Bergen Golden Circle Fjord Tour: Waterfalls & Tides

See the fjord beyond what cruise ships can reach

A 5-hour fjord and mountain circle tour from Bergen in a small minibus or private vehicle, passing the Nordhordland Bridge and reaching waterfalls, the Mostraumen tidal channel, and the village of Mo. The route accesses areas sealed off to large cruise ships since 1994. Available as a private tour for 1–8 passengers or a small group departure, with a driver-guide in English and return timed for cruise port schedules.

Step-by-step itinerary

Golden Circle Fjordtour from Bergen

• Pass Bryggen Wharf UNESCO site
• View Nordhordland Bridge engineering marvel
• Stop at Vikanes fjordside
• See Mostraumen tidal channel
• Visit Mo Village for break
• Stop at Hesjedalsfossen twin waterfall
• View Kallestad bridge and Veafjord
• Stop at strongest tidal current at Straume
• Return to Bergen cruise port

The experience

The Nordhordland Bridge, built in 1994, cut off the Osterfjord to modern cruise vessels. They're too large to pass underneath. This tour uses that same route to reach what those ships cannot. You travel in a minibus along the fjord, stopping at Vikanes to look across mirror-like water ringed by tall mountains, then move deeper into the Mostraumen tidal channel, one of the narrowest sections of the fjords. The channel itself has a story: until 1743, a large flood washed away the outlet of a river from Mo lake, and saltwater began flowing in with the tide. The Osterfjord became Norway's "youngest" fjord. It did not exist three centuries ago.

The Hesjedalsfossen twin waterfall is the tour's centerpiece, plunging 206 feet in free fall into a cavity on the fjord bank. You stop meters away from it. In spring, the spray is heavy enough to warrant an umbrella. From there, the route crosses the Kallestad Bridge, which connects mainland Norway to Osteroy, Europe's largest roadless inland island, and offers what the operator calls the tour's "hottest" photospot. A 20-minute stop in Mo village lets you visit local shops and a restroom. The waterfront architecture there echoes both the historic Bryggen Wharf in Bergen and traditional seahouses found along fjord banks throughout the region.

The final stop is at the Straume tidal current, the strongest in southern Norway: the name translates directly to "current." During the lowering tide, the fjord looks like a wild river, and the force is visible. From there, the route returns to Bergen via the E-16 highway, timed to get you back to your cruise port or hotel. The tour runs 5 hours total, including all transportation. You can book it as a private vehicle for 1–3 passengers or 4–8 passengers, or join a small group minibus departure. Either way, a driver and local guide in English lead the route.

What’s included

• Driver and local guide in English.
• fuel surcharge.
• pickup from your Bergen cruise terminal (Jekteviken or Bontelabo) or hotel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour for 4 to 8 passengersUp to 8 people · Guide in English · 08:30 and 09:00Private tour for 4 to 8 passengers: Take a private tour with 4 to 8 passengers and no strangers on board the Mercedes Sprinter. Minimum booking 4 passengers, maximum 8.

Private tour for 1 to 3 passengersUp to 3 people · Guide in English · 08:30Private tour for 1 to 3 passengers: Travel in a smaller car with a friendly guide who focuses entirely on you during the Golden Circle.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Norway Fjord Travel

Is this one for you?Book the private tour if you're traveling with family or a small group and want the flexibility to linger at any stop. The small group minibus works best if you're solo or a pair and want to share the cost with other travelers. Either option returns you to your cruise port in time for departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the private tour and the small group option?

Private tours run for either 1–3 passengers or 4–8 passengers in a dedicated vehicle with your own driver-guide. Small group departures use a minibus and share the tour with other travelers. Both follow the same route and timing.

Can this tour get me back to my cruise ship on time?

Yes. The tour is designed for cruise passengers and timed to return you to either the Jekteviken or Bontelabo cruise terminal in Bergen. Confirm which terminal your ship uses when you book, and the pickup will be arranged accordingly.

What exactly is the Mostraumen tidal current, and why is it worth seeing?

Mostraumen is the narrowest section of the fjords, where the tide flows in and out twice daily with such force that during the lowering tide the fjord resembles a wild river. It's the strongest tidal current in southern Norway and one of the few places where you can watch the raw power of tidal movement from the shore.

How close do you get to the Hesjedalsfossen waterfall?

You stop just meters away from the waterfall as it plunges 206 feet into a cavity on the fjord bank. In spring, when water volume is highest, the spray can be heavy, so an umbrella is wise if you want to stay dry while viewing it.

Is there time to eat or buy a drink during the tour?

There's a 20-minute stop in Mo village where you can visit local shops and cafes to purchase food or drinks. No meals or beverages are included in the tour price, so plan to buy what you need during that stop or bring your own.

Which stop offers the best photo opportunity?

The Kallestad Bridge, which connects the mainland to Osteroy, is described as the tour's "hottest" photospot. It offers a spectacular viewpoint with the unique roadless Veafjord scenery in the background.