Tromso Fjord Cruise on Historic Wooden Boat Hermes II

A restored wooden boat carries the story of the fjords and the ship itself.

The Fjord & History Cruise is a boat tour of the Tromso Fjords and surrounding islands aboard Hermes II, a beautifully restored wooden vessel, with a live guide in English or Norwegian sharing the boat's history and the places you pass. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes thermal suits and coffee or tea. Departures run from pier 10 (June–August 21) or pier 12 (from August 22) in central Tromso.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fjord cruise and sightseeing

• Board the restored wooden boat Hermes II
• Sail out of Tromso harbor
• Enjoy nature and company on deck
• Hear about the boat's history
• View islands near Tromso from sea
• See The Arctic Cathedral from sea
• See The Tromsø Bridge from sea

The Experience

You board Hermes II directly at the pier and sail out into the Tromso Fjords, where the calm on the water sets the pace. The guide walks you through the boat's own history as you move past the islands nearby, each one framed differently from the deck than it would be from the shore. Thermal suits keep you warm in the Arctic air, and hot coffee or tea is available throughout the cruise.

The Arctic Cathedral appears from the water—a different angle than most visitors see it—and the Tromso Bridge passes into view as well, both offering the kind of photograph that only works from a boat. The route stays close enough to the shoreline that details emerge: the geology of the islands, the way the light hits the water, the scale of the landscape. If you're drawn to old boats or the history of the region, the guide's knowledge of Hermes II itself becomes the thread that ties the scenery together.

The meeting point is directly by the boat, and the departure pier shifts seasonally: from June through August 21, you leave from pier 10 by the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora; from August 22 onward, departures move to pier 12 at Kystens Hus on Stortorget. Public transportation stops nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Thermal suits to stay warm on deck.
• hot coffee and tea throughout the cruise.
• live guide in English or Norwegian sharing the boat's history and the fjords.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hermes II

Is this one for you?At 2.5 hours, the cruise fits into a morning or afternoon without taking over your whole day, leaving room for other Tromso activities. Book this one if you want to see the fjords and the Arctic Cathedral from the water rather than from land, and if the history of a restored wooden boat adds something to the experience.

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Top questions

What is the Arctic Cathedral and why does it matter in Tromso?

The Arctic Cathedral is Tromso's most recognizable landmark, a striking modern structure visible from across the city. On this cruise, you see it from the water, which gives you a perspective most land-based visitors don't get.

How long is the Fjord & History Cruise and what does that leave time for in my day?

The cruise runs 2.5 hours, which fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day. You can combine it with other activities in Tromso before or after.

What's special about the boat Hermes II?

Hermes II is a beautifully restored wooden boat, and the guide shares its history during the cruise. If you're interested in maritime heritage or vintage vessels, that story becomes part of what you experience on the water.

Will I be warm enough in the Arctic?

Thermal suits are included with the cruise, so you stay comfortable on deck even in cold Arctic conditions. Hot coffee and tea are also available throughout the trip.

Where exactly do I meet the boat and how do I get there?

The meeting point is directly by the boat at the pier. From June through August 21, that's pier 10 by the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora; from August 22 onward, it moves to pier 12 at Kystens Hus on Stortorget. Public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this cruise suitable if I have mobility concerns or physical limitations?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.