After the Bergen City Marathon: Mostraumen

The Route: Bergen harbour → Mostraumen → Bergen harbour Logistics: A boat from the harbour in the city centre, with a short walk from most central hotels. Keep your hotel and your bags where they are. Marathon Month: April Duration: Day trip

Bergen harbour ──(about 3.5 hours, cruise)──> Mostraumen ──(same cruise)──> Bergen harbour

The Bergen City Marathon climbs Fjellveien twice, and by the time you finish you will know that Bergen is a city built on a hillside. The day after is for sitting. The Bergen tourist board lists a fjord cruise to Mostraumen that lasts about 3.5 hours and describes departures through the year, which makes it the least demanding way to get onto the water.

April in Bergen. Spring is usually cool and often wet. The weather changes quickly, and the water can be colder than the city. Bring a waterproof, a warm layer and a hat, because the deck is the best place to see the fjord. Check the sailing dates for your weekend, since a cruise that runs in summer may run less often in April.

Getting there

The cruise leaves from the harbour in the city centre. Check the departure point and the boarding time in your booking. Most central hotels are within a flat walk of the harbour, but the cobbles near Bryggen are hard on stiff quads, so allow time.

On board

Book a seat ahead and ask about indoor seating and a café on board. Ask the operator about accessibility, toilets and food on board. Dress in layers. A cruise of this length is long enough to be cold even if the start is mild.

Before and after

Eat a proper meal before you go. A late lunch near the harbour fits well after the cruise, but check kitchen hours, because some restaurants close between lunch and dinner.

Back to the hotel

You return to the same harbour. If you are flying the next morning, check the Bergen Light Rail line 1 timetable from the centre to the airport and leave extra time.