Bergen Transportation Tips by travelfrosch

Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer Cruise Review

The coastal steamer arrives daily in Bergen at 2:30PM. Departures north towards Kirkenes are daily, 8PM mid-April through October, and 10:30PM November through mid-April. The northward trip takes 6 days, making calls at a number of cities, towns, and villages on the way. The ship will then turn around and return to Bergen in an additional 5 days.

Travelers have a variety of travel options and price ranges. You can take a full-up, 11-day "round trip" cruise, or a "half-round trip" (6 days north or 5 days south). Prices vary with time of year, class of cabin, car passage (yes, you can bring your car!), etc -- check the website for details.

For those with limited time and/or money, another option is to take a "port-to-port" trip. For our part, we took the 3-overnight trip from Svolvær to Kirkenes in the least expensive cabin available (NOK 400 per person, double occupancy in summer, half that off season). The website has a list of up-to-date fares and cabin options. For those living outside Scandinavia, your best bet is to email Hurtigruten directly if you want a cabin. Book well in advance if you're traveling in June or July.

Also check the website for the latest specials. For example, you can bring your car for free if traveling from Kirkenes to Bergen in 2007.

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Other Contact: booking[at]hurtigruten[dot]com

Phone: +47 810 30 000

Type: Ship/Boat

Website: http://www.hurtigruten.com/norway/

Ferry from Bergen to Balsetrand and Flåm Ferry / Boat Review

Boats run daily Sogndal to and from Bergen (via Balestrand), more often June-August. Additionally, from June - August, boat service continues to Flåm with connections to Gudvangen sometimes possible. In 2009, One-way fare from Flåm to Bergen is NOK 645 for a single adult, NOK 968 "miniprice" for a round trip. 1-way fare from Bergen to Balestrand is NOK 470. There are also discounts for a "family" (up to 2 adults and 1 child) -- check the website for details. 50% discount for Inter-Rail (but NOT Eurail or Scanrail). The rules and restrictions change frequently, so always ask when purchasing.

Tickets can be purchased at the Flåm tourist office, the ticket kiosk by the boat dock in Bergen (near the fish market), or on the boat itself. Credit cards are usually (sometimes reluctantly) accepted, so it's prudent to be prepared to pay in cash.

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Other Contact: fylkesbaatane@fjord1.no

Phone: +47 57 75 70 00

Type: Ship/Boat

Website: http://www.fjord1.no/en/default.asp?page=1566