Getting There By Water
Due to the relatively mild Atlantic climate, Bergen has an ice-free harbour all year round; the passage between the harbour and the open sea is short and the fairway good. International ferry services dock at Skoltegrunnskaien. Onshore facilities include bunkering, showers, a launderette and power supply, which are available between May and September. Keys are available (a deposit and a fee are required) from the quayside Tourist Information Office.
Ferry services: The ferry terminal at Skoltegrunnskaien has basic facilities with a café and snack bar. Fjord Line (tel: 8153 3500 in Norway or (0191) 296 1313 in the UK; website: www.fjordline.com) operates a service from Bergen via Stavanger and Haugesund to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and back again, three times a week during the summer and twice-weekly during the winter. Fjord Line also operates year-round, thrice-weekly services connecting Bergen and Egersund with Hanstholm in Denmark. Smyril Line (tel: 5532 0970; website: www.smyril-line.fo) operates a service to and from Bergen, Shetland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, once a week in the summer.
There is also an extensive network of domestic coastal services, including the Hurtigruten coastal steamer (website: www.hurtigruten.com) linking Bergen with other Norwegian ports and the North Cape. Many international cruise ships call at Bergen during the summer months.
Transport to the city: The city is built around the harbour with all central areas in easy walking distance. Taxis and buses are available but not usually necessary unless travelling away from the immediate city centre, or unless carrying heavy luggage or it is raining heavily!
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