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 exclusive fjord experience and an easy day trip from Bergen.
4.9-5.0/5 on GetYourGuide, Viator & Tripadvisor - 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
Join a RIB safari into the only fjord branch of the Hardangerfjord without a road all the way in. While many visitors follow the crowds to Norway’s busiest fjord destinations, this tour takes you into a quieter and more secluded part of the fjord landscape — where nature, silence and authentic local life still feel close.
From Øystese, we first travel out into the main Hardangerfjord before turning into Fyksesund — a narrow and peaceful fjord arm framed by steep mountainsides. The inner part of the fjord feels largely untouched, offering a rare sense of calm and exclusivity far away from the busiest sightseeing routes.
Along the way, our local skipper makes several stops, allowing time for photos and short stories about the landscape, the fjord, and the people who once lived here. This is not a mass-tourism fjord experience, but a close encounter with one of Hardanger’s most authentic and dramatic fjord branches.
Fyksesund is especially impressive during snowmelt and on rainy days, when countless waterfalls pour down the mountainsides. We cruise close to several of them, letting you feel the fresh spray up close.
Near the end of the fjord branch, we stop outside the roadless hamlet of Botnen. This historic settlement adds a distinctive cultural dimension to the experience and offers insight into traditional fjord life in a place where the landscape has shaped everyday life for generations.
This is the very tour the author of Lonely Planet's article, An epic adventure in Norway's southern fjords - without the crowds, called "YOUR 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.
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
Our experienced local guides prioritise safety and comfort throughout the year, ensuring an enjoyable trip in all seasons. The RIB has saddle-style seats arranged in two rows and carries up to 12 guests.
As this is an open boat, you will feel the elements. Dressing appropriately for the day’s weather will make your experience both comfortable and memorable.
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.
- Scheduled tours have a minimum age of 5 years when accompanied by an adult. On private tours, we may consider children from 4 years.
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?
- explore Fyksesund – the Hardangerfjord’s most secluded, narrow and untouched fjord branch
- experience a quieter, more exclusive fjord alternative away from the busiest tourist routes
- get close to waterfalls, steep mountainsides and dramatic fjord scenery
- hear local stories about authentic local life along the fjord from a local captain
- enjoy the shortest and most time-efficient RIB safari to Fyksesund – with the perfect mix of action, scenery and storytelling
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?
Yes, advance online booking guarantees your seat. If there are any remaining spots, same-day availability will also be shown online. Please note that tours during the peak season (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.
