Check out more round trips
See more of Norway from the water.
Day cruises on Norwegian lakes and canals
A voyage through history
The great canal lock opens.
You float further into the deep lake, right next to the green mountains.
You’re starting to imagine a time when owning a car was unheard of and when the railroad was still not fully developed. A time when timber floated on the waterways, from forest villages out to the coast.
In the second half of the 1800s, these boats made it possible to transport passengers and freight across Norway's biggest lakes and inland fjords.
Many of them are still sailing their regular routes today.
In Europe, the Telemarkskanalen canal was seen as "the eighth wonder of the world" when it was completed 130 years ago.
Three historical canal boats sail here: MS Henrik Ibsen, MS Victoria and MS Telemarken.
The Telemark Canal is 105 kilometres long, and stretches from Skien in Vestfold to Dalen in Telemark, where you can experience fjord-like landscapes surrounded by high mountains right next to Bandak lake.
The most popular part of the route is between Ulefoss and Lunde, but many people choose to go all the way to Dalen, where you can spend the night or enjoy afternoon tea at the historic Dalen Hotel, which dates back to 1894.
Both destinations have a regular bus service that takes you back to the starting point of your journey.
You can also kayak, canoe, bike, or hike along the canal. You can bring your own boat or you rent your own green boat, and be raised and lowered in the locks as you proceed through the canal.
There are a lot of museums, cozy diners, and cultural events in the area.
Many visitors come to experience Norway’s oldest canal waterway, the Haldenkanalen canal, about an hour’s drive from Oslo.
Feel the excitement as you are raised and lowered in Northern Europe’s highest canal lock system!
Vessels are raised 27 metres in Brekke Sluser at the southern section of the canal, where you can enjoy the surrounding nature and wildlife, as well as a good meal and drinks.
A total of 25 steamboats have had regular routes along the Halden Canal throughout its history. Today, the passenger boats MS Brekke (see video), DS Turisten and DS Engebret Soot reign in these waters.
On Mjøsa lake, you can sail on the most famous steamship in Norway, the DS Skibladner from 1856, the oldest steamship in the world to remain in regular operation.
It's nicknamed 'the white swan of the Mjøsa' due to its elegant design and white colour. Onboard, you can enjoy culinary delights, including a two course meal of salmon and strawberries, in venerable surroundings while the indefatigable steam engine glides you through the water.
DS Skibladner docks at Gjøvik and usually runs between Eidsvoll, Gjøvik, Hamar, Brumunddal, Atlungstad, and Lillehammer.
Note: Due to bridge construction work, DS Skibladner will not be calling at Eidsvoll until further notice.
Imagine gliding silently on the Byglandsfjorden fjord through the countryside in Setesdal in Southern Norway. The historic steamship DS Bjoren, built in 1866, is still fueled by firewood, making it a unique cultural treasure and a floating technical museum.
The best way to approach the spectacular landscape of Jotunheimen, the most popular national park in Norway, is to cross the emerald green lake of Gjende in the heart of Eastern Norway.
The Gjendebåten sails from Gjendesheim to the starting point of one of Norway’s toughest and most iconic hikes - to the challenging Besseggen ridge and the remote Memurubu and Gjendebu lodges, where you can spend the night and enjoy a locally sourced meal.
If you're not up for a tough hike, there are several less strenuous hikes you can take in the area.
Every summer since 1912, the M/B Bitihorn has sailed through the otherworldly landscape of the Bygdin lake along the scenic route of Valdresflye, surrounded by the Jotunheimen mountains.
At 1,060 metres above sea level, it's one of Northern Europe’s highest altitude boat routes and a great starting point for hiking further into the alpine mountains!
If you want to discover the wilderness, travel further north to Femunden lake, Norway’s third biggest natural lake, located about 40 km from the cozy city of Røros.
Experience the vast Femundsmarka plains, and enjoy simple yet tasty local food onboard the historic MS Fæmund II!
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
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Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
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NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
