The Best Fjord Tours From Oslo: How To Visit & The Top Choices!

Last Updated: December 19 2023

Olso, the capital city of Norway is known for many things, but, it doesn’t get better than the Oslofjord! Of course, the city’s rich history, open green spaces, incredible architecture, and immense food are enough to draw any traveller in, but you simply can’t visit this incredible place and not explore the fjord.

When we visited, we decided to jump on one of the many Fjord tours from Oslo and you should too! These tours give you the chance to explore the picturesque islands that sit south of the city.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to outline the best Oslo fjord tours so you don’t have to do the research yourself. Whether you’re looking for a charming dinner cruise or a fun canoeing tour, there’s something for everyone!

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Going on a Tour of the Oslo Fjord

The Oslo Fjord, also known by the name Oslofjorden is a large inlet found in south-east Norway. The fjord is marked by an imaginary line between Færder and Torbjørnskjær, and down to Langesund in the South and Olso in the North.

Part of the Skagerrak strait, the Oslo Fjord connects the Kattegat Sea and the North Sea and leads to the Baltic Sea. It stretches for around 100 km (62 miles) and offers some of the most scenic views in Norway, but, geographically, it isn’t a fjord at all!

You can expect to find six main islands in the Oslo Fjord, all of which are connected via bridges or regular ferry routes.

The beauty of this fjord is that you can visit most of it in a day on one of many fjord tours from Oslo.

The Best Fjord Tours From Oslo

When it comes to fjord tours in Oslo, there are a couple of options:

• Sightseeing Fjord Tours – These tend to be the most affordable, as you’ll explore the fjord for 2 hours and no food or drink is included. These types of tours are the best option for budget travellers.

• Dinner Cruises – Dinner cruises usually take place in the evening and they include a full-course meal, a welcome drink, and a 2 or 3-hour tour of the fjords. They tend to be more pricey, but they’re perfect for couples.

• Kayaking Tours – These types of tours tend to be better suited to adventurers and watersport fanatics. You’ll explore Oslo’s shoreline and the fjords in a kayak, led by an expert guide. Most kayaking tours can be adapted to suit your skillset and experience.

The Top Fjord Tours From Oslo

1. Our Top Pick – Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship

⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.3/5

💰 Cost: $

The first fjord tour we have for you is the one we went on and we can’t recommend it enough. If you dream of travelling through the Norwegian Fjords on a sailing ship, now’s your chance!

This Oslo Fjord sightseeing cruise will see you take to the sea on an authentic sailing ship called Helena (or another ship very similar). You’ll pass through narrow channels, a maze of islands, and picturesque bays while being told all about the fjord via audio commentary.

Some of the attractions you’ll pass include Hovedøya, The Oslo Opera House, and Dyna Lighthouse. There are plenty of opportunities to take photographs and refreshments are served on board.

2. Oslo: Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise

⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.2/5

💰 Cost: $

This electric fjord cruise will show you the best of the Oslo Fjords from the comfort of a cosy inside seating area, making it one of the best winter tours in Oslo. You’ll embark on an adventure that’s packed with natural beauty, fascinating museums, and historical landmarks.

We love the unique history of each island, which you’ll hear all about from a detailed audio guide. Some of the locations you can expect to visit include Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, and the Fram Museum.

You’ll even have the opportunity to disembark at various locations to explore before returning to the city centre!

3. Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise

⏰ Tour Length: 7.5 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$$

If you’re looking for the best full-day fjord tours in Oslo, this combo tour, which shows you the city’s top sights and the best of the Oslo Fjord is perfect. Your guide will take you on a sightseeing coach tour that visits places like Vigeland Park, Holmenkollen Ski Jump, and the Fram Museum.

You’ll then head out on an epic 2-hour Oslo Fjord cruise to explore the idyllic coastal region. Refreshments are available on the boat and your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the landmarks you pass.

In total, you’ll see more than 20 different Oslo landmarks, which takes some beating!

4. Oslo: Electric Oslofjord Cruise with Audio Guide Commentary

⏰ Tour Length: 1.5 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.3/5

💰 Cost: $

This electric Oslofjord cruise will take you on a peaceful trip along the shores of Oslo and the inner Oslo Fjord islands. Led by a downloadable audio guide, this cruise is ideal for anyone who has specific language needs, as it’s available in 6 different languages.

You’ll set off from Central Oslo and head towards the fjords. The spacious seating areas and panoramic windows make it incredibly easy to find the best photo spots and somewhere to relax.

Alternatively, you could head to the large deck area to feel the cool wind against your face.

Don’t forget your headphones for this tour though because you’ll need them!

5. Oslo: 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslo Fjord

⏰ Tour Length: 2.5 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$$

There are also fjord tours from Oslo that offer a more luxurious experience. Take this 3-course dinner cruise for example, which will see you travel and dine in style while taking in some of the most picturesque views in Norway.

You’ll be whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and taken to the fjords for a romantic evening of panoramic views, delicious food, and drinks.

The tour includes a tour of the fjords, your dinner, and a welcome drink. You can also pay a little extra for a bottle of wine. During the trip, you’ll visit the Opera House, Akershus Fortress, Dyna Fyr, and more!

6. Oslo: Fjord Evening Cruise with Shrimp Buffet

⏰ Tour Length: 3 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$

This Fjords tour from Oslo takes things to another level by treating guests to a shrimp buffet, wine, and a boat trip on an authentic sailing ship. Perfect for groups of friends and couples, this is the perfect way to experience everything the fjords have to offer!

When you’re not tucking into some fresh shrimp, you’ll find yourself admiring the impressive views of the Oslo Fjord, which we must say, are spectacular.

The restored wooden ship will take you through the Bygdøy peninsula and you’ll be able to see Hulk Bay Beach and Olso’s shores. Seriously, what’s not to like?

7. Oslo: Guided Oslo Fjord Cruise

⏰ Tour Length: 2.5 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$

If you want to learn as much as possible about Oslo Fjord’s nature, marine life, and history, this in-depth electric fjord cruise is perfect, so make sure you check it out.

We love how this tour provides you with an expert guide who knows everything and anything about the Oslo Fjord. Aside from seeing and learning about historical landmarks and the islands, you’ll be given an insight into the fauna and flora of the region.

There’s a good chance you might even spot some wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled! Some of the iconic landmarks you’ll see include Heggholmen, the Opera House, Dyna Fyr, Akershus Fortress, and the Oslo Fjord Sauna.

8. Oslo: Electric Boat Cruise with Brunch

⏰ Tour Length: 2.5 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$

If you want to dine on a boat but you’d prefer to travel in the middle of the day, check out this boat cruise that includes brunch. You might miss the stunning Norwegian sunset, but travelling during the day makes it a lot easier to see things.

As you sail silently through the green islands, you’ll enjoy a delicious brunch which includes chicken salad, aioli, sourdough bread, and coconut balls. Food is locally sourced, so the menu does change seasonally!

After your food, why not enjoy a crisp glass of wine while you admire the vibrant views of the fjord and its small villages?

9. 3-Hour Kayak Tour on the Oslo Fjord

⏰ Tour Length: 3 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

💰 Cost: $$$

Some fjord tours in Oslo offer a more adventurous and strenuous experience, giving thrill seekers a more unique and exciting way to see the Oslo Fjord. This 3-hour kayak tour is our favourite!

In just 3 hours, you’ll paddle through the Oslo Fjord, and see a huge range of historical landmarks and islands, so you’ll definitely feel the burn afterwards. Highlights of this tour include Oslo Fjord’s beaches, bays, Fornebu, and the Bygdøy peninsula.

Every tour is led by a professional tour guide who will adapt the tour to your experience level, which is great because it means virtually anyone can take part!

10. 2-Hour Kayak Trip on the Oslo Fjord

⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours

⭐ Rating: 5/5

💰 Cost: $$

The final tour we have for you is another kayaking Oslo Fjord tour. This tour is 2 hours long and it combines the best of the fjords and Oslo. It takes you along the shores of the city and to a few of the most popular islands.

We love how this tour lets you plan the trip. You’re given freedom to decide where the tour goes and the tour guides will always adapt the trip to meet your needs, fitness levels, and experience.

Most tours include a stop-off at a local beach and some time to explore one or two of the islands. All the equipment you need is included too!

How to get to the Oslo Fjord

While the fjord tours from Oslo offer the most convenient way to explore the islands, they aren’t the only way to get there.

You can also easily get to the islands by using the ferries that leave Rådhusbrygge 1 (City Hall Pier 1) and Aker Brygge in the city centre. Ferries run from this pier all day long and it’s also likely where you’ll meet your tour company.

The ferries travel all over the fjord, some going as far away as Copenhagen. They usually stick to a loop that includes stops at the most popular islands, making it super easy to island hop.

To book your tickets, we recommend using the Ruter app. We used this app to book a day ticket which let us jump on and off the ferries all day. We were able to explore Hovedøya Island, Gressholmen Island, and Nakholmen and we never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a boat!

Our Top Tips for Making the Most of this Experience

As well as exploring the city and hitting the food markets, going on an Oslo Fjord tour was one of our best experiences in this incredible place!

Here are some of our top tips to ensure you have a fantastic experience:

• Boat tours run all year round, but the weather can cause delays and cancellations. In the winter, ice and snow can prevent boats from leaving the pier, so keep this in mind when booking your tour.

• There is a wide range of Fjord tours from Oslo to choose from, so spend some time researching which tour suits you.

• Don’t forget your camera because the Fjords are super photogenic. You might also want to pack a zoom lens to take photos of the local wildlife.

• Some tours offer audio commentary, while others are led by a guide. If you have specific language needs, we recommend choosing a tour that offers an audio guide.

• The weather in Oslo can be hit and miss, so don’t forget to pack a waterproof. In winter, you might also want to pack a hat and gloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I see the fjords from Oslo?

You can see the Oslo Fjords on a tour or by planning your own trip. Fjord cruises from Oslo offer the most convenience and you’ll learn more. However, planning your own tour often gives you more freedom.

You can book a tour on Get Your Guide and Viator, and you can purchase ferry tickets on the Ruter app. Most fjord tours leave from Rådhusbrygge 1 (City Hall Pier 1) and Aker Brygge.

What budget do you need for a fjord tour in Oslo?

The minimum budget you need for a fjord tour is approximately £30 per person. Fjord tours in Oslo range in price, with affordable tours typically costing at least £30 and more expensive tours costing up to £100 per person.

For £30 per person, you can expect a 2-hour guided tour of the fjord on an authentic sailing ship. The more expensive tours tend to include extras, such as full dinners, alcohol, and other activities.

Is the Oslo Fjord worth visiting?

Yes, the Oslo fjord is certainly worth visiting, especially if you love nature! Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in Norway (that’s saying something), but you’ll find plenty of wildlife here too.

You’ll find lush green islands, historic landmarks, unique architecture, and the most amazing vibrant villages. We spent two days exploring the fjords in Oslo and it was the best decision we made. The city itself is interesting, but the fjord is breathtaking!

What month is best to visit?

April to May is the best time to visit the Oslo Fjords because the snow starts to melt and the islands come to life with vibrant colours. It’s also one of the quietest times of year to visit.

June to August is another popular time to go because the weather is warmer. However, we recommend avoiding the winter months because some Olso fjord trips are cancelled due to severe ice.

Final Thoughts on Fjord Tours in Oslo

It doesn’t matter if you want to learn about local history, spot wildlife, admire landscapes, or enjoy a relaxing boat trip, the Olso Fjords have something for everyone.

For the best experience, we recommend heading out on one of the impressive fjord tours from Oslo. We did a sailing ship tour of the fjord and it’s an experience we won’t forget.

We’ve shown you the best Olso Fjord tours and what to expect. Now you can decide which tour suits you best. Oh and if you get the chance, spend a day exploring the fjord on your own too.

If you have any questions about these Oslo fjord tours, please contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

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