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Hermes II · Pier 12, Kystens Hus, Tromsø

Tromsø's history from the water

This is the short trip on Hermes II, the restored wooden boat from 1917: two and a half hours through Tromsø Sound and out among the nearby fjords and islands. Pick it when time is tight or you want the old boat without the fishing, with a warm fish cake and a toddy on deck.

Fjord History Cruise on Hermes II

About this experience

Same boat as the Hermes II fishing trip, different job. For two and a half hours the hosts sail you along the Tromsø waterfront, through the sound and out to the nearby fjords and islands, telling the story of the city and of the boat herself. She was built in 1917 and has been restored as a passenger boat, wood and all.

It's the shortest cruise on this site, and that's its point. You see the city from the sea, the Arctic Cathedral and the bridge, then snowy shores and small islands, and you're back in the centre in time for lunch or the next trip. Eagles and seals turn up on some trips, never on schedule. Included: a warm fish cake, coffee, tea or toddy, thermal suits and blankets on loan, heated saloons and two toilets. Cold drinks, alcohol among them, are for sale.

Two caveats. In 2.5 hours the boat can't go deep into the bigger fjords, so if you want long stretches of empty landscape, the 3.5-hour catamaran, or else the yacht in Balsfjorden go further. And there's no hotel pickup: you walk to pier 12 at Kystens Hus.

  • The shortest fjord cruise from Tromsø, at 2.5 hours
  • A restored wooden boat built in 1917
  • Tromsø's waterfront, the sound and nearby islands
  • A warm fish cake with coffee, tea or toddy
  • Thermal suits and blankets on loan

How the day runs

  1. 15 min beforeBoard at pier 12

    Meet the hosts by Hermes II at the sea side of Kystens Hus, Stortorget 1.

  2. First 30 minThe city from the sea

    Along the waterfront and through Tromsø Sound, with the bridge and the Arctic Cathedral in view.

  3. About 1.5 hoursFjords and islands

    Out to the shores near town, with time for photos and a look for eagles and seals.

  4. On the wayFish cake and a toddy

    Warm up below deck or stay out in a thermal suit with a hot drink.

  5. After 2.5 hoursBack in the centre

    Return to pier 12, a short walk from Stortorget.

Hermes II sailing past a snowy coast under a Norwegian flagPassengers on the wooden deck of Hermes IIHermes II in front of a snowy peak near Tromsø

What's included

Included

  • Norwegian- and English-speaking hosts
  • Warm fish cake
  • Coffee, tea or toddy
  • Thermal suits and warm blankets
  • Heated saloons and two toilets
  • Personal safety gear

Not included

  • Cold drinks and alcohol (for sale on board)
  • Hotel pickup
  • Fishing
  • A full meal

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You have half a day or less
  • You want the 1917 boat but not the fishing
  • You're with small children who'd get bored on a long trip
  • You like history with your scenery

Skip it if

  • You want long stretches of empty fjord
  • You want to fish: the 4.5-hour fishing trip uses the same boat
  • You expect lunch: it's a fish cake and a hot drink
  • You need pickup from your hotel

What guests say

★★★★★

The whole trip was amazing, the crew was friendly and knowledgeable.

Jiří · Sep 2026
★★★★★

A wonderful day trip under beautiful sunshine with a friendly crew and a magnificent boat!

Leelou · Oct 2026
★★★★★

We felt like we were sailing with history.

Beau · Aug 2026
★★★★★

The Hermes II crew is terrific. The ship is beautiful. We had a lovely scenic sail around the area.

Michael A · Jun 2026

Tips before you book

  • Pair it with an afternoon activity. You're back in the centre after 2.5 hours.
  • Wear a hat, gloves and warm shoes. The listing asks for them, and the suit doesn't cover your hands.
  • Bring a card for a cold drink or a beer. Only hot drinks are included.
  • With small kids, this is the easier Hermes II trip: one family reviewer came with a three-year-old.
  • Want the fishing too? Book the longer trip instead, not both.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

How long is the fjord history cruise?

2.5 hours, the shortest cruise on this site. Board 15 minutes before departure at pier 12 by Kystens Hus.

What food is included on the history cruise?

A warm fish cake with coffee, tea or toddy. Cold drinks, alcohol among them, are for sale on board.

Is the history cruise good for children?

Yes. It's short, there are heated saloons and two toilets, and the hosts lend thermal suits and blankets. Families with toddlers have joined it.

How is it different from the Hermes II fishing trip?

Same boat and hosts. The history cruise is 2.5 hours of sightseeing and stories; the fishing trip is 4.5 hours, with rods and the catch served with flatbread.

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Book Fjord History Cruise

Tromsø from the water in 2.5 hours on Hermes II, with a fish cake, a hot toddy and thermal suits on loan.

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Tromsø from the water in 2.5 hours on Hermes II, with a fish cake, a hot toddy and thermal suits on loan.

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