Tours In & Around Bergen

Tours In & Around Bergen

Bergen is the guided-tour capital of Norway because it is the starting point for most fjord tours. Tickets for all tours are available from the tourist office (Vågsalmenningen 1. 55-55-20-00. www.visitbergen.com).

The ambitious all-day Norway-in-a-Nutshell bus-train-boat tour (you can book through the tourist office) goes through Voss, Flåm, Myrdal, and Gudvangen -- truly a breathtaking trip -- and is the best way to see a lot of the area in a short amount of time. The ticket is valid for weeks, so it is possible to break the trip up into more manageable chunks and stay a night or two at hotels along the way. If you choose to do that, the tourist office can assist with bookings.

Boat Tours

Traveling by boat is an advantage because the contrasts between the fjords and mountains are greatest at water level. The vessels are comfortable and stable (the water is practically still), so seasickness is rare. Stops are frequent, and all sights are explained. Bergen Fjord Sightseeing (55-25-90-00) offers several local fjord tours. Fjord1 Fylkesbaatane (55-90-70-70. www.fjord1.no) has several combination tours. Tickets are sold at the tourist office and at the quay.

Norway's largest and oldest tall sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl (55-30-17-00. www.lehmkuhl.no), is the pride of Bergen. Sailing cruises, short skerry cruises, and charters are available. The TMSY Weller (55-19-13-03 or 40-82-58-28. www.weller.no) can be booked for charter and fishing tours.

Bus & Walking Tours

Bergens-Expressen (55-53-11-50), a "train on tires," leaves from Torgallmenningen for a one-hour ride around the center of town (summer only).

Bergen Guide Service (55-30-10-60. www.bergenguideservice.no) has about 100 authorized guides who give different city walking tours such as Unknown Bergen and Bergen Past and Present.