Tromsø Fjord Fishing Cruise: Local Lunch & Historic Boat

Summary

Fishing, fjord views and northern flavors on a classic Tromsø boat

You’ll set out from Tromsø aboard a classic wooden boat, bundled up against Arctic winds with a local guide showing you how to fish for cod or whatever bites first. If luck’s on your side, you’ll taste your own catch cooked fresh with flatbread and butter — all while soaking up those wild fjord views and stories below deck over hot drinks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fishing and fjord cruise from Tromsø

• Board the boat Hermes II
• Set course for fishing spots
• Fish for cod or enjoy scenery
• Explore the boat and learn its story
• Take photos of scenic views
• Relax in heated lounge below deck
• Wear warm suits provided
• Enjoy hot drinks included

Top questions

Where does the fishing cruise depart from in Tromsø?

The boat departs from pier 10 by Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora (June–August) or pier 12 by Kystens Hus after August 22.

Is fishing equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, fishing rods are included but you can also bring your own if you prefer.

What kind of food is served during the cruise?

If there’s a catch of the day, you’ll get fresh fish prepared with butter and flatbread in traditional northern Norwegian style.

Are warm clothes or gear provided?

Thermal suits and blankets are available for free use onboard.

Is this fishing cruise suitable for children or beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and kids can join (infants must sit on an adult’s lap).

Are hot drinks included?

Coffee and tea are included during the trip; other local food and beverages are available for sale.

How long does the half-day fishing cruise last?

The activity is half-day but exact duration isn’t specified; expect several hours on board including time for fishing and lunch.

Can I reach the departure point using public transportation?

Yes, public transport options are available nearby both departure piers.

What’s included

Your trip includes use of fishing rods (or bring your own), thermal suits and blankets to keep you warm against that chilly Arctic breeze, personal safety equipment throughout, plus coffee or tea whenever you need it. If someone reels in a catch of the day, you’ll share fresh fish prepared with butter and flatbread right onboard before heading back toward Tromsø’s lights.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect the boat to smell so much like old wood and coffee when we first stepped onto Hermes II in Tromsø. The captain was already chatting with a couple from Bergen about cod season, and I just stood there, hands deep in my pockets, watching the seagulls circle. You could feel the cold even through the thermal suit they handed out (which I was grateful for — my own jacket would’ve been useless). The main keyword here is “fishing cruise Tromsø”, but honestly, it felt more like joining someone’s family outing than any tour I’d done before.

We drifted past these sharp blue-grey mountains while our guide, Lars, showed us how to use the fishing rods — he joked that beginners usually caught the biggest fish. Not true for me; I mostly tangled my line and laughed at myself. Someone actually did pull up a decent cod though, and suddenly everyone gathered around to watch it flop on deck. There was this salty tang in the air mixed with something buttery drifting up from below — turns out they cook whatever you catch right there. Flatbread, butter, fresh fish. Simple but so good after being out in that wind.

Downstairs in the heated lounge (bless whoever invented that), people swapped stories over mugs of tea that steamed up the windows. A little girl tried to pronounce “Hermes” in Norwegian and got it almost right — her dad grinned at her like she’d just won a prize. It’s funny how quickly strangers start feeling familiar when you’re all sharing something small but real like this. I still think about that view back toward Tromsø as we headed in; low sun behind us, city lights starting to flicker on shore. Didn’t want it to end yet.