REVIEW · HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews 8 hours From $1,049 Operated by Activity Norway AS · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A helicopter flight over Trolltunga and Hardangerfjord turns a long Norwegian day trip into something wonderfully compact. You get sweeping views of fjords, waterfalls, green valleys and Folgefonna Glacier without hiking to Trolltunga or spending hours on mountain roads.

I like the mix of air and ground sightseeing, especially the quiet stop at Skjervsfossen and the included lunch. I also like that pickup, transport, snacks, water, a guide and a tour video are included. The catch is the price, $1,049 per person, and the helicopter flight can be delayed or canceled by clouds and wind.

Key points at a glance

  • Helicopter views of Trolltunga: See Norway’s famous rock formation from above without committing to the demanding hike.
  • Two different waterfall stops: Skjervsfossen offers a forest setting, while Steinsdalsfossen adds another major cascade to the day.
  • Followe-fonna Glacier from the air: The flight includes views of the large ice cap and the surrounding fjord country.
  • Pickup anywhere in Bergen: Start from your accommodation or another preferred address, with cruise-port and central pickup options also available.
  • Private group format: You avoid a large coach group and have a more personal day with a live guide.
  • A full eight-hour outing: Lunch, snacks, water, transport and a video are included, but the schedule leaves little room for lingering.

Why this tour is different from a normal Bergen day trip

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - Why this tour is different from a normal Bergen day trip

Most excursions from Bergen keep you on the road or the water. This one gives you both a ground-level introduction to Hardanger and a helicopter flight over the area’s biggest sights.

That change in viewpoint matters. From a road, a waterfall appears in a narrow opening between trees. From a helicopter, the fjord system, valleys, glacier and rock formations can be understood as one large setting. You are not simply checking off Trolltunga. You are seeing how it fits into the wider Hardanger region.

You also avoid the long hike to Trolltunga. That is the main practical advantage for anyone with limited time, limited hiking ability, or a cruise schedule. The tour does not take you onto the rock itself, so it is not a substitute for the full Trolltunga trek. It is a scenic flight and sightseeing day built around the view.

The private-group format is another plus. The available information does not provide the guide’s name, but live commentary is offered in English, Spanish and Norwegian, with audio support in the same languages. A Spanish-speaking guide was praised as excellent by one Spanish-speaking participant, and Aisling from Ireland described the day as very informative and packed with activities.

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Leaving Bergen for the Hardanger region

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - Leaving Bergen for the Hardanger region

The day begins with pickup in Bergen. You can arrange collection from your accommodation or preferred address, and the listed pickup points include Bergen cruise port, Bergen Børs Hotel, Sentrum and Bergenhus.

That flexibility is useful if you are staying in central Bergen or arriving by ship. It also removes the need to find a separate meeting point, which is a small but welcome advantage on an eight-hour outing.

The first road section takes you toward Hardanger. The schedule includes a 40-minute van ride before the Hardangerfjord portion, with additional vehicle travel later in the day. The total amount of driving is significant, so this is not a relaxed, single-location excursion. You are trading some time in the van for access to several different viewpoints and a helicopter flight.

The vehicle is described as comfortable transportation, and the tour includes water and snacks. Still, I would bring a light layer, even in summer. Weather can change quickly around fjords and high mountain areas, and appropriate clothing is specifically recommended.

Skjervsfossen: a calm first waterfall stop

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - Skjervsfossen: a calm first waterfall stop

Skjervsfossen is the first scheduled stop, with about 30 minutes for photographs. It is described as a quiet waterfall in a forest setting, which gives the day a softer opening than the grand aerial views that follow.

This stop is valuable because it lets you experience the water at ground level. You can pause, walk a little, and take in the sound and setting without trying to fit the entire view into a helicopter window.

Thirty minutes is enough for photographs and a short look around, but not for a long walk or an extended visit. Keep that in mind if you prefer slow travel. The schedule is designed to give you several highlights in one day, not to let you settle into one place.

Skjervsfossen also helps you see the scale of Norwegian waterfalls before the flight. From close by, you notice the falling water and forest. Later, from the helicopter, you see the wider valleys and waterways that give these falls their setting.

The Hardangerfjord helicopter flight

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - The Hardangerfjord helicopter flight

The main event takes place around Hardangerfjord. The schedule allows about 70 minutes for lunch, sightseeing and the helicopter flight, so this portion combines several activities in a relatively short window.

The exact time spent in the air is not specified. That is worth noting when comparing this tour with a dedicated helicopter flight. The package includes more than flying, but the air time may be only part of the 70-minute fjord stop.

From above, you can expect views of fjord water, small villages, green valleys, waterfalls and mountain scenery. The flight also includes Trolltunga and Folgefonna Glacier. These are the sights that make the tour feel special rather than simply convenient.

Trolltunga is best known for its long, exposed rock shelf above the fjord. Seeing it from the air gives you a clear sense of its position and shape. You will not stand on the ledge, but you avoid the effort and time required to reach it on foot.

Folgefonna Glacier adds a completely different color and texture. Instead of the dark rock and narrow fjord walls around Trolltunga, you get a broad ice cap gleaming above the surrounding terrain. The contrast is one of the strongest reasons to choose an aerial tour.

The guide provides commentary on the region’s history, geology and folklore. That matters here because the views can otherwise blur together. A good explanation helps you understand why the fjords are shaped as they are and gives the rock formations and waterfalls a stronger sense of place.

The flight is weather-sensitive. Clouds and low wind affect takeoff, and you are contacted about the forecast two days before the tour. Treat this as a real planning issue, not a minor footnote. Helicopter sightseeing is never as dependable as a road trip, so leave some flexibility in your Bergen schedule if possible.

Same place, a different flight path:

Lunch and the practical side of the fjord stop

Lunch is included, along with snacks and water. The information does not specify the menu, restaurant or exact lunch location, so you should not book this expecting a particular Norwegian dish or dining setting.

Still, an included meal is useful on a tightly timed day. You do not need to spend part of the stop searching for food, and you can keep your attention on the flight and scenery.

Alcoholic drinks and other beverages are not included. If you want something beyond the provided water and snacks, plan to buy it separately. The schedule is active enough that a full meal break may feel brief, particularly if the weather creates changes to the flight timing.

Steinsdalsfossen and the final scenic section

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - Steinsdalsfossen and the final scenic section

The day includes a visit to Steinsdalsfossen, one of the better-known waterfall stops in the Hardanger area. The supplied schedule labels the later stop as a visit to a scenic place, with a photo stop, guided tour, walk and views along the way.

Unlike Skjervsfossen, which is presented as a quieter forest waterfall, Steinsdalsfossen gives you another chance to experience a major cascade from the ground. Having both stops is worthwhile because they offer different settings rather than repeating the same viewpoint.

The time allocated for this later visit is about 30 minutes. That is enough for a short walk, photographs and the guide’s explanation. It is not enough for an unhurried exploration of every path or viewing point.

Afterward, the van returns toward Bergen. The listed driving segments include about 100 minutes and another 75 minutes, although actual timing can change with road conditions, stops and weather. Expect to arrive at one of the central drop-off areas or Bergen cruise port after a full day out.

What the $1,049 price really covers

At $1,049 per person, this is a premium experience. The price will not make sense if you are mainly looking for a cheap waterfall outing or a standard fjord drive.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate pieces: private transportation from Bergen, a guide, lunch, waterfall visits and a helicopter flight over the Hardanger area. Transport and pickup are included, as are snacks, water and a video of the tour.

The private-group setup also affects the calculation. You are paying for a more personal outing rather than joining a large scheduled bus. That can be especially useful for a family, a small group of friends or cruise passengers who want a direct pickup and a carefully organized day.

Still, ask yourself how much time you want in the air. The package does not state the exact flight duration, only that lunch, sightseeing and the helicopter flight fit into a 70-minute Hardangerfjord stop. If your main goal is a long helicopter ride, seek clarification before booking.

For a once-in-a-trip splurge, the combination of Trolltunga, glacier, fjord and waterfalls is strong. For budget-conscious visitors, a regular fjord cruise or road excursion will cost much less, even if it cannot provide the same aerial view.

Who will enjoy this eight-hour outing

I would recommend this tour most strongly to you if you want major sights without a demanding hike. Trolltunga is the obvious example. You can see the formation from above while keeping your feet on the ground and your day within eight hours.

It also suits cruise passengers because pickup and drop-off can be arranged at Bergen cruise port. The private format may help if your group values a direct schedule and does not want to coordinate public transport.

Families with children can consider it, but children under three are not accepted. The day also involves vehicle time, waiting around the flight, short walks and weather exposure, so older children should be comfortable with a fairly packed schedule.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. Specific details about transfers into the helicopter or access at every waterfall stop are not provided, so contact the operator if you need exact mobility arrangements.

This is less suitable for you if you dislike flying, need a relaxed pace, or want to spend hours at one waterfall. It is also a poor fit if your schedule cannot tolerate a weather-related flight change.

Languages, guides and what to bring

Trolltunga Helicopter & Waterfalss Sightseeing From Bergen - Languages, guides and what to bring

Live guidance is available in English, Spanish and Norwegian. Audio guidance is also listed in those three languages, giving you a backup if road noise or helicopter operations make live commentary difficult to hear.

The individual guide’s name is not provided. What is clear is that guiding is an important part of the day, with explanations covering history, geology and folklore. The strongest praise attached to the experience focuses on the guide: one Irish participant called the day very informative and packed with activities, while a Spanish-speaking participant singled out the Spanish guide as excellent.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, even if Bergen begins with clear skies. A light waterproof layer and warm clothing are sensible choices, but the only confirmed requirement is clothing suited to the conditions.

You may also want a phone or camera with enough battery for the entire day. A tour video is included, so you do not need to rely only on your own footage, but the aerial views will likely be among the moments you want to record yourself.

Booking flexibility and weather concerns

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your immediate costs down. Those terms are useful for planning, but they do not remove the main uncertainty: the flight depends on weather.

The operator contacts you about the forecast two days before departure. Pay close attention to that update. If the flight is important to your decision, avoid placing it on the final available day of a short Bergen visit.

The tour has received a perfect five-star rating from the three ratings provided, including praise for the guide and the amount included in one day. That is encouraging, but the small number of ratings means I would treat it as a positive signal rather than a guarantee that every flight will run on schedule.

Should you book the Trolltunga helicopter tour?

Book it if you want to see Trolltunga, Hardangerfjord, Folgefonna Glacier and waterfalls in one carefully arranged day, and you are comfortable paying for a premium private experience. The mix of air and road sightseeing is the real strength, and the included pickup, guide, lunch and transport reduce the work of planning.

Skip it if $1,049 feels hard to justify, if you want a longer helicopter flight, or if your Bergen schedule has no room for weather changes. Before paying, confirm the expected flight time and the plan if clouds or wind prevent takeoff.

For the right budget and a flexible schedule, this is an efficient way to see a large part of Hardanger without taking on the Trolltunga hike.

FAQ

How long does the Trolltunga helicopter tour last?

The experience lasts eight hours, including transportation from Bergen, waterfall stops, lunch, sightseeing and the helicopter flight.

Where can pickup take place in Bergen?

Pickup can be arranged from your accommodation or preferred address in Bergen. Listed options include Bergen cruise port, Bergen Børs Hotel, Sentrum and Bergenhus.

Is the helicopter flight guaranteed?

No. The flight is weather-sensitive, and takeoff depends on factors such as clouds and low wind. You are contacted about the forecast two days before the tour.

What sights can I see from the helicopter?

The flight includes views of Trolltunga, Hardangerfjord, waterfalls and Folgefonna Glacier. You can also see fjords, villages and green valleys from above.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, snacks and water are included. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages are not included.

What languages are available?

Live guides are available in English, Spanish and Norwegian. Audio guidance is also available in English, Spanish and Norwegian.

Can children join the tour?

Children under three years old are not allowed to join.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need detailed information about vehicle and helicopter transfers, contact the provider before booking.

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