Sæbø – the quirky village with the big heart

Perched on the shores of the Hjørundfjord, Sæbø unfolds like a secret shared between Alpine mountains and the sea.

MS Otto Sverdrup Norway Saebo

Sæbø is a place that invites the curious. Here, fishing boats share the water with floating saunas, quirky statues peep out from bushes, and concrete trolls fish for dinner in storm drains. You’ll listen to the gentle lapping of fjord waters against wooden docks, wander past houses with sprouting grass roofs, and gaze at walls adorned with local art. The lofty peaks of the Sunnmøre

Come to Sæbø if you want to explore off the beaten track and discover a different side of Norway.

Where is Sæbø?

Sæbø sits on the eastern bank of the Hjørundfjord (Hjørundfjorden here in Norway), one of our most idyllic but lesser-known fjords. The village lies within Møre og Romsdal county at the eastern end of the Bondalen valley.

From here, the Hjørundfjord stretches to the northwest through a gallery of towering peaks, eventually connecting to the larger Storfjord system.

Saebo Village Norway

The best things to do in Sæbø

Sæbø Hjorundfjord Norway Village

Explore the Hjørundfjord

Many Norwegians say that Hjørundfjord is the most beautiful fjord of all – and they might be right. Not many cruise ships have this idyllic fjord on their itinerary, but we sail here in spring, summer and autumn. Hear a pin drop as we slice through glassy waters, past towering rocks and sleepy villages.

Hjorundfjord Norway Floating Sauna

Warm up – then cool off – the Norwegian way

Bring a towel and settle in at one of Sæbø’s floating saunas. Located by the wharf at the Sagafjord Hotel, take your pick from two huts heated by wooden stoves. Unwind in steam, admire the views across Hjørundfjord, and then cool off by taking a dip in the crisp fjord waters.

A pair of female hikers taking a photo in the Hjørundfjord

Hike with the giants

The mountains surrounding Sæbø are breathtaking. Lace your boots and follow the winding trails of the Sunnmøre Alps, where every step rewards with incredible fjord views. On our guided mountain hike, we’ll even take you to an abandoned bear cave.

Saebo Concert Norway

Step inside everyday village life

Sæbø is one of our Open Village destinations – real, working villages that open their doors to share traditions, stories and insights into their everyday life. Our smaller ships mean we are the only cruise vessels that can reach Sæbø in summer, offering a unique opportunity to experience local life.

Chat with locals about Sæbø’s history. Listen to musicians at an exclusive concert at the pretty church. Or learn about how avalanches have shaped the area at the visitor centre.

Visit Sæbø with Hurtigruten

Southbound on the Svalbard Line

In port: 4 hours 15 minutes

From May to September, we stop at Sæbø on the southbound leg of the Svalbard Line, our Signature voyage that sails from Bergen to the Arctic archipelago.

Southbound on the North Cape Line - Summer

In port: 7 hours

We stop at Sæbø on the southbound leg of the North Cape Line, our all-inclusive Signature voyage that sails to the top of Europe and back.

Our excursions in Sæbø

From hiking through breathtaking fjords, to traditional tours that share local heritage, Sæbø offers a range of enriching experiences.

Neighbouring ports of call

Alesund Norway by Night

Previous port

Ålesund

Entrancing architecture and a watery setting enchant in this archipelago town.

Bergen Norway by Night

Next Port

Bergen

Norway’s ‘gateway to the fjords’ is also known for its UNESCO-listed wharf, big-name art museums and delectable cuisine.

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