Explore Norway by Sea: 5 Scenic Cruises from Bergen

One of the most remarkable things about visiting Norway is experiencing its breathtaking fjords. While Bergen is a fascinating city to explore on its own, its location amidst towering mountains provides easy access to the fjords. Whether you’re looking for a short day cruise or an extended adventure, Bergen serves as a perfect starting or ending point.

How about a day cruise through the fjords, followed by an evening meal at Bryggen? Or perhaps staying in Bergen for a while before heading north on a longer cruise, allowing you to experience even more stunning fjords along the way?

There are so many possibilities! To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of five different cruises, tailored to fit the time you have available.

Mostraumen is a shorter fjord tour, ideal for a day trip when you plan to return to Bergen later. This roundtrip cruise lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours without any stops ashore. Departing from Zachariasbryggen near Bergen’s famous Fish Market, you get a great view of Bryggen Wharf. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Osterfjord and the narrow, picturesque Mostraumen straits. Be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm—and don’t forget your camera!

The boat is a modern, eco-friendly catamaran with spacious decks, indoor seating, and a kiosk. This is a great day-trip while visiting lovely Bergen!

This is one of the cruises from Bergen that is in business all year round. More information here.

Another day cruise is this one where you can discover the beauty of Sognefjorden and Fjærland. This is a longer one as it is a 13-hour journey. Start with a scenic cruise from Bergen to Balestrand, gliding along the majestic Sognefjord. From Balestrand, continue on a guided boat ride through the serene Fjærlandsfjord, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine waters.

In Fjærland you can explore the Norwegian Glacier Museum with its interactive exhibits about glaciers and their impact on the planet. The highlight of the day is a visit to the spectacular Bøyabreen glacier, an offshoot of the larger Jostedalsbreen glacier. Admire the glacier’s stunning icy facade from a nearby vantage point, feel the crisp mountain air, and capture beautiful photos of this natural marvel.

As the day winds down, return to Balestrand by boat, soaking in the peaceful views. Finish your adventure with an evening cruise back to Bergen. Perfect for travelers seeking unrivaled scenery and a glimpse into Norway’s glacial history.

This is a full day of exploring the Norwegian Fjords and great both for couples, families or a solo travel.

Keep in mind that it is only in season from May-September. More information here.

With this fjord cruise you can discover the wonderful Hardangerfjord. You start out with a bus ride from Bergen bus station to Norheimsund. There you start the Hardangerfjord cruise to Eidfjord where you get an amazing view of the fjords, passing waterfalls, fruit orchards, and towering mountains. Along the way, charming village stops provide opportunities for unforgettable photos.

In Eidfjord, an electric bus awaits to take you to the Norwegian Nature Center, where exhibits and a panoramic film reveal the secrets of Norway’s fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. From there, the adventure continues through the winding roads of Måbødalen to the spectacular Vøringsfossen waterfall. With its dramatic 182-meter drop, Vøringsfossen offers awe-inspiring views and a humbling sense of nature’s grandeur. You’ll have over an hour to experience the waterfall’s misty spray, the roar of its cascading waters, and the surrounding mountain vistas.
On the return trip, visit Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain of water for a truly close up experience. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings, browse for souvenirs at the nearby souvenir shops, or relax with coffee and snacks at a cozy café.

Whether you start your journey in Bergen or one of the fjord villages like Norheimsund, Lofthus, Ulvik, or Kinsarvik, this tour offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable sights in the heart of Norway’s fjord country.

The cruise takes about 13 hours and it is worth noting that it’s only in season during May-September. More information here.

If you’re looking for an extended journey at sea with Bergen as your starting or ending point, Havila Kystruten is a fantastic choice. You can select from various routes, such as Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen, Bergen–Trondheim, and Svolvær–Bergen, among others. Alternatively, you can customize your trip by choosing your own start and stop locations instead of following the standard routes.

Havila operates four modern ships, all built between 2021 and 2023. Each vessel is 124 meters long, 22 meters wide, and features 179 cabins, accommodating up to 640 passengers. Every cabin is equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB ports, a TV, and a wardrobe, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Sailing with Havila offers a seamless and relaxing travel experience, allowing you to explore multiple destinations in Norway without the hassle of trains, buses, or constantly handling luggage. Simply step aboard, savor the delicious onboard cuisine, unwind in your cabin, or take in the breathtaking views from the deck.

To enhance your journey, Havila Kystruten makes it easy to book a variety of excursions along the way. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, mountain hikes, e-biking, or even dog sledding, you’ll find exciting activities tailored to your itinerary. Easily enhance your booking with these experiences for an unforgettable adventure on your Norwegian fjord cruise.

Havila Kystruten operates year-round. More information here.

Like Havila Kystruten, Hurtigruten also offers extended sea voyages, with signature routes such as The Svalbard Line and The North Cape Line. They also continue to operate their classic Coastal Express journey. For more flexibility, you can customize your trip by selecting your own starting and ending points.

With nearly 130 years of experience, Hurtigruten provides an incredible way to explore Norway’s coastline. Sailing between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north, their ships stop at 34 ports, offering the chance to experience majestic fjords, historic fishing villages, and even the Northern Lights.

Hurtigruten operates nine different ships, which vary in size, design, and age. Because of this, it’s worth checking which vessel will be on your itinerary to ensure it aligns with your preferences. You’ll find a range of accommodation options, from spacious luxury suites to more standard cabins, allowing you to choose the level of comfort that best suits your journey.

Hurtigruten operates year-round. More information here.

For more information and tips on Bergen, check out our archive.