By: John Potier

John Potier — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:40:38 +0000

Reading this article brings back memories of my journeys to the home of my Norwegian wife-to-be in late 1950s/early1960s. Her home was on a small fjord just north of the Sognfjord.
Travel across the North Sea (Newcastle to Bergen) was by Fred Olsen ferry (typically the Black Prince or Jupiter) and usually an 18 hour journey. From Bergen to Sogn was another 8 hour adventure on a small coastal ferry, sometimes an overnight experience stopping off at various small settlements en route to deliver/pickup passengers or goods.
These boats have for many years now been replaced by the express vessels operated by Hurtigruten.
In later years the cross North Sea Fred Olsen ships have been replaced by others, Colourline for example, until now when there is no Newcastle to Bergen sea link.

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:23:06 +0000

Thanks for another fascinating and informative article. It brought back memories of our ferry crossings on our first road trips to Norway, back in the 80s. We loved them! As you say, the chance to see the fjords from a new perspective was wonderful. It gave us the opportunity, however briefly, to meet local people and try out our first 4, important words of Norwegian , ja, nei, takk, te. There was often just enough time for a drink and a delicious snack at what was to us then, eye-watering prices.
The ferries were an integral, much loved part of the experience. How we miss the longer ferry journeys from England to Bergen, Stavanger and Kristiansand which began each of our Norwegian adventures.

Comments on: Why Local Ferries Matter So Much In Norway

By: John Potier

By: Kris