Visiting Norway’s vibrant capital and planning a fjord excursion? This article explores the best options for day trips from Oslo to fjords, the most worthwhile fjords to visit, how far the fjords are from Oslo, and how to reach them from the capital. Read on to organize an unforgettable Nordic adventure.

By the way, you can explore Oslo by joining us on our best-selling guided walking tour.

Considering a day trip from Oslo to fjords? Explore the best options for a journey to Sognefjord, including round trips from Oslo, journeys with transfers to Bergen, and reverse itineraries (Bergen to Oslo).

From Oslo to Fjords Tours: Round Trips

Full-day roundtrip from Oslo to Sognefjord (duration: approx. 15 hours 30 minutes; price: from 10,800 NOK). Embark on one of the most popular excursions from Norway’s capital to Sognefjord. Travel to Gudvangen by private vehicle, enjoy a stunning cruise across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, experience the renowned Flåm Railway journey, and return to Oslo the same day.

Private full-day round trip from Oslo to Sognefjord via Flåm Railway (duration: 15-16 hours; price: from 11,750 NOK). Escape the bustle of Norway's capital for a day on a private round trip to Sognefjord. Enjoy a scenic drive to Gudvangen, followed by an unforgettable cruise across the stunning Nærøyfjord and a thrilling journey on the Flåm Railway. Return to Oslo the same day.

Oslo to Norwegian Fjords Tours with Transfers to Bergen

Private full-day trip from Oslo to Bergen with Sognefjord and Flåm Railway (duration: 10-12 hours; price: from 11,450 NOK). Join this private journey through Sognefjord from Oslo to Bergen, featuring a memorable Nærøyfjord cruise and an exhilarating Flåm Railway ride. You'll have ample time to explore the charming mountain town of Flåm before continuing to Bergen by private vehicle.

Oslo to Bergen self-guided full-day trip with Flåm Railway and fjord cruise (duration: 12 hours; price: from 4,720 NOK). Take a self-guided tour from Oslo to Bergen, experiencing the renowned Norway in a Nutshell journey with a Nærøyfjord cruise and a Flåm Railway ride.

Trips to the Norwegian Fjords: Oslo-Bound Journeys from Bergen

Private guided tour from Bergen to Oslo with Nærøyfjord Cruise and Flåm Railway (duration: 14 hours; price: from 11,300 NOK). Travel in reverse — from Bergen to Oslo — on this private tour through Sognefjord, which includes a majestic Nærøyfjord cruise and a spectacular ride on the Flåm Railway. Along the way, stop at the famous Stegastein viewpoint for breathtaking vistas of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord surrounded by towering peaks.

Best Oslofjord Cruises

Hesitant about taking day trips from Oslo to fjords? That's perfectly fine. You can still experience Norway's fjord-like beauty without leaving the capital by exploring the tranquil waters of the Oslofjord.

This body of water offers numerous opportunities for memorable aquatic adventures. Here are several options for Oslofjord sightseeing:

Guided Oslofjord cruise by silent electric catamaran (duration: 2 hours 30 minutes; price: from 667 NOK). Set out on an introductory, silent cruise across the Oslofjord, navigating its calm waters and marveling at the scenic landscapes surrounding Norway's capital during this immersive experience.

4-hour island-hopping tour in Oslo (duration: 4 hours; price: from 603 NOK). Use these public transportation ferry tickets to discover three picturesque islands near Oslo, one of which even features the ruins of a 12th-century abbey.

Oslofjord sightseeing cruise with a 3-course dinner (duration: 2 hours 30 minutes; price: from 1529 NOK). Sail the Oslofjord on a cruise with an intimate 3-course dinner, savoring traditional Norwegian cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Take in spectacular views of the setting sun while enjoying delicious local dishes.

Exclusive private cruise on the Oslofjord (duration: from 3 to 6 hours; price: from 12,329 NOK per group). Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the Oslofjord, with a private yacht, and a captain who can personalize cruises to each guest's preferences and wishes. Relax on the yacht, take a dip in the water, or even enjoy speeding from island to island on this personalized Oslofjord excursion.

Fishing in the Oslofjord (duration: 4 hours; price: 9,000 NOK). Join a scenic fishing adventure in the waters of the Oslofjord on this private motorboat experience. Embrace the thrill of catching your own dinner while enjoying the serenity and peaceful atmosphere of the Oslofjord.

Kayaking in the Oslofjord (duration: 3 hours; price: from 1,335 NOK). Embrace an active experience by kayaking through the calm waters of the Oslofjord. Witness the city's iconic sights from the water and explore its bays, beaches, and islands on a self-guided paddling trip.

The Best Fjords to See from Oslo

Several iconic Norwegian fjords are relatively easily accessible on day trips from Oslo to fjords. Let's explore the best fjords to visit from Norway's capital and discover how to see fjords from Oslo.

Sognefjord & Nærøyfjord

Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, rightfully nicknamed the "King of Fjords," is the most popular destination for fjord day trips from Oslo. Nærøyfjord, its most stunning stretch and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a highlight of the captivating Norway in a Nutshell journey, which connects Norway’s two largest cities — Oslo and Bergen.

This fascinating trip includes a majestic Nærøyfjord cruise and a scenic ride on the Flåm Railway, and it offers a perfect way to travel between Oslo and Bergen or vice versa.

To reach Sognefjord from Oslo on this journey, you'll take a train to Myrdal and transfer to the Flåm Railway. After arriving in Flåm, a scenic mountain town on the shore of Aurlandsfjord (another branch of Sognefjord), you can embark on an unforgettable cruise across the Sognefjord. This cruise showcases the beauty of Nærøyfjord and culminates in the arrival at the picturesque village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst towering peaks.

Overall, this day trip from Norway’s capital is the best way to see fjords from Oslo. Furthermore, several one-day fjord tours from Oslo, with a return to Norway’s capital on the same day, are available above (such as this full-day roundtrip to Sognefjord from Oslo).

Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord, along with Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord, ranks among Norway's three most visited fjords. Renowned for its expansive national parks, scenic hikes, and verdant apple orchards, Hardanger is a true highlight of any journey to this Scandinavian country. While Hardangerfjord is located as far from Oslo as Nærøyfjord, there are currently no shared or private one-day tours from Oslo to the Hardanger region.

However, you can arrange a self-drive trip to Hardangerfjord. Located approximately within a 5-hour drive from Oslo, Hardanger enchants visitors with scenic destinations such as Odda, Lofthus, and Eidfjord. Public transport is also an option (an 8-hour overnight bus from Oslo), but as you might imagine, it's not ideal for a day trip to fjords from Oslo.

In conclusion, if you're willing to handle the planning and driving, Hardangerfjord is a worthwhile alternative to the more famous Sognefjord. Then again, you can extend your trip and combine a visit to both fjords — after all, Eidfjord is only about a 1.5-hour drive from Gudvangen.

Lysefjord

Lysefjord, another remarkable fjord in western Norway, has gained prominence due to its two famous hikes — Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten. Best accessed from Stavanger, Lysefjord is a reasonable option for a trip from Oslo to fjords, though not for a day trip. Reaching Lysefjord from Norway’s capital requires at least an 8-hour drive, making it unsuitable for day trip from Oslo to fjords.

However, visiting Lysefjord is a great idea if you're willing to venture outside Oslo and explore Stavanger, a charming city on the west coast, renowned as the country's oil capital. You can also consider extending your itinerary to include Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, along with a visit to Lysefjord.

In conclusion, while not the most obvious choice, you might consider including Lysefjord in a trip from Oslo to fjords.

Oslofjord

When visiting Norway’s capital, exploring the Oslofjord is an obvious choice. While not a classic Norwegian fjord, it offers beautiful coastal scenery, picturesque islands ripe for exploration, and numerous opportunities for boat trips.

For those with limited time in Oslo, a cruise across the Oslofjord is an excellent option. A variety of Oslofjord cruises are available — from simple fjord excursions and island-hopping tours to dinner sightseeing cruises and exclusive private cruises.

How Far Are the Fjords from Oslo?

As mentioned previously, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, two of Norway’s three most visited fjords, are located approximately within a 5-hour drive from Norway’s capital.

Furthermore, both destinations are key stops on the popular Norway in a Nutshell and the lesser-known Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell journeys, which connect Oslo with Bergen. If you prefer to travel from Oslo to Norwegian fjords by public transport, expect longer travel times — around 6-7 hours from Oslo to Flåm (Sognefjord) and 8 hours from Oslo to Odda (Hardangerfjord).

Reaching Lysefjord from Oslo is slightly more complex. As previously discussed, this fjord is not suitable for a day trip from Oslo with a same-day return. Instead, consider an 8-hour drive from Norway’s capital to Lysefjord, followed by a cruise or hike, and conclude your journey in Stavanger, located nearby. Public transport options to Lysefjord from Oslo typically take from 8 hours.

The next section of this article details how to reach each of these fjords from Oslo.

How to Get from Oslo to Fjords?

Still wondering how to get to fjords from Oslo? Let's explore how to reach Norway's most popular fjords from the country's capital by both rental car and public transport.

How to get to Sognefjord from Oslo (driving: 5 hours; public transport: 6-7 hours). You can travel to Sognefjord from Oslo by taking a train to Myrdal and then transferring to the Flåmsbana train. In Flåm, a mountain town located on the shore of a Sognefjord branch, you can embark on a cruise, including an unforgettable voyage across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.

How to get to Hardangerfjord from Oslo (driving: 5 hours; public transport: 8 hours). Drive from Oslo to Odda via the E134 and E18 highways. For public transport, a combination of the no. 180 and no. 725 buses (total travel time is approximately 8 hours) will take you from Oslo to Odda overnight.

How to get to Lysefjord from Oslo (driving: 8 hours; public transport: from 8 hours). Drive from Oslo to Lysefjord via the E134 highway, which includes tolls and requires a ferry. For public transport, take the F5 train from Oslo to Sandnes (travel time starts at 8 hours) or hop on a Vy190 night bus, which generally takes 8-9 hours.

Tips for Making a Day Trip to Fjords from Oslo

To make your fjord adventure from Oslo as smooth and enjoyable as possible, consider these essential tips:

• Choose the fjords for a day trip from Oslo wisely. Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord offer distinct experiences. Sognefjord is easily accessible and offers the classic fjord scenery, while Lysefjord, though further, boasts iconic hikes. Hardangerfjord is a scenic alternative, but requires more planning.
• Plan your transportation. Rental cars offer flexibility for exploring at your own pace, especially for Hardangerfjord. Be prepared for driving times (around 5 hours to Sognefjord/Hardangerfjord, 8 hours to Lysefjord) and potential tolls/ferries.
• Public transport. This is a more budget-friendly option, but requires careful planning due to longer travel times (6-7 hours to Flåm, 8 hours to Odda, 8+ hours to Lysefjord). Book train/bus tickets in advance, especially for the Flåm Railway.
• Prioritize experiences For Sognefjord, don't miss the Nærøyfjord cruise and the Flåm Railway. For Hardangerfjord, focus on scenic drives, hikes, and fruit orchard visits. When traveling to Lysefjord, prioritize the Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten hikes.
• Time management is key. Fjord trips from Oslo can be time-consuming. Start early to maximize daylight and allow for unexpected delays. Confirm ferry and public transport schedules in advance. And be realistic about travel distances, especially for day trips.
• Pack smart. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking, hiking, and exploring villages, while waterproof gear will protect yourself from rain and spray from waterfalls/fjords. And don’t forget the camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

By the way, you can plan your trip to Norway’s capital by using our 2-day Oslo itinerary.