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Bergen might be known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” but don’t be fooled—there’s way more to explore beyond its charming harbor and colorful wooden houses.
One of the best things about basing yourself in Bergen is how easy it is to dive into Norway’s jaw-dropping landscapes without needing to pack an overnight bag.
Think glacier-fed lakes, dramatic waterfalls, narrow fjords, Viking villages, and even peaceful island kayaking—each just a few hours from the city.
I’ve rounded up some of the best day tours that let you soak up the wild beauty of western Norway—without the stress of planning or renting a car.
From bucket-list fjord cruises to hidden nature spots you’d never find on your own, these tours make it super easy to turn a Bergen city break into something way more adventurous.
Here are my top picks for unforgettable day trips from Bergen.
Folgefonna National Park & Glacier Lake
Out of all the day‑trips from Bergen, the one to Folgefonna National Park is a real gem, where glacier, fjord, waterfalls, and alpine lakes pack into one unforgettable day.
This full‑day adventure leaves Bergen in the morning for a 10‑hour round‑trip that takes you to the peaceful Bondhusvatnet—a jaw‑dropping glacier‑fed lake tucked inside Folgefonna National Park. First stop: the famous Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you get to walk behind the cascade (without getting drenched!), and grab a quick snack or souvenir.
Afterwards, you cross the stunning Hardangerfjord by ferry, with sweeping mountain and water views all along the way.
Once on the Folgefonna side, the hike to Bondhusvatnet is a gentle, stroller‑friendly walk of about 2.3 km over well‑trodden trails of earth and small stones—around 45 minutes at an easy pace. The scenery alternates between lush greenery and pristine glacial streams. At the lake, you’ll find benches or boulders where groups often pause for a serene picnic beside the turquoise water, framed by distant glacier views.
The return trip follows a slightly different ferry route across the fjord, so you soak in fresh angles of the Hardangerfjord. The coach ride back to Bergen winds through charming Vestland countryside with photo‑stop opportunities.
Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls
This 9‑hour day trip from Bergen is all about scenic waterfalls, fjord panoramas, and a gondola ride that’s insanely photo‑worthy.
First stop: the cable car at Voss town—yes, that’s the Voss Gondola that lifts you to Mount Hanguren in under nine minutes for sweeping views of surrounding peaks and the Voss valley.
Next up is Skjervsfossen, where you pause to snap photos beside its twin falls and leafy setting. Then you cross the iconic Hardanger Bridge by bus and continue to Vøringsfossen, Norway’s most famous waterfall, plunging about 182 m down Måbødalen valley—here you get roughly 30 minutes for breathtaking views and selfies.
After that, the coach winds to Eidfjord, where you have a full hour for lunch, souvenir shopping, or simply soaking in fjord‑edge charm in this picturesque village.
On the return leg, you finish off at Steinsdalsfossen, the waterfall with a walkway behind the cascade—30 minutes to walk behind it without getting wet, which always feels a bit magical.
All the while, the onboard guide points out lush fruit‑growing valleys, quaint villages like Norheimsund and Øystese, and the ever‑present Hardangerfjord gliding by your window—it’s the perfect full‑day sampler of Western Norway’s iconic nature magic!
Viking Village, Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway
This full‑day trip from Bergen is a wonderful mix of Viking tales, fjord serenity, and one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
You’ll begin with a comfortable bus ride to Tvindefossen, where you stop for about 20 minutes to stretch your legs and admire the cascading waterfall framed by lush forest. Then it’s onward to Gudvangen, nestled in the dramatic valley and home to Njardarheimr Viking Village, where a 30‑minute guided walkthrough brings Viking-age life to the present—complete with lore, structures and craftsmanship that really immerse you in 1,000 years of history.
From there, you’ll board a premium electric vessel for about 2 hours, cruising the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords on Earth. Towering peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and remote farmsteads drift by under ever-changing light—it’s magical.
The boat drops you at Flåm, where you have around 1 hour free time to wander charming streets, visit the Flåm Railway Museum—or just breathe in the mountain‑fjord vibes before the ride.
The highlight? That’s the Flåm Railway—a jaw‑dropping 20 km ride from Flåm up to Myrdal, passing the iconic Kjosfossen waterfall, steep gradients, lush valleys, and the dramatic Rallar road carved into the mountainside. Then you connect onward by train and bus back to Bergen for an evening return, wrapping up a roughly 10½‑hour adventure packed with epic views and culture.
Øygarden Islets
This half‑day kayaking excursion is a peaceful escape just outside Bergen where you paddle gently among the Øygarden islets—a chain of rocky, wildlife-rich islands about 40 minutes by van from the city center.
Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to unplug, this tour uses stable double kayaks, and safety and rescue instruction is included before you head out.
Once you’re on the water (about 3½ hours of paddling), your guide shares stories about the local natural and cultural history—from Ice Age geology to traditional coastal life—and points out local wildlife like eagles, crabs, shrimps, even the occasional leaping salmon in the crystal-clear sea beside your kayak.
Mid‑journey, there’s a half-hour stop on one of the tiny islets—you’ll relax on the shoreline and enjoy a delicious lunch packet with locally sourced sandwiches and apple juice from a nearby farm, choosing dietary options as needed.
The group size is small (max eight participants), ensuring an intimate vibe and personalized attention from your English-speaking guide. After paddling, you’re driven back to the Bergen Tourist Information pickup point around 5 hours after you set out.
Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
This half‑day fjord cruise out of Bergen is a smooth and scenic 3.5‑hour round‑trip that delivers a slice of classic western Norwegian beauty with minimal fuss. You board near Bryggen at the Fish Market—catch dreamy views of the UNESCO‑listed wooden wharf before you even leave the dock.
Your journey sails through the wide Osterfjord, flanked by steep, forest‑clad mountains and gentle waterfalls. After about 30 minutes you enter the narrow, dramatic Mostraumen strait, where the captain navigates powerful currents through tight channels surrounded by soaring cliffs. At one point, the boat edges so close to a waterfall that you might feel the spray on your face—trust me, it’s a refreshing thrill.
All the while, you can relax in the warm indoor cabin or soak up the sun on the open deck. There’s even a kiosk offering local pastries and refreshments if you fancy a snack mid‑cruise.
Keep an eye out for wildlife—eagles and seals occasionally appear along the fjord shores.
It operates year‑round (even icy conditions in winter trigger an alternate route, not cancellation). Audio commentary is offered in English and Norwegian, though some travelers did mention it can be tough to hear at times.
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I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!