Dernière modification le
Menu
- What exactly is the Mostraumen cruise?
- Personal experience: 2 days in Bergen on the way back from Tromsø
- The route in detail: Bergen → Osterfjord → Mostraumen
- My honest take: is it really worth doing?
- Comparison of the 4 Osterfjord cruises
- Which operator should you choose based on your profile?
- Practical info: everything you need to know before booking
- FAQ: the questions everyone asks
- In summary: is the Mostraumen cruise worth it?
- Other resources on Bergen and the Norwegian fjord region
Everyone in Bergen will tell you about the fjord cruise. It’s the top activity in the city, the one you tick off first when you only have a day or two. A 3h30 cruise that leaves right from the centre, heads up the Osterfjord and ends in style at the narrow strait of Mostraumen, surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls. The ratings say it all: 4.6 to 4.8/5 across thousands of verified reviews. Sounds great. But.
I’ll be straight with you right away, because that’s more useful than yet another enthusiastic article: it’s nice, it’s convenient, it’s pretty — but it’s not the visual punch you’ll find in the Nærøyfjord or the Geirangerfjord. If you arrive in Bergen having never seen a fjord, you’ll love it. If you’ve already done the UNESCO ones, you’ll find Mostraumen one notch below.
This nuance never gets mentioned anywhere. Which is a shame, because it changes everything when it comes to fitting the cruise into your itinerary.
In this article, I’m sharing my personal experience (done on the way back from Tromsø, having already knocked out several other cruises), an honest comparison of the 4 available operators (with their real strengths), and all the practical info you need to make the most of it.
Let’s go!
What exactly is the Mostraumen cruise?
A quick note first, because the names can be confusing depending on the site: the “Mostraumen cruise”, the “Osterfjord cruise” and the “fjord cruise from Bergen” all refer to the same trip. It’s a roughly 3h30 return journey departing from Zachariasbryggen (next to the fish market, right in the centre of Bergen) and heading up the inner fjords to the narrow gorge of Mostraumen, about 27 km from the city.
The route is Bergen → Cityfjord → Salhusfjord → Osterfjord → Mostraumen, then back the same way. You pass under the Nordhordland Bridge, cruise past countless beautiful waterside houses, then the landscape grows increasingly wild, until you reach the highlight: a very narrow passage where the fjord suddenly tightens, with cliffs several hundred metres high plunging into the water and waterfalls cascading right beside the boat.
Four operators run this cruise with different boats, prices ranging from €61 to €127 per person, and services that vary quite a bit (audio guide vs live guide, boat size, homemade waffles or not, high-end RIB for thrill-seekers). We compare them in detail below.
Personal experience: 2 days in Bergen on the way back from Tromsø
We did this cruise as part of a big 3-week trip through Norway. We were heading back from Tromsø to Paris, and had kept 2 days for Bergen, the “gateway to the fjords”. Since everywhere you read that the Mostraumen cruise has an excellent reputation, it was the top priority for our second day (the first was getting lost in the wooden-house alleyways).
One important detail to understand our perspective: before Bergen, we’d already done several cruises on the big UNESCO-listed fjords — including the Nærøyfjord (from Flåm/Gudvangen) and the Geirangerfjord. Those two are genuinely on another level: taller cliffs, deeper fjords, more dramatic waterfalls (think the Seven Sisters on the Geiranger).
So when we arrived at Mostraumen, we were in the “I’ve already eaten caviar — is lumpfish roe still good?” situation. Yes, it’s very good. But it’s not caviar. And yes, I’m aware that sounds a bit spoiled.
The route in detail: Bergen → Osterfjord → Mostraumen
Departing from Bergen city centre
All operators depart within a few metres of each other, around Zachariasbryggen (next to the fish market / Fisketorget) or Strandkaien. It couldn’t be more convenient: step out of your hotel and you’re there in 5 minutes on foot from anywhere in the centre. No car, no shuttle needed.
As you leave the harbour, you get a stunning view of Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed colourful Hanseatic wharf. From the water, it looks even prettier than from land — get your camera out as soon as you board, it’s one of the most beautiful moments of the whole trip.
Cityfjord, Salhusfjord, and the Nordhordland Bridge
During the first hour, the boat cruises gently through the inner fjords around Bergen. The scenery is pleasant without being breathtaking: wooden houses on the banks, small villages, and the Nordhordland Bridge you pass under (1,614 m long — genuinely impressive as an engineering feat).
This is the perfect time to grab a coffee on board, listen to the audio guide or the guide’s commentary, and settle in. The boats are comfortable, with a heated indoor cabin (very welcome!) and an open upper deck for photos.
The Osterfjord and the approach to Mostraumen
The deeper you go, the wilder the landscape gets. The mountains grow taller, more sheer. You start spotting waterfalls on the slopes, and towards the end, the fjord narrows noticeably.
The Mostraumen passage itself is brief (a few minutes), but it’s genuinely the most striking moment: the boat navigates a channel barely 100 to 150 metres wide, between two near-vertical rock faces. If the weather allows, the captain pulls right up close to a waterfall — close enough to feel the spray on deck. That’s the Instagram moment of the trip.
Then it’s back the same way. The return leg is a good time to grab a bite at the on-board kiosk (snacks, drinks, sometimes homemade waffles depending on the operator), and enjoy one last glimpse of Bryggen as you pull back into Bergen.
My honest take: is it really worth doing?
You know me (well, hopefully) — I don’t try to sell you a dream. If something’s worth it, I’ll say so. If it’s not amazing, I’ll tell you that too so you don’t waste your time and money.
Here I’d say it’s worth it “with conditions”.
When the Mostraumen cruise is clearly worth it
- It’s your first Norwegian fjord cruise. In that case, you’ll love it. The Mostraumen passage is genuinely beautiful, the experience is immersive, and you’ll come home starry-eyed.
- You only have 1 or 2 days in Bergen and no time to go further. No car needed, no train to Flåm, departs right from the centre — you can’t beat it for simplicity.
- You’re travelling with children or elderly relatives. The boats are comfortable, heated, with toilets, a snack kiosk, and plenty of seating. Effortless.
- You want an activity that works whatever the weather. The cruise runs rain, wind or snow. It’s a great backup plan when bad weather ruins your hiking plans.
- You care about value for money. At €61–82 for 3h30, that’s reasonable for Norway.
- Simply put, you love cruises, like me. Then yes — maybe not the most spectacular, but still worth it!
When you can skip it (or put it at the bottom of your list)
- You’re going to (or have already done) the Nærøyfjord or the Geirangerfjord. Let’s be honest: Mostraumen is nice, but those two are in a different league. The “wow” feeling will be much stronger. If your schedule is tight, prioritise the UNESCO sites.
- You’re after an adventure experience. This is a slow, comfortable, tourist-boat cruise. If you want a thrill, check out the RIB speedboat options (option 4 in the comparison below).
- You don’t like crowded boats in peak season. In July and August, the boats are often full. It’s less “intimate” than you might imagine.
My verdict: if Bergen is your entry point and you’re continuing to other cruises further afield, use Mostraumen as an “appetiser” on day one — you’ll be wowed. If Bergen is your only base for fjords, go without hesitation: it’s an excellent all-round option.
Comparison of the 4 Osterfjord cruises
On GetYourGuide, you’ll find 4 different versions of this Mostraumen cruise from Bergen. They’re not all the same and they don’t attract the same crowd. I’ve broken them all down (price, ratings, strengths, what’s included) so you don’t have to scroll for 30 minutes.
1. Rødne Fjord Cruise — the original operator
If you’re looking for “the” Mostraumen cruise, this is it. Rødne is the original operator: largest fleet, most departure times (often several per day, year-round), most reviews (nearly 9,000) and a rock-solid 4.7/5 rating.
The boats are modern and comfortable, with a large heated indoor cabin and a high sun deck that’s great for photos. The audio guide is included in French, English and Norwegian — it’s the only one of the 4 that explicitly guarantees commentary in English (and French).
Choose this if: you want the safe bet, flexible departure times, and an English commentary. It also appears to be the boat with the most outdoor space.
The downside: it’s also the most expensive of the “classic cruise” options (€82 vs €61–62 for competitors when on sale in low season) and the boats can get very crowded in peak season.
2. Guided Fjord Tours — the best value for money
With a price that regularly drops to €61 (instead of €77), this is the cheapest option for a cruise of the same length. Guided Fjord Tours runs smaller boats (under 100 passengers) that aim to be more “intimate” than Rødne’s larger vessels. The difference is subtle in practice.
The audio guide is included in English, the boat is wheelchair accessible (a real plus if you’re travelling with someone with reduced mobility), and the 4.6/5 rating across nearly 4,000 reviews confirms solid quality.
The one real downside that comes up in reviews: no French commentary, and the audio guide can be hard to hear depending on where you’re sitting on the boat.
Choose this if: you want to maximise value for money, or need a wheelchair-accessible boat. Likely to be less busy in low season.
3. Fjordcharter Norway — for a live guide and homemade waffles
Very close in price to the previous option (€62 instead of €77 when on sale), Fjordcharter Norway plays the human touch card: an English-speaking guide is physically on board to tell the story of the region, rather than a recorded audio guide. For those who love live commentary (and speak English), it’s a more immersive experience.
A very Norwegian extra: homemade waffles on board, which come up in nearly every review as a fond memory. The boat is comfortable, with a sun deck and a spacious lounge with panoramic windows.
Average rating: 4.7/5 across 1,500+ reviews, with a guide score of 4.7/5 (the best of the 4 operators; Rødne’s guide score is only 3/5, which might tip the balance in favour of Fjordcharter). On the other hand, the operator doesn’t offer wheelchair accessibility and doesn’t accept electric wheelchairs.
Choose this if: you want a live guide in English, a warmer experience, and waffles.
4. Semi-rigid Safari (RIB) — the adventure option
If you want fun and thrills, forget the big boats and check out this option: a 2.5-hour safari on a premium rigid inflatable boat (RIB), operated by Guided Fjord Tours. You get kitted out with a flotation suit, goggles, gloves and a beanie, then you race towards Mostraumen with the chance to get much closer to the cliffs and waterfalls than on the classic cruises.
It’s shorter (2.5 hours vs 3.5 hours) but much more dynamic. The rating is exceptional (5.0/5) — with only 22 reviews so far, so it’s still a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s growing. The guide-to-passenger ratio is noticeably better.
The price: €127/person, which is double the classic cruises. But the experience is nothing like it.
Choose this if: you want fun, dynamic photography, a closer approach, and you don’t mind being shaken around a bit (and possibly wet depending on the weather).
Avoid if: you’re travelling with a child under 8, if you’re pregnant, or if you have back problems (RIBs can be pretty bumpy).
Which operator should you choose based on your profile?
To save you rereading the comparison three times, here’s a quick summary based on what you’re looking for:
- Families with children or elderly parents: Rødne Fjord Cruise. The most comfortable, the most seats, audio guide in multiple languages so everyone can follow along. Find out more.
- Budget travellers / backpackers: Guided Fjord Tours. At €61, you get exactly the same route and the same duration as Rødne, for €21 less per person. Find out more.
- You want a personal experience + waffles: Fjordcharter Norway. Small operator, guide on board, warm atmosphere. Find out more.
- ️ Couples or friends who want fun: RIB Safari. Shorter, more expensive, but unbeatable for intensity. Find out more.
I went with Rødne because it’s the safe bet, the historic operator on the Osterfjord. Even if it’s slightly more expensive — in low season the other two were running promotions (otherwise prices are roughly the same). But the other two, with slightly different boats, also seem pretty solid. I’d say there’s no bad choice here.
📍 Bergenhus, Bergen · city centre
Affordable design hotel right in the centre, with self-service check-in and Scandinavian-inspired rooms. Ideal for exploring Bergen without breaking the bank.
- 3-minute walk from Bergen Art Museum
- Free Wi-Fi & shared kitchen available
- Festplassen square 500 m away
Free cancellation
From 88 € / night
📍 Bergenhus · next to Bryggen wharf (UNESCO)
Renovated hotel right next to the historic Bryggen wharf and 300 m from the fish market. Air-conditioned rooms, Norwegian land & sea restaurant, gym with sauna.
- Next to the UNESCO Bryggen wharf
- Gym, sauna and steam room
- Airport shuttle stop right outside
Free cancellation
From 120 € / night
📍 Bergenhus · old 1862 stock exchange, city centre
A characterful hotel housed in the old 1862 stock exchange building, 140 m from the fish market. Three restaurants focused on local produce, a beer bar, and rooms with underfloor heating.
- Historic building in the heart of Bergen
- 3 restaurants & local beer bar on site
- Bathroom with underfloor heating
Free cancellation
From 185 € / night
📍 Bergenhus · 10-minute walk from Torgalmenningen
Classic hotel a stone's throw from the station, with a superb whisky bar, a garden terrace and a wellness centre. Buffet breakfast and easy access to the Fløibanen funicular.
- 10-minute walk from the UNESCO Bryggen wharf
- Renowned whisky bar & garden terrace
- Fløibanen funicular 850 m away
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
Practical info: everything you need to know before booking
Where do the boats depart from?
All departures leave from Zachariasbryggen or Strandkaien, right next to the fish market (Fisketorget), in the heart of Bergen. It’s a 5-minute walk from Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular station. No transport hassle, no need for a car.
If you’re coming by car
The centre of Bergen is tricky for parking. Reviews confirm it: arrive 30 to 45 minutes early if you haven’t pre-booked a parking spot. The ByGarasjen car park or spots around the train station are the most convenient. But it’s extremely expensive. Otherwise, 5 minutes away, check out the City Park car park on Markeveien. Expensive, but less so, and it’s covered.
When to go?
- Summer (June to August): several departures a day, sunny atmosphere, but boats fill up. Book ahead.
- Winter (November to March): fewer crowds, stunning snowy landscapes, possible ice in the fjord (the captain will choose an alternative route). Dress up warm — seriously.
- Shoulder season (April–May and September–October): a lovely time to go, but very unpredictable weather. Beautiful light, few crowds, prices often lower.
Assume there will be wind, rain and mist. That can actually give the whole thing a rather mysterious feel.
What to bring?
- Warm clothes even in summer (it gets cold on the upper deck, especially when the boat is moving)
- Waterproof windbreaker (waterfalls + sea spray)
- Beanie and gloves in winter, seriously
- Something to snack on (there are snacks on board but they’re pricey)
- Your camera and a spare battery
How to get the best seats
Tip that comes up in loads of reviews: arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure to be among the first to board. The window seats (tables of 6) inside go fast. On the sun deck, the spots at the front or back are the best for photos.
With children?
Classic cruises (Rødne, Guided Fjord Tours, Fjordcharter) welcome children of all ages. For the RIB Safari, it’s 8 years minimum. Think about bringing snacks and activities to keep the little ones busy during the first hour (which is less spectacular than the end).
With your dog?
Good news: dogs are welcome on board with Rødne (limit of 3 dogs per trip). For other operators, check when you book.
Wheelchair accessibility
Only Guided Fjord Tours explicitly advertises wheelchair accessibility. The others are not adapted.
FAQ: the questions everyone asks
Does the cruise run in bad weather?
Yes, rain or shine, wind or not. The boats have a large heated interior cabin. There are almost no cancellations, except in extreme cases. If there’s ice in the fjord in winter, the captain takes an alternative route.
Do you need to book in advance?
In high season (June to August): yes, absolutely, ideally a few days or even weeks ahead. In low and shoulder season, you can often book the day before. All operators on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so you might as well lock in your date as soon as your plans are set.
Mostraumen, Osterfjord or Sognefjord: what’s the difference?
They’re 3 different fjords! The cruise we’re talking about goes up the Osterfjord to the Mostraumen strait, close to Bergen. The Sognefjord is much further away (200 km north) — it’s the longest fjord in the world, and its most famous arm is the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. To visit the Nærøyfjord, you need to take the Bergen–Flåm train and then a boat — a full separate day trip.
How much time should you allow in total?
Classic cruises last 3.5 hours. With arriving 20–30 minutes early and disembarking, allow 4 to 4.5 hours out of your day. For the RIB Safari, it’s 2.5 hours + 20 minutes of getting kitted up, so around 3 hours.
Is it more beautiful in the morning or the afternoon?
Very subjective, but morning departures (9–11am) often have better light for photography, and the boats are quieter. Afternoons are more lively, and the late-day light (around 5–6pm in summer) is very soft and beautiful for photos.
Is it really worth it if you’ve already done the Geirangerfjord?
Honestly: if you’ve already seen the Geiranger or the Nærøyfjord, Mostraumen isn’t going to blow you away. It’s pretty but noticeably less spectacular. If your time in Bergen is limited, you’d be better off taking the Fløibanen funicular, wandering around Bryggen, or pushing on to Rosendal via the Hardangerfjord (a longer but more impressive cruise).
Is there an audio guide in English?
All operators provide commentary in English. Only Rødne Fjord Cruise also offers an audio guide in French and Norwegian. If you need commentary in a language other than English, go with Rødne.
In summary: is the Mostraumen cruise worth it?
The Mostraumen cruise from Bergen is a great introduction to the world of Norwegian fjords, especially if you don’t have the time or a car to go further. Comfortable, accessible from the city centre, with a beautifully spectacular passage as you arrive at Mostraumen — it’s an activity I’d recommend without hesitation… with one caveat: if you’ve already got the Nærøyfjord or the Geirangerfjord elsewhere in your trip, expect Mostraumen to feel more modest. It’s not disappointing — it’s just that you’re playing in a different league.
On the operator side:
- Rødne remains the safe bet (and the multilingual audio guide is a real bonus)
- Guided Fjord Tours is the best value for money
- Fjordcharter is the « small warm operator + waffles » choice and my personal favourite
- RIB Safari is the adventure version for those who want thrills
Like the Atlantic Road, Mostraumen is something of a victim of Norway’s sheer scale. Taken in isolation, it would probably be the most beautiful cruise of a trip to Sweden or Finland. In Norway, it’s just « very pretty ». But for a first taste of the fjords, for those who only have a day or two in Bergen, or who simply want to discover the fjords — it’s honestly perfect.
Happy cruising!
Other resources on Bergen and the Norwegian fjord region
Here are some other blog posts you might find useful for your trip to Bergen, the fjord region and Norway:
- The Norwegian fjord region: itineraries and most beautiful places, for an overview of the country’s most stunning region before diving into the details of Mostraumen
- The free map of the Norwegian fjords, with all the most beautiful spots, hikes, accommodation and restaurants I’ve found — downloadable, it’s my gift to you!
- Visiting Bergen: what you absolutely must do in a few days, the gateway to the fjords and in my opinion the most beautiful city in Norway — to combine with your Mostraumen cruise
- My day-by-day programme for 7 days in Bergen and the fjords, to fit Mostraumen into a proper road trip without rushing
- Comparison of the best day cruises from Bergen, if you want to compare Mostraumen with the other accessible fjords (Hardangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord…)
- Getting from Bergen to Flåm: boat, train or bus compared, the practical guide to following up Mostraumen with another cruise in the Sognefjord
- My guide to the best hotels and accommodation in Bergen, every neighbourhood tested and approved, with my top picks by budget
- From Bergen airport to the city centre: bus, light rail or taxi?, all transport options and their prices so you don’t get caught out on arrival
- My complete 2-week road trip in the fjords, a tested itinerary combining Bergen, the Sognefjord and the Geiranger without burning out
- What to see in Geiranger, Norway’s most impressive fjord, the other UNESCO-listed fjord alongside the Nærøyfjord — worth combining if you have the time
- Comparison of boat excursions in the Geirangerfjord, the spectacular big brother of Mostraumen, with the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil waterfalls
- Everything about the Nærøyfjord, UNESCO-listed, the most beautiful fjord in the world according to National Geographic — to compare with your Mostraumen experience
- What to do in Flåm – discover all the activities and most beautiful spots!
