Scenic Ferry Journeys in Scandinavia: Bygdøy, Copenhagen–Oslo, and Flåm–Bergen
If you’re exploring Scandinavia, some of the most memorable journeys aren’t by train or bus—they’re by ferry. Whether it’s a short hop across Oslo’s harbor, an overnight voyage between Denmark and Norway, or a spectacular cruise through Norway’s fjords, these ferry rides offer both transportation and unforgettable scenery. Here’s what to expect from three of our favorite ferry experiences: the Bygdøy ferry in Oslo, the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry, and the Flåm to Bergen ferry. On The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail and Ferry, we often enjoy these ferry adventures.
The Bygdøy Ferry – Oslo’s Harbor Shortcut to Museums and Culture
The Bygdøy ferry is a quick and scenic way to reach Oslo’s famous museum peninsula. Departing from Pier 3 at Rådhusbrygge—right in front of Oslo’s City Hall—the ferry sails across the Oslofjord in about 10–15 minutes, offering lovely views of the waterfront, Akershus Fortress, and the city skyline.
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Why Take It: The ferry drops you right near top attractions like the Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and Norwegian Maritime Museum.
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Schedule: Operates mainly from April to October, with departures every 20–30 minutes.
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Tickets: Covered by Oslo’s public transport ticket system (Ruter).
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Tip: Sit outside on the upper deck for the best photos of Oslo’s harbor.
The Copenhagen to Oslo Ferry – An Overnight Voyage Between Capitals
The Copenhagen to Oslo ferry, operated by DFDS, is much more than a mode of transport—it’s a mini cruise. Departing daily from Copenhagen’s port (near Nordhavn) at around 3:00 PM, the ferry sails overnight through the Kattegat and Oslofjord, arriving in Oslo around 10:00 AM the next morning.
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Onboard Experience: Comfortable cabins, multiple restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, and even entertainment for kids.
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Scenery: Enjoy sunset views leaving Copenhagen and a breathtaking morning sail-in through the Oslofjord, passing small islands and forested shores.
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Why Take It: Saves on a night’s hotel stay, avoids airports, and provides a relaxing start or end to your Norway trip.
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Tip: Book a cabin with a window to wake up to the fjord views.
The Flåm to Bergen Ferry – A Fjord Cruise to the Gateway of the West
The Flåm to Bergen ferry is part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell route, connecting the Sognefjord’s heart to Norway’s west coast. Operated by Norled, this high-speed catamaran covers the 5-hour journey through some of Norway’s most stunning waterways.
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Route Highlights: Narrow fjord passages, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls cascading straight into the water, and charming villages like Undredal and Balestrand.
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Comfort: Indoor seating with large panoramic windows, an open deck for fresh air, and a café onboard.
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Season: Year-round, but the summer months offer longer daylight for sightseeing.
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Tip: Keep your camera ready as you approach Bergen—its colorful waterfront (Bryggen) makes for a perfect finale.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re crossing a harbor, sailing overnight between countries, or gliding through fjords, these ferry rides showcase Scandinavia’s beauty from a unique perspective. The Bygdøy ferry is quick and cultural, the Copenhagen–Oslo ferry is relaxing and scenic, and the Flåm–Bergen ferry is an unforgettable fjord adventure. For travelers seeking both convenience and breathtaking views, adding these ferries to your itinerary is a must. Enjoy Norway with a small group tour with The Traveling Professor.