Fjord Floating in the Hardangerfjord

Small-group, low-impact, big calm. No experience needed — just show up and float.

For travellers from warmer climates, the idea of floating in a cold Norwegian fjord might sound daunting. But fear not – you’ll be fully insulated and comfortable in a high-quality drysuit, staying warm and dry as you gently drift on the Hardangerfjord’s calm winter waters.

Fjord floating is all about relaxation and awe-inspiring scenery. Imagine lying back in crystal-clear water, gazing up at snow-capped peaks and breathing in crisp Nordic air. It’s a safe, peaceful adventure that lets you experience the magic of winter in Norway – even if it’s your very first time seeing snow. Better yet, getting here is easy – Norheimsund, our fjord floating base, is only about 80–90 minutes from Bergen by bus

What is Fjord Floating?

Fjord floating is a peaceful winter activity where you float on the still waters of the Hardangerfjord wearing a professional insulated drysuithardangerfjord-adventure.no. Surrounded by silent, snow-clad mountains, you simply relax and let the gentle water support you. There’s no swimming or strenuous effort required – the suit keeps you buoyant, warm, and completely dry throughout. You just lie back, breathe the fresh air, and soak up the unique calm that only a winter fjord in Norway can offer. In short, it’s an immersion in nature without the discomfort of cold water.

Even if you’ve never tried a winter activity before, fjord floating makes it easy to experience the Nordic cold – comfortably!

Why You’ll Love Fjord Floating

• Safe & Relaxing: High-quality immersion suits keep you warm and dry – you won’t feel cold at all, and no swimming skills are needed to stay afloathardangerfjord-adventure.no. A trained guide is always nearby for your safety and peace of mind.
• Winter Silence & Scenery: Experience the Hardangerfjord at its quietest. With glass-like water and snow-covered mountains all around, you’ll enjoy a level of tranquility and beauty that few tourists get to see. It’s just you, the fjord, and the serene winter landscape.
• Intimate Small Groups: Each session is a small group (usually no more than 6 people), perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers who prefer a more personal experience. The atmosphere is friendly and unrushed – almost like a private outing on the fjord.
• Picture-Perfect Memories: The combination of mirror-like water and dramatic winter scenery is ideal for photos and social sharing. We’ll help capture the moment for you (our guides can snap photos since personal cameras aren’t allowed in the water), so you can easily show off your “floating in a fjord”story when you get home.
  

How Your Fjord Floating Experience Works

1. Suit Up in Norheimsund: Arrive at our base in Norheimsund, a charming fjordside village (about 80–90 min from Bergen by bus). Our friendly guides will give you a short safety briefing and help you gear up with a top-quality immersion dry suit with hood, gloves, and boots. We provide all the necessary equipment – you just need to wear your warm layers underneath. In a few minutes, you’ll be fully suited, feeling cozy and ready for adventure.
2. Float & Relax: Next, we head to the water’s edge and gently lower ourselves into the fjord. Now you simply lean back and float – the suit keeps you buoyant with zero effort. Let the fjord cradle you as you gaze at the snowy mountains around you and enjoy the calm, almost meditative silence. There’s nothing quite like breathing in the crisp air while weightlessly drifting on the Hardangerfjord. You can look up at the pale winter sky, listen to the soft lap of water, or close your eyes and truly be in the moment.
3. Warm Up & Reflect: After about 20–30 minutes of floating (you can always hop out sooner if you like), it’s time to get back on land. We’ll help you out of the water and out of your suit, then gather by the fjord for a warm drink and a light snack. This is the perfect time to swap stories with your fellow floaters or hear local tales from your guide. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and peaceful you feel. Many guests also like to ask our guides for sauna tips or local dining recommendations at this point – it’s a great way to plan the rest of your day in Norheimsund.
   

Duration & Practical Info

• Duration: ~1.25–2.5 hours total (including briefing, changing time, and floating). The floating itself is usually around 25–30 minutes, but the whole experience from start to finish is unrushed. The combination with the RIB to Fyksesund includes the transportation time in the boat.

• Location: Norheimsund, Hardangerfjord (approx. 80–90 min from Bergen by bus)Easy direct bus connections make it a convenient fjord day-trip from the city.

• Age Limit: 13 years and up. (Participants must be ~150 cm tall to fit the suits). Youth under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

• Price: NOK 975 per person for the shortest option and NOK 1850 for combination with RIB (all gear and guiding included).

• What’s included: Professional immersion drysuit (with hood, gloves, and boots), all safety equipment, a guided safety briefing, an expert local guide throughout, a warm drink after the float, and even digital photos of your experience (so you can enjoy the moment and let us handle the pictures)

• What to Wear/Bring: Warm wool or synthetic layers on your body (especially upper body and legs) under the suit. Avoid cotton, as it doesn’t insulate good. We’ll provide extra wool socks and a beanie if needed, but dressing in thermal layers will ensure you’re nice and snug.

• Season: Winter only – fjord floating is typically available from November through April (exact timing depends on weather).

• Group Size: Small groups, usually max 6 people per session. This intimate size means you get personal attention from the guide and plenty of space to float at your own pace. (Larger private groups can be arranged on request.)

• Meeting Point: Thon Hotel Sandven lobby in Norheimsund – just 50 m from the bus stop. If you’re coming from Bergen, buses 925/930 bring you right to Norheimsund and we’re a 1-minute walk from the terminal. (Free parking is available if you drive.)

• Bookings: We recommend booking in advance online to secure your spot, as each session is limited to the number of suits available (6). Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but in winter it’s best to plan ahead.
  

Why Fjord Floating Is a Perfect Winter Activity

• Peaceful Nature Connection: Floating in a fjord is a gentle way to connect with nature’s winter side. No engines, no crowds – just you, the quiet water, and the majestic mountains. In the hush of winter, you can truly appreciate how pristine and tranquil the Hardangerfjord can behardangerfjord-adventure.no. It’s a form of mindfulness in nature, leaving you recharged rather than exhausted.
• Accessible to Everyone: You don’t need any special skills or prior cold-weather experience to enjoy fjord floating. If you can dress warmly and relax, you can do this! Our guides take care of all the technical stuff, making it ideal for first-timers who may never have seen snow or tried a winter activity before. Even if Nordic winter is completely new to you, we’ve got you covered (literally, in a drysuit!).
• Unforgettable Scenery: Winter fjords offer breathtaking views that few get to witness in personhardangerfjord-adventure.no. As you float, you’ll see the world from water level – mountains reflected on the surface, maybe a distant waterfall, and the sky often with a pastel winter glow. It’s a photographer’s dream, and a memory you’ll cherish.
• Authentically Nordic (Without the Discomfort): Cold-water experiences are part of Nordic culture – and this is perhaps the most comfortable way to try one. You get the thrill of floating in icy fjord water while staying totally warm. It’s a story to tell your friends back home (“I floated in a fjord in Norway in winter!”) without having to actually freeze. In short, fjord floating lets you safely sample a bit of Norwegian winter tradition and adventure, minus the shivers.

Who Should Try Fjord Floating?

• Curious First-Time Winter Travellers: If you’re from a warm climate or have never seen snow, this is the activity to gently introduce you to winter. You’ll stay cosy the whole time, so you can focus on the fun of a new experience rather than worrying about the cold.
• Nature Lovers & Serenity Seekers: Do you love peaceful moments in nature? Fjord floating is essentially a floating nature retreat. It’s perfect for those who want to feel at one with the fjord landscape and enjoy a meditative, calm atmosphere.
• Couples, Friends & Solo Explorers: Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, traveling with friends, or adventuring solo, fjord floating offers a unique shared experience. It’s intimate and memorable – a great story for two, or a serene solo accomplishment to savour.
• Families with Teens (13+): Finding family activities that thrill teenagers and parents alike can be tough. Fjord floating is a cool, safe adventure that teens will find “awesome” and parents will find reassuring. It’s a rare chance to do something truly different together. (Note: for safety, the minimum age is 13.)
• Low-Adrenaline Adventurers: Not everyone chasing adventure wants a high-heart-rate activity. If you prefer gentle, mindful experiences over extreme sports, fjord floating is ideal. It’s exciting in a quiet way – instead of an adrenaline rush, you get a sense of wonder and tranquillity. No jumping, no running, no loud motors – just effortless floating and relaxation.
  

Combine Fjord Floating with Other Winter Adventures

Want to make the most of your time in Hardanger? Consider pairing your fjord float with another activity on the same day for a full winter adventure:

• Winter RIB Safari: Before or after your float, hop on a heated RIB boat for an exhilarating ride through the fjord. It’s the perfect fast-paced complement to the calm of floating – zoom across the water, visit remote fjord arms, and feel the wind on your face. A RIB safari lets you explore further into Hardangerfjord’s nooks and crannies, so you get both the adrenaline and the serenity in one trip.
• Snowshoe Hike: Trade the water for the snow and head up into the hills around the fjord. Snowshoeing is an easy winter hike that anyone can learn, and it rewards you with panoramic views of the fjord from above. Many travelers love floating and hiking on the same day – first you see the fjord from water level, then you see it from a lookout point. Ask us about guided snowshoe tour options in the area.
• Local Culture & Relaxation: After your float, you might want to warm up like a local. Fortunately, Norheimsund has cosy cafes and even a cider brewery nearby. Enjoy a Norwegian pastry and hot chocolate at a fjordside café, or visit a local fruit cider farm for a tasting. It’s a great way to toast to your adventure and experience a bit of Hardanger’s food culture (this region is famous for its apples!). And if you’re interested in Norway’s sauna culture, some accommodations in the area offer saunas – nothing feels better than a sauna session after a winter fjord float!
  

Ready to Float?

Ready to experience fjord floating for yourself? Book your winter fjord floating adventure now, and let our local guides show you the magic of the Hardangerfjord in winter. It’s a unique Norwegian experience you’ll remember forever – from the moment you ease into the calm water to the moment you step back on shore grinning from ear to ear. Don’t let the cold scare you; as we like to say, the fjord is calling – and you’re going to stay warm! We can’t wait to share this one-of-a-kind winter adventure with you. 



Come float with us and create an unforgettable story of your own.