Gudvangen? Check out my guide on the Naeroyfjord cruise and what to expect on this breathtaking journey. I also provide some tips on how to make the most out of your Naeroyfjord cruise adventure.
Note that the Norwegian spelling is Nærøyfjord and is pronounced “ni-rye-feeord” (..apologies if this is still incorrect, but this is just how I understood how to say it when I heard it.. “ni” like night, “rye” like rye bread, and “feeord” like fee-ord but said in one syllable). In this post, I will spell it as Naeroyfjord for typing ease.
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Naeroyfjord Cruise Intro
The Naeroyfjord is one of Norway’s most iconic fjords! I was in awe of its breathtaking natural beauty with dramatic towering mountains, rushing cliff-side waterfalls, and tranquil waters. Taking this fjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen will undoubtedly immerse you in one of Norway’s natural wonders. In this post, I will provide information on what to expect on this fjord cruise based on my own experiences. Don’t forget to check my tips out too!
Naeroyfjord Cruise Tickets
The only way to enjoy the cruise is by purchasing tickets! You can book tickets here, but if you do want to book while in Flam, you can definitely do so.
If you want to book in Flam, you can purchase tickets at the Flam Visitor Center. What I thought was pretty cool was that in the Flam Visitor Center, there’s a hanging board that shows a list of Flam excursions. It has the different Naeroyfjord cruise departure times and how many available spots are left for each. This is great for knowing if there’s room for you (or not), or just the potential “packed-ness” the boat will be. Additionally, another way to book tickets in Flam is by scanning a QR code on “The Fjords” sign at Pier 1 where the boat is docked. Scanning the code will direct you to the website to book tickets.
There are a few departures throughout the day and the cruise lasts 2 hours one-way. When I went I booked the 3:00 PM one-way departure time from Flam to Gudvangen. From Gudvangen, I continued my journey onto Bergen. If you want to enjoy the cruise on a roundtrip journey that returns back to Flam, then you are able to book this as well. This journey will evidently be a longer cruise at 4 hours. But doing this will give you a different perspective and will be worth the trip!
I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee a spot on the cruise. Booking in advance also allows you to cruise at a desired time that fits your schedule.
Flam Visitor Center Excursion Board & Naeroyfjord Cruise Departure Times • photos by Jeanie A
Departure from Flam
The cruise adventure begins at Flam’s harbor at Pier 1. The large black and white boat will be docked here ready to take new passengers so it’s hard to miss! The boat has a modern design and is eco-friendly equipped with quiet hybrid engines. There’s also a large “Go Green” sign at Pier 1 that details the boat’s specifications for those interested.
If you want a good spot on the fjord cruise for optimal views, then aim to be at Pier 1 about 30 minutes before departure time to start lining up. There should be plenty of space but when I went, I wanted indoor seats. I specifically wanted them to be at the front and bottom deck of the boat so that I can easily go out onto the front exterior deck and back inside to protect from the rain and cold (yes it was raining when I went!). When boarding the boat, the front of the boat is to the right facing towards Flam (the boat will eventually turn around towards the fjord).
The boat will leave right on time and will make a U-turn to head out towards the Naeroyfjord. So wave goodbye to charming Flam as you set off into fjord!
The Fjords Boat
The boat has a modern design with both indoor and outdoor sections for you to enjoy the panoramic views. What I loved about the boat was that the outdoor decks were all connected, sorta in like a “zigzag” manner. From the bottom front deck with outdoor ramps leading up to the aft (back) outdoor deck. Then another outdoor ramp that leads to the top-most outdoor deck. This design really maximizes the views while cruising through the fjords.
There are two interior floors, each with large windows so you can enjoy the entire journey in the comfort of being indoors. Here, you can relax on comfortable cushioned seats, where most come with tables for you to enjoy snacks or drinks. I traveled solo and left my belongings at a table at the front of the boat. However, I felt that my stuff was safe whenever I left it to go outside. I chose a table at the very front so that I could go outside and back in easily, and to also check on my stuff from the outside (the windows are pretty tinted but still see-through-able).
There’s also a small snack bar cafe where you can order beverages and snacks. They also have alcoholic options too! Lastly, there are restrooms available to use indoors so no need to worry about holding anything “in” for 2 whole hours.
The Naeroyfjord Cruise Journey
The cruise journey was such a memorable ride! The hazy mountains in the distance, tree-covered mountains, nestled villages, and cliff-side waterfalls made this cruise one of the most beautiful rides I have ever been on! Not only that but it was also cloudy when I rode it, where there were clouds rolling over the mountains. This made the entire atmosphere so majestic and otherworldly where it really felt like I was on a different planet. So freakin’ amazing!
Along the journey, there are TV screens inside that will show some interesting facts and information of the surrounding areas. It’s also a great way to learn more about the fjord. Alternatively, you can also download the “Voice of Norway” app and download the “Naeroyfjord Cruise” audio guide. If you keep your earphones in during the cruise, the audio guide will automatically play and give information as you glide through the fjord. It will have the same information as the TV screens, so if you prefer to stay on an exterior deck and still learn about the fjord, then the audio guide is a great option! I actually opted to listen to the audio guide because I spent three-quarters of the time on the front outdoor deck to soak in the views and take some amazing photos. Here’s a few of them:
Amazing views along the Naeroyfjord Cruise • photos by Jeanie A
Arrival in Gudvangen
As the cruise approaches the end of the fjord, you’ll see Gudvangen. It will look like such a tiny village with massive mountains towering all around it. Here, you’ll disembark the cruise and either make your way to your next destination, or head back to Flam for the return trip. Depending on what time you took the cruise and if you don’t have a time-sensitive connecting bus ride, then try exploring Gudvangen!
There is a souvenir shop and restaurant building right at the port where you can browse, shop, or eat. If you have a connecting bus ride, then the bus stops are to the right of this building along the road. There are about 3 or 4 bus stops where either a large coach bus or a public bus will stop to pick up passengers heading to Voss.
Upon my arrival in Gudvangen, I had an immediate bus transfer to Voss where I needed to board the train to Bergen. I’ll go over this whole route from Flam to Bergen via the Naeroyfjord cruise in another post.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Naeroyfjord Cruise Adventure
1. Arrive at the Pier Early if You Want a Good Spot
If you want a good spot on the fjord cruise for optimal views, then aim to be at Pier 1 about 30 minutes before departure time to start lining up. There should be plenty of space but when I went, I wanted indoor seats at the front and bottom deck of the boat so that I can easily go out onto the front exterior deck and back inside to protect from the rain and cold. When boarding the boat, the front of the boat is to the right facing towards Flam (the boat will eventually turn around towards the fjord).
2. Dress Comfortably & Bring a Jacket
When I took the Naeroyfjord cruise, the weather was unexpectedly cloudy and rainy. Because of this, it’s best to dress comfortably and in layers in case it’s colder (or even warmer) than expected. A waterproof jacket and gloves are also a great idea in case of unexpected rains like I had experienced. Not only that, but a jacket will also be useful if you like to be outside during the journey where the winds can be strong or chilly.
I had worn a hoodie and a waterproof/windproof jacket and this worked to keep my torso dry. But I do wish I brought two extra things with me to be truly comfortable on the cruise. 1) A waterproof beanie to keep my hair covered and dry (the strong winds were blowing my hoodie off). And 2) a pair of waterproof gloves since my hands were getting wet and cold from the rain and winds while I was taking photos outside.
3. Bring a Camera
This goes without saying, but bring a camera!! Of course your camera phone will do just fine, but if you have a fancy camera or even an action camera, you can take some really amazing photos. I brought both my Sony camera and my Insta360 and the photos did not disappoint.
4. Book in Advance
The Naeoryfjord cruise is a popular cruise and is considered to be one of the most beautiful journeys in Norway. To guarantee a spot on a cruise and to select your desired time that fits your schedule, then it’s best to book your tickets in advance. If you prefer to book in Flam though, then you are able to do so. The Flam Visitor Center will detail how many available spots there are on each Naeroyfjord cruise.
I am a planner so I always tend to book my tickets in advance to fit in my jam-packed trip itineraries. It also makes my trips more stress-free where I don’t have to worry about not having a spot nor do I need to spend time going to a ticket office and potentially wait in a long line.
Final Words
The Naeroyfjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen will immerse you deep in one of Norway’s most stunning natural landscapes. You’ll peacefully cruise through massive towering mountains, spot cute nestled villages, and see majestic cascading waterfalls. This breathtaking journey is not to be missed while in Norway and I hope you add it to your Norway itinerary. Bon Voyage!
Have you taken the Naeroyfjord Cruise?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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