Bergen private yacht fjord cruise: Modal Fjord waterfalls

Cruise narrow fjords and waterfalls in your own boat, no other tourists in sight

A private yacht cruise from Bergen to Modal Fjord and Mostraumen, with an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup included. You depart from the city center watching Bryggen from the water, cruise past the Nordhordland Bridge into remote fjords where no large tour boats can reach, and stop at waterfalls and a quiet village for lunch or a swim. The boat is yours alone, and timing is flexible — typically 4 to 7 hours depending on what you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private fjord and waterfall cruise

• Depart from Bergen city center
• Cruise past Bergen suburbs
• Pass under Nordhordland Bridge
• Enter Osterfjord, enjoy mountain views
• Pass islands and white church at Vike
• Enter Mostraumen channel by boat
• View beautiful waterfalls
• Stop at village of Mo for lunch
• Relax and explore village and nature
• Return cruise to Bergen

The Experience

The boat leaves from your hotel in Bergen and heads out past Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, with the seven mountains framing the city behind you. Coffee or tea comes onboard as you cruise at a relaxed pace, watching the suburbs fall away. After about an hour, you pass under the Nordhordland Bridge — the world's seventh longest pontoon bridge — and enter the Osterfjord, where the landscape shifts from coastal lowland to deep fjords ringed by mountains.

The Mostraumen channel is where the private boat earns its place: no cruise ships can navigate these narrow waters, only smaller vessels like yours. You pass farms with sheep grazing at the water's edge, maybe swans, and then the waterfalls start — cascading down the mountainsides into the fjord. The village of Mo appears, a small settlement with no tour groups, only locals. You can dock and explore, or stay onboard. Lunch happens either at the local cafeteria in the village or while cruising, your choice. If you brought a swimsuit, there's a stop for a swim near one of the waterfalls — the kind of moment that doesn't fit into a standard itinerary.

The return to Bergen speeds up or stays leisurely depending on what you want; you're usually back by 5 PM, though times shift based on your preferences. Rain doesn't cancel anything — it actually makes the waterfalls more dramatic. The boat carries coffee, tea, snacks, wine and beer onboard, plus a restroom, so there's no scrambling between stops.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Bergen.
• private yacht for your group only.
• English-speaking guide.
• coffee, tea, snacks, wine and beer onboard.
• bottled water.
• WiFi on board.
• restroom on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by See the Fjords - Private fjord cruise

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you're traveling as a small group or family and want to avoid the mass-market tour boats — the private boat and narrow-fjord access mean you'll be the only visitors in the remote villages and channels, and you can adjust the pace and stops to match what you actually want to do that day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

55 verified traveler reviews

5 ★55

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between cruising Modal Fjord on a private boat versus a group tour?

The Mostraumen channel is too narrow for large cruise ships, so only small private boats can reach it. You avoid the crowds entirely and move at your own pace instead of following a fixed schedule with dozens of other passengers.

Can I swim at the waterfall, or is that just an option?

Swimming near the waterfall is optional — bring a swimsuit if you want to stop for a swim, or skip it and stay onboard. The crew will ask what you prefer when you reach that point in the cruise.

How long does the whole cruise take?

The cruise runs 4 to 7 hours depending on how much time you spend in the village of Mo, whether you swim, and how fast you want to return to Bergen. You set the pace with the guide.

Does the tour run if it's raining?

Yes — rain doesn't stop the cruise, and it actually makes the waterfalls more dramatic. The boat has a restroom onboard and shelter, so weather doesn't disrupt the day.

Is lunch included, or do I need to arrange it?

Lunch can be arranged at the local cafeteria in the village of Mo, or you can eat onboard while cruising. Coffee, tea, snacks, wine and beer are included on the boat; food beyond that is your choice.

What do I see when we pass under the Nordhordland Bridge?

The Nordhordland Bridge is the world's seventh longest pontoon bridge, and you cruise directly underneath it as you enter the Osterfjord. After passing under it, the landscape opens into deep fjords surrounded by majestic mountains.