Bergen Ferries

The port of Bergen plays a key role in the ferry network of Norway, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Bergen serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Bergen, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Stavanger - Bergen connecting Bergen with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Fjord Line run regular services from Bergen, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Bergen offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Bergen is well-connected by road and rail, with the E39 highway linking it to Stavanger and Oslo via the E16. The Bergen Railway offers a spectacular 7-hour journey from Oslo through Norway's mountain landscapes. International travelers can fly into Bergen Airport Flesland, located about 20 km south of the city center with regular airport buses making the 30-minute transfer. The ferry terminal is centrally located and easily accessible by Bergen's light rail system or a short taxi ride from the train station. If arriving by car, several parking garages are available near the harbor area, though pre-booking is recommended during summer months.

Nestled between seven mountains and the sea, Bergen charms visitors with its colorful wooden houses along the historic Bryggen wharf. This second-largest Norwegian city blends medieval charm with vibrant cultural life, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring Norway's breathtaking fjords. From the moment you step off the ferry, you'll be immersed in a unique atmosphere where centuries of maritime heritage meet contemporary Scandinavian style.

Bergen experiences a mild, maritime climate with rainfall throughout the year, earning its nickname as the 'City of Rain.' The summer months from June to August offer the warmest weather (15-20°C) and longest daylight hours, perfect for exploring the surrounding fjords and mountains. May and September provide pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists and slightly lower accommodation rates. The Bergen International Festival in late May/early June brings world-class performing arts to the city. Winter visitors between November and March might encounter limited ferry schedules to smaller destinations, but the main routes operate year-round, and the city's Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere.

Bergen serves as the perfect launching point for exploring Norway's magnificent western coastline. The UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord can be reached via a combination of ferry connections, offering some of Norway's most dramatic scenery during the 5-6 hour journey. Closer by, the charming village of Rosendal sits just a 2-hour ferry ride away, home to the beautiful Barony Rosendal and surrounded by glacier-topped mountains. The historic town of Flåm, accessible by a stunning 5-hour ferry journey through Sognefjord (Norway's longest and deepest fjord), connects to the famous Flåm Railway. Island hoppers will appreciate the regular services to the archipelagos north of Bergen, where traditional fishing communities welcome visitors to experience coastal Norwegian life.

Start your Bergen adventure with a stroll through Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed wharf district with its distinctive wooden buildings housing artisan workshops and restaurants. Take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views across the city and fjords, with hiking trails that lead through pine forests. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss the bustling Fish Market (Fisketorget), where you can sample fresh catches including Bergen's famous fish soup and smoked salmon. The KODE art museums house an impressive collection including works by Edvard Munch, while the Hanseatic Museum offers insights into Bergen's trading past. For a taste of local flavor, try skillingsbolle (cinnamon buns) at one of the cozy cafés in the Nordnes district, a peninsula perfect for an afternoon walk.

Despite its relatively small size, Bergen was actually Norway's capital city during the 13th century, serving as an important center of the Hanseatic League's trading empire. The city experiences around 240 days of rainfall annually, leading locals to develop a unique umbrella sharing system called 'Bergen umbrella etiquette' where it's common to share umbrellas with strangers. Bergen's fish market has been operating continuously since the 1200s, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously running markets. The composer Edvard Grieg, whose music was inspired by Norwegian landscapes, lived just outside Bergen at Troldhaugen, where his lakeside composer's hut still stands.