Foto: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com

Three people kayaking on calm waters in red kayaks, enjoying an outdoor adventure on a sunny day.
Norway Active Holiday in Bergen – Discover the Fjords and Nature in New Ways

Active Holiday in Bergen – Discover the Fjords and Nature in New Ways

Bergen, the beautiful gem on Norway’s west coast, is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to combine nature with activity. The city’s stunning surroundings, with fjords, mountains, and forests, provide a perfect setting for a holiday filled with adventure and exciting experiences. Here are our top tips for making the most of an active holiday in Bergen.

Kayaking through the Fjords

Explore nature from the water – kayaking is a fun activity for the whole family on a sunny day.

Foto: Visit Bergen/Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com

Kayaking is a popular activity in Bergen, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine gliding quietly through glassy fjords, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Osterfjorden, around a 30-minute drive northeast of Bergen, is one of the most popular kayaking spots, where you might be lucky enough to spot seals or even majestic sea eagles in the picturesque surroundings.

Another fantastic area for kayaking is Øygarden, just a short drive west of Bergen. Here, you can paddle between small islands in a unique coastal landscape where the sea meets the mountains. With various rental options and guided tours, kayaking is accessible for both beginners and experienced paddlers. It’s an experience that brings you close to the beauty and magic of nature.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Foto: visitOsteroy

If you want to try SUP near Bergen, Marineholmen Sandstrand is the ideal starting point. Here, you can rent equipment and paddle out onto the fjord for a peaceful, scenic experience. The calm waters and fantastic views make this activity suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers. You can even continue your route to Nordnes Park, where the relaxed atmosphere and views over the city and mountains make for the perfect setting on the water.

Fjord Safari with RIB Boat

Foto: © Fotograf Cecilie Hatløy

A fjord safari in a RIB boat is a thrilling way to combine speed and breathtaking nature experiences in the fjords around Bergen. These tours set off from Bergen and take you deep into the fjords, where you can get close to waterfalls, rock formations, and perhaps spot seals or sea eagles. For those looking to explore Hardangerfjord, a short drive to Norheimsund will bring you to even more scenic fjord cruises. Or, if the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord entices you more, head to Flåm or Aurland, where narrow fjords and dramatic landscapes await.

Diving in the Archipelago

Foto: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com

Diving around Bergen offers spectacular underwater experiences. The Gulen Dive Resort, close to Bergen, is renowned for its wreck dives, where you can explore World War II shipwrecks and admire natural dives with colourful fish and kelp forests. On the island of Sotra, west of Bergen, divers can explore dramatic rock formations and rich marine life. This is an ideal spot for both nature dives and wreck dives, making Sotra a popular destination for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Cycling along the Coast

Cycling along the coast is a fantastic way to experience Bergen’s scenic surroundings. A popular route goes along Fanafjord, where you can cycle through peaceful landscapes with views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. For those wanting to explore further, the islands of Askøy and Austevoll offer beautiful, open landscapes and coastal stretches where nature truly shines. You’ll feel far from the city’s hustle and bustle while enjoying the fresh sea air and sweeping views.

Horse Riding in Beautiful Surroundings

Foto: @ Daniel Møller / Ut in Sandnes / Region Stavanger

Exploring Bergen on horseback is an unforgettable experience. Øvre-Eide Farm offers guided horse rides in the surrounding hills, where you can enjoy the tranquillity and the stunning views over the city and fjords. Here, both beginners and experienced riders can immerse themselves in nature. For those interested in riding Icelandic horses, Stall Riple offers rides in the Fana area, giving you a chance to explore lush forests and scenic landscapes from a new perspective.

Climbing in Høyt & Lavt Adventure Park

Foto: Høyt & Lavt

The Høyt & Lavt Adventure Park is a hit for both families and thrill-seekers. The park offers courses of varying difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber. Ziplining and climbing among the treetops provide an adrenaline rush while letting you enjoy the surrounding nature.

Plan Your Holiday to Bergen with Fjord Line

Bergen is the perfect destination for an active holiday, where you can combine nature experiences with physical activities. Travel with Fjord Line from Hirtshals and enjoy a relaxing voyage before embarking on your adventures in the fjords and mountains.

Book your holiday today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the nature of Norway’s west coast!