Journey through history and breathtaking fjords on a Bergen Cruise

Bergen, known as the "Gateway to the Fjords," offers a magical combination of natural landscapes and heritage architecture. You can experience its cascading waterfalls and lakes on one side and popular urban areas with UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bryggen on the other, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Depending on your time in this beautiful city, enjoy cruises catered to suit your needs for sightseeing and exploring its ever-changing terrains.

Navigate your Bergen Cruise guide

  1. Why book Bergen Cruises in Norway?
  2. Things to know before booking a Bergen Cruise
  3. Which is the right Bergen Cruise for you?
  4. Plan your Bergen Cruise experience
  5. Frequently asked questions about Bergen Cruises

Why book Bergen Cruises in Norway?

Hanseatic wharf in Bergen, Norway with colorful wooden buildings along the waterfront.
Boat cruising through Mostraumen fjord with steep cliffs and lush greenery in Norway.
Osterfjord Norway winter reflection with snow-covered mountains and calm water.
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Heritage architecture

Bergen is full of Viking-era sites, old buildings, and history. The city feels like a museum with landmarks like the ancient fortress of Bergenhus, the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Skuteviken Wharf, and the concrete ruins of the WW2 U-Boot Bunker Bruno (a place where German submarines were once stored).

Striking views & scenic villages

The Mostraumen Fjord cruise offers breathtaking views of dramatic mountains, lush hills, and clear waters in Cityfjord, Salhusfjord, and Osterfjord. Passing by Modalen village with its classic wooden houses, the cruise also showcases Bergen's Fish Market, Nordhordland Bridge, and islands like Hokonya and Vikanes. Learn about local life, villages, and landmarks like Hamre Church and Hagelsund Bridge with insightful guides.

Surrounding fjords & landscapes

Embark on two unique cruises from Bergen, each exploring different fjords. Osterfjord boasts dramatic cliffs, Cityfjord blends urban and natural beauty, and Salhusfjord offers serene waters. A relaxing ride on the Catamaran Eric the Red takes you through lush landscapes, rich marine life, and roadless fjords: spot whales, eagles, and thriving marine species in this untouched paradise.

Things to know before booking a Bergen Cruise

  • The Mostraumen fjord cruise is a nice 4-hour escape that takes you from the harbor into the fjords and if you’re short on time the 1-hour sightseeing cruise is perfect to know Bergen’s sights better.
  • The 1-hour sightseeing option is a great way to explore Bergen’s ancient history and historic landmarks with its fortresses, and ruins.
  • The 4-hour Mostraumen cruise is on a high-speed catamaran taking you closer to adjoining scenic villages, fjords, straits, and spotting wildlife.
  • Plan your trip anywhere between May and September as the weather is pleasant, the fjords are vibrant and the landscapes are in full bloom.
  • July and August are more popular as the weather is warmer with extended evenings, more tourists, and a lively environment. 

Your Bergen Cruise options explained

Aerial view of Bergen city with colorful buildings and harbor in Norway.

Historic sightseeing cruise

Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions: Sightseeing on Eric the Red (with max 92 guests)
Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before the experience begins

  • This cruise around Bergen takes you to its prominent landmarks, giving you more insight into urban life and architecture.
  • Pass by the Bergenhus fortress, the Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen Fish Market, the historic Skuteviken Wharf, and the concrete ruins of the WW2 U-Boot Bunker Bruno.
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Mostraumen fjord sightseeing cruise

Mostraumen fjord sightseeing cruise

Duration: 4 hours
Inclusions: Sightseeing on the high-speed catamaran with an English-speaking guide
Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before the experience begins

  • Move from the city’s urban center towards Mostraumen’s strait, Osterfjord, and surrounding fjords are enveloped by nature, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife.
  • During winters, the entire landscape is laden with snow, where colorful village settlements are highlighted against the white snow.
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Sights covered during the Bergen Cruise

Bergenhus Fortress stone walls and tower in Bergen, Norway, with lush greenery.
Bryggen wharf in Norway with colorful wooden buildings along the waterfront.
Bergen fish market with fresh seafood stalls, Norway.
Skuteviken Wharf in Bergen, Norway, featuring colorful wooden buildings along the waterfront.
World War 2 German U-boat base with concrete bunkers and historical significance.
Mostraumen fjord cruise near Bergen, Norway, showcasing scenic waterways and rugged cliffs.
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Bergenhus fortress

A military fortification that has seen multiple architectural iterations, the Bergenhus fortress stands tall along the Bergen harbor. Today, it is used for several events and is a recreational area for locals and tourists.

Bryggen

The beautiful wooden structures of the Bryggen townscape, also known as the “gard” are what define this age-old Hanseatic Wharf. The blend of old wooden buildings with modern beams, and the pop of color is what attracts visitors. This was once a medieval Hanseatic League's trading empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bergen fish market

This is Norway’s oldest fish market and has a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and traditional Norwegian delicacies. You can enjoy fresh fish at the market while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere around you.

Skuteviken wharf

Skuteviken has a significant maritime history and once functioned as a bustling harbor for Bergen’s fishing industry. It was also home to shipbuilders and fishermen and is a less touristy place and a hidden gem if you want to know more about Bergen’s maritime history.

WW2 U-Boat bunker Bruno

This historical site in Bergen is a remnant of World War II when Bergen served as a naval base and housed German submarines and U-boats. This solid structure is a reminder of the Nazi occupation, making it a historical site.

Mostraumen fjords

As you move from the city, you will see everchanging landscapes as you pass straits and fjords surrounding Bergen. Mostraumen Fjord is best known for its cascading waterfalls, lush slopes, and small settlements lining them. It is a part of the larger Bergen Fjords system and gives tourists the unique opportunity to see nature just minutes away from the city.

Plan your Bergen Cruise experience

Scenic view of Bergen during Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen
  • 1-hour sightseeing cruise: 10:30am
  • 4-hour Mostraumen cruise: 10:30am & 12noon

Best time to go on the cruise:

  • Late spring to early autumn (May to September): The weather during these months is pleasant, the landscapes are in full bloom and you will experience longer daylight hours. The temperature ranges from 9°C and can go up to 20°C during July and August. These two months attracted maximum tourists as it is warmer and all of nature’s colors are visible throughout the landscapes.
  • December to February: For a quieter experience and if you’re interested in spotting killer whales, snow-clad mountains, and frozen water, these months are perfect. Since the days are shorter and the weather colder, it is better to check the cruise schedule before booking as sometimes they might not operate due to the weather conditions.

Boarding points: Bergen Havn (central Bergen), Dreggekaien/Borshopen pier

  • By bus: Lines2,3,4,5,6,8, and 9
  • Nearest stop: Bergen Busstasjon (Bergen Central Station); This station is a short walk from Bergen Havn and Dreggekaien.
  • By tram: Line 1 (Bergen Light Rail)
  • Nearest station: Byparken station; A short walk from the harbor.
  • By metro: Metro lines (Bergen Light Rail)
  • Nearest station: Bergen Storsenter Station; Close to the center and Bergen Havn.
Top Things to do in Bergen
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