SAS routes its flights from Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles through its hub in Copenhagen. There is a daily flight from New York (Newark) to Oslo.
Ferry/Boat
There are major ship connections between Denmark and Norway, and you can reach Norway by sea from Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Iceland.
Bus
You can travel to Norway by bus from London via Amsterdam and Gothenburg. Other bus connections from Europe connect from Belgium, France, Spain and Denmark. Most regular bus connections from abroad connect with domestic bus services.
GETTING AROUND
Train
Rail travel in Norway by NSB, the Norwegian State Railway, cannot be faulted. NSB links up with bus and boat services from its southern tip to Bodø on the northwest coast. Several main railway lines combine to constitute 4000 kilometres of track. Around 775 tunnels and more than 3000 bridges carry the trains through the mountainous terrain, 76% of which run on a gradient, and 50% on curves.
The main Norwegian lines are Oslo to Bergen, Oslo to Trondheim, Trondheim to Bodø, and Oslo to Stavanger. There are connections to Sweden via Trondheim, Narvik and Oslo. The Bergen Line, considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, links Oslo with Bergen with an extension to Flåm, and runs 100 kilometres across the treeless Hardangervidda plateau. Connecting Oslo with Trondheim with a western branch to the Romsdalfjord, the Dovre Line crosses the Dovre mountains providing fine views of Norway’s inland countryside. The Roros Line connects Oslo with Trondheim via an easterly route through the famous mining town of Roros. The Nordland Line, one of the few trains in the world to cross into the Arctic, runs between Trondheim and Bodo. A rock pyramid at 66° and 67°N marks the train’s entry into the Arctic. The Sorland Line links the country’s southern peninsula and coastal communities with Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger. There are also local and commuter lines in Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Buses run in areas where there is no train service; they have replaced the secondary train lines.
In the Far North Narvik is served by bus lines from Bodø/Fauske and not by the Norwegian railway. Railways from Narvik connect with Stockholm via the Swedish railway, the Ofot Line, the northernmost railway in the world. Another Swedish line connects with the Norwegian railway east of Trondheim and runs to Stockholm.
Trains offer both first-class and second-class modern service. For all trains, you are required to make a reservation. Second-class, both clean and comfortable, is superior to the second-class rail travel in some other parts of Europe. You can take a compartment or berth for overnight trips, but be sure to reserve ahead. If you hold a rail pass, you will have to pay a small additional fee for your seat reservation. It is possible to send your luggage ahead to pick up later. When you collect your baggage, you must pay a minimal daily storage charge.
The NSB participates in a range of European ticket-pass plans. The Nordturist pass, purchased at any railway station in either Norway, Sweden, Denmark or Finland, entitles you to 21 days’ unlimited travel by train throughout the four countries. It also includes up to a 50% rebate on some ferries, coaches and hotels. Other passes available include the Eurail, Interrail, ScanRail and Rail Europe Senior. Many of these special-priced tickets must be purchased before you leave home. Some are for European citizens only; others are for non-Europeans. Families and seniors may benefit from special rates; off-peak, mid-week or green departure (see NSB schedule) fares can be a real bargain.
Air
Norway enjoys efficient and modern air services on non-smoking flights. SAS serves all major cities. The main domestic airline, Braathens SAFE, covers the country from Kristiansand to Tromsø with modern Boeing 737 jets. Widerøe and Coast Air land at smaller airports in the north and south. In July and August many routes have reduced rates. If you purchase your ticket in Scandinavia, SAS often advertises mid-summer special fares for domestic and international flights.
Car
Driving in Norway is not difficult and traffic is light. Your current driver’s licence is acceptable in Norway; an international driver’s licence is not required. Four-lane motorways are found only near major cities. Roads are well posted with information and directional signs. Hairpin turns are common, especially in western Norway. Norwegian law requires that you drive with dipped headlights, yield to the car on the right, use seatbelts in both the front and rear seats and never cross the unbroken line in the middle of the road. Laws against speeding, as well as driving and drinking, are rigorously enforced.
Bus
Buses provide frequent and efficient service throughout Norway. Where the train and coastal steamer end, the bus begins. Few settlements are too tiny or remote for a bus service. Nor-Way Bussekspress, which travels long distance routes, will carry you into northern Norway. You need no seat reservations and you pay the driver when you board. It is helpful to carry with you a copy of the Nor-Way Bussekspress timetable which covers the whole country. This does not cover the numerous local bus routes which connect with the trains and Nor-Way Bussekspress. You can obtain these times at local train and bus stations. Buses are less expensive than trains. Holders of an Interrail pass are entitled to a 50% reduction on Nor-Way Bussekspress, but not on local routes.
Taxi
Even the smallest towns offer a taxi (drosje) service. You may want to use one to reach walking areas after arriving by bus or train. Taxi stands are often found just outside the rail station. Taxis can be expensive, especially if they arrive from a neighbouring town.
Coastal Steamer
Since 1893 the renowned Coastal Express, Hurtigruten, has been carrying passengers, freight, cars and mail up and down Norway’s coastline. Flying the flag of the Norwegian Postal Service, the ships leave Bergen every day of the year on a 6-day voyage up to Kirkenes on the North Cape, near the Russian border. The round-trip takes 11 days and includes calls at 35 harbours. For many of these ports, the twice-a-day visits from the steamer (one heading north, one south) are their only link to the outside world. Locals and tourists alike take advantage of this unique service. This trip is outstandingly beautiful, but notoriously expensive, especially if you want a cabin. Deck passengers pay less, and may sometimes board without reservations. Taking the coastal steamer is a fine way to join some of the walks in this book, especially in northern Norway, such as those departing from near Finnmark, Narvik and Tromsø.
Coastal Boat Services
Car ferries and local boat services are an important part of the Norwegian transport system. Among the western fjords, ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans, carrying commuter traffic and cars, serve the western cities.
HELPFUL HINTS WHILE IN TOWN
Accommodation
All levels of accommodation, from world-class hotels to hostels, can be found throughout Norway. International hotels serve business travellers in the main cities of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. In the summertime, generally from 15 June to 15 August, most hotels halve their usual rates. Usually the higher priced the hotel in winter, the greater the discount in summer. Except at hostels the room rate includes a large buffet breakfast and the 22% VAT. All hotels in Norway are held to a high standard. If you are on a strict budget, camping is ideal. Campsites, with cabins and tent sites, are located throughout the country. The Norwegian Camping Guide is available from the Norwegian Tourist Board.
Hostels (vandrerhjem), meant for youths and families alike, offer a high standard of accommodation with reduced rates for members. Often a sheet sleeping bag is required; some may provide meals and others may be self-catering.
Business Hours
Business
