As the “gateway to the fjords”, there are many fjord cruises from Bergen to choose from. It can be a little overwhelming knowing which one is the right fit for you. But I’m here to help!
I have lived in Bergen for more than 7 years now, and grew up just a few hours from here (right by the fjords). As a result, I’m the perfect person to share the best fjord cruises leaving from Bergen!
In the past I have covered some of the great tours and excursions in Bergen, but the ones on this list are focused on just the fjords.
There are a few fjords within easy reach near Bergen, such as the Hardangerfjord, the Sognefjord (with its arms) and Osterfjorden. Some of these are amongst the best fjords in Norway, in my opinion.
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Quick Bergen Travel Guide
Where to stay: Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!
Where to eat: I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide. Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).
Top activities and tours in Bergen:
- Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide)
- Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour)
- Viking ship fjord cruise
- Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
- Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord
Packing for Bergen: My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable).
Getting to Bergen: I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here.
Getting Around: Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.
What is a fjord cruise?
In my Norway travel guide I have explained in detail what a fjord is, so I won’t spend too much time on that here. In short, a fjord is a body of water connected to the ocean, that was created by the glaciers of the last ice age.
There are over 1700 named fjords in Norway, which is quite insane to think about. It is not hard to understand why Norway is the official land of the fjords.
So, what is a fjord cruise?
There are two types of fjord cruises. One type of fjord cruise is a large cruise ship going on a several days long trip along the Norwegian coastline and into the fjords. Cruise lines like P&O, Costa, MCS and Viking Cruises all have cruises to the Norwegian fjords.
However, the Bergen fjord cruises we are focusing on today are slightly different. They are also what most people think about when they hear the term.
A fjord cruise is a fancy name for a boat trip on the fjord. It has gotten its name because you are cruising silently on a fjord – and probably to make it sound a little more inviting than just “boat trip”.
But, basically, these are the Norwegian equivalent of the party boats in Punta Cana or the catamaran cruises in Cancun.
The cruises can take any shape or size, from large electric vessels to small, fast-paced ones. All though the latter is often called a “Fjord Safari” instead.
No matter where in Norway you go, you are likely to come across a fjord cruise. Whether that’s Flåm, Geiranger, Stavanger or even Oslo.
And of course Bergen. Which is the focus of this article.
5 Best Fjord Cruises from Bergen
With Bergen being the largest city in western Norway, and within easy reach of several of the best fjords, it’s only natural that there are loads of fjord cruises to choose from.
That being said, which one should you choose?
Below I have outlined the best fjord cruises from Bergen – and highlighted details about each of them. That way, you can decide which is the perfect one for you!
Going on a fjord cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen, and an absolute must when you visit. All of these start from the docks in the center of Bergen, and are round trip cruises. Unless otherwise specified.
#1 Fjord Cruise Bergen to Mostraumen
The fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen is amongst the most popular ones leaving from the city. This is mainly because it is the shortest and easiest way to see the fjords from Bergen.
If you are spending a day in Bergen and are short on time – and don’t have plans to travel from Bergen to Flåm – this is a good choice.
This 3-hour fjord cruise takes you from the Bergen docks through the Mostraumen strait. Along the way you will see the Osterfjord, one of the fjords closest to the city.
I will say, these fjords aren’t the most dramatic in the region, but it is the best option for anyone wanting to see the fjords from Bergen in a day (and don’t have a rental car).
You’ll stay nice and warm inside the boat, which departs year-round. This fjord cruise is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit.
There is also a private option available for this tour, which might be a little pricy for most, but perfect for groups of friends and families.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Fjords: Osterfjord
- Max travellers: 85
- Cost: $75
- Advance booking needed: Yes
- BOOK HERE
#2 Sognefjord Cruise from Bergen
The Sognefjord is known as the “king of the fjords”, and with good reason. It is the longest fjord in the world (with the exception of one in Greenland that is frozen – so it doesn’t count, in my opinion). It is also the deepest.
In addition to this, it has some pretty famous fjord arms. Fjord arms are basically smaller fjords that “stick out” of the bigger fjord.
If you imagine your arm and hand being the main fjord (i.e. the Sognefjord in this case), your fingers would be the fjord arms. This is how I usually explain the fjords and fjord arms when I guide for Adventures by Disney (I work as a Disney Adventure Guide in Norway every summer, and it’s the best job in the world, after travel blogging!).
At the end of the Sognefjord you will find the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both world heritage fjords and a world heritage site. The latter is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord (further north).
This is also where I grew up (in Aurland)!
Therefore, traveling through the Sognefjord from Bergen is a great way to see the length of the world’s biggest fjord. However, it is a full-day trip – so expect to leave Bergen early (at 8 in the morning), and to get back late (around 9 in the evening).
This includes a 2-hour stop in Flåm. I recommend having lunch at the bakery and going on a stroll along the fjord during your time there.
Basically, this is a return ticket on the express boat from Bergen to Flåm. It runs only in the summer months. Many locals don’t consider it a fjord cruise, but a mode of transportation. But, as we established above, a fjord cruise is simply a boat on the fjord – so you’re good to go!
You can also consider getting a return ticket for the next day, and spend the night in Flåm! There are some great hotels in Flåm to choose from, and this would give you a chance to explore the village and region more. Note that accommodation is not included in the boat ticket.
- Duration: 13 hours
- Fjords: Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord
- Max travellers: 150
- Cost: $244 (round trip) / $144 (one way)
- Advance booking needed: Yes
- BOOK HERE
#3 The Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise (including train & bus)
As mentioned, the Nærøyfjord is a fjord arm of the Sognefjord and perhaps the most important destination for fjord tours near Bergen.
On this full day trip, you’ll get to not only experience a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, but also the famous Flåm Railway (one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys).
Thus, this is not just a fjord cruise from Bergen, but a round trip excursion taking you from Bergen to the fjords and back using train, bus and cruise. The Oslo-Bergen railway is also included on this trip.
It is very similar to the Norway in a Nutshell tour, so it is possible to book each leg of the journey individually. If you have more than just a day, I also recommend looking at some of my itineraries, that take you from Bergen to the fjords for a night or two.
Sights along the way on this cruise not only include the Nærøyfjord, but also picturesque fjord villages, waterfalls and of course the Flåm Valley (where the Flåm Railway goes).
- Duration: 10 hours
- Fjords: Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord
- Max travellers: 99
- Cost: from $308
- Advance booking needed: Yes
- BOOK HERE
#4 Viking Ship Fjord Cruise
If you want a more unique, and exclusive experience, this might be the cruise for you.
Sailing on an authentic Viking ship with just 12 travellers on board is a great way to explore the harbour and sights outside of Bergen. Whilst it doesn’t take you far from the city, and thus not into any of the more dramatic fjords, this can still be worthwhile if you want to go off the beaten path.
During this 1,5-hour sailing you’ll be treated to a hot drink, and some lovely views of the city. Definitely a must for families or Viking enthusiasts!
If you consider yourself the latter, I hope you’ll head on over to read my guides to Nordic symbols and their meanings, Norse Goddesses and of course the most famous Vikings of all time!
- Duration: 1,5 hours
- Fjords: Bergen harbour, Puddefjorden
- Max travellers: 12
- Cost: $85
- Advance booking needed: Yes
- BOOK HERE
#5 Private Fjord Cruises from Bergen
Last, but not least, going on a private Bergen fjord cruise might be more your style. These options are perfect for those traveling in a big group or with a rowdy family.
Or just for a couple wanting a truly exclusive experience on the fjords.
There are several options for private tours from Bergen, taking you through Osterfjorden by private yacht or in a fast-paced RIB boat.
Basically, you can choose your own adventure here, and since it’s just you onboard, you get the full attention of your captain and crew.
- Duration: 4-11 hours (depending on what you book)
- Fjords: Osterfjord
- Max travellers: Private
- Cost: from $500
- Advance booking needed: Yes
- BOOK PRIVATE RIB HERE / BOOK PRIVATE YACHT HERE
More Fjord Cruises from Bergen
Of course, this list includes the 5 best fjord cruises departing (and ending) in Bergen. However, there are more to choose from. Below you’ll find more Bergen fjord tours to choose from, in case you wanted more options!
Bergen Fjord Cruises FAQ
Below are the most frequently asked questions about taking a fjord cruise from Bergen – answered by a local!
The closest fjord to Bergen is the Osterfjord, which you can reach on a fjord cruise to Mostraumen. However, the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are just 3 hours away!
Personally, I think the fjords are beautiful year round. The most stunning months in terms of waterfalls is May-June, and July-September are also great.
The Norwegian fjords are just a short drive or fjord cruise from Bergen.
Lots of them! Costa, P&O, Viking, MSC, Royal Caribbean to name a few.
Layers. No matter what time of year, the weather in Norway can change fast, so always wear and bring layers. A small puffer jacket, such as this one, is ideal.
YES! The fjords are absolutely breathtaking, with such stunning natural scenery. They should be on your bucket list.
Yes, you can! All though it is a little colder than you might be used to.
Yes, but only small ones, such as Puddefjorden.
