Bergen: Private Full-Day Roundtrip to Hardangerfjord with cruise

The Bergen: Private Full-Day Roundtrip to Hardangerfjord with cruise offers an immersive experience of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords. Priced at $853.80 per person, this tour spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring Norway’s natural beauty without rushing. The tour features private round-trip transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off in Bergen, and a hardangerfjord cruise, ensuring a smooth and personalized journey. The tour is highly recommended by 100% of those who review it, with a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, highlighting consistent satisfaction.

From scenic drives along Highway 7 to visits at iconic waterfalls and the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, this tour provides a thorough exploration of the region’s highlights. While the lunch is at your own expense, the itinerary’s flexibility and the knowledgeable guides make the experience truly engaging. This tour suits those who appreciate nature, photography, and Norwegian culture, and who prefer a private, carefully curated day out.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour from Bergen with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Includes a Hardangerfjord cruise and visits to waterfalls, the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, and the Hardanger Bridge
• Features scenic drives along Highway 7 with expert commentary from a driver-guide
• Crosses the Hardangerfjord Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges
• Highlights include Vøringfossen waterfall and Lake Skåsvatnet, known as the Goldfish Lake
• Flexible itinerary with stops at waterfalls, villages, and the region’s top viewpoints

Starting in Bergen and Traveling Along Scenic Highway 7

The tour begins with hotel or port pickup in Bergen at 8:30 am, where a private driver guides you along Highway 7, celebrated as one of Norway’s most scenic tourist roads. This route takes you through mountain pastures, deep valleys, and charming villages, setting the stage for a full day immersed in the region’s natural splendor. The driver-provides commentary on the area’s history and geography, enriching the journey.

Traveling westward, you’ll make initial stops at the Fossen Bratte waterfall and Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can get close enough to appreciate Norway’s iconic cascades. Notably, at Steinsdalsfossen, visitors can walk behind the waterfall on specially designed paths, gaining a unique perspective that’s both safe and exhilarating.

Exploring the Hardangerfjord and Its Surroundings

The drive continues to the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous fjords, framed by towering mountains. You’ll see the fjord’s impressive scale as you approach, with the waterway stretching deep into the landscape. The highlight here is crossing the Hardangerfjord Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, offering spectacular views of the water and surrounding mountains.

On the other side of the bridge, the tour passes through Eidfjord and stops at Øvre Eidfjord, a picturesque village beneath the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Here, travelers visit the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, an engaging museum dedicated to the local wildlife, glaciers, and climate. The center features dioramas, interactive exhibits, and a panoramic film, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s environment.

Hardangerfjord Cruise and Its Unique Perspectives

One of the key features of this tour is the Hardangerfjord cruise, which departs from either Eidfjord-Ulvik or Ulvik-Eidfjord, depending on that day’s plan. Lasting about 40 minutes, the cruise offers a different perspective on the fjord’s towering cliffs and tranquil waters, allowing travelers to appreciate Norway’s waterways from a boat.

This cruise is especially valued for the chance to see the fjord’s grandeur from the water, adding a relaxing element to the day. It also offers opportunities for photography, with views of waterfalls, mountains, and the surrounding landscape from a unique vantage point.

Visiting Vøringfossen Waterfall, Norway’s Largest Fall

After the cruise, the tour heads to Vøringfossen, Norway’s biggest waterfall, plunging 597 feet (182 meters) from the Hardangervidda plateau into a narrow valley. The falls are accessible via viewing platforms, where visitors can take photos, walk around, or pause for snacks and restrooms. The powerful waters and dramatic scenery make Vøringfossen a standout natural feature on this trip.

The proximity to the waterfall allows ample time for sightseeing and photography, making it a favorite stop for capturing Norway’s dramatic water features.

Dining and Regional Cuisine at a Cozy Norwegian Restaurant

Midway through the day, the tour stops at a cozy restaurant for a Norwegian lunch (at your own expense). This provides an authentic dining experience, where you can enjoy local specialties in a warm atmosphere. The restaurant’s setting complements the overall nature-focused theme of the tour, and many reviews mention the pleasant ambiance.

While lunch is not included in the price, this pause allows for a relaxed meal, giving travelers time to reflect on the morning’s sights and prepare for the afternoon’s adventures.

Crossing the Hardanger Bridge and Panoramic Views

Post-lunch, the tour takes a scenic drive over the Hardanger Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the fjord. The viewpoint stop offers a chance to take photos of the bridge’s impressive span and surrounding landscapes. This moment highlights Norway’s combination of natural beauty and modern engineering.

The bridge crossing provides excellent photo opportunities and a memorable experience of Norway’s infrastructure blending seamlessly with the landscape.

Concluding the Day Back in Bergen

The return journey from Øvre Eidfjord to Bergen lasts approximately 2.5 hours, concluding around late afternoon. The driver-guide wraps up the day sharing insights about the region, ensuring a comfortable and informative return. The tour ends with hotel or port drop-off in Bergen, leaving travelers with a full day of scenic and cultural exploration.

Tour Logistics and Practical Details

The tour is designed for convenience and comfort, with private transportation and group discounts available. It is suitable for most travelers, with most needing only moderate mobility for stops and walking around viewpoints. The pickup time is fixed at 8:30 am, and the cancellation policy allows free cancellations if made more than 24 hours in advance.

The admission fee to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre is 130 NOK for adults and 65 NOK for children, with discounts available for families and groups. The lunch and nature center entry are at additional cost, giving travelers flexibility in budgeting.

Highly Praised Aspects and Notable Observations

The tour consistently receives praise for its knowledgeable guides, with reviewers mentioning guides like Lorenzo, Tim, and Alex as attentive, informative, and professional. The scenic stops, such as waterfalls and the fjord views, are described as stunning and worth the trip. Many highlight the smooth navigation through obstacles and the personalized attention provided by guides.

A few reviews mention unexpected obstacles like road accidents or overlapping tours, but these do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience. The timing allows sufficient exploration of each site, ensuring no rush at key attractions.

Final Summary of the Bergen to Hardangerfjord Tour

This private day trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Norway’s renowned fjords, waterfalls, and landscapes, with the added benefit of personalized service and flexible customization. The Hardangerfjord cruise and visits to highlights like Vøringfossen and the Hardangervidda Nature Center make it a well-rounded experience for those wanting a deep dive into the region’s natural beauty.

While the price point is higher than some group tours, the private transportation and expert-guided commentary provide a level of comfort and personalization that many travelers find valuable. This tour is especially suitable for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a memorable day immersed in Norway’s stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is at your own expense, typically enjoyed at a cozy Norwegian restaurant mid-day.

How long is the fjord cruise?
The cruise lasts about 40 minutes, providing scenic views from the water.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, guides are known for accommodating requests and personalizing stops, ensuring a tailored experience.

What are the main sights I will see?
You visit waterfalls like Fossen Bratte and Steinsdalsfossen, cross the Hardangerfjord Bridge, explore the Hardangervidda Nature Center, and see Vøringfossen waterfall.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and mobility are required at stops like waterfalls and viewpoints.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.

This private full-day tour from Bergen combines Norway’s iconic landscapes with expert guiding and flexible stops, making it a rewarding choice for travelers seeking a high-quality, hassle-free exploration of Hardangerfjord.