Oslo Fjord Cruises | Sightseeing, Guided, & Dinner Options

Why go on an Oslo fjord cruise?

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Fantastic photo opportunities

Glide through Oslo Fjord while watching a blend of sleek modern architecture, historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. You’ll pass lighthouses, medieval ruins, and beautiful beaches, and sail through idyllic bays and a maze of tiny islands, all set against the backdrop of an unspoiled coastline. There’s no dearth of scenic vistas to capture for your Instagram!

A comfortable way to explore the city

A cruise is the perfect way to see Oslo’s highlights without having to navigate its busy streets and tourist crowds. The boats feature comfortable seating, large windows, and spacious open decks, ensuring you get scenic views of the harbor and the coastline from every point.

A slice of Oslo’s culture

The Oslo Fjord is part of daily life for many residents and plays a key role in the city’s culture. Locals cross it by ferry, have homes perched along the coast, and go kayaking, swimming, and visit floating saunas throughout the year. A sightseeing or dinner cruise is a popular activity among both locals and visitors, and gives you a unique perspective of how people live and interact with the water.

A culinary experience

A dinner cruise is an excellent way to experience Oslo’s local cuisine while enjoying the views. Whether it’s fresh seafood or traditional dishes, you can savor great food as you cruise through the fjord, making the experience both relaxing and flavorful.

Engaging on-board narration

Listen to fascinating stories about Oslo’s history, architecture, and culture from knowledgeable English and Norwegian-speaking hosts onboard or multilingual audio guides. You’ll learn about the city, its maritime significance since the Viking age, and the history of the landmarks you sail past. This added layer of information makes the cruise both scenic and educational.

Accessibility

A cruise is the most convenient way to explore Oslo, especially if you’re short on time or are looking for a budget-friendly experience. With frequent departures and short durations, it’s an efficient way to experience the city’s scenic coastlines and landmarks without extensive travel.

Your Oslo fjord cruise options explained

Silent fjord cruise from Oslo with guide, showcasing serene waters

Sightseeing cruises

Duration: 2 hrs to 2.5 hrs
Guide: English & Norwegian-speaking host, multilingual audio guide
Meals: Not included

Cruise the Oslo Fjord in an electric boat or a sailing ship and discover the sights and sounds of Oslo Harbour. Get detailed historical insights about the landmarks you see from your knowledgeable hosts opt for a multilingual audio guide to understand Oslo’s maritime heritage.
Depending on the cruise you opt for, you can also choose to disembark at Bygdoy Peninsula to explore some of Norway’s top museums, with the option of taking a bus or the next boat back to the starting pier.

Book now:Oslo: Scenic Fjord Cruises

Oslo fjord dinner cruise boat with passengers enjoying scenic views.

Dinner cruises

Duration: 2.5 hrs
Guide: English & Norwegian-speaking host or multilingual audio guide
Meals: 3-course dinner or seafood dinner

Combine sightseeing on the Oslo Fjord with a delicious Norwegian meal on this 2.5-hour cruise. Experience the beauty of the Norwegian capital at night and admire stunning views of its illuminated landmarks.
Relish a sumptuous seafood dinner of fresh Norwegian shrimp, crayfish, and crab claws, or linger over an exquisite three-course meal featuring Skrei cod, baked red cabbage, and orange tart as you sail past landmarks like the Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House.

Book now:Oslo Dinner Fjord Cruises

Your guide to checking in and boarding

Rådhusbrygge

Rådhusbrygge Pier is located in City Hall Square in the city centre, just opposite Oslo’s City Hall.

Most Oslo Fjord cruises depart from one of the piers at this boarding point.

Address: 0160 Oslo, Norway | Find on maps

Top sights to see on an Oslo Fjord cruise

Akershus Fortress

This medieval castle, overlooking the Oslo Fjord, has stood sentinel since the 13th century, serving as both a royal residence and military stronghold.

Plan your Oslo Fjord cruise

Silent fjord cruise from Oslo with guide, showcasing serene waters and scenic landscapes.

Sightseeing cruises

Timings: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Duration: 2 hrs to 2.5 hrs

Dinner cruises

Timings: 6pm
Duration: 2.5 hrs

Name: Rådhusbrygge 4

Address: 0160 Oslo, Norway

Find on maps

Getting there:

By tram: Line 12
Nearest stop: Aker brygge
By bus: VY1, 140E, 150E, 160E, 265E
Nearest stop: Nationaltheatret, Dokkveien

Summer (June–August)

This is the best time to go on an Oslo Fjord cruise. The weather is pleasant with relatively warmer temperatures, and the long daylight hours are ideal for sightseeing. However, Oslo can be busy during these months with more tourists, and prices can potentially be higher as well.

Spring & autumn (May, September–October)

The off-peak season months see fewer crowds than peak summer, and tickets are more affordable. The autumn months also offer gorgeous scenery and stunning sunsets. However, the weather is colder, particularly in September and October, with higher chances of rain.

Oslo Fjord winter cruise with snow-covered islands and serene sea views.

Winter (November–April)

The winter months offer the chance to see the Northern Lights and snowcapped vistas of Oslo and its landmarks. But it can be extremely cold out on the fjord, especially in peak winter (December to February), and shorter daylight hours mean less time for sightseeing.

A woman in a blanket sitting on the deck of a cruise

Blankets: Warm blankets are provided on the cruise so that you’re comfortable and protected against the cold, especially on the open decks.
Wi-Fi: Access the onboard Wi-Fi network to stay connected and share your cruise moments.
Charging ports: No more worrying if your phone's battery is about to die—use the convenient charging ports to keep your electronic devices powered up while enjoying the cruise.
Restrooms: Clean, accessible restrooms are available onboard, so you can focus on the views without worrying about comfort during the cruise.
Indoor & outdoor spaces: Enjoy panoramic views of Oslo Fjord from the large windows in the warm indoor saloon, or step outside onto the outdoor deck for sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Passenger using binoculars to view distant mountains on a scenic tour.

Seating is not assigned with your Oslo Fjord cruise tickets, so ensure you arrive at the boarding point at least 15-20 minutes beforehand to secure your preferred seats and avoid any last-minute rush.
Oslo’s weather can turn chilly even during the warmer summer months, so dress in layers or carry a windproof jacket.
The audio guide included is usually in the form of an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. Carry your headphones for an immersive experience.
Bring along a pair of binoculars to help you spot seabirds, seals, and other wildlife in the water and on the shores you sail past.

Frequently asked questions about Oslo Fjord cruises

Do Oslo Fjord cruises operate year-round?

Yes, Oslo Fjord cruises are available year-round. However, they are more frequent during the summers, with daily trips, while they may operate only for a limited number of days and time slots during the winter months.

How far in advance should I book Oslo Fjord cruise tickets?

To secure your preferred time and date, it’s best to book your cruise at least 2–3 days in advance. Tickets tend to sell out faster during the peak season (June to August), so booking as early as 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard?

Most cruises do not allow you to bring your own food and beverages onboard. However, many cruises offer refreshments and snacks available for purchase. If you’re taking a dinner cruise, a meal is already part of the package.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code for sightseeing cruises, and casual, comfortable clothing works best. Do dress in layers or carry a warm jacket as temperatures can drop out on the open water. For dinner cruises, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Are there any restrictions on bringing luggage?

Small bags and personal items are generally allowed onboard, but large suitcases or bulky items may not be permitted due to space constraints. It’s best to travel light and leave larger items in your accommodation.

Is transportation to and from the pier included in the ticket?

Oslo Fjord cruises generally don’t include transfers to and from the pier. Most cruises depart from central locations like the Oslo City Hall Pier, which is easily reachable by public transport like tram or bus.

Are the cruise vessels wheelchair accessible?

Many cruise boats offer wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities, but not all of them do. It’s recommended to check accessibility options while booking to ensure a smooth experience.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pet policies differ from cruise to cruise, although guide dogs are usually permitted. We recommend confirming with the tour operators before booking.