Bergen Kayak Tour: Askøy Islands & Local Snacks

Paddling the Norwegian Coast: What You Actually See in Askøy's Waters

You get picked up from Bergen city center and driven to Askøy's islands, where you paddle stable double kayaks through clear water while spotting crabs, coastal birds and eagles. Your local guide shares the area's history and prehistoric stories, and you break midway for homemade lefse and apple juice. All waterproof gear and safety instruction are included, and no kayaking experience is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour around Askøy islands

• Meet outside Bergen Tourist Information
• Drive 28 minutes to the islands
• Receive safety instructions and gear
• Paddle in stable double kayaks
• Explore coastal nature and wildlife
• Listen to local history stories
• Enjoy traditional lefse and apple juice

The experience

The water is clearer than you'd expect, and the first time you look down through the kayak and spot actual crabs moving across the seabed, it hits different. That's the moment most people realize this isn't a scenic paddle. It's a working coastline, and you're moving through it at the speed where things start to reveal themselves. The guided kayak tour around Askøy, just outside Bergen, takes you to the islands where the city's noise stops and the actual fjord landscape begins. Your guide picks you up at the Bergen Tourist Information office and drives you 28 minutes out to the water, so you skip the logistics and start paddling within an hour of meeting.

The kayaks are stable doubles, which matters if you've never done this before, and most people haven't. Your guide walks through the safety setup on shore, hands you a waterproof jacket and pants (they provide everything), and then you're in the water with someone who knows the area's history, the bird patterns, and where the eagles tend to hunt. As you paddle between the islets, you're looking for movement in the water and the sky at the same time. The guide points out coastal birds, talks about the prehistoric settlements that used to be here, and keeps an eye on the group's pace. The water around the islands is usually calmer than what you'd find closer to Bergen city, even when the weather turns, and it does turn, sometimes mid-tour. Rain doesn't stop the trip. The guide sees it as part of the light show, the way the color of the water changes, how the birds react.

Halfway through, you pull ashore for a break with homemade lefse (a soft Norwegian flatbread) and fresh apple juice from a local farm. It's simple, warm, and tastes like the kind of thing people actually eat here, not something assembled for tourists. After that, you're back on the water for the second half, usually quieter than the first, with more time to just watch. The whole experience runs in rain and shine: the operator doesn't cancel for weather, and the islands look different in both, so you get what the coast actually offers that day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or city center pickup at Bergen Tourist Information office, a 28-minute drive to Askøy, full waterproof clothing and kayak gear, a guided paddle around the islands with safety instruction, a break with homemade local lefse and fresh apple juice from a nearby farm, and return transport to Bergen.

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lysebotn Landhandel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Norwegian coast from the water without arranging your own transport, gear, or safety briefing: the pickup from the city center and the included clothing mean you show up and paddle, and the stable kayaks let you focus on what's moving in the water instead of balance.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The tour uses stable double kayaks and is designed for beginners. Your guide provides full safety instruction before you start.

What's included in the tour?

Pickup and return transport from Bergen Tourist Information office, waterproof clothing, all kayak gear, local homemade lefse, and fresh apple juice. The 28-minute drive to Askøy is included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour operates in rain and shine. The guide sees changing weather and light as part of the experience and the landscape. Weather around the islands is usually better than in Bergen city.

Can larger groups book this tour?

Yes. The operator can accommodate larger groups on request. Contact them directly to arrange.

What will I see in the water?

You'll spot crabs and shrimp through the clear water, coastal birds, and eagles. Your guide shares stories about the area's history and prehistoric lifestyle.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The tour is not recommended for travelers weighing above 120 kg (260 lb).

How far is Askøy from Bergen?

The islands are a 28-minute drive from Bergen Tourist Information office, where pickup happens.