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Oslofjord tour

©Chris Baldry

Oslofjord tour

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Join us, on Vision of The Fjords, for a cruise around the Oslofjord – a round-trip on a sustainable ship. See a different side of the city, with great views of the idyllic islands of inner Oslofjord.

Spectacular Views of the Oslofjord and Historic Landmarks

A cruise on the Oslofjord offers the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the best ways to see Oslo is from the waterfront, so hop aboard Vision of The Fjords and enjoy the magnificent views from the ship as it follows the shoreline. You'll sail past historical landmarks and towards the picturesque islands of Oslofjord.

A City That’s Turned to Face the Fjord

Recently there has been a revitalization of the Oslo harbour area. Locked gates and stacks of freight containers have been replaced by an attractive harbour promenade, beaches and footpaths. Once an industrial zone, the harbour has become Oslo’s go-to recreational area. Now, the city has a unique appearance and offers a plethora of new experiences.

From the water, it’s easy to see how the city has grown into something more open and inviting — a capital that’s proud of its connection to the fjord.

©Chris Baldry

Fjord Cruise Oslofjord

Sail the inner parts of the Oslofjord, from the pier next to the Oslo Opera House, along the city shoreline, between small islands, passing landmarks and historical places.

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A Senic Route Through The Fjord

A fjord cruise on the Oslofjord is one of those experiences that stays with you. Peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly close to the heart of the city, it’s a brilliant way to see Oslo from a new perspective — all aboard a quiet sightseeing boat.

Operated by The Fjords, the cruise runs four times a day during the summer months, with each journey lasting around 90 minutes. It sets off from Langkaia, right beside the Opera House, and gently sails past the city’s shoreline and out towards the fjord’s many islands.

Within minutes of boarding Vision of The Fjords you'll be gliding past some of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks. First up is Pipervika — the bay that sits between Aker Brygge and Akershus Fortress. Once home to the historic Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard, this area was a hub of shipbuilding for over a century. These days, it’s alive with buzzing cafés, culture, and city life.

After Pipervika, the cruise glides past Tjuvholmen — one of Oslo’s newer waterfront districts. Sleek and stylish, it’s packed with galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

From there, the boat slips into Frognerkilen, a narrow inlet that stretches from Skøyen to Bygdøy. Sheltered and serene, it’s a natural harbour that draws in boats all summer long. Along its banks you’ll spot Oscarshall — a striking neo-Gothic palace nestled among the trees, still reserved for the Norwegian royal family.

The journey then continues past the lush Bygdøy peninsula and the charming little lighthouse at Dyna Fyr, before heading out towards the fjord’s islands.

Experience the Idyllic Islands of the Oslofjord

As the cruise ventures further into the Oslofjord, the city slowly slips from view and the landscape begins to shift — giving way to a peaceful cluster of islands, each with its own charm and story to tell.

These islands are a summer haven for many Oslo residents, some of whom have cosy holiday cabins here, with front-row views of the city skyline. You’ll drift quietly past them aboard the electric boat, watching as life unfolds at a gentler pace.

Bleikøya, Lindøya, Nakkholmen and Hovedøya are among the most beloved — small, green sanctuaries where wild nature meets community spirit. The tradition of escaping to the islands began in the early 20th century, when weary city dwellers would pitch tents here to escape the bustle. Over time, those tents gave way to brightly painted wooden cabins, many of which are still in use today.

The cruise also passes the trio of Gressholmen, Heggholmen, and Rambergøya — a set of islands once central to Oslo’s early aviation history. Gressholmen was once the site of Norway’s first seaplane base and also hosted Oslo’s earliest shooting range. In those days, boats were the fastest way to get around, making the islands easy to access. Their quiet, remote setting offered the perfect combination of convenience and seclusion — ideal for both early aviation and a safe spot for target practice.

Today, Rambergøya and parts of Gressholmen are protected nature reserves, providing important habitats for seabirds.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking for a fresh view of the city, a fjord cruise is a quiet reminder of how beautiful Oslo is — and how close we are to nature here.

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