Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos
Dubbed the “gateway to fjords,” Bergen is probably the most picturesque city in Norway. The combination of stunning architecture and the dramatic fjords that surround it makes the town an unbeatable destination all year long. As you can easily imagine, joining a fjord tour from Bergen is a must-do activity when you’re in town. In this article, you’ll discover how it feels to take a Mostraumen fjord cruise from Bergen, which is one of the prettiest yet affordable Norwegian fjord routes.
Not that long ago, I joined a fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen, and I was ecstatic about the breathtaking landscape. Therefore, in the following lines, you will read what it’s like sailing from Bergen to Mostraumen and find info on how to book such a fjord tour (here’s the boat trip I took). Moreover, you will see plenty of my fjord photos and a 4K video. Last but not least, I’ll share some tips about the cruise and reply to some frequently asked questions.
So, let’s start with this Mostraumen Fjord cruise review and see what to expect from this wonderful experience.
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Mostraumen Fjord cruise from Bergen: what you need to know
The fjord tour to Mostraumen will probably be the highlight of your Bergen city break. Although it might sound touristic to some, the truth is that being exposed to Norway’s stunning fjord beauty is a thing to remember. Therefore, even if you have second thoughts about embarking on such a cruise, I encourage you to leave those thoughts aside. You won’t regret it.
So, here’s what you need to know about the Bergen-Mostraumen Fjord cruise.
The fjord tour itinerary
The cruise to Mostraumen I took started from Zachariasbryggen; most cruises start from here. That’s one of the most central locations in downtown Bergen, and you can’t miss it. It’s very close to the Bergen Fish Market, which is a good place to hang out after the tour’s conclusion. You can see -and save- the exact location of the starting point at Zachariasbryggen on Google Maps here.
After sailing out, you will get a magnificent view of Bryggen, the iconic old town wharf of Bergen, featuring colorful wooden buildings. Although you’ll probably walk along Bryggen plenty of times while in Bergen, seeing this UNESCO World Heritage site from the sea will definitely give you a different perspective.
The first minutes of the cruise are slow, but when you leave the port of Bergen behind, the boat will speed up. The suburbs of Bergen will appear, and you will cross the Nordhordland Bridge (Norwegian: Nordhordlandsbrua). This 1,6 km long bridge (5,200 ft) hangs above Salhusfjorden and connects Klauvaneset and the small island of Flatøy. Although this is not a landmark, crossing it means you are about to enter the best part of your trip: the fjords.
From this point on, the Osterfjord landscape slowly becomes more dramatic. The cliffs are steeper, and Norway’s natural beauty will begin to present itself. Flowing along the Osterfjord is a majestic experience, as you’ll come across lonely houses on the shore, unique animals like eagles, and a maze of tiny islands contributing to the scenery.
Finally, shortly before reaching Mostraumen, you’ll see waterfalls, and depending on the weather conditions, you might even be able to fill your bottle with some waterfall water.
At Mostraumen, the boat will turn and drive towards Bergen following the same route. Consider this another opportunity to see beautiful places for a second time -or have a second chance for photos.
How many hours does the Mostraumen cruise from Bergen last?
The distance between Bergen and Mostraumen is 27 kilometers (~16,7 miles). The tour itself lasts approximately 3,5 hours. More or less, the tour is divided into two equal parts: it takes one and a half hours to travel from Bergen to Mo, and the same time is needed to return to Bergen.
The boat
The vessels offering the Bergen-Mostraumen cruise are in mint condition. There’s enough space for everyone, and they are clean and perfectly safe. Since the fjord cruises last quite some time, there are bathrooms onboard and a small kiosk where you can buy coffee, drinks, and snacks.
Moreover, every boat has an open deck, where you can feel exposed to nature and shoot photos, or simply enjoy the journey. Lastly, there will always be a seat for you to relax in the interior.
The operators take their jobs seriously, and crew members are always around to help you. Overall, being on board was a great experience.
Cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen: does it deserve it?
As I wrote earlier in this article, the cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen will be among your journey’s highlights. Embarking on that cruise from Bergen will give you a glimpse of Norway’s beautiful landscape. Sailing across the fjords all the way to the narrow Mostraumen strait is a fantastic experience.
In addition, the boats offering this cruise are in mint condition, and you can enjoy indoor and outdoor time. That’s important because most tours take place even if the weather is bad. As you will read later in my tips, taking a boat tour in winter (like I did) is totally different from a summer cruise. However, in both cases, spending time inside and outside is important to keep your body temperature steady.
Finally, I found the tour’s price affordable. Norway is a very expensive country, and everything may feel overpriced during your visit to Bergen. However, paying around 70 euros/$ for such a magnificent 3.5-hour fjord experience sounds like a reasonable price.
Overall, I’m delighted that I took this tour, and I encourage you to do the same. You can book the tour here.
Mostraumen fjord cruise tips
After taking a Mostraumen fjord cruise from Bergen, there are various things I’d keep in mind if I were about to do it again. Therefore, in this short section, I’d like to offer some tips for your Norwegian Fjord cruise.
Dress warmly
Don’t judge by the weather conditions ashore. It doesn’t matter if you’ll take the fjord boat tour during winter or summer: it will definitely be colder on the boat than when walking at Bryggen. Be sure to dress warmly, preferably in layers.
Moreover, don’t forget to bring a hat or beanie: I still regret not having one. On the other hand, I’m glad I didn’t forget my gloves, but even if I had worn them, my hands would have gotten scars from the cold and remained dry for days. Therefore, a hand cream like this one might be a good idea for the fjords cruise.
On the other hand, dressing in layers means you might want to remove a thick or extra pullover when seated inside. No matter what, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to dress wisely, especially if you want (like me) to spend time on the deck.
Bring your sunglasses
Bergen is probably the rainiest city in Europe, and sunshine is rare. However, sunny days occur, and the light can be very intense. Sunglasses are a lightweight accessory, so have them in your bag in case you are lucky enough to take the cruise on a sunny day. Especially in winter, the sun is low on the horizon, and you’ll have it straight in your eyes for most of the boat trip. I’m glad I had sunglasses with me: they saved me during the cruise.
You can bring water and food onboard
Although a kiosk is onboard, I suggest bringing your own food and water. Don’t get me wrong: the snacks and drinks on the vessels are of good quality. However, as I stated earlier, Norway is an expensive country, and if you want to cut down on expenses, you can avoid buying food from the boat to Mostraumen.
Pay with a credit or debit card
Norway is an almost cashless society, and in most places, it’s easier to pay by card. That’s also the case on the boat from Bergen to Mostraumen. Therefore, if you want to buy water or coffee, the kiosk accepts cards.
Arrive early at the pier
The fjord cruises from Bergen to Mostraumen are popular all year long. If you want to choose a window seat in the interior or find a seat on the deck, make sure to arrive early at the meeting point. Even on a cold winter day, you’ll be surprised by the number of people willing to take the cruise.
And here’s an extra tip: while sailing off, choose a seat on the vessel’s right side for the best views of Bryggen.
FAQ about the fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen
Before we get to the practical information about the cruise, here are some frequently asked questions about your trip. If you have any further questions about this fjord cruise, please leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Is the sea rough in the fjords?
In general, the sea is calm in the fjords. The stacks of mountains create safe sailing passages, and it’s very unlikely to come across rough seas. Moreover, the boats are sturdy, and it’s unlikely that you’ll get seasick.
However, if you are easily seasick, you might consider some pills against nausea or motion sickness patches.
Are Norwegian fjords safe?
The tour operators are highly skilled professionals, and the boats are in excellent condition. Moreover, they will not compromise the passengers’ safety. That said, a fjord cruise offered by professionals is a totally safe activity.
For example, the day I took the fjord cruise to Mostraumen, the sea was frozen in the last 100 meters of the route. The captain addressed us and said that he wouldn’t sail to the final point for safety reasons. Everyone on board appreciated this.
To put it simply, yes, it’s absolutely safe to cruise the Norwegian fjords.
Is it worth it to go on the Bergen-Mostraumen fjord cruise?
Yes, it is actually one of the best things to do in Bergen. The fjords are breathtaking, and nature is beautiful.
Is the Bergen-Mostraumen fjord cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Mostraumen fjord tour from Bergen is wheelchair accessible. Passengers will embark through a ramp, which is also accessible for wheelchairs. In addition, there’s a wheelchair-accessible bathroom on board.
Are there any discounts?
If you have the Bergen Card, you can get a 20% discount on this boat tour. The Bergen Card gives you free or discounted access to several places of interest in the city. It’s worth considering if you plan to visit many museums and do extensive sightseeing.
Does this fjord tour take place even if the weather is bad?
The cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen takes place regardless of weather conditions. Therefore, all you need to do is check the forecast to decide about your clothes. The crew will take care of the rest and treat you to an unforgettable experience.
Practical info: how to book the Bergen Fjord cruise & more
In the final section of this article, you’ll see how you can book your Mostraumen fjord cruise from Bergen. Additionally, you’ll see other tour operators offering the same boat trip.
The Bergen-Mostraumen fjord cruise I took
Since I visited Bergen during the winter, there were fewer options compared to summer. The cruise operator I chose offers the tour all year round, and I was delighted with the journey. The fjord cruise departed at 10 am sharp from Zachariasbryggen, and the cost was approximately 70 euros. The cruise is popular, so I suggest booking your place in advance.
You can book the tour I took here.
Similar tours
Several tour operators offer similar Mostraumen fjord cruises.
If the cruise I mentioned earlier is sold out, you can try booking this one. It has the same duration and price, and sailing the Osterfjord all the way to Mostraumen Strait should be equally great.
On the other hand, if you are a group of people visiting Bergen, it might be worth considering a private tour. Private cruises in the Norwegian fjords are, of course, pricey, and they probably make sense when you are more than 7-8 people traveling. However, it’s a great way to see the fjords, and the cruise lasts 7 hours. That’s double the regular cruise time. You can book the private tour here.
Starting times & meeting points
Most fjord cruises start from the area around Zachariasbryggen, close to the Fish Market. However, please ensure you verify the exact starting point with your tour operator.
As a rule of thumb, most cruises start at 10 am. On weekends and during the summer, there is usually a second itinerary that starts at 2 pm.
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen: Conclusion
Rightly ranking among the top things to do in Bergen, the Mostraumen Fjord cruise is a unique experience. I can’t imagine visiting a coastal city in Norway without taking a fjord tour. Norway’s nature is one of the most beautiful in the world, and the fact that Bergen is strategically located in the fjords means it’s a must-do day trip. Don’t miss the chance to cruise Bergen and see these unforgettable landscapes.
So, book your place in advance, dress warmly, and enjoy the Mostraumen Fjord cruise, one of the most stunning yet affordable experiences in Bergen, Norway.
More about Bergen: The Bergen Aquarium, Bergen Airport Guide, Bergen Maritime Museum
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