Fyksesund RIB safari from Øystese
Discover the secluded and roadless Fyksesund branch — one of the quietest, most dramatic and untouched sides of the Hardangerfjord. An easy day trip from Bergen.
4.9 on GetYourGuide - Away from the crowds - Max 12 guests - Professional local captains & guides – Free cancellation - Equipment included - High-speed RIB safari – Safety briefing
Book directly with the local operator
When you book here, you book directly with Hardangerfjord Adventure – the team operating the tour. You get our latest availability, local travel advice and direct support if you have questions about weather, clothing, transport or private departures.
Duration
60 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Prices from
NOK 895
Age
5+
Season
May-September
About the trip
The tour starts at Hardangerfjord Hotel in Øystese. From here, we cross part of the main Hardangerfjord before turning into Fyksesund, a narrow fjord arm leading towards the roadless settlement of Botnen.
As the fjord narrows, the mountainsides rise more steeply from the water. The captain makes several stops for photographs and shares local stories about the landscape, the farms along the fjord and how people travelled before roads connected the villages.
Waterfall conditions vary with the weather and season. They are normally strongest during snowmelt and after periods of rain. When conditions allow, we take the RIB close enough for guests to see the waterfalls from the water and feel some of the spray.
Near the inner end of Fyksesund, we stop outside Botnen. The hamlet has no road connection and can only be reached by boat or on foot. After the stop, we return through Fyksesund and across the fjord to Øystese.
Lonely Planet featured this RIB safari in the articleLonely Planet's article, "An epic adventure in Norway's southern fjords - without the crowds", , where the writer described it as the journey’s “most epic adventure”.
Prices
Adult/Youth: NOK 895
Children (5-11 years): NOK 595
Private tour: NOK 9,250 for up to 12 people
Departure
Øystese
Meeting point:
Reception/lobby of the Hardangerfjord Hotel 20 minutes before departure (Hardangerfjordvegen 613, 5610 Øystese)
Starting times
See the calendar for departure times from Hardangerfjord Hotel.
Duration details
60 minutes on the fjord and approximately 90 minutes in total.
Guiding
Norwegian and English
How to do this as an easy day trip from Bergen
Øystese is one of the first fjord villages you reach coming from Bergen to the Hardangerfjord. Skyss bus 925 takes you here in 85–90 min on a scenic route through fjord and mountain landscapes.
Buy your ticket in the Skyss app and board the bus at Platform O at Bergen Bus Station. The bus stops in the centre of Øystese, just 200 metres from our meeting point at Hardangerfjord hotel.
Note: If you have the Bergen Card, public transport with Skyss in Bergen and the surrounding region is included in the price.
Additional information
The tour is operated in an open RIB with saddle-style seats and space for up to 12 guests. You will feel the wind and may experience spray during the trip, so wear warm layers and closed footwear.
We provide a flotation suit, life jacket and protective goggles, as well as gloves and a beanie when needed. The captain may adjust the route, speed and distance from waterfalls according to the weather and sea conditions.
What’s Included:
- Insulated, wind- and water resistant flotation suits (children 128–164 cm, adults XS–XXL)
- Life jackets
- Protective goggles
- Neoprene gloves
- Beanies/hats if needed
Recommended Clothing:
- Windproof and warm footwear, or waterproof shoes on rainy days
- Warm layers to wear underneath the flotation suit
- Buff/neck warmer and insulated mittens/gloves on colder days
- Sunglasses and sunscreen in sunny weather
Important Restrictions:
- Not recommended for guests with back or neck problems.
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers beyond 3 months.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to enter the RIB and sit on a saddle-style seat, with assistance if required. Contact us before booking if you have reduced mobility.
- Scheduled tours have a minimum age of 5 years when accompanied by an adult. On private tours, children from age 4 may be accepted by prior agreement, subject to suitable safety equipment, weather and sea conditions.
Transport & Parking:
- Public transport: Bus 925 from Bergen or Voss (approx. 80–90 min)
- Parking: Free parking is available at the meeting point
Why choose this tour?
- Reach Fyksesund and Botnen on a 60-minute RIB safari from Øystese
- Travel from the lobby of Hardangerfjord Hotel, only 200 metres from the bus stop
- Join a small group of no more than 12 guests
- Stop for photographs and local guiding along the route
- See seasonal waterfalls, with the strongest flow normally occurring after rain and during snowmelt
- Use flotation suit, life jacket and goggles provided by Hardangerfjord Adventure
Who is this tour ideal for?
- Families
- Friends
- Couples
- Small groups
- People on day trips from Bergen
If you'd like to book this tour as a private experience, send us a request
Common Questions - FAQ
1. Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the lobby of Hardangerfjord Hotel in Øystese, only 200 meters from the main bus stop. Free public parking nearby.
2. Can I travel from Bergen by public transport?
Yes. There are direct bus connections from Bergen to Øystese. The bus stop is just 200 meters from the meeting point at Hardangerfjord Hotel.
Tip: With a 'Bergen Card,' all Skyss public transport is included.
3. What is the duration of the RIB safari?
The RIB safari itself lasts about 60 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and safety briefing, and allow 10 minutes afterwards for changing out of the gear.
4. What if the weather is bad?
We operate in most conditions, but safety always comes first. If we cancel, you will be offered rebooking or a full refund. Waterfalls are often at their most powerful in rainy weather.
5. Do I need to book in advance?
Advance online booking reserves your seat. Scheduled departures require at least two paying guests to run.
If there are any remaining spots, same-day availability will also be shown online. Please note that tours during the peak weeks in July and August are normally sold out.
6. What gear is included?
We provide flotation suits, life jackets and goggles, as well as gloves and hats if needed. Dress in warm layers and closed shoes.
7. Are children allowed?
Yes. Scheduled tours have a minimum age of 5 years (accompanied by an adult). On private tours the minimum age is 4 years.
8. Is this tour suitable for guests with back or neck problems?
RIB tours can be bumpy. Please contact us before booking if you are more than 3 months pregnant or have back/neck problems.
9. What will we see?
Expect dramatic fjord landscapes with up-close waterfalls, small fjord villages and a thrilling ride..
10. Can I bring a camera or phone?
Yes, usually without problem. We recommend using a waterproof pouch or strap in rainy conditions.
