8 Best Scandinavian Cruises

Towering fjords, majestic waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Northern Lights dancing above the water at night: It's no wonder why Scandinavia is a popular cruise destination.

There are a number of cruises to choose from, ranging from three hours to three weeks, and while some only sail during summer, many are available throughout the year. Which one you choose will depend on the attractions that are important to you and how much you're willing to spend.

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3 Hours: Norwegian Evening Cruise on the Oslo Fjord

Oslo harbor in Norway capital city — Didier Marti/Getty Images

Finding it hard to squeeze a full-length Scandinavian cruise into your visit? You could always spend an evening cruising Norway's Oslo fjord on a traditional wooden sailing ship with Viator's three-hour sunset mini-cruise. You'll see the Akershus Fortress and Oslo Opera House, all for only $54 USD per person.

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8 Hours: Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavik

Isafjordur, West Fjords, Iceland, Polar Regions — Michael Snell/Getty Images

Viator also offers a 8-hour tour from Reykjavik, Iceland, which includes a whale watching and horse riding experience through Iceland's open countryside. During the cruise, you may see minke whales, humpbacks and dolphins; your onboard guide will explain more about the diverse marine life.

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4 Days: Scandinavian Capitals Cruise

Cruise ships, Geirangerfjord, Norway — Peter Adams/Getty Images

Explore the capital cities of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, on this four-day adventure through Scandinavia. Starting at $265 per adult, the itinerary includes two nights of hotel accommodations with an overnight ferry crossing from Copenhagen to Oslo. Authentic Scandinavia also offers capital tours from five to 18 days, which can include the capital cities of Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn, along with the Russian cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow.

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8 Days: Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Your ship will depart from Copenhagen, Denmark, and make its way down the Norwegian coast, stopping in the scenic cities of Stavanger, Bergen, Alesund, and Geiranger before cruising back to Copenhagen. Experience Norway's Old-World charm, medieval and Art Noveau architecture, and natural beauty on this eight-day trip with Royal Caribbean, from $1898 USD per person.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.

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8 Days: Scandinavia & Russia Cruise

You'll board Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas in Copenhagen, Denmark, then set sail for Stockholm, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, and Helsinki before returning to Copenhagen. Highlights of the eight-day trip (from $1249 USD) include Sweden's medieval Old Town, the 13th-century castle where Estonia's parliament meets, architectural masterpieces in St. Petersburg, and the grand Helsinki Cathedral.

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13 Days: In Search of the Northern Lights Cruise

Person viewing the Northern lights over the lava landscape, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. — Arctic-Images/Getty Images

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this Viking Ocean Cruises winter excursion to far-north Norway is a wonderful way to do so. This smaller vessel takes you to stops within the Arctic Circle: Bodø, Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Bergen. Highlights include snowy landscapes, sled dog rides, stunning cathedrals, and of course the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This tour starts in London and ends in Bergen, Norway. Prices begin at $4,999 USD.

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19 Days: Jewels of the Baltic & Viking Sagas

People in front of the Markthal, Rotterdam at dusk. — EschCollection/Getty Images

This 19-day cruise by Holland America starts in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with stops in Berlin, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, multiple ports in Norway, and ends in Copenhagen, Denmark. Starting at $3,119 USD, the cruise showcases pristine fjords, Viking history, and an interesting lesson in the region's royalty.

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20 Days: Norwegian Fjords & Baltic Beauty

Sweden, Island of Gotland, Visby. Medieval street plan and buildings. — Mark Hannaford/Getty Images

If you have the time, this 20-day Windstar Cruise is the trip of a lifetime. You'll depart from Edinburgh, Scotland, and pass through Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, and Stockholm, passing through fjords, evergreen forests, waterfalls, glaciers, and more. Highlights of this weeks-long adventure include kayaking through Alesund Archipelago, an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, and Klaipeda’s Witches Hill. Prospective cruisers can request a quote online.