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How can I avoid the crowds in the fjords?

Quieter months, cruise ship limits and arrival lists.

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Short answer

Travel outside the summer peak and check cruise ship arrival lists, since summer is the busiest time in the famous fjords. May, early June, late August and September are less crowded months, and the ports in Bergen and Flåm publish when cruise ships arrive.

Hidden fjords: quiet routes without crowds a deep blue fjord between steep green cliffs with a small white ferry and a waterfall

Why

  1. The busiest time in the famous fjords is summer, so travel out of season for a calmer trip.
  2. Bergen Havn caps cruise traffic at four ships and 8,000 cruise passengers a day.
  3. Flåm Port allows a maximum of one cruise ship in port per day.

Details

The call list (anløpsliste) from Bergen Havn has the date and time each cruise ship arrives, and Flåm Port publishes ship arrivals on its website, so you can plan your visit for a day without a ship in port. May, early June, late August and September are less expensive as well as less crowded.

Tip

For other cruise ports such as Geiranger, ask the local tourist office or the port which days have ships in.

People also ask

  • When are the fjords least crowded?
  • How do I avoid the cruise crowds in Geiranger and Flåm?

Sources

Cruise schedules change, so check the port's call list before you go.

Hidden fjords: quiet routes without crowds

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