Best of · GUIDED
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 guided fjord tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out from Oslo Fjordhage, opposite the Opera House, for a 90-minute electric cruise around Oslofjord. See Akershus Fortress, Bygdøy, Hovedøya, Gressholmen, and the harbor from the water. You can listen to the Voice of Norway app in seven languages, relax indoors, or step onto the accessible outdoor deck.
“It was really nice experience to see the fjords!! Highly recommended!!”
Spend two hours aboard Brim Explorer’s electric Ms Brisen, sailing from Aker Brygge past Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Dyna Lighthouse, Bygdøy, and Hovedøya. An English-speaking guide such as Suzi or Frederick provides lively stories about Oslo, nature, and the fjord. You can sit outdoors or stay warm inside with coffee, cinnamon buns, beer, and other drinks available to buy.
“Brilliant way to see the coastlines and fjords out of the city centre, boat has many vantage points and seats. Great explanations for the various points of interest.”
Travel from Isafjordur’s cruise dock by modern bus to Dynjandi, the Westfjords’ great 100-meter waterfall. An English-speaking guide such as Camilla, Sally, or Annalise adds local stories during the one-hour drive. You get 90 minutes at the falls, enough for photos and the uphill path if you wear sturdy shoes.
“I really liked the history the tour guide gave us. Traveling one way to the falls and returning along a different route gave us additional scenery. Also we had a surprise bonus stopping at the Godafos Hotel for Coffee/tea and pastry!”
Cruise from Bergen’s Zachariasbryggen to Modalen and back in 3.5 hours. An English-speaking guide points out Bryggen, Sandviken, Osterfjord, waterfalls, and the narrow Mostraumen tidal stream. You get indoor seating, deck access, onboard waffles and drinks for purchase, plus a multilingual booklet.
“Excellent fjord cruise tour. We were lucky and had beautiful sunshine so the views were really breathtaking! Comfortable seats and good service at the bar for hot chocolate and waffles. It did get a little crowded on the top deck when people were outside taking photos but this fjord cruise was really a highlight of our holiday. Would definitely recommend.”
Travel from Bergen by small minibus to Tvindefossen, Stegastein, Gudvangen, and Flåm. Your guide, possibly Bjarte, Thomas, Stig, or Geir, handles the winding roads and shares local stories. The highlight is a two-hour electric-ferry journey through UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
“Wonderful, thanks to a great tour guide / driver, thomas. The weather was great so it helps, and I love the smalll tour mini bus. Quite a long day, but many stops and overall great experience.”
This 3.5-hour tour takes you from Eidfjord to Vøringfossen, across the Sysen Dam, and onto viewpoints over Måbø Valley. Expect an English-speaking guide, a comfortable bus ride, time for an easy hike, and scenic stops. Guides such as Bas and Sabrina have been praised for lively stories, local insight, and help with photos.
“The fog was heavy but our guide did an excellent job and threw in a couple of extra viewing stops with better visibility. She did an excellent job as she has no control over the weather. She shared valuable insights about the area.”
Spend about two hours touring Oslofjord aboard Brim Explorer’s quiet electric boat. Floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor deck, onboard café, and lively guides such as Alisha and Suzi make this a comfortable way to see Akershus Fortress, Dyna Fyr, Bygdøy, islands, swimming cabins, and the Opera House.
“I enjoyed the experience, it was a quiet and comfortable boat. Plenty of opportunities to wander the ship and get pictures on the observation areas outside. The crew was nice and the tour guide was informative and entertaining with some fun stories .”
Bonseye’s 75-minute Geirangerfjord tour uses an environmentally friendly RIB, often electric, to reach De Syv Søstre, Friaren, and Brudesløret. Your English-speaking guide mixes fast runs with quiet viewing stops, local farm stories, folklore, and close passes beneath the falls. Warm protective suits may be available, but bring an extra layer.
“Amazing! Grier was amazing. He was well educated on the area and got us so close to the waterfalls. This was by far our favorite excursion in the fjords.”
Travel by bus from Isafjordur to Dynjandi, Iceland’s remarkable seven-tier waterfall, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll follow the fjord coast, hear local history and stories, and have about an hour to walk toward the falls. Guides including Rachel, Alan, and Ulfar have earned praise for lively commentary, while the rocky path calls for sturdy shoes.
“Great stuff. Guide British and amazing info. The site is not too crowded like golden circle and if you walk with care to the top you have a feeling of discovery.”
Travel from Bergen by comfortable, climate-controlled minibus to Tvindefossen, Stegastein, Flåm, and Nærøyfjord. You’ll cruise for two hours on a battery-powered boat, with an English-speaking guide such as Bjarte, Stig, or Thomas sharing local stories and adding photo stops when time allows.
“Our guide Gear made sure we were comfortable and had a lot of knowlegde. We were also somehow beating the crowds in each place which was great. We were a small group in low season which turned out for the best. The fjords are absolutely incredible even with rain and fog, pictures don’t do it justice! Overall, even if it is expensive (that’s norway for you) it was completely worth it and something you need to see at least once.”
Spend about 10.5 hours moving through western Norway by bus, boat, and train. Visit Njardarheimr Viking Village, cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, ride the Flåm Railway to Myrdal, and return to Bergen. English-speaking guides such as Michael, Ivan, Linda, and Lora have led departures, with Spanish guidance offered from July to September.
“We felt we lucked out with the weather in that it wasn’t raining like in Bergen. We got an excellent position on the boat. The Viking village was very interesting with our guide being animated. The Flam rail was relaxing with a surprise at the stop.”
From Bonseye’s base near Hellesylt’s cruise dock, you’ll ride a RIB boat into Geirangerfjord for 75 minutes. English-speaking local guides such as Bente, Kim, and Ovi share stories about the farms, waterfalls, and fjord culture while you approach De Syv Søstre, Friaren, and Brudesløret. Warm waterproof outerwear is provided.
“Absolutely fabulous!! guide was great, lots of knowledge and such a lovely lady!! beautiful scenery. (just a shame it wasn't longer, could have stayed out for hours!)”
Meet Nordic Paddling near Dørvika Beach for a three-hour guided paddle on Lysefjord. After a safety briefing, you follow your guide past granite gorges, waterfalls, steep mountains, and Vagabonds Cave. Guides such as Sini, Sandra, Camilla, and Jonas explain local nature and history. Kayaks and waterproof clothing are included, but you must swim and manage a moderate workout.
“Although we got a lot of rain and wind at the beginning of the Tour, we managed to get to some hidden corners. Paddling against the wind was a tough workout. Our guide Jonas was very friendly and told us a lot about the fjords. All in all it was a great tour and maybe we will do some Kajaking again :) Rain Jackets/Trousers as well as Live Vests where provided at the base camp”
Paddle Geirangerfjord for two hours with an English-speaking instructor and a maximum of 10 people. You will head toward Skagevika for views of Gjaerdefossen Waterfall and Eagle Bend. Guides such as Richard, George, Stefano, and Peter are praised for patient instruction, local stories, safety care, and taking photos.
“Amazing and really interesting tour through the fjord. Tomas made an amazing job. Really can recommend this company. :-)”
You will tour Oslo by air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking local guide, stop at Holmenkollen and Vigeland Sculpture Park, then take a roughly two-hour electric-boat cruise from the city harbor. Guides such as Chris, Rita, Anita, and Randi are known for lively city stories, while the cruise offers a quieter view of islands and bays.
“Our Welsh tour guide was great. It would be nice to include more stops, but overall it was a good tour.”
A harbour, a hull, or a season.
