The fjords around Tromsø are among the most beautiful in Northern Norway — snow-capped mountains plunging straight into the sea, sea eagles above the masthead, and a coastline shaped by a thousand years of life by the ocean. You can experience them from many kinds of boats. But there’s a difference between being ferried through the landscape and sailing through it on a boat that is itself part of the history.
What is a fjord cruise in Tromsø?
A fjord cruise takes you out from central Tromsø and into the surrounding sounds and fjords. Along the way you see the city from the water, pass small islands and fishing hamlets, and — if you’re lucky — spot a sea eagle, a seal or a porpoise. Tours range in length from a calm hour on the sound to longer cruises with fishing and food served on board.
What you choose depends on what you’re after: a short, relaxed experience right in the centre, or half a day at sea with time to breathe.
What makes Hermes II different?
Hermes II is not a modern tourist boat. She is a wooden vessel built in 1917, restored over several years and awarded the City of Tromsø’s cultural heritage prize in 2021 for the work. To sail with her is to travel aboard a living piece of Northern Norwegian coastal history.
You feel it on board. The deck, the saloon, the sound of an old wooden boat in the sea — it creates an atmosphere all its own. The guides share the story of the vessel and the coast as you go, so the trip becomes as much a tale as a voyage. For many guests this is exactly the difference they remember: that they didn’t just see the fjord, they experienced it the way people did a hundred years ago.
Which tour suits you?
Short on time, right in the centre? The 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise gives you the fjord, the mountains and the photo opportunities in one hour.
Want the history too? The Fjord & History Cruise combines the landscape with the story of the boat and the coast.
After an active day? The Fishing & Fjord Cruise takes you out fishing, with the fresh catch served on board.
Visiting in winter? Then the Northern Lights Dinner Cruise is a natural choice — see our separate guide to the northern lights by boat.
All tours have a dedicated child price and suit the whole family.
Practical
Tours depart from the quay by Kystens hus in central Tromsø, a short walk from the city centre and the Hurtigruten terminal. Dress for the weather — it’s always a little colder at sea — but the boat has a heated saloon. You book directly on our website: choose a date in the calendar and your ticket arrives by email.
👉 See all tours and available departures
