Arctic Fjord Cruises: are they worth it?

We took the Brim Explorer Arctic Fjord Cruise on the Saturday morning of our trip to Tromsø. The silent boat left Tromsø harbour at 9am and returned at 1pm, and cost 1290 NOK (about £105) per person. This is our experience on an Arctic fjord cruise in Tromsø.

What happens on an Arctic Fjord Cruise? 

We met outside the Skarven Kro restaurant at 8.15am and boarded the Brim Explorer quickly. This runs especially smoothly if you check in online ahead of your cruise. 

There are two levels to the boat so plenty of room for the max 150 passengers. Although our tour had about 90. After a safety demonstration and some information about the tour we set off. 

The cruise took us to Ramsfjord and its glacier. Here we could only move so far into the ice before having to turn back to our next stop,  Olavsvern Cold War facility. 

The next stop is an old fishery on Klavøya and the Ristraumen fishing area. In good weather, the boat has an underwater drone that shares images of life in the sea. But this didn’t happen on the day of our tour. 

We finally stopped at the island of Hakøya and learned about the bombarded warship that was sunk in the area in World War II. Because we hadn’t been able to travel as far as usual into the fjord due to ice, we took a full loop around the island of Tromsøya to take us back into the harbour. 

The guide, Alina, was fun and informative and we learned a lot about the area. From why the houses in Norway are often red, to a short history of the Sami people. We also got to try some traditional Norwegian snacks prepared on board. 

What do you do on the Brim Explorer?

Even on a cloudy day, the view of the fjord and mountains as you leave Tromsø harbour is amazing. We spent as much time as possible out on the deck taking photos and enjoying the scenery. But with high winds and intermittent snow storms it did get too cold at times and we had to go inside for 10 minutes to warm up. 

However some passengers spent the entire time inside and didn’t go out onto the deck at all. So you can enjoy the views even if the weather is bad. You could also do the Brim Explorer cruise with poor mobility or in a wheelchair as the lower deck has no steps to access. And there were passengers of all ages including small children on board. 

Are Arctic Fjord Cruises worth it?

Yes. I think Brim Explorer cruises are definitely worth it. T was the activity I was most looking forward to in Tromsø and it didn’t disappoint. 

Our morning aboard the Brim Explorer was an amazing and unique experience. Especially in February when everything was frozen and snowy which added to the arctic atmosphere. It was a great way to see and learn about Tromsø in a different setting. 

What other fjord cruises can you do?

Brim Explorer also offers different cruise tours at different times of year. These include Aurora Dinner Cruises, Silent Whale Watching Cruises, and the Tromsø Fjord Tour. 

Arctic Fjord Cruise FAQs

How long does the Arctic Fjord Cruise take?

The fjord cruise takes about 4 hours. It leaves Tromsø harbour at 9am and returns at 1pm. 

How much does the Arctic Fjord Cruise cost?

The Arctic Fjord Cruise is 1290 NOK (£105) per adult. There are concession prices for children, teenagers, and students. Different cruises may have different rates. 

Where does the Arctic Fjord Cruise go?

The Arctic Fjord Cruise visits Ramfjord, Olavsvern, Klavøya, Rimstraumen, Hakøya, and Tromsø harbour. 

Which is the best fjord cruise in Tromsø? 

Other cruises are available but we were very happy with our tour on the Brim Explorer. 

What can you see on the Brim Explorer?

On board the Brim Explorer you can see the fjord itself, the ocean and sometimes what’s underneath, and the town of Tromsø in morning light. You also get to see local fishing villages, traditional cabins, and on good days some local wildlife. 

Is there food and drink on the Brim Explorer?

There is a cafe on board where you can buy snacks like crisps and cookies and both soft and alcoholic drinks. You can also pre-order lunch, which included soup and sandwiches on our trip. This did sell out so if you know you want lunch, book ahead. We chose to eat at a restaurant near the harbour once we’d docked. 

There are also a selection of small Norwegian snacks provided as tasters. These include rye crackers with herring and halibut, a shot of cod liver oil, and a shot of local Brim beer that are offered for free as part of the tour. 

Want to know about more activities in the Arctic Circle? Read my blog: The best things to do in Tromsø.

Note: I chose and paid for my Arctic Fjord Cruise independently (I didn't even have this blog yet!) This post is not an advertorial and is a true reflection of my experience on the Brim Explorer. However, if you book yours through my Viator link, I might make a little bit of money through affiliation.