Fjord Sightseeing Tour by Boat in Geiranger

If you’re visiting Norway, especially the famous Geirangerfjord, chances are you’ll want a good vantage point to appreciate its grandeur. The Fjord Sightseeing Tour by Boat offers a relaxed way to do just that. While we haven’t personally boarded this specific cruise, plenty of travelers have shared their thoughts, giving us a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a popular choice, booked well in advance—averaging 38 days ahead—and it’s easy to see why.

What we really like about this tour is how close it gets you to the waterfalls and cliffs, and the fact that it’s a round-trip journey letting you see the same stunning scenery from both sides. Plus, the inclusion of an audio guide is a nice touch, adding context to the sights. On the flip side, some reviews mention issues with the audio quality and the value for money, so it’s worth considering if you’re after a more polished experience or something extra special.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who love scenic views, want a straightforward way to experience Geirangerfjord, and are comfortable with a moderate price tag. If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to soak in the beauty at a relaxed pace, it could be a good fit. However, if you’re expecting a high-end, noise-free experience, you might want to explore other options or prepare accordingly.

Key Points

• Convenient location with easy meetup and drop-off in Geiranger
• Stunning views of waterfalls, cliffs, and abandoned farms
• Audio guide provides in-depth info, but quality may vary
• Round-trip route offers views from both sides of the fjord
• Multiple language options via free audio guide
• Cost is moderate but can feel steep relative to onboard amenities

The Experience Breakdown

Starting Point and Booking

The tour begins right in the heart of Geiranger, at Geirangervegen 1. The convenience of the location is definitely a plus—most travelers find it easy to reach, especially since it’s near public transportation and within the village itself. Booking in advance is highly recommended; on average, this is done about 38 days ahead, so if you’re planning your trip, securing your spot early is wise. The ticket price sits around $68.16 per person, which is fair considering the scenery and the convenience, but some reviews mention feeling it’s a bit costly for what’s essentially a 90-minute boat ride.

Duration and Itinerary

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, a nice length to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. As the boat departs from the village’s harbor, you immediately start taking in the spectacular surroundings. The cruise’s main highlight is getting up close to the waterfalls “The Seven Sisters” and “The Suitor”, which are some of the most recognizable sights in Geirangerfjord.

The boat slows down during these key moments, giving you a chance to snap photos and listen to stories via the audio guide. The guide offers insights into the waterfalls’ stories and the history of the fjord, making the scenery more meaningful. The cruise also passes by Skageflå, an abandoned mountain farm perched high above the fjord, sparking curiosity with its remote location—how did people get there? How did they build those houses? These questions are part of the charm.

Waterfalls and Landmarks

The Seven Sisters waterfall is a major star of the tour. As the boat approaches, you’ll hear the stories behind each cascade, making the experience more than just a pretty view. Several reviewers rave about how close the boat gets to these falls, which is a significant advantage over larger cruise ships or distant viewpoints.

Opposite the Seven Sisters, you’ll find Friaren, “The Suitor”, a smaller waterfall with a distinctive rock formation split in the middle, resembling a bottle. The audio guide describes these features in detail, although some guests mention static issues that hinder the experience. Still, the overall view is impressive, and many find this part of the tour worth it.

Skageflå: The Mountain Farm

One of the more intriguing aspects is passing by Skageflå, an abandoned farm above the fjord. It’s a sight that fascinates travelers—standing there makes you wonder how such remote homes were built and maintained. Many reviews highlight how surreal it is to see these farms perched high above the water, often with curiosity about the history of mountain farming in Norway.

The Round-Trip Route

Since the boat runs a circular route, you get to see the fjord from both sides, doubling the visual pleasure. This means you can appreciate the cliffs, waterfalls, and farms from different angles. However, some travelers feel this route offers no new scenery if you’ve already seen the fjord from a cruise ship or other vantage points, leading to mixed feelings about the value of the trip.

The Audio Guide: Helpful or Frustrating?

The inclusion of an audio guide is a strong feature, aiming to enrich your understanding of the sights. You’ll receive a QR code on board or inside the tourist info to download the app and listen in your preferred language. Many reviews mention this adds value to the experience, with detailed stories and explanations.

Unfortunately, not all feedback is positive. Several guests report static and connectivity issues that make it difficult to hear the narration clearly. One reviewer couldn’t download the app beforehand and found the headphones in a jumble, which impacts the overall enjoyment. Crew members are generally helpful, but the technical hiccups are a consideration if you’re someone who relies heavily on audio commentary.

The Value of the Experience

At around $68, this tour isn’t cheap, but for many, the close-up views of the waterfalls and the opportunity to get on the water make it worthwhile. Several reviewers mention that sailing close to the waterfalls was “magical,” and that the slow pace allows for good photography.

On the other hand, some feel the experience repeats what they’ve seen from their cruise or other viewpoints, making it feel somewhat redundant. One review pointed out that the boat’s route is similar to that of a cruise ship, just closer to the waterfalls, which questions the unique value of this specific tour.

Group Size, Comfort, and Accessibility

Most tours accommodate up to 100 travelers, which generally keeps the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded. The boat itself is described as a comfortable cruiser, suitable for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Since the journey is relatively short, it’s suitable for most travelers, including those who prefer a leisurely pace.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible to most people, provided they can handle the boat’s environment. If you’re traveling with children, the relaxed pace and open views will likely appeal, though the noise from the audio guide can sometimes be problematic if you’re in a larger group.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book well in advance to secure your spot, particularly in the busy summer months.
• Download the audio guide app ahead of time to avoid static issues onboard.
• Bring your own headphones or earbuds to better hear the narration, especially if the supplied ones aren’t sufficient.
• Arrive early to avoid last-minute stress and to find a good spot on the boat.
• Consider the weather forecast—the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t suitable.
• For photographers, the slow-moving cruise provides excellent opportunities, especially near the waterfalls and Skageflå.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This sightseeing cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic experience with close-up views of Geirangerfjord’s most iconic sights. It suits travelers who value photo opportunities, enjoy water-based excursions, and appreciate a bit of storytelling to add context to the scenery.

It’s also a good option for those who might find large cruise ships overwhelming but still want to see the fjord from the water. The round-trip route and proximity to waterfalls make it a satisfying choice for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

However, if you’re after a luxury experience, detailed history, or a tour with fewer technical issues, you might find the audio quality and price point less appealing. Also, if you’ve already seen the fjord from your ship or other vantage points, this tour might feel somewhat repetitive.

Final Thoughts

The Fjord Sightseeing Tour by Boat in Geiranger offers a solid way to experience one of Norway’s most stunning natural features. You’ll love how close you can get to waterfalls and landforms, and the opportunity to enjoy the fjord’s majesty from the water. The inclusion of a free audio guide adds a layer of meaning, but be aware that technical issues can detract from the experience at times.

This tour is best for travelers who want a straightforward, scenic boat trip with plenty of photo opportunities and don’t mind a moderate price for the privilege. It’s suitable for those with a relaxed attitude and an interest in capturing the beauty of Geirangerfjord up close.

If you’re after a more refined or tech-free experience, consider other options, or prepare with headphones and downloaded guides. But if you want to tick off a classic Norwegian fjord from your travel list with ease, this tour will serve you well.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, including those traveling with children who enjoy scenic boat rides. The relaxed pace and open views make it enjoyable for families.

Can I see the waterfalls close up?
Yes, the boat gets very close to “The Seven Sisters” and “The Suitor” waterfalls, allowing guests to appreciate their power and beauty from a nearby vantage point.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing enough time to see key sights without taking up an entire day.

Do I need to bring my own headphones?
It’s recommended to bring your own earbuds or headphones, as the onboard audio guides can sometimes have static or sound quality issues.

Is the route the same as the cruise ship’s?
Yes, the boat follows a round-trip route that is similar to larger cruise ships but offers closer views of the waterfalls and landforms.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.

This detailed look should help you decide whether the Geirangerfjord boat tour is right for your travel plans. With its beautiful scenery, proximity to iconic waterfalls, and relaxed pace, it’s a good way to enjoy Norway’s natural beauty—just go prepared for some technical quirks.