Bergen Questions Answered

[Bette And Bill]

Glad I could help! The key things to see in the centre are bryggen along the historic waterfront, the fish market and a trip up fløyen (more info further up on this thread). If you're lucky with the weather then there's nothing better than finding a spot in a cafe in town and watching the world go by with a coffee or cold beer. If the rain sets in there are some great galleries by the lake in the centre. Also there is a small very interesting free museum on the park at bergen festningshus which looks at bergen's role in a lot of conflicts, including world war two. This is particularly handy if you dock at Bontelabo as you'll walk right past it on the way to/from the ship. Enjoy!

 

Thank you for your information. I have made notes for our trip. I am looking forward to visiting your country, it has been on my bucket list for a while now.

[vjh8799]

This message is totally off subject and is for UKcruise88 or anyone else who can offer information.

 

My grandson arrived in Bergen, Norway a couple weeks ago to attend the university and his Mother and I are hoping that he can make arrangements to meet us in Barcelona before TA cruise in October.

 

I usually use Expedia for flight info, but for Bergen they are only showing KLM and SAS………surely there are other airlines that fly between these two cities. Can anyone help/make suggestions?

 

Thanks, Velma

 

I knew I could count on Cruise Critic!

 

Thank you all so much for your help. He has reservations for a 4-day visit. One flight is direct; the other isn’t too bad – only 5 ½ hours.

 

He called yesterday from Lofoten Islands totally in awe of this area. He has fallen in love with Norway…..I just hope he remembers where home is.:)

 

Velma

[SnowshoeCat]

I had plans to be in Bergen at the end of this month for a few days, so I compiled a list of things I'd like to do. Those plans changed, and now I will only have one day as a port stop. So I need to narrow down my list.

 

I enjoy the outdoors, and hiking, and visiting towns and neighborhoods. Would it be possible to take a quick, self guided tour around town, hike up by the funicular, maybe take a short hike up on the trails, and (this is where it gets complicated) visit the re-built Stave church that is somewhere outside town on a tram line?

 

I've been wanting to visit Norway for many years, so I'm very excited it's all finally happening.

 

Tusen takk!

[ShipsInBergen]

I had plans to be in Bergen at the end of this month for a few days, so I compiled a list of things I'd like to do. Those plans changed, and now I will only have one day as a port stop. So I need to narrow down my list.

 

I enjoy the outdoors, and hiking, and visiting towns and neighborhoods. Would it be possible to take a quick, self guided tour around town, hike up by the funicular, maybe take a short hike up on the trails, and (this is where it gets complicated) visit the re-built Stave church that is somewhere outside town on a tram line?

 

I've been wanting to visit Norway for many years, so I'm very excited it's all finally happening.

 

Tusen takk!

 

It sounds like you've got a great trip planned! I think you should be fine to see everything you'd like in a day. A walk up Fløyen takes around 40 minutes, and there a trails around the top which vary from 10 minutes to several hours. If you allow yourself maybe 3 hours to get up, follow a trails and get back down this should give you a real taste for the hikes in the area!

 

Once back down in town, a stroll along Bryggen, through the fish market and city centre and around the small lake in town could take under an hour. Factor in some time to stop and soak it all in and you'll still have the afternoon free to make the trip to the Fantoft Stavkirke if you like.

 

For this you'll need to take the Bybanen, which is the lightrail that runs every 10 minutes from one corner of the lake in the city centre. The terminal is coloured orange and grey and you should spot it, but if not then just ask anyone and they will point you in the right direction. There are ticket machines here which take cash or card, and have an english language option. There is only one route, so you can't get on the wrong one! The best station to get off at is Paradis, which is about a 20 minute ride from town. From there the church is just a few hundred metres walk, it's probably best to plan and print a map for this. Then just hop on the lightrail back to the centre and while away the last couple of hours.

 

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more help or info :)

[jac1976]

I just wanted to say thank you for the information about the playground near the top of the funicular. We were in Bergen a week ago and were lucky enough to have dry weather- even some sun during the morning hours. We took the funicular to the top of the mountain as we were with my 82 year old father in law, but when we got up there were easily able to find the playground which my children thoroughly enjoyed!

[SnowshoeCat]

 

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more help or info :)

 

Yes! Quite a bit. Thank you :)

[ShipsInBergen]

I just wanted to say thank you for the information about the playground near the top of the funicular. We were in Bergen a week ago and were lucky enough to have dry weather- even some sun during the morning hours. We took the funicular to the top of the mountain as we were with my 82 year old father in law, but when we got up there were easily able to find the playground which my children thoroughly enjoyed!

 

Glad you found it! It's great fun for kids up there, particularly when the sun is out :)

[TERRIER1]

Our cruise ends and overnights in Bergen. Is there a bus that takes you from the cruise port (or near the port) to the airport? Thanks.

Edited September 18, 2014 by TERRIER1

[ShipsInBergen]

Our cruise ends and overnights in Bergen. Is there a bus that takes you from the cruise port (or near the port) to the airport? Thanks.

 

Yes, there is an airport bus, the 'flybussen' operated by SAS which goes from the city centre to Bergen Flesland airport. It has several pick-up points from the city centre outside major hotels and the bus station. If you check with your hotel where the nearest stop is they will point you in the right direction.

 

The bus goes every 15 minutes during the day (and always has a decent service, even during nights and weekends). The journey from town takes around 30mins, and the price of a single ticket is 90kroner, which can be purchased on board from the driver, or sometimes from SAS staff who sell tickets at some of the major stops in town.

 

Have a great trip :)

[123kitties]

How far is the airport from the cruise pier? Are taxi's readily available? And finally, are they expensive? Thank you.

[ShipsInBergen]

How far is the airport from the cruise pier? Are taxi's readily available? And finally, are they expensive? Thank you.

 

It depends where you'll be docking. There's a link on post #8 of this thread to the cruise ship schedule for Bergen showing which ship is docking where. If you let me know which terminal you're at I can let you know about taxis, etc.

 

In general, the drive from town to the airport is around 30 mins. I've never taken a taxi to the airport before, so am not sure exactly how much it will cost, but they are very expensive in Bergen! Maybe someone on this thread can help out on a price from exerience. There is also an airport bus which runs regularly from the city centre and again takes around 30 mins.

[ShipsInBergen]

For those who are visiting Bergen to start a trip with Hurtigruten, I am currently in the process of adding photo tours of each of their ships to my blog, which might be useful/interesting to take a look through. Currently the list stands at:

 

Midnatsol - http://shipsinbergen.blogspot.no/2014/09/ms-midnatsol-photo-tour.html

Nordlys - http://shipsinbergen.blogspot.no/2014/09/ms-nordlys-photo-tour.html

Nordkapp - http://shipsinbergen.blogspot.no/2014/10/ms-nordkapp-photo-tour.html

Finnmarken - http://shipsinbergen.blogspot.no/2014/10/ms-finnmarken-photo-tour.html

 

For others viting the city (particularly fellow ship nuts) it is worth noting that Hurtigruten allow members of the public to board any of their ships whist alongside in Bergen.

 

Just go up the escalator in the terminal building and ask the security at the desk for a guest pass - no need to call ahead or even to sign in. It's nice to have a look round one of these lovely ships, and maybe stop for coffee and cake. The terminal isn't far from the city centre, so I think these ships make a great option for a bar with a view for anyone looking for an unusual activity during a DIY visit to the city!

[Pluto_fan]

How interesting! Thanks for letting us know!

[Wayfairers]

OP: Thanks for starting this thread and providing such detailed info. We will visit Bergen for the first time next summer and I'm planning to take your advise to see the town and Floyen by foot. We both enjoy exploring new towns and hiking.

[TERRIER1]

We will be arriving in Bergen on August 7 and disembarking on August 8 Saturday. We need to catch a 7:23 am flight. Will there be taxis available at 5:00 am? Can anyone suggest a private transfer car service? Thanks.

[ShipsInBergen]

OP: Thanks for starting this thread and providing such detailed info. We will visit Bergen for the first time next summer and I'm planning to take your advise to see the town and Floyen by foot. We both enjoy exploring new towns and hiking.

 

No problem! Glad it's proving useful :) Hope you have a great visit to the city.

 

 

We will be arriving in Bergen on August 7 and disembarking on August 8 Saturday. We need to catch a 7:23 am flight. Will there be taxis available at 5:00 am? Can anyone suggest a private transfer car service? Thanks.

 

Will you be in a hotel the night before or staying on board a ship? Either way there are always taxis available from the ranks in the city centre (though on a friday night at 5am you might find you are joined in the queue by some 'merry' locals on their way home from a night out :D

 

Alternatively the airport bus run by SAS has round-the clock departures from town. This costs 90NOK per person, one way, so depending on your budget and the size of your group this could be a great option.

 

As for private hire, I've never used these services around Bergen, so I'll leave it to anyone else here who might be able to give a proper recommendation.

[frisbeewife]

All the info in this thread has been great! DH and I will be in Bergen for one day in July 2015 and we're planning to walk the town and take the funicular up to Mount Floyen. DH loves to take pictures and prefers we do things on our rather than as part of a tour, so he can stop and snap some pics whenever he feels like it.

 

My question is, how hilly is the town? I have pretty bad knees and can't handle hills very well. For example, as much as I'd love to walk up (or down) Mount Floyen I know the damage I would do to my knees would ruin the rest of the cruise for me. But I'd love to wander around the town and see the waterfront and fish market, if it's fairly flat terrain.

 

Thanks!

[Wayfairers]

I think it's a great idea to do Bergen by yourselves. Most of the cruise terminals are located very close to the town centre and the walk is easy and clearly signed. A couple of larger cruise terminals are a little further from the centre, and I think most lines put on a shuttle bus when docked here (it's still walkable, maybe allow 20 mins). If you let me know which ship you're on and which date I can tell you where you'll be docking.

 

 

 

Once in the centre the key attractions are the historic waterfront along Bryggen, the fish market, and a trip up Mount Fløyen. All of these are located close to one another and tourist maps are readily available.

 

 

 

When going up Fløyen there is a funicular railway which runs regularly from town and is a nice trip. My personal preference though is to walk up, which can be done at a gentle pace in around 45 mins/1 hour. You get a real feel of leaving the city and some great views along the way which offer different perspectives to those at the top. Also when walking up you will see a great adventure playground area in the forest near the top which people often miss when taking the funicular, and other areas to play for the kids.

 

 

 

At the top there are toilets, a kiosk, a restaurant and a spectacular viewing platform over the city and surrounding mountains. There are also ticket machines at the fernicular station here (which take cash or card), so there's no need to make up your mind on the best way down until you get there.

 

 

 

Back in the city it's definitely worth taking a walk along Torgallmenningen, the main pedestrian shopping street in the centre. There are often street performers and live music here, and this leads to a lovely lake with a fountain (worth a stroll around if you have time) and the national theatre.

 

 

 

Basically you can't go wrong on foot in Bergen. Everything is close together and it's easy to find your way around. Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

 

We are arriving on the Holland America Veendam August 9, 2015, which is a Sunday. Will the shops, restaurants be open all day on a Sunday?

 

 

 

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Edited December 25, 2014 by Wayfairers

[ShipsInBergen]

All the info in this thread has been great! DH and I will be in Bergen for one day in July 2015 and we're planning to walk the town and take the funicular up to Mount Floyen. ves to take pictures and prefers we do things on our rather than as part of a tour, so he can stop and snap some pics whenever he feels like it.

 

My question is, how hilly is the town? I have pretty bad knees and can't handle hills very well. For example, as much as I'd love to walk up (or down) Mount Floyen I know the damage I would do to my knees would ruin the rest of the cruise for me. But I'd love to wander around the town and see the waterfront and fish market, if it's fairly flat terrain.

 

Thanks!

 

The main areas in the centre are completely flat, so you should be fine. It's easy and level to walk around and between the historic waterfront, fish market and main pedestrian section of the city centre. Have fun :)

[ShipsInBergen]

We are arriving on the Holland America Veendam August 9, 2015, which is a Sunday. Will the shops, restaurants be open all day on a Sunday?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

On a Sunday you will notice a difference in town, with the majority of regular shops closed all day. You will find souvenir shops along the waterfront are open during the summer season, as will be the majority of restaurants and cafes, and most popular tourist attractions, so you should still have a good day in the city. Kiosks will also be open throughout town if you need a bottle of water or a quick snack.

[syesmar]

Was there last year and had trouble finding info on how to see the Hardangerfjord using public transportation or with a private company. Would you recommend doing this if you were only in port for a day? If it is worthwhile, how would you find bus schedules, etc? I want to recall a local boat company offering an excursion, but it didn't get back until after our ship was set to sail for the day.

 

THANKS!

[EnglandHolidayGirl]

We took the 'Blue Bus' as it's called from outside the Fishmarket two years ago, the journey is easy and the cable car up Mount Ulriken provides fantastic views. At the top we ate lunch in the restaurant, well worth the visit.

 

.

 

Does anybody know the time of the earliest bus in the morning? Our ship is in town from 7am - 2pm and I'd like to go to Mount Ulriken first thing and get back to explore the town for a couple of hours as well.

[ShipsInBergen]

Was there last year and had trouble finding info on how to see the Hardangerfjord using public transportation or with a private company. Would you recommend doing this if you were only in port for a day? If it is worthwhile, how would you find bus schedules, etc? I want to recall a local boat company offering an excursion, but it didn't get back until after our ship was set to sail for the day.

 

THANKS!

 

I think it could be possible to visit some of the towns along Hardangerfjord if you get up and go in the morning, but it could be a bit tight. There are lots of options like taking the Nor-way bussekspress from the centre to a number of destinations. I think your best bet would be to look at http://www.hardangerfjord.com/en/ where there is a lot of information about the area, and you can contact them directly.

 

I couldn't comment on any excursions as I have never taken any of these, but maybe someone else on these forums could step in with a recommendation :)

[ShipsInBergen]

Does anybody know the time of the earliest bus in the morning? Our ship is in town from 7am - 2pm and I'd like to go to Mount Ulriken first thing and get back to explore the town for a couple of hours as well.

 

I'm not sure of the timings of this bus and can't find a timetable online. From memory the bus does run quite early in the mornings (I used to walk past it on my way to work at around 8am and there were people at the ticket stand). I'll check if there is any information displayed next time I'm passing it in town :)

[Splinter]

At little different slant to this thread:

 

I will be taking the 11 day round trip cruise on the Hurtigruten Trollfjord leaving Bergen on May 17, 2015 (a holiday). I fly into Oslo on 5/14, and plan to take the early train to Bergen on 5/16. That will give me the afternoon of 5/16 and most of 5/17 in Bergen.

 

I am looking for a less expensive place to stay in Bergen (may use AirBnB as I will in Oslo) that is fairly central. Also any restaurant suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Would like to see the city (your walking tour) and take the funicular up to Mount Floyen and Mount Ulriken. What else should I not miss??

 

Will openings or schedules be different on the holiday (May 17).

 

When I return on 5/27 at 1430, I may want to stay overnight in Bergen before heading back to Oslo on 5/28, so may have some time to see things then. I also need a place to stay that night.

 

Suggestions?