What to wear on a Nærøyfjord cruise

Is it cold on a fjord cruise?

It can be. The open deck is exposed to wind, and the high walls of the Nærøyfjord keep parts of the water in shade, so it feels cooler than on shore.

The mountains rise to about 1,761 m on either side, and at the narrows the summits are only about 3 km apart. That shapes the light and the air: sun on one side, shade on the other, and a breeze from the boat's own motion.

The boats have indoor seating, so you can warm up between spells outside. On the classic cruise, the cafeteria sells hot and cold refreshments, per the listing, though food and drink are not included in the ticket.

The trip lasts about two hours one way, which is long enough to get chilled if you stand at the rail in a thin jacket. Plan to dress for the deck and use the cabin as your shelter, rather than the other way round. The weather in Western Norway changes fast, so a calm, sunny start is no promise of a calm, sunny finish.

What clothes should I take on a Norwegian fjords cruise?

Layers you can add and remove, a waterproof shell, warm accessories and comfortable shoes.

• A base layer and a warm mid-layer such as fleece or wool.
• A waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood.
• A hat and gloves outside high summer.
• Comfortable shoes with grip for wet decks and quays.
• Sunglasses, since light off the water can be bright.
• A small bag to keep a camera dry.

If you are combining the cruise with other trips, read the best way to see the Nærøyfjord for what each one involves.

Is a fjords cruise choppy?

Usually not. The Nærøyfjord is sheltered water, calm compared with the open sea, though wind can funnel between the walls.

The fjord lies deep inland at the end of the Sognefjord system, far from the open coast. That makes the scheduled cruise a gentle trip for most passengers.

Wind can still channel along a narrow fjord, raising small waves and making the deck feel colder. The RIB moves at speed and is a livelier ride by design. For conditions by season, see the best time to visit.

Should I sit on deck or inside?

Both. Sit inside for warmth and the cafeteria, and step on deck for the narrows near Bakka and the views of Gudvangen.

The best moments come in the inner fjord, where the walls are closest. Have your outer layer ready before you reach them. Norway's Best describes universal design on its boat, and its audioguide app means you can follow the commentary from any seat.

On the cruise from Gudvangen, the narrows come early, so dress before boarding.

Start at the head of the fjord at pier 4 in Gudvangen and sail to Flåm with an audio guide.

Classic Fjord Cruise on the Nærøyfjord from Gudvangen · 2 hours, one way · free cancellation

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What does the RIB supply?

Thermal suits, life jackets, goggles and hats, per the RIB listing. Wear warm clothes underneath.

The Flåm Adventure RIB moves fast on open water, so the wind chill is greater than on a ferry. The listing provides thermal suits, life jackets, goggles and hats, and it includes food and drinks. Arrive 30 minutes before for kitting out.

Wear a warm layer and gloves underneath, and leave anything that might blow away in a bag. Glasses wearers may want a strap. The RIB is for ages 14 and up and at least 140 cm tall, and per the listing it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

The meeting point is the glass container outside Flåm Marina, on the east side of Flåm about ten minutes' walk from the port, so allow time to walk there in your own clothes before changing.

What should I wear for the kayak trip?

Warm technical clothing. The trip supplies a splash jacket and spray skirt, along with the kayak, paddle and life jacket.

The kayak trip from Voss spends about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours paddling. Wear quick-drying synthetic or wool layers, which keep you warm when damp, under the splash jacket supplied. Bring a hat, and a spare dry layer for the lunch break and the transfer back.

Cotton stays wet and cold, so leave it for after the trip. Shoes that can get wet are sensible for launching and landing. The listing includes food and drink and hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you need to carry little beyond your clothes, sunglasses and a water bottle.

Can you wear jeans in Norway?

Yes, for the cruise and in town. For the kayak, the RIB or a wet day on deck, choose quicker-drying trousers.

Jeans are fine on the scheduled cruise, which has indoor seating. They are less comfortable when wet, so on rainy days or active trips, waterproof or synthetic trousers are a better choice.

For the Grand Tour bus, which includes a walk down Stalheimskleiva, wear shoes with grip. See the Bergen tours guide for long days on the road.

What should I wear in winter?

A warm insulated jacket, thermal layers, a hat, gloves and boots with grip.

Winter brings snow to the waterline on cold days, and the fjord froze in the 1920s and in 1962. Dress as for a winter walk, and stay inside between views. Norway's Best lists winter departures from Flåm at 12:00, 15:00 and 17:30, so daylight is short and the air cools fast in the afternoon.

The Bergen winter tour stops at Tvindefossen in snow and at Stegastein, so warm boots are useful. For the full picture of the season, read the best time to visit.

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