Norway coastal highlights: Fjords, islands, glaciers & arctic landscapes

Explore Norway’s dramatic coastline, from Arctic islands and fjords to glaciers, lighthouses, and historic coastal towns.

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Explore Norway’s spectacular coastline, where dramatic fjords meet Arctic islands, glaciers, remote lighthouses, historic fishing communities, and vibrant coastal towns. Stretching for 63,962 mi (102,937 km) and shaped by 1,190 fjords and around 50,000 islands, Norway’s coastline is one of the most remarkable in the world. If stretched out, it would circle the Earth approximately two and a half times.

The best way to experience Norway’s coastal highlights is from the sea. For centuries, Norwegians have traveled these waters by ship, connecting coastal communities and discovering some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes and landmarks. We’ve been sailing Norway’s coast since 1893, giving us a unique perspective on its iconic landscapes, maritime heritage, and cultural history.

Not to be missed

The Northern Lights shining above

The North Cape

Neverending sea views and a world-famous monument, this dramatic plateau is one of Norway’s top coastal highlights.

A group of red rorbuer (fishing houses) on stilts in Svinøya in the Lofoten Islands in Norway

Vesterålen

Wild and striking, Vesterålen is where towering peaks meet open skies and fishing villages cling to the coast. It's also one of Norway's premier whale-watching destinations.

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The Helgeland Coast

Stretching across the Arctic Circle from Rørvik up to Ørnes, the Helgeland Coast is often singled out as one of the most enjoyable parts of a Norwegian cruise.

MS Finnmarken sailing in Reine in the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands

Jagged mountains, small fishing towns and sandy beaches – Lofoten is a must-visit destination for experiencing iconic Norwegian coastal life.

Natural wonders

The Norwegian fjords are naturally top of the wishlist for many visitors, but there are plenty of other spectacular natural attractions to keep an eye out for as you explore Norway's coast.

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Saltstraumen

While sailing between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, the dramatic cathedral-shaped sea cliff known as Finnkirka rises into view

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Finnkirka

Norway ornes Svartisen Glacier Summer HGR 163717 1920 Photo Andrea Klaussner

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Svartisen Glacier

Explore the highlights of Norway’s coast on a cruise with us

The Coastal Express – Roundtrip
Popular

Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen (Full-trip)

The Coastal Express – Roundtrip

The original Norwegian coastal voyage – connecting fjords, towns & people since 1893

  • Regular departures
  • 12 days
  • 34 Stops
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The Coastal Express – South
Popular

Kirkenes – Bergen (Southbound)

The Coastal Express – South

The southbound leg on our classic coastal voyage, exploring beautiful archipelagos & fjordlands

  • Regular departures
  • 6 days
  • 33 Stops
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The Coastal Express – North
Popular

Bergen – Kirkenes (Northbound)

The Coastal Express – North

The northbound leg of our classic coastal route, from Bergen to Arctic Norway

  • Regular departures
  • 7 days
  • 34 Stops
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Towns and cities along the Norwegian coast

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The best things to do in Bergen

Surrounded by fjords and seven mountains, Bergen offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life.

Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine, was built over the burial place of the country’s patron saint, St. Olav

Historic sites in Trondheim

Founded by the Vikings in the 10th century, Trondheim is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the country. 

Hammerfest Church Hammerfest Norway HGR 54505 1920 Photo Orjan Bertelsen

Get to know Hammerfest

Situated in northern Norway, the Arctic port of Hammerfest holds the distinction of being the region's oldest city.

Norway's UNESCO sites

From prehistoric rock art to majestic fjords, Norway has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, each of which is worth a visit before or after your Norway cruise.

Explore Norway's UNESCO sites
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History and architecture

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Trondenes Church

Dating from the 13th century, Trondenes is the world’s northernmost medieval church.

Perched on a tiny skerry off Ørlandet, Kjeungskjær lighthouse is a distinctive seamark

Kjeungskjær Lighthouse

Perched on a tiny skerry, this distinctive seamark shines across the busy shipping lane at Bjungfjord. 

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The Atlantic Ocean Road

Crossing eight bridges in northwest Norway, the Atlantic Ocean Road has been dubbed as "the world’s most scenic drive".