Where is the meeting point?

In the lobby of Thon Hotel Sandven, Norheimsund—about 50 meters from the main bus stop.

Can I travel from Bergen by public transport?

Yes. There are direct bus connections from Bergen to Norheimsund. The bus stop is ~50 meters from the meeting point at Thon Hotel Sandven. Tip: With a Bergen Card, Skyss public transport is included.

How long does the winter RIB safari take?

The RIB experience is about 75 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing, and allow 10 minutes after the tour to change out of the gear.

Is the tour safe in winter?

Yes. We operate in most conditions and provide winter gear for comfort. Safety is our top priority. If we must cancel due to weather, you will be offered rebooking or a full refund.

What gear is included?

Insulated flotation suits, life jackets, goggles, gloves and hats. Dress in warm base layers and wear warm, water-resistant closed shoes.

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.

Is it suitable with back or neck issues?

RIB tours can be bumpy. Please contact us before booking if you are more than 3 months pregnant or have back/neck problems.

Dramatic winter fjord scenery with icy waterfalls, small fjord villages and, at times, frozen sections of the fjord. Wildlife sightings vary by season.

Can I bring a camera or phone?

Yes, usually without issue. We recommend a waterproof pouch or strap—especially in wet conditions.

Hardangerfjord RIB Safari October–April

Q: Can I take a RIB safari on the Hardangerfjord in winter?

Yes. Hardangerfjord Adventure operates RIB safaris from Norheimsund throughout the October–April low season when weather and sea conditions allow. The tour explores the Hardangerfjord and heads into Fyksesund.

Q: Does the tour depart from Bergen?

No. The boat trip departs from Norheimsund, which you can reach by direct public bus or car from Bergen. Meet at Thon Hotel Sandven 20 minutes before departure. Transport is not included.

Q: How long does the tour last?

Normally 75 minutes on the water and approximately 105 minutes in total. In some winter conditions, the boat trip may take up to 90 minutes. Allow around two hours including check-in and removing your equipment.

Q: Are snow and frozen waterfalls guaranteed?

No. October to April includes autumn, winter and spring. Snow and ice depend on the weather. Flowing waterfalls, changing light and steep mountainsides are also part of the low-season experience.

Q: What happens if the weather is too bad?

Your captain assesses the conditions and adapts the tour. If we cancel for weather or safety reasons, you will be offered another departure or a full refund.

Q: Can I book RIB safari and fjord floating on the same day?

Yes. From October to April, we offer a combined RIB safari and fjord floating package in Norheimsund, with a break between the activities. The package has a minimum age of 13 and separate participation requirements.

About the tour – the Hardangerfjord in the quieter season

Between October and April, the fjord takes on different moods. Autumn rain feeds the waterfalls, winter can dust the mountain peaks with snow, and spring gradually brings back longer days and fresh colours. It is a rewarding time to explore Hardanger with fewer visitors and more space to take in the scenery.

We depart from Norheimsund and follow the Hardangerfjord towards Fyksesund. Inside this narrow fjord branch, steep mountainsides rise directly from the water. Faster stretches alternate with guided stops, giving you time to look around, take photographs and hear stories about the landscape and life beside the fjord.

When conditions allow, we continue towards Botnen, the small roadless hamlet at the head of Fyksesund. We stop on the water outside the hamlet, where your captain shares stories of a place once connected to the wider world mainly by boat.

This is the low-season version of our RIB safari from Norheimsund, following the same planned route as the year-round tour. The experience changes with the season and weather: one day may bring reflections on the fjord, another low clouds, powerful waterfalls or ice formations.

Snow and frozen waterfalls are not guaranteed. Your captain adjusts the speed and route to the conditions, and ice may limit how far into Fyksesund we can travel.

A day trip from Bergen – no car needed

You can travel from Bergen to Norheimsund by direct public bus or car. The journey usually takes around 80–90 minutes, depending on the service, traffic and road conditions. Allow extra time for winter roads.

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 Norheimsund, just 50 metres from our meeting point at Thon Hotel Sandven.

Transport to Norheimsund is not included in your RIB ticket.

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 season's and 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
Winter mittens
Beanies/hats

Recommended Clothing:

Windproof and warm footwear, or waterproof shoes on rainy days
Warm layers to wear underneath the flotation suit
Buff/neck warmer on colder days

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 or 930 from Bergen or Voss (approx. 80–90 min)
Parking: Free parking is available at the meeting point

Why choose this tour?

Experience the fjord during a quieter time of year.
Discover how autumn rain, winter temperatures and spring light transform the Hardangerfjord and its branches.
Get close to steep mountainsides and seasonal waterfalls.
Hear local stories from your captain.
Visit on a day trip from Bergen by public bus or car.
Combine your RIB safari with fjord floating in Norheimsund.

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

Turn your RIB safari into a full winter fjord day. This package combines the 75-minute Hardangerfjord and Fyksesund RIB safari with a calm guided fjord floating session in Norheimsund.

Make it a full winter day from Bergen
Travelling from Bergen? Book the RIB safari together with fjord floating and enjoy two separate Hardangerfjord experiences in one day, with about one hour between activities for lunch, coffee, or a short walk.

From RIB action to quiet fjord floating
Start with speed, fresh air, and local stories on the RIB safari. Then slow down and experience the Hardangerfjord from water level in a dry immersion suit.

Hardangerfjord & Fyksesund RIB Safari in the calm season

Discover the Hardangerfjord in its quieter season, from autumn colours to winter light and early spring. Join a local captain on a RIB safari from Norheimsund into Fyksesund, ideal for a local stay or a day trip from Bergen.

Duration

Difficulty

Prices from

Age

Season

About the tour – the Hardangerfjord in the quieter season

Prices

Departure

Meeting point:

Starting times

Guiding

A day trip from Bergen – no car needed

Additional information

What’s Included:

Recommended Clothing:

Important Restrictions:

Transport & Parking:

Why choose this tour?

Who is this tour ideal for?

If you'd like to book this tour as a private experience, send us a request

Recommended add-on: Fjord Floating after your RIB safari

Common Questions - FAQ

1. Can I take a RIB safari on the Hardangerfjord in winter?

2. Is this the same route as the summer RIB safari from Norheimsund?

3. Does the tour depart from Bergen?

4. How long does the tour last?

5. Will I get cold or wet?

6. Are snow and frozen waterfalls guaranteed?

7. What happens if the weather is too bad?

8. Do I need to book in advance?

9. Can children join?

10. Can I book RIB safari and fjord floating on the same day?

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