If you were to do nothing but take a fjord tour in Norway, it would be a trip worthwhile! This was an amazing experience.
At the time of year we visited Bergen (April), there were only two tours available – a three hour boat trip through the fjords, or a nine hour train, bus and ferry tour that will take you through much of the countryside and also includes a trip down the fjords. We opted for the three hour boat trip. We purchased our tickets from the tourist information centre in Bergen (above the fish markets) for a 10 am Saturday excursion (this particular tour leaves Bergen daily at 10 am and at 10 am and 2:30 pm on weekends). It was a beautiful, sunny day so we were particularly lucky!
The boat has an upstairs sun deck and seats inside. There is also a kiosk onboard. DO take a jacket, gloves and scarf etc as even though the sun was shining, the wind coming off the snow capped mountains was icy!
We caught a great view of Bergen city as we pulled out of the harbour. The houses looked like the epitome of a model village, almost as if a giant hand had placed them in a picture-perfect configuration.
The captain points out anything of interest as you pass by. The towns and churches along the banks were charmingly picturesque and the villagers would wave at us while the local fishermen proudly held up their catch for us to admire!
Sheer cliffs towered either side of the fjord and the snow capped peaks surrounding us provided an awesome sight. The water was clear and as flat as glass, creating an amazing mirror image effect that gave some phenomenal photo opportunities. At the 1 1/2 hour mark we reached a waterfall where some onboard volunteered to dress in wet weather gear and get up close and personal with the mountain cascade. Here the crew collected the water in a bucket and gave us each a taste of the freshest, coldest, natural spring water. The boat turned around after the cascade and headed back the way we came.
A fjord tour is an absolute MUST if you are ever to visit Norway. I highly recommend it!
