RIB Safaris

on the Hardangerfjord

Thrilling Fjord Adventures — All Year Round

Experience Norway’s dramatic fjords up close — from powerful waterfalls and hidden fjord arms in summer to quiet, snow-tipped landscapes in winter. Our certified skippers guide small groups in high-speed RIB boats, blending excitement with safety and storytelling.


What tours are available now?

(next 10 days)




From May to September, scheduled RIB safaris depart from Norheimsund, Øystese and Ulvik. Norheimsund also offers departures during the rest of the year.


Tours from Norheimsund and Øystese travel into Fyksesund and towards the roadless hamlet of Botnen. From Ulvik, you can explore Osafjord or join a longer safari through several parts of the inner Hardangerfjord.


Choose between scheduled tours lasting 60–105 minutes or request a private departure. Waterfall conditions vary with rainfall and snowmelt.

Winter RIB Safaris FRom Norheimsunnd

Our winter RIB safari departs from Thon Hotel Sandven in Norheimsund and travels towards Fyksesund. The experience includes 75 minutes on the fjord, guided stops and the required equipment.


We provide an insulated flotation suit, life jacket and goggles, as well as gloves and a beanie when needed. The captain adjusts the route and speed to the weather and sea conditions. Snow, ice formations and calm water depend on the conditions on the day.


People taking pictures on a Hardangerfjord winter RIB safari
People taking pictures on a Hardangerfjord winter RIB safari

Hardangerfjord and Fyksesund RIB Safari from Norheimsund

  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Season: All year
  • Route: Norheimsund, Hardangerfjord, Fyksesund and Botnen
  • Best suited for: Guests travelling from Bergen or staying in the Norheimsund area


Fyksesund RIB Safari from Øystese

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Season: Summer
  • Route: Øystese, Hardangerfjord, Fyksesund and Botnen
  • Best suited for: Guests staying in Øystese or looking for a shorter safari to Fyksesund


Osafjord RIB Safari from Ulvik

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Season: Summer
  • Route: Ulvik and Osafjord
  • Best suited for: Guests staying in Ulvik or the inner Hardangerfjord


Hardangerfjord Ultimate RIB Safari from Ulvik

  • Duration: 105 minutes
  • Season: Summer
  • Route: Several parts of the inner Hardangerfjord
  • Best suited for: Guests wanting a longer tour and greater variation in fjord scenery


Private RIB Charter

  • Duration: Flexible
  • Departure: Available from several ports and hotels along the Hardangerfjord
  • Best suited for: Private groups, companies, celebrations and cruise guests

A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, combines a solid hull with inflatable tubes around the sides. It is an open boat that allows guests to travel quickly between different parts of the fjord and get close to the surrounding landscape.


Hardangerfjord Adventure’s RIBs:

  • Carry up to 12 guests
  • Have saddle-style, shock-absorbing seats and secure handholds
  • Are equipped with up to 600 horsepower
  • Carry the required safety equipment for every guest
  • Include flotation suits, life jackets and goggles


You will feel the wind and may experience spray during the trip. The captain adjusts the route and speed according to the weather, visibility and sea conditions.

A RIB captain doing a safety brief in the boat


RIB safaris from Norheimsund and Øystese

Norheimsund and Øystese are neighbouring fjord villages approximately 7 kilometres apart. Both can be reached from Bergen or Voss by car or public bus.


Our year-round base in Norheimsund is located at Thon Hotel Sandven. Our seasonal base in Øystese is located at Hardangerfjord Hotel.


Scheduled RIB safaris from both villages travel into Fyksesund and towards the roadless hamlet of Botnen. Tour duration, departure times and availability vary between the two bases, so check the individual product page before booking.


Øystese on Google maps 

Norheimsund on Google maps

UPCOMING TOURS

(next 10 days)

ALL TOURS


RIB safaris from Ulvik

Our seasonal Ulvik base is located at Brakanes Hotel, with the meeting point in the hotel lobby.

From Ulvik, you can join a 60-minute safari into Osafjord or a 105-minute Ultimate RIB Safari through several parts of the inner Hardangerfjord.


Ulvik is approximately 30 minutes by car from Eidfjord and around 50 minutes from Voss and Lofthus. Public transport is available, but departures are less frequent than between Bergen and Norheimsund. Check the current journey planner before travelling.


Ulvik on Google maps

UPCOMING TOURS

(next 10 days)

ALL TOURS


Private RIB charters from ports and hotels

Looking for something special? We offer private RIB charters for families, friends, and companies.



Common Questions - FAQ

1. Where do the RIB tours depart from?

2. How long are the tours?

3. Do I need to book in advance?

4. What gear is included?

5. Are children allowed?

6. Is it suitable with back or neck issues?

7. What will we see?

8. What if the weather is bad?

9. Can I bring a camera or phone?

10. Do you offer private charters?


INSPIRATION BLOG ARTICLES

July 21, 2026
Join a local RIB safari during cruise calls in Ulvik, Rosendal, Eidfjord, or Bergen. Compare meeting points, travel times, and private tour options.
Waterfall crashing into a misty river, surrounded by dense evergreen forest under a gray rainy day.
June 8, 2026
Rain can make the Hardangerfjord even more dramatic. Discover waterfalls, cider farms, museums, aquaculture, family pools and cultural experiences in Hardanger.
Tasting cider from Hardanger in the orchard at Steinstø fruit farm. Photo: Thea Brønlund
June 5, 2026
History from the 13th century, orchard microclimate and where to taste near Øystese/Ulvik—often with lunch stops. A Cider lover’s dream and adventure awaits.
A boat travels across a fjord, flanked by lush green mountains under a blue sky.
June 3, 2026
Book early, combine RIB + cider + hiking, and use buses/ferries from Bergen and Voss. Northern shore tips for space and easy logistics. Welcome to the Hardangerfjord
People in a viewpoint during Fjord to Fjell – Fyksesund Mountain Trail hike
May 29, 2026
Explore iconic and hidden hiking trails in Hardangerfjord, Norway. Join guided experiences like the new Fjord to Fjell – Fyksesund Mountain Trail with Hardangerfjord Adventure.
People on a RIB boat in Fyksesund, Hardangerfjord.
May 21, 2026
Feel the cliffs and waterfalls of Osafjord, Simadalsfjord and Fyksesund on a guided RIB cruise. What to wear, who it suits, and how to book.
Norheimsund by the Hardangerfjord
May 15, 2026
Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, Hardanger Maritime Centre, lovely hikes, fjord promenade and RIB departures. Where to stay and day-trip ideas.
A visit to Hardanger Akvasenter's salmon farm.. Photo: Ruben Soltvedt
May 7, 2026
Discover an ultimate guide to exploring Hardangerfjord with kids. Thrilling RIB safaris, short hikes, fun family parks, exploring exhibitions and more.
A scenic landscape with a fjord, island, surrounding forest, and snow-capped mountains in Ulvik, Hardangerfjord.
April 28, 2026
Explore Ulvik - Stay fjord-side, ride orchards, taste local ciders and add a RIB fjord safari cruise. A perfect base to explore the essence of the Hardangerfjord.
Springtime in Fyksesund, the most narrow branch of the Hardangerfjord
April 23, 2026
Bus 925 from Bergen to Norheimsund or Øystese; Steinsdalsfossen, town stroll, cider lunch and a RIB to Fyksesund—then back by evening.
Show More

Ready to experience the Hardangerfjord with us?