Ålesund - Geirangerfjord Cruise: UNESCO Fjord & Waterfalls

Summary

Norwegian fjords by boat, waterfalls echoing and Geiranger village pause

You’ll ride a modern catamaran from Ålesund through three dramatic fjords toward Geirangerfjord, passing waterfalls like The Seven Sisters with stories from your audio guide. There’s time to explore Geiranger village—maybe try local food or hike up for sweeping views—before heading back across those wild waters again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the way the air smelled — sharp and clean, almost cold even in June, with a hint of salt from the harbor at Ålesund. We’d barely found our seats on the MS Geirangerfjord before a group of older Norwegians started chatting nearby, their laughter bouncing off the metal railings. Our guide’s voice came through my headphones in English, but I kept flipping between Norwegian and German just to hear how “Geirangerfjord” sounded in other languages. It was oddly satisfying.

I didn’t expect to spend so much time just staring at water. The boat glided through three different fjords — each one a little moodier than the last — and then suddenly there were waterfalls everywhere. The Seven Sisters fell in ribbons down impossible cliffs, misting up my glasses when I leaned out too far (worth it). Someone pointed out an old farm clinging to a ledge; apparently people actually lived there once? Hard to imagine, honestly.

When we docked in Geiranger, it felt like stepping into a postcard but with more seagulls and less silence than you’d think. We had about two and a half hours to wander or grab lunch — I tried something called “rømmegrøt” at a tiny café, which is basically sour cream porridge (not for everyone, but I liked it). Some folks rented e-bikes or took taxis up to Flydalsjuvet for those classic views; I just walked along the Waterfall Walk until my calves complained. The sound of water never really stops here.

On the way back toward Ålesund, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or maybe just full of fjord. I watched light flicker across the water and thought about how small you feel out here, in a good way. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ålesund to Geirangerfjord cruise and visit

• Start tour at Ålesund Rådhusbrygga pier
• Cruise 3 hours to Geirangerfjord
• View The Seven Sister and Suitor waterfalls
• Stop 2.5 hours in Geiranger village
• Visit cafés, shops, and souvenir stores
• Walk waterfall walk to Norwegian Fjordsenter
• Return 3 hours cruise to Ålesund

Top questions

How long is the cruise from Ålesund to Geirangerfjord?

The cruise takes 3 hours each way between Ålesund and Geirangerfjord.

Is there a stop in Geiranger village during the tour?

Yes, you have about 2.5 hours to explore Geiranger village during the stopover.

Are meals included on this fjord cruise?

No meals are included, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board and you can eat lunch in Geiranger village.

Is there an audio guide on the boat?

Yes, there’s a free audio guide available in 12 languages covering stories of the fjord farms and landscapes.

Can I bring my dog on board?

Only assistance dogs are allowed on this cruise according to Norwegian Maritime law.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces of the boat are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the cruise depart from in Ålesund?

The tour starts at Rådhusbrygga pier in central Ålesund city.

What attractions will I see during this day trip?

You’ll see three fjords including UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, The Seven Sisters waterfall, The Suitor waterfall, and pass by old fjord farms.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip catamaran transport between Ålesund and Geirangerfjord with a free multilingual audio guide sharing local stories along the route. There’s an onboard kiosk for snacks and drinks plus restrooms available throughout your journey. You’ll have enough time during your stopover in Geiranger village for lunch or sightseeing before returning to Ålesund later that day.