Boat and Ferry Travel

Taking a ferry isn't only fun, it's often necessary in Norway, as they remain an important means of transportation along the west coast. More specialized boat service includes hydrofoil (catamaran) trips between Stavanger, Haugesund, and Bergen. There are also fjord cruises out of these cities and others in the north. Fjord1 and Tide are the main ferry companies, and Route Information Norway is a company that has comprehensive links to all forms of transport within Norway.

Norway's most renowned boat is Hurtigruten, which literally means "Rapid Route." Also known as the Coastal Steamer, the boat departs from Bergen and stops at 36 ports along the coast in six days, ending with Kirkenes, near the Russian border, before turning back. Tickets can be purchased for the entire journey or for individual legs.

Ferry Contacts

Norled Flaggruten (51-86-87-00 Automated telephone in Norwegian only. Press 5 to speak to a human. www.norled.no.)

Fjord1 (57-75-70-00. www.fjord1.no.)

Route Information Norway (www.ruteinfo.no.)

Cruise Contacts

Hurtigruten (81-00-30-30 in Norwegian only. www.hurtigruten.no.)

Hurtigruten US (866/552-0371 in the US. www.hurtigruten.us.)