After the Stavanger Marathon: Bergen

The Route: Stavanger → Bergen → Stavanger → Stavanger Airport Logistics: The coastal bus (Kystbussen line 400) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes on the direct route and crosses the Boknafjord and the Bjørnafjord by ferry. Three nights in Bergen. Marathon Month: August Duration: 3 nights

Stavanger ──(about 4 hrs 20 mins Kystbussen 400, two ferries included)──> Bergen
Bergen ──(same route back)──> Stavanger ──(Flybussen)──> Stavanger Airport (SVG)

Bergen is the longest trip from Stavanger and the one with the most hours on the road. Fjord Norway gives Kystbussen line 400 as about 4 hours 20 minutes on the direct route and about 5 hours 25 minutes if it runs via Haugesund. Two ferry crossings are part of the journey, about 22 minutes over the Boknafjord and about 40 minutes over the Bjørnafjord, and the ferry tickets are included in the fare. The standard adult fare is NOK 199, according to the same page, but prices vary by departure. Check the operator's timetable at nor-way.no/en.

August in Bergen: the city is known for rain, so pack a waterproof.

Nights One, Two and Three: Bergen

Bergen's waterfront at Bryggen is the old wharf quarter and is listed as a UNESCO site. The funicular, Fløibanen, climbs to a viewpoint above the city. Both are a short walk from the harbour. Opening hours and prices change by season, and neither is covered by the sources used for this guide, so check each one locally before you plan a day around it.

After a marathon the useful thing about a three-night stay is time. Treat the first day as a rest day, the second as a walking day on flat streets and the third as a margin before the long trip home.

Getting home

Take the bus back to Stavanger, with the same two ferry crossings, then Flybussen to Stavanger Airport at Sola (SVG), about 25 to 30 minutes. Check the timetable, and allow a margin for the ferries. Bergen has its own airport, so you can also fly out from there if your ticket allows.