Glacier Lake Tour, Lunch Included

A full-day guided trip from Bergen into glacier country, with lunch included in the ticket. The itinerary pairs the glacier lake with viewpoints across the national park landscape, and the tour holds a 4.9 rating across 959 reviews. Tickets from $215 per person. It is a long day out, so bring layers; mountain weather changes fast.

Overview

This full-day trip from Bergen trades city streets for fjord country. The bus leaves from Strandkaien 2 and drives out through Vestland county, with the first proper stop at Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall you can walk directly behind. From there the route continues to a ferry terminal for a crossing of the Hardangerfjord, then on through Jondal toward Folgefonna National Park.

The heart of the day is Bondhusvatnet, a glacier lake reached on a well-trodden path of soil and small stones. The trail is flat enough that the operator describes it as suitable for strollers with outdoor wheels, and one reviewer confirmed seeing exactly that. At the lake there are tables and rocks where the group sits for a packed lunch before hiking back to the coast.

The return runs on a different ferry crossing, giving a second angle on the fjord, followed by a long bus ride back through villages and countryside with photo stops along the way. It suits travellers who want fjord, lake and countryside scenery without a demanding hike, and who are comfortable spending most of a day on buses and ferries. Guides hold at least an online Red Cross first aid qualification or higher.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Strandkaien 2The tour starts at Strandkaien 2, 5013 Bergen. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, as the guide cannot wait because of the ferry schedule.
2. Scenic drive through VestlandA 1-hour bus tour through Vestland county, followed by a 30-minute photo stop at a countryside spot and a further 20-minute drive.
3. Steinsdalsfossen waterfallA 45-minute visit with time to photograph and walk behind the falling water. Snacks and souvenirs can be bought nearby at your own expense.
4. Hardangerfjord viewpoints and ferryShort photo stops along the fjord of 15 minutes and 10 minutes, then a 20-minute ferry crossing toward the national park, with a 30-minute drive through Jondal after landing.
5. Folgefonna National Park and BondhusvatnetThe longest stop, 2.5 hours, covers a gentle hike to the glacier lake, a picnic lunch and time to relax by the water.
6. Return journey to BergenA 20-minute drive, a 10-minute photo stop, a 30-minute ferry crossing on a different route, and a final 2-hour bus ride with photo stops back to Strandkaien 2.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from the early meet-up to the long stretches of sitting between stops.

• Meeting on time. The guide carries a sign reading MARESIA and wears an orange jacket at Strandkaien 2. The operator asks everyone to arrive 15 minutes early and states plainly that the group cannot wait, since the ferry schedule is fixed.
• Pace and terrain. The hike to Bondhusvatnet follows a well-trodden path of soil and small stones, and the listing calls it gentle. One reviewer described the trail as flat and easy to walk, even reporting a stroller being pushed along it, so no particular fitness level is needed.
• Food and drink. A packed lunch and a bottle of water are included, and several reviewers praised the food, with one calling it a very large sandwich. Vegan and vegetarian options are available if you message ahead.
• A long day. Expect to be out for the full day, with one reviewer estimating around 3 hours of travel each way plus a ferry transfer. One reviewer said the day went by pretty quickly, and another noted there are plenty of restroom stops along the route.
• Weather and clothing. The only item the listing asks you to bring is weather-appropriate clothing. One reviewer ran into inclement weather and noted the guide adapted anyway, so it pays to be prepared for changing conditions.
• Photo opportunities. Photo stops are built into the drive in both directions, and reviewers mentioned that a punctual group earned a few extra stops from the guide. The waterfall, the fjord crossings and the lake are the main subjects, so keep a camera within reach on the bus.

Common issues. The honest trade-off is time: the lake visit is the shortest part of the day relative to the hours spent travelling, and the review summary notes some travellers wanted more time there to explore. One reviewer found the packed lunch, a wrap, too small for a full day out, which is worth planning around with extra snacks. Weather is outside anyone's control, and at least one reviewer described the conditions on their trip as inclement. Non-folding wheelchairs and non-folding strollers are not allowed on the tour.

Common Questions