Bergen Fjord Cruise: Zodiac Tour, Waterfalls & Scenic Train Return

Summary

Fjord silence surges waterfalls viking ship and wild train ride

You’ll zip through hidden fjords on a private Zodiac from Bergen with a local skipper, feel cold spray at Hesjedalsfossen waterfall, glimpse Viking heritage at Stamnes village, then return by scenic train after wandering a quiet riverside hamlet. It’s not just another tour—it’s one of those days you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous when I first saw the Zodiac bobbing at the dock in Bergen—looked smaller than I’d pictured for a “fjord cruise.” But our skipper (Ola? Ole? I never got it right) grinned and handed me a windproof suit. He joked that Norwegians are born with sea legs, so we’d be fine. The engine coughed to life and off we went, slicing past the city’s edges into this hush of green cliffs and water that felt way too still for how fast we were moving. There was this weird moment where all you could hear was the boat’s wake and some distant gulls—no buses, no crowds. Just us and maybe three other boats in sight.

We stopped at Hesjedalsfossen waterfall, which honestly looked like someone had torn a hole in the cliff—water just pouring out from 200 feet above. You can’t get that view from any road; Ola said only boats see it like this. The spray hit my face (cold!) and my camera lens fogged up for a second. Somewhere around Veafjorden he slowed down, let us drift between these ancient rock walls. He pointed out an old farm up there—only reachable by foot or boat—and told stories about salmon runs and seals that used to rest here. It smelled like wet stone and pine needles; hard to explain but I still think about it sometimes.

At Stamnes village, there’s this Viking ship replica just chilling by the water—way less touristy than I expected. Ola told us about shipbuilders who’ve been doing this for over a thousand years, then switched gears to talk about Norwegian salmon (he seemed genuinely proud). Later we hit Bolstadfjorden’s tidal current—felt like the whole fjord took a breath and let it out fast. Kinda wild but not scary, more like you’re part of something ancient moving under you.

The last bit was quiet: stepping off at Bolstadøyri, where the Vosso River meets the fjord. Small village smells—wood smoke maybe? We walked eight minutes to this tiny station and caught the train back to Bergen. That ride hugged cliffs and lakes all the way home; I kept replaying bits of the day in my head instead of scrolling my phone. If you want a Bergen fjord cruise that feels real—not staged or crowded—I’d do this again without thinking twice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bergen fjord private Zodiac tour

• Board Zodiac or pontoon boat
• Enjoy skipper's informative commentary
• Cruise through stunning fjord scenery
• View Twin waterfall of Hesjedalsfossen
• Explore Veafjorden's unspoiled nature
• See Viking ship at Stamnes village
• Experience Bolstadfjorden's tidal current
• Step ashore at Bolstadøyri village
• Walk to train station for Fjord Train

Top questions

Is hotel or port pickup included on this Bergen fjord cruise?

Yes, hotel or port pickup is free for private tours.

How long is the Zodiac cruise from Bergen?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes multiple scenic stops before returning by train.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included on this tour.

What makes Veafjorden special on this trip?

Veafjorden is an unspoiled fjord only accessible by boat or foot; it’s peaceful and rarely visited by crowds.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes—the schedule fits cruise timetables so you’re back before departure.

Are children allowed on board?

Children aged 3+ can join; infants may ride in prams or strollers.

How do we return to Bergen after the boat tour?

You return via an included ticket on one of Europe’s most scenic trains from Bolstadøyri to Bergen.

Is this Bergen fjord cruise suitable for older travelers?

Yes—even people in their 80s have enjoyed it comfortably.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel or port pickup for private bookings, all Zodiac cruising with commentary from your local skipper, photo stops at waterfalls and villages along hidden fjords, plus your ticket for the scenic train ride back to Bergen after stepping ashore in Bolstadøyri.