The original plan was to head to a cabin in Stavanger’s mountains this weekend. But we quickly learned that practically none of the DNT cabins are accessible by public transport, so we decided to take the Fjordline ferry to Bergen instead.
I’ve been to Bergen before, but only once—and I was around 10. I remember the colourful wooden houses and, of course, the rain. Bergen’s reputation for wet weather held this time as well.
As we departed Stavanger, winds were around 5 Beaufort, and one of the ferry staff members was restocking the throw-up bag dispensers—a warning of what was awaiting us. Thankfully, the ship sails between islands for most of the route, shielding it from the worst of the wind. This also means the trip offers great coastal views.
Getting to the Docks
The ferry leaves Stavanger early, around 7:00 AM. With just one bus from Stavanger to the port, leaving at 5:02 AM, it meant an early start to the day.
”One of the ferry staff members was restocking the throw-up bag dispensers”
Experience onboard
The ferry itself is modern and well-maintained. You can only walk around the leeward side, as shops, cafes, and lounges occupy the other side. The shops and cafes are what you would expect on a ferry. I would recommend having a look at the signs to find some good deals. We got a large pizza and two beers for 350NOK on the way back. Which we thought was pretty good.
I thought of buying lounge access, as I needed to get some work done. At 170 NOK per person, It’s not that expensive. But if there are not that many people on board, there are plenty of other places to work.
The benefits of the lounge are:
Guaranteed Seat: The lounge ensures you have a comfortable place to sit.
Power Outlets: Outlets are sparse elsewhere on the ferry.
Complimentary Drinks: Unlimited warm beverages and soft drinks.
Conclusion
Taking the Fjordline ferry to Bergen turned out to be a good alternative to our cabin trip. The ferry offered a good balance of productivity, views, and comfort. We paid 61,25.- EUR for two, back and forth. Which I find very reasonable.
If you’re considering a trip from Stavanger to Bergen and want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, this is a great option. But be prepared for early mornings and unpredictable West Coast weather.
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