How to Visit Trollfjord: Northern Norway’s Most Iconic Fjord

Northern Norway’s most spectacular fjord, Trollfjord, is narrow and dramatic, tucked inside the Raftsund strait, close to Svolvaer and the Lofoten Islands.

But given its remote location (at least compared to the popular western fjords), figuring out how to visit Trollfjord isn’t always straightforward – especially if you’re travelling solo.

I first visited Trollfjord in winter on a boat from Svolvaer, sailing away in the middle of a snowstorm with only a few other passengers brave enough to join!

So it’s safe to say I had pretty low expectations.

But as we sailed through the snowy Raftsund, the sun cut through the dark clouds, and sea eagles started circling above the boat.

It was a magical moment!

And by the time our boat had navigated the incredibly narrow Trollfjord, this remarkable fjord had become the highlight of my entire 3-week trip to Norway!

This guide breaks down the whole experience, from how to get there and the best Trollfjord cruises, to when to go, what to expect with the sea eagles, and whether it’s worth it.

Let’s get into everything I wish I’d known before visiting Trollfjord!

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Where is Trollfjord?

Trollfjord is located inside the Raftsund strait, close to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands.

It’s technically part of Vesterålen in Northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle, but is close enough to Lofoten that most travellers (including myself!) use Svolvaer as a base.

The fjord is only accessible by boat as there are no roads, so the whole experience feels like a true, remote Arctic adventure!

And even though Trollfjord is remote, it’s very easy to visit once you’re in Svolvaer.

Trollfjord cruises in Norway depart from Svolvaer harbour, and the journey to the fjord is as beautiful as the fjord itself!

A Short History of Trollfjord, Norway

The Trollfjord history is very dramatic for such a small, narrow and remote fjord!

Its most famous moment was the 1890 “Battle of Trollfjord,” where local fishermen protested the arrival of large, modern, steam-fuelled trawlers that were scooping up all the fish (especially cod) in and around the fjord.

The larger trawlers set up ropes across the entrance of the fjord to block their passage. And in return, local fishermen in their small, open boats cut the ropes and forced their way in.

This conflict to protect their traditional livelihoods became so powerful in Norwegian culture that it inspired novels, paintings and political debate.

Today, Trollfjord is known most famously for its beauty and incredibly narrow size.

But even still, when you sail into the fjord, you get a sense of what it must have felt like for local fishermen, navigating these waters and staging their rebellion in open boats.

Is the Trollfjord Cruise Worth It?

Yes, I think Trollfjord is absolutely worth visiting – it even ended up being the highlight of my entire 3-week trip to Norway in winter!

Trollfjord itself is tiny, at just 2km long, which makes it one of the smallest fjords in Norway. And it is also one of the narrowest fjords in Norway, with a narrowest point of 100m.

But its small size doesn’t mean it’s less worthy than some of Norway’s larger fjords.

What you’re really visiting Trollfjord for is the whole adventure: the spectacular Raftsund strait, the sea eagles, and of course the incredible moment you enter the impossibly narrow, dramatic fjord itself!

On my winter trip, the sun cut through the black storm clouds to cast the most spectacular light over the Raftsund. The surrounding islands were blanketed in fresh snow. And the sea eagles swooped between the jagged edges of the fjord.

It was a truly magical experience that I would recommend to everyone, whatever the season!

What You’ll See on a Trollfjord Cruise

Sailing through the Raftsund and into Trollfjord for the first time is an experience I will never forget. This is what you can expect to see along the way:

Leaving Svolvaer

The Trollfjord cruise is incredibly scenic from the very second you depart Svolvaer!

Your trip starts by sailing out of the picturesque harbour, past traditional fishing boats and quaint red rorbuer cabins on Svinøya island, with an impressive backdrop of Fløya mountain towering above.

Even on days when the weather is moody (like the afternoon I left in a full snowstorm!), it’s still spectacular and well worth heading out on deck for some photos.

You’ll also pass the statue of the Fisherman’s Wife on the breakwater, just as you leave the harbour. She stands turned towards the sea, waiting for her husband to come back.

Sailing Through the Raftsund Strait

Entering the Raftsund Strait, shortly after you depart Svolvaer, is where the scenery really starts to get dramatic!

Jagged mountains rise on both sides of the strait, tiny islands dot the water, and the occasional lone cabin appears on the shore, painted in bright colours that stand out against the sharp mountains behind.

During my voyage in winter, this was my favourite part of the sailing!

It felt almost cinematic, with a soft light shining on the water as the sun finally broke through the heavy snow clouds, and a thin mist coming off the mountains.

Plus, it was so peaceful, and the water was so still apart from the wake of the boat behind us. It really felt like we were exploring a remote, untouched wilderness!

Aside from the spectacular scenery, keep an eye on the sky, as this is usually where the Trollfjord sea eagles start appearing. (Your guide will also point them out).

Entering the Narrow Trollfjord

After around an hour of picturesque sailing through the Raftsund, the boat finally turns to enter the famous Trollfjord.

The mouth of the fjord is the widest part, before you’re almost guided through the channel by the steep cliffs on either side, which narrow towards the peaks at the end.

It is such an incredible experience to watch as your captain expertly navigates the boat through the fjord! I definitely recommend being at the front of the boat for the best view.

Especially in winter, with the steep walls dusted with snow, it felt so magical, wild and untouched – and our entire boat went silent as we slipped through the fjord.

Also, look out for sea eagles here, as we saw a lot flying along the ridges of the cliffs.

This is the moment you’ll understand why so many people make the effort to visit Trollfjord!

The Trollfjord Sea Eagles

Seeing the famous Trollfjord sea eagles is the experience everyone wants on this cruise!

You can see them throughout the entire Raftsund strait, but they’re most commonly seen flying between the peaks and along the ridges in the Trollfjord.

And these birds are truly impressive to see – the white-tailed eagle is Europe’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan up to 2.5m!

On your Trollfjord boat tour, the guide will keep an eye on the skies, make an announcement, and sometimes even pause sailing when they appear, so you have a chance to watch them.

And don’t worry, it’s entirely ethical. The boats don’t bait or attract the eagles to the boat.

Because of this, there’s never a guarantee of sighting, but the success rate is incredibly high.

Returning to Svolvaer

On the way back to Svolvaer, you will retrace your route through the Raftsund. But by this point, the lighting will most likely have shifted, so the scenery will look entirely different!

I split my time on this return sailing between being outside and taking more photos of the Raftsund, and heading into the lounge to warm up with the most delicious hot chocolate!

If the conditions allow, the crew may even launch their underwater drone on the return sailing, to give you a look at the wildlife. This is shown on the TV screen in the lounge.

How to Get to Trollfjord

If you’re trying to figure out how to visit Trollfjord, there are two main options. But which one you choose depends on where you’re visiting and how much time you have, so let’s break it down:

Option 1: Stay in Svolvaer and Join a Boat Trip

This is the easiest and most flexible option, especially for solo travellers.

You can fly into Svolvaer Airport or arrive on the Coastal Express with Hurtigruten or Havila (this is what I did!), and then book a 3-hour Trollfjord cruise that leaves from the harbour.

Option 2: See It From the Coastal Express (Seasonal)

Both Hurtigruten and Havila sail past Trollfjord every day, but they only enter the narrow fjord in summer when conditions allow.

In winter, when I sailed the full 12-day Coastal Express route, we still saw the dramatic mouth of the fjord but did not enter inside.

However, the voyage is still a great way to get a sense of Trollfjord (especially in summer), without spending extra money on a stay and boat trip in Svolvaer.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want the full Trollfjord experience, don’t rely on the Coastal Express. Book a boat tour from Svolvaer to guarantee you’ll enter the fjord.

The Best Trollfjord Tours

Choosing how to visit Trollfjord can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you’re travelling solo and want an experience that feels safe and magical!

There are three great ways to see Trollfjord, and each one offers something different depending on whether you want calm scenery, adrenaline, or you’re already sailing the Norwegian coast:

1. Silent Trollfjord Cruise from Svolvaer – My Top Pick

If you want the most relaxed and scenic way to visit Trollfjord, this silent cruise is definitely it!

I picked this tour during my visit to Svolvaer in winter because, as a solo female traveller, I loved the idea of seeing Trollfjord and the Raftsund on a slow cruise, compared to the other, more thrill-seeking options available.

For me, the silent boat alone was worth choosing this Trollfjord tour, as it made the whole experience feel peaceful, cinematic and magical!

Inside, the panoramic lounge has huge windows, and there was loads of space to spread out with a fantastic view – without bracing the elements outside!

Outside on deck, it’s even better. There’s plenty of space along the railings to take photos, and you can move freely around the ship as the scenery transforms before your eyes.

On my cruise, we sailed out during a snowstorm, and I honestly expected the whole thing to be cancelled, but they ran the tour anyway – and I’m so glad they did!

The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, offered a fascinating commentary and helped with eagle spotting.

Plus, they even launch an underwater drone so you can watch the marine life below the surface, which I wasn’t expecting but absolutely loved!

Finally, because the boat moves slowly through the Raftsund and Trollfjord, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and just take it all in without feeling rushed.

2. RIB Sea Eagle Safari from Svolvaer

If you want something fast, fun and a little wild, the RIB sea eagle safari is the most exciting way to explore Trollfjord from Svolvaer!

It’s a shorter tour, at only 2 hours, but you’ll still follow the same route as the slower cruise.

The RIB boats are fast, skimming across the water as the mountains tower over you, which looks so impressive from water level.

If you love a bit of adrenaline on your travels, this is the tour for you!

Just keep in mind that it’s a more thrilling and adventurous experience, rather than a slow cruise to really appreciate the scenery and take your time with photos.

3. See Trollfjord on the Coastal Express

If you’re already travelling on the Coastal Express (Hurtigruten or Havila), you can visit Trollfjord as part of your route, which is such a bonus if you’re looking to make the most of your voyage!

The ship enters Trollfjord in summer, when weather and light conditions are safest. And seeing your full-sized ship navigate the narrow fjord is something you’ll remember forever!

But in the other seasons, the ship does not enter Trollfjord. Instead, it sails to the mouth of the fjord for a brief photo stop.

It’s still beautiful, especially with the dramatic winter light, but it’s not the full experience. So if visiting Trollfjord is a priority, I’d recommend booking a Trollfjord cruise from Svolvaer.

My Trollfjord Cruise Recommendation

If you’re comparing all options and want the best scenery, comfort, value, and easy logistics (especially as a solo traveller), I 100% recommend the silent Trollfjord cruise from Svolvaer.

How to Visit Trollfjord: Logistics

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Trollfjord, so you can stop Googling logistics and start getting excited about your trip!

In this section, I’m going to focus on the logistics for the silent Trollfjord tour I personally took, as with the Coastal Express, it is included as part of the voyage – no logistics needed!

Time Slots

The silent Trollfjord cruise from Svolvaer usually runs for most of the year (except December and January) and has two sailings a day: one at 9am and one around 1:30pm.

Then, in summer, there is an additional sailing at 8pm, under the Midnight Sun!

For reference, I joined the 1:30pm sailing from Svolvaer in mid-March.

Booking Online in Advance

I would always recommend booking your Trollfjord cruise in advance, even in winter.

But in summer especially, departures are incredibly popular and do sell out in advance, so you will want to guarantee your spot early.

Meeting Point & When to Arrive

The silent Trollfjord cruise departs from the main harbour in Svolvaer, at meeting point Torget, 8300 Svolvaer (although do double check this before your cruise with your provider).

The harbour is easy to find, right next to Thon Hotel Lofoten and the Hurtigruten terminal.

I would personally recommend arriving around 15-20 minutes before departure.

Duration

The cruise is around 3 hours long, so a great half-day trip from Svolvaer!

Accessibility

The boat I travelled on definitely looked like it could be accessible, with plenty of space on board and a gangplank rather than steps.

If you have accessibility needs, I would recommend you email the friendly crew in advance, just to double-check and let them know your requirements so they can help.

Indoor & Outdoor Seating

The Brim Explorer boat offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Inside, the lounge is warm and cosy, with panoramic windows and direct access to the outdoor decks for photos. This is also where the TV is for the underwater drone and where your guide will be based. There is also a café on the lower deck.

Outside is, of course, where the best views are! The deck has multiple levels, so there is plenty of space to spread out and take photos. Your guide will also come outside to help you look for sea eagles.

Toilets

There are toilets on board the Brim Explorer boat, which were very clean when I visited.

Food & Drink

The onboard café on the lower deck sells hot and cold drinks and small snacks. In winter, a hot drink is so needed after spending time outside on deck in the cold!

Plus, they do the most delicious hot chocolate!

Audio Guide

The tour has a fascinating live guide who will answer your questions, help you spot the eagles and provide some commentary about Trollfjord’s history and the scenery you pass.

The Underwater Drone

If conditions allow, the tour also operates an underwater drone during parts of the voyage, to show sea life and the floor of the Raftsund in real time on TV screens inside the boat.

It’s truly fascinating to see if you can spot any wildlife!

Visiting Trollfjord in Winter

Winter in the Raftsund and Trollfjord is both magical and slightly unpredictable!

When I did my own fjord cruise to Trollfjord in March, the sky was moody and the scenery seriously cinematic, with islands covered in fresh snow, the sun breaking through the heavy snow clouds, and the steep sides of the fjord looking even more dramatic in the low light!

But, of course, there are a few realities worth knowing so you feel prepared to visit Trollfjord in winter:

• Currently, the boats don’t run during the time around Polar Night in Lofoten, between December and January.
• Even when the boats are running, daylight hours are short, so make sure you pick the sailing that gets you the most light. For my trip, 1:30pm in mid-March was fine, but earlier in the season, the morning sailing is a better bet.
• Even on a calm day, the wind out on deck makes the temperature feel colder on the water compared to on land in Svolvaer. So you’ll want proper winter clothing.
• Weather is a lot less predictable, with snowstorms rolling in quickly (like my experience), but conditions also change fast, so never rule out having a magical experience just because the weather is poor!
• The lounge is very warm and has panoramic windows, but for the best views, you have to head outside and brave the Norwegian weather and cold!

You also get far fewer people in winter, which completely changes the experience.

On my tour, there were maybe 10 of us on board, and as a solo female traveller, I loved that! There was plenty of space to move around the outdoor decks and into the lounge, and it felt very peaceful.

Overall, winter is a magical season to visit Trollfjord – and, in my opinion, the unpredictable elements just make it even more adventurous!

When to Visit: The Best Time to See Trollfjord

Choosing the best time to visit Trollfjord depends on what kind of experience you want.

Trollfjord itself is always dramatic, narrow and beautiful, but the seasons completely transform everything around it, from the lighting to whether certain boats can even enter the fjord.

Summer is the only season when the Coastal Express sails into Trollfjord, if you’re hoping to see the iconic moment where the large ship squeezes into the fjord! Plus, you’ll also have the most tour options from Svolvaer, with generally calmer weather. The downside is that summer is the busiest time, with tours booking up and more tourists on board.

Autumn is underrated. The sun sits lower in the sky, so the light is often spectacular, and you have a first chance of snow in the late season. Plus, you’ll also get quieter boats and the return of that peaceful feel! Just remember that the weather starts to get more unpredictable now.

Winter is when I visited Trollfjord, and it was unforgettable! The fjord looks completely different under snow and moody skies, making it much more dramatic. The tours from Svolvaer still run apart from in deep winter. But this is also when the weather is most unpredictable, and daylight is limited.

Spring is a lovely balance of calm(er!) conditions and growing daylight. Tours start to increase again, snow begins melting, and you’ll enjoy fresh greenery and great visibility. It’s quiet, too, ahead of the summer rush – which is perfect if you prefer a peaceful experience!

Trollfjord Weather Through the Seasons

If you’re planning to visit Trollfjord in Norway for the first time, it helps to understand how the seasons change the experience, so let’s break it down:

Trollfjord in Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Trollfjord, and the fjord is at its most accessible with both tours from Svolvaer and the Coastal Express.

In terms of weather, you’ll get long daylight hours, gentler seas, milder temperatures, more stable weather and, of course, the famous Midnight Sun if you go in June or early July.

Trollfjord in Autumn

In autumn, you can expect a return of cooler temperatures, more dramatic and unpredictable weather, fewer daylight hours and, in the later part of autumn, snow returns.

This is a gorgeous time to visit Trollfjord if you want dramatic scenery without the deep cold and darkness of winter!

Trollfjord in Winter

Winter is the most unpredictable but also the most cinematic season to visit Trollfjord.

When I visited Trollfjord in winter, we left Svolvaer in a snowstorm, and I had pretty low expectations, but the mountains covered in snow, sunlight cutting through the clouds, and sea eagles circling overhead made it unforgettable!

The weather fluctuates in extremes, from calm to rainy, snowy to polar lows. There’s also often wind, and daylight is limited. Some sailings may also be cancelled due to weather.

But winter is also rewarding if you brave the elements, as it’s more peaceful and authentic!

Trollfjord in Spring

Spring is a good in-between season. Snow is starting to melt, the light is softer than mid-summer, and tours run more reliably thanks to the returning daylight and calm(er!) weather.

If you want good visibility and more comfortable sailing conditions, spring is a good season.

Katie’s Top Tip: No matter when you visit Trollfjord, bring layers. The temperature on deck is always colder than in town, and the wind in Raftsund has a mind of its own!

What to Pack for Trollfjord Through the Seasons

Packing for Trollfjord depends on the time of year, and the weather here does whatever it wants anyway, even in July!

But no matter when you visit Trollfjord, assume you’ll spend most of the cruise out on deck, because that’s where the views are best! Here’s what to pack:

Winter

Winter Trollfjord cruises are cold, windy, and often snowy, so for this season, you absolutely need good layers.

A thermal base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and an insulated, waterproof and windproof coat are your essential clothing.

Then you’ll also need gloves you can use with your phone, a scarf or neck gaiter, a hat, and ideally insulated snow boots with good grip.

I have a blog post that shares my packing list for winter cruising in Norway, if you want to steal my complete list to prepare for your trip!

Spring + Autumn

I recommend you pack layers you can easily adjust, so a thinner thermal base layer if it’s cold, a warm mid-layer, a waterproof, windproof jacket, and hiking boots or sturdy trainers.

Then still pack a hat, gloves and scarf in your day bag, just in case.

Summer

Summer is milder, but mild in northern Norway still means you should bring a fleece and a waterproof jacket to go over your regular clothes!

Sunglasses are another must to pack to protect your eyes from the glare off the water.

All Year

• Small day backpack
• Power bank for your phone
• Your camera
• Waterproof camera cover
• Waterproof phone pouch

Katie’s Top Tip: Whatever the season, dress in layers. It’s warm in the lounge but usually cold on deck, so you want to easily be able to take layers on and off to stay comfortable.

Where to Stay to Visit Trollfjord

The easiest and most convenient base to visit Trollfjord is Svolvaer.

Almost every Trollfjord cruise departs from the harbour, so staying within walking distance makes the whole experience easier, especially if you’re visiting in winter.

Thon Hotel Lofoten is my top pick for solo travellers.

It’s right by the harbour, feels very safe, has friendly staff, a great breakfast, and modern and warm rooms. Plus, its central location is unbeatable, close to all the best restaurants, shops and things to do in Svolvaer!

Another option is staying on board Hurtigruten or Havila for the Coastal Express route.

Their ships sail through Trollfjord in summer, and it’s one of the most iconic parts of the route! Plus, it means you get to experience Trollfjord without paying for extra accommodation or tours.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you stay in Svolvaer, choose accommodation as close to the harbour as possible. Being able to walk straight from your hotel to your Trollfjord boat tour is so reassuring as a solo traveller, especially in winter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still wondering whether a Trollfjord cruise is worth adding to your Northern Norway itinerary, my answer is yes, absolutely!

A boat tour to Trollfjord is one of the best ways to experience the wild, dramatic fjord scenery Northern Norway is famous for, without having to head anywhere too remote.

You simply hop on a boat in Svolvaer and, within minutes, you’re sailing through the picturesque Raftsund!

What surprised me most on my own winter trip to Trollfjord was how peaceful the experience felt.

I boarded in a snowstorm with hardly anyone else on the boat, fully expecting a washout, but it ended up being the highlight of my entire three weeks in Norway!

The narrow fjord, snowy cliffs and islands, quaint huts on the banks of the water, and the silence of the boats are all memories that will last me a lifetime.

Trollfjord FAQs

Read More About Travel in Norway:

• Northbound vs Southbound Norway Coastal Express: Compared
• What to Wear in Norway in Winter? (+ Norway Packing List)
• How to Plan a Trip to Norway in Winter (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Norway vs Iceland in Winter: Ultimate Solo Travel Comparison
• Where to Stay in Bergen (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
• Where to Stay in Tromsø (+ Best Areas For Solo Travellers)
• Hurtigruten vs Havila: Which is Best For Solo Travellers?
• Is Saltstraumen Worth Visiting from Bodø? (+ What to Expect)
• How to Get Around Norway in Winter (Without a Car!)
• How to Visit Trollfjord: Northern Norway’s Most Iconic Fjord
• How to Visit Mostraumen Fjord (Bergen’s Best Day Trip!)
• 7 Things To Do in Hammerfest (Hammerfest Travel Guide)
• Mount Aksla Hike: How to Find the Best Ålesund Viewpoint
• 8 BEST Things To Do in Brønnøysund, Norway: Havila Port Stop
• 21 Most Beautiful Places in Norway You Have To Visit

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