5 Best Bergen Boat Trips & Fjord Cruises (+ How to Book!)

Are you looking to book one of the best Bergen boat trips for your upcoming stop in the city? This guide covers the top boat trips in Bergen (and to some cool places nearby).

Bergen is a fabulous city to visit independently or as a stop on a Hurtigruten cruise up the Norwegian coast! One of the best things about visiting Bergen is that it is a fantastic base for some amazing boat trips.

These Bergen boat trips offer an array of options to visitors, regardless of whether you’ve come for a long weekend or simply a stop at the port.

Did I miss any Bergen boat cruises on this guide? Let me know in the comments.

Which Bergen boat trip is best for you?

Depending on how much time you have and what the rest of your Norway itinerary looks like, different trips will be suitable for your trip.

Here is my breakdown:

• Best boat trip for cruise ship passengers: Scenic fjord cruise to Mostaumen (most popular)
• Cheapest Bergen boat excursion: Viking ship sailing cruise around Bergen
• Best private boat trip from Bergen: Private trip to Sognefjord, Flåm, and Nærøyfjord
• Best full-day Bergen boat trip: Self-guided trip to Flåm & Nærøyfjord (includes train)
• Best half-day Bergen boat trip: Mostraumen fjord cruise from Bergen

There is truly something for every traveler visiting the Norwegian city and I hope you get to pick the boat excursion that suits you best! It really is one of the top things to do in Bergen!

Best Bergen Boat Trips & Cruises

1. Scenic Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen (Most Popular Pick!)

Duration: 3.5 hours
Meeting Point: Rødne Fjord Cruise boat at Zachariasbryggen Pier
Language: English, Norwegian
⛵ CLICK HERE TO BOOK

If someone asked me for a day tour that needed to be added to their Bergen itinerary, I would most likely say this Mostraumen fjord tour.

This trip is only a half-day one, so you still have time to explore the city and make the most of your short time there. On this Bergen boat tour, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable vessel from near Bryggen and start making your way through the Osterfjord.

Hop aboard a sleek, comfy vessel and marvel at the views of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as your journey starts from the heart of the city!

You’ll be on the boat the entire trip, so please be aware of that! You will also get so close to a waterfall that you can feel its mist on you from inside the boat! Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.

This is also a wheelchair-accessible boat and those in a wheelchair can bring a companion with them to assist. Just give the company a heads-up before your trip.

2. Self-Guided Trip to Voss, Flåm, and Nærøyfjorden (Part Boat / Part Train)

Duration: 10 hours
Meeting Point: This is a self-guided tour
Language: English, Norwegian
⛵ CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Begin your adventure at the Bergen Railway, where you’ll board a cozy train for a picturesque journey to Voss. 

In Voss, transfer to a bus that will take you through charming local villages en route to Gudvangen. 

Upon reaching Gudvangen, embark on a two-hour luxurious fjord cruise on a contemporary hybrid boat, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized fjords. 

Witness the beauty of both Aurlandsfjord, renowned for its incredible views and Nærøyfjord, known for being one of Europe’s narrowest, framed by towering mountains on each side.

Arrive in Flåm and board another train that moves along the Flåm Railway. The sweeping landscapes along this journey are bound to leave you in awe.

Don’t miss out on capturing the unforgettable views of the surrounding fjords. Finally, disembark at Myrdal and return to the Bergen Railway, which will bring you back to your starting location.

3. Fjord Cruise to Hardangerfjord’s Gorgeous Rosendal Village

Duration: 7 hours
Meeting Point: Strandkaiterminalen in Bergen city center
Language: English
⛵ CLICK HERE TO BOOK

On this popular Bergen fjord cruise, you will take the boat from near Bryggen and head to the idyllic village of Rosendal, a Hardangerfjord gem.

This was one of my favorite villages I have ever visited in Western Norway (although I drive there). The boat will go for two hours until you reach Rosendal, where you’ll hve 3.5 hours to wander around and see the main attractions there. Then you’ll head back to Bergen.

Entrance to the Manor House or Folgefonna Center is not included, nor are snacks and drinks on your boat.

4. Private Boat Tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen, & Flåm

Duration: 11 hours
Meeting Point: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
Language: English
🍷 CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Embark on a private tour exploring the stunning fjord landscape of Norway! Your schedule will be tailored to your preferences and personal interests. 

Once you meet your guide in the hotel lobby, you’ll travel in a private vehicle, passing the renowned Dale of Norway sweater factory in Dale village before reaching Norway’s adventure capital, Voss.

Stop briefly at the Tvindefossen waterfall for a refreshing breath of mountain air and photo opportunities before proceeding to the historic Stalheim Hotel, which offers epic views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen Valley.

You will usually get a chance to drive down Stalheimskleiva Road (it is currently closed, sadly) as you make your way to Gudvangen. From there, hop aboard a picturesque cruise to Flåm.

Upon reaching Flåm, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at your own cost) and have some free time to explore the souvenir shops, the Flåmsbana railway museum, or check out the local microbrewery called Ægir.

Next, head toward Stegastein viewpoint, a 30-meter platform jutting out over Aurlandsfjord.

Catch the Flåmsbana railway from Flåm to the mountain railway station of Myrdal, situated 2,844 feet (867 m) above sea level. Once there, you’ll stop briefly at the Kjøsfossen waterfall.

Transfer trains at Myrdal to return to Voss, where you’ll have time to explore a 13th-century medieval church and an 11th-century stone cross. After the tour, your guide will transport you back to your hotel in Bergen.

5. Viking Ship Sailing Experience and Sightseeing Trip

Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting Point: Bradbenken Kai
Language: English
⛵ CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Embark on a nostalgic 1.5-hour journey aboard Bergen’s most traditional tour boat, a vessel that transports you with centuries-old Viking shipbuilding techniques and design. 

While on board, marvel at the graceful craftsmanship of the overlapping wooden planks and savor the scent of time-honored wood preservation methods. 

Feel the thrill of the ship’s square sail catching the wind and propelling you along Bergen’s iconic and beautiful shoreline. You can choose to participate in the sailing or simply relax on a bean bag and enjoy the ride!

The voyage will depart from Bryggen and hoist the sail as promptly as possible. 

The course will be determined by the wind conditions, but no matter the weather, guests are ensured an authentic, hands-on sailing experience and an opportunity to take in Bergen’s historic waterfront from a truly unique vantage point. 

The tour provides intriguing knowledge about the Viking era, Norwegian history, and coastal culture. Take the helm, hoist the sail, and relish the tranquility of sailing in this ancient style – no rowing needed!

Did I miss any of the best Bergen boat trips in this post?

Let me know your favorite boat trips from Bergen (or any cruise experiences you have had there) in the comments. Thanks!

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