Osterfjord: Day Trips and Tours from Bergen

Bergen’s waterside location in the west of Norway makes it the perfect place to enjoy day trips on some of the most beautiful fjords in the country. On a day trip to Osterfjord from Bergen, you will cruise through the gleaming water, surrounded by towering mountains or to tackle the rugged terrain by car, infiltrating the back roads of Norway.

The areas around Osterøy Island have natural beauty in abundance, but the secluded villages also offer a unique opportunity to delve into Norwegian culture and experience the roads less traveled.

Here's all you need to know about Osterfjord, one of the most exciting day trips from Bergen.

How to get to Osterfjord from Bergen?

Osterfjord flows from the North Sea and is less than an hour northeast of Bergen.

From Bergen to Osterfjord by car

You can easily reach both the north and the south shores of Osterfjord from Bergen. Drive on the E39 and cross the Nordhorlandsbrau Bridge to reach the north shore of Osterfjord. To reach the south shore, you will turn right onto the E16 once you reach Langavatnet lake.

Guided tour to Mostraumenfjorden from Bergen

A day trip to Osterfjord as part of a guided tour is the most convenient way to take on rural Norway. These tours take you off the beaten track on the roads around Osterfjord or embark on a tranquil cruise to show you the fjord from a different perspective.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips to Osterfjord are either short relaxing cruises or adventure-filled driving experiences uncovering the secrets of Osterfjord.

An excursion to Osterfjord by boat departs from the historic Bryggen harbor, where colorful buildings line the water’s edge. You will cruise through Osterfjord and branch out into the narrow strait of Mostraumen to see waterfalls and imposing landscapes up close. This 3-hour cruise is a relaxing adventure where the untouched beauty of Osterfjord takes center stage.

Venturing to the areas around Osterfjord by car means you will drive over dramatic mountain views and through charming villages where traditional life still thrives. Leave Bergen around 9 AM and visit Osterøy Bridge, Dale of Norway Factory Outlet & Museum and Bolstadfjord.

Next, you will head to Hesjedalsfossen waterfall and the cozy village of Mo for lunch before one last stop at Kvernhusfossen. This jaunt to Osterfjord makes the most of the scenic roads and backcountry passes that lead to the region’s unspoiled secrets.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Osterfjord?

Osterfjord day trips can take you on an adventure by road or on the water with small, private and group tours on offer:

Guided tours to Osterfjord from Bergen

There are two marvelous day tours to Osterfjord to choose from, one by water and one by land. Each offers a unique take on the fjord treasures of western Norway in a timeframe that suits you.

Driving day trips last around 6.5 hours while cruises are only 3.5 hours, both delivering an abundance of scenic locations and unforgettable vantage points.

Private tour to Mostraumenfjorden from Bergen

To avoid crowds and enjoy a customizable itinerary, opt for a private experience of Osterjord. You can book a private road tour or a cruise on a 10-person yacht for a relaxing and intimate experience of Bergen’s best landscapes.

Both tours last around 6 to 7 hours and you will have an expert guide along for the ride, indulging you in all the secrets of the fjord.

How much does a day trip to Osterfjord from Bergen cost?

A typical 3-hour day trip to Osterfjord costs US$120 per person and includes only your cruise and an English-speaking guide.

The 6-hour driving adventure is limited to a small group of up to 4 people and includes hotel pick-up and comfortable transport in a minivan or a Tesla Model X and costs US$225 per person.

Alternatively, you can book a private tour with the same itinerary, which costs US$960 for a group of 3 people. Private yacht tours include a scrumptious traditional lunch and cost US$3,200 for a group of up to 10 people.

What will you see and do?

Day trips to Osterfjord by water and by land showcase different aspects of Norwegian life, covering both cultural and natural treasures of the west.

If you embark on a cruise, you will cut through the dramatic fjord to see the unspoiled surroundings of the water and mountains. The cruise branches into Mostraumenfjorden, where a much narrower strait leads you to a spectacular waterfall, marking the turnaround point for the cruise.

If you drive to Osterfjord you will pass several villages, landmarks and viewpoints. You will cross the Osterøy Bridge on your way to Osterøy island and stop at a remarkable viewpoint for some photos. You will visit another uniquely Norwegian attraction, Dale of Norway, an iconic sweater factory.

The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting a variety of fjord viewpoints and villages and driving on sublime mountain roads.

When is the best time to visit Osterfjord?

The best time for a visit to Osterfjord is during the summer months, between May and August. Flower blooms and mild weather make it a showstopping experience.

But the dropping temperatures in winter should not deter you from a day trip to Osterfjord, either. The snowy landscape around the fjord creates a magical scene from November to January.

Travel tips

• Driving tours have a small amount of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Book the tour online well in advance, as many tours have limited numbers and are likely to sell out.
• Wear warm clothes, even if it is summer. The wind is chilly on fjord cruises.