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Cruising the fjords from Bergen- on a budget

Hello! Okay I know that "on a budget" and "cruising the fjords" probably don't mix but my friend and I will be in Oslo and then Bergen for a few days and would like to do a boat trip through the fjords (I've heard it's a must do). I was just googling and doing some research online and there are so many companies and options that it's overwhelming, so I came to get advice from the best:) We booked a trip to Norway and Copenhagen not realizing how expensive everything is so now were trying to do everything as cheaply as possible. Does anyone have suggestions on a boat cruise/trip/sightseeing trip from Bergen and through the fjords that they enjoyed? And was relatively reasonable in price? I'm seeing some really long ones that stop in other places (Norway in a Nutshell) and some shorter 4 hour ones, so trying to decide which is better. Also, we're open to any other suggestions you have on things to do in Oslo and Bergen!

Thank you so much!!

Posted by
9110 posts

How about combine fjords and transportation? Ferries from Denmark to Norway run the Oslo Fjord.

Posted by
16895 posts

The Express boat from Bergen to Flam costs 750 kroner (about $150). These fjords are bound to be a highlight of the trip, so I'd spend the money, even if you just bring onboard a picnic of bread and water. The price of a train is not much less (also very scenic, but inland).

Posted by
5837 posts

Re: "Oslo and then Bergen for a few days and would like to do a boat trip through the fjords"

http://www.norwaynutshell.com/en/explore-the-fjords/norway-in-a-nutshell/#prices

Current pricing of the one day, one way Oslo to Bergen "Nutshell" is 1550 nok per adult ($260-$270usd) and includes regional train to Myrdal, Flåm Railway to Flåm, Fjord cruise to Gudvangen, then bus to Voss and train to Bergen. While that's only a 2hr 20 min ferry boat ride, it covers two arms of a very scenic fjord. The bonus is you are also getting scenic transportation to Bergen. Two years from now you will have the memories of a scenic traverse of Norway and no recollection of what it cost.

PS Ferry is a slow boat so you can absorb the scenery.

PPS. Several Norway forum topics of the last month or two covered Oslo and Bergen "should see/experience discussions:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway/oslo
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway/Berger

Posted by
23 posts

Wonderful, thank you everyone for the reply! We already booked our transportation but maybe spending some money is worth it! Someone else messaged me about doing your own tour and getting a ferry between the fjords we want to see, so sounds like I have a lot of options! Thank you for your help everyone:)

Posted by
2779 posts

We just did Fjord Line from Bergen via Stavangar to Hirtshals (Denmark). It's much cheaper than Hurtigruten but equally as nice - and the vessels are brand-new.