With the world’s second-longest coastline, Norway is home to more than just jaw-dropping fjords. Ferry travel here isn’t just transportation—it’s often the most spectacular part of any journey. Below are fifteen ferry routes that showcase Norway’s most breathtaking coastal and fjord scenery, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to remote Arctic archipelagos.
Geiranger-Hellesylt ferry
The ferry journey between Geiranger and Hellesylt takes approximately 1 hour and lets you enjoy all the highlights along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjord. This route delivers Norway’s most famous fjord experience with the iconic Seven Sisters waterfall cascading down sheer mountain walls.
Alongside the sheer mountain cliffs and the many waterfalls, you can see evidence of people who have lived and worked here in the form of many abandoned farms and shoreline smallholdings that will no doubt leave a lasting impression. The audio guide tells stories in multiple languages while you photograph from the spacious deck.
Bodø-Moskenes ferry
The gateway to the Lofoten Islands offers one of Norway’s most dramatic island approaches. The ferry journey from Moskenes to Bodø typically takes around 3.5 hours when traveling directly across the Vestfjorden. You’ll cross open Arctic waters with the jagged Lofoten peaks rising directly from the sea.
The crossing of the Vestfjord from Bodø to Moskenes is a beautiful scenic route, even though it can sometimes be rough, that takes you right into the most stunning part of Lofoten.
Hurtigruten Bergen-Kirkenes
The long-running Hurtigruten sails from Bergen to Kirkenes, in Finnmark. The journey, Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen, takes 11 days. This voyage offers you an exquisite way to experience the natural beauty of the coast. It is indeed “the world’s most beautiful sea voyage”.
This isn’t just a ferry—it’s a moving hotel that stops at tiny coastal communities. And it operates year-round, meaning winter passengers witness the Northern Lights dancing over snow-covered peaks.
Bodø-Værøy-Røst ferry route
If you have time, make the crossing into a scenic voyage via the islands of Røst and/or Værøy. Especially Værøy, which is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Lofoten. This extended route adds remote island magic to your journey through the Vestfjorden.
The detour transforms a simple crossing into an archipelago adventure. This trip takes about 7 hours. If you want to stay on Røst or Værøy to explore, you have to check out the timetables for when the next ferry comes.
Bognes-Lødingen ferry
Bognes–Lødingen From the E6 towards Harstad and Vesterålen. Also a good alternative if the ferry Bodø-Værøy Moskenes is full. This crossing connects mainland Norway with the Lofoten archipelago via a different route, offering spectacular views of the Ofotfjord.
The mountains rise dramatically on both sides as you cross. Perfect fallback when the main Lofoten ferry fills up.
Skutvik-Svolvær summer ferry
This ferry only operates during the summer, from 1 June to 31 August. The ferry stops at Skrova, but it’s not easy to park your car there. It’s recommended to stay on until you reach Svolvær.
Summer-only magic through the heart of Lofoten waters. The route threads between countless skerries and islands, delivering you directly to Svolvær’s colorful harbor houses.
Melbu-Fiskebøl connector
Melbu-Fiskebøl From the Lofoten Islands to the Vesterålen Islands. This short crossing links two of Norway’s most scenic archipelagos, offering views across the Hadselfjord with mountains reflected in calm waters.
Short but spectacular. The crossing showcases the contrast between Lofoten’s dramatic peaks and Vesterålen’s gentler coastal landscapes.
Eidsdal-Linge crossing
On part of this stretch, you must take a ferry from Eidsdal to Linge. This fjord crossing forms part of the famous Geiranger-Trollstigen scenic route, surrounded by some of Norway’s most precipitous mountain scenery.
You’re literally ferrying across a postcard. Waterfalls tumble from invisible heights while the road continues its impossible climb up Trollstigen’s hairpin bends.
Reine local ferry connections
You can find the schedule for Reinefjorden timetable in Reis Nordland here. Choose “Nordre Nordland” in the menu, then travel “from” Reine hurtigbåtkai (Moskenes) “to” Kirkefjord, Rostad and Vindstad.
These tiny ferries access Lofoten’s most remote corners. Vindstad offers the famous Kvalvika Beach hike, while the journey itself weaves between towering sea cliffs and hidden coves.
Express boat Bodø-Svolvær
The express boat service from Bodø to Svolvær is a fantastic way to travel to Lofoten – all year round. This scenic voyage takes you between islands and skerries along the coast and has several ports of call in both Hamarøy and Steigen.
Fast and scenic. The high-speed boat skims between countless islands, offering close-up views of Norway’s complex coastal geography that you’d miss from larger ferries.
Andenes-Gryllefjord seasonal route
During summer, you can take a ferry between Andesnes and Gryllefjord to complete both the Senja and Andøya routes. This summer connection links two of northern Norway’s most scenic islands with whale-watching opportunities en route.
The ferry crossing offers potential whale sightings in addition to dramatic coastal scenery. Senja’s jagged peaks await on one side, Andøya’s gentler curves on the other.
Stokmarknes-Svolvær connector
Another scenic route is the express boat from Stokmarknes to Hanøy (from Vesterålen to Lofoten). This route bridges the gap between the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos, showcasing the transition between two distinct Arctic landscapes.
Less crowded than the main routes. The journey reveals how Norway’s island chains connect and flow into each other across northern waters.
Ålesund-Geiranger summer cruise
From June 1 to September 1 there is a daily passenger ferry from Ålesund to Geiranger (3 hours). The ship stops 3 hours in Geiranger and then returns to Ålesund.
Pure summer luxury. This passenger-only route transforms the famous Geirangerfjord into a day-trip destination from the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund.
Various Sunnfjord coastal ferries
Local boats and car ferries sail along the Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord region to towns, villages and to large and small islands. These smaller ferries connect the countless communities scattered along western Norway’s intricate coastline.
The workhorses of Norwegian coastal life. Some ferries are free for you and your vehicle. They offer authentic glimpses of how locals navigate this challenging but beautiful landscape.
International overnight ferries
This ferry connects Oslo, Norway’s capital, with Frederikshavn in Denmark, offering overnight travel with cabins, dining and entertainment. The journey takes approximately 10 hours. While international, these routes showcase Norway’s southern approaches and the transition from European to Nordic landscapes.
The overnight experience adds cruise-ship amenities to spectacular coastal scenery. Wake up to Norwegian fjords after sleeping through Danish waters.
Floating through Norway’s soul
These ferries reveal Norway’s essential character—a nation where water and land intertwine so completely that the journey becomes the destination. Whether you’re crossing to remote Arctic islands or gliding through UNESCO fjords, each route offers a front-row seat to some of Earth’s most dramatic coastal theater.
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