FAQ – Travel Information

Do you have any questions?

In this section we answer all of our most frequently asked questions. There may be some variations in answers from one destination to another. In these cases, this will be emphasized.

Getting here On board Accessibility Delays, changes and cancelations Booking & tickets Hardangerfjord cruise from Bergen to Rosendal Tromsø

Getting here

We depart from Strandkaien, Vågen harbor in Stavanger and it is a 10–15-minute walk from cruise ship moorings in downtown Stavanger. For information about distance and transportation from other cruise ship docks in the area, please contact your shipping company.

Fjord cruise Bergen-Mostraumen

Our dock at Zachariasbryggen is a 10–15-minute walk from ‘Skoltegrunnskaien’ pier and about a 20-minute walk from ‘Dokken Cruise Ship terminal’.

Hardangerfjord Express Boat: Bergen-Rosendal

Our dock at Strandkaiterminalen is a 10–15-minute walk from ‘Skoltegrunnskaien’ pier and about a 20 minutes’ walk from ‘Dokken Cruise Ship terminal’.

The departure point is at Nerstranda dock, next to the shopping mall. From the Harbor ‘Tromsø Havn KF’ – it’s approximately a 10 minutes’ drive or 20 minutes with public transport.

All tours

The Stavanger Airport-Sola airport bus stops in the city center at the train station and at the Fiskepiren ferry terminal, a 5–10-minute walk to our departure point at Vågen harbor.

Fjord cruise Bergen-Mostraumen

In Bergen, take the airport bus into the city center or take the light rail train, which also goes to the center. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from their stops to our pier at Zachariasbryggen.

Hardangerfjord Express Boat: Bergen-Rosendal

In Bergen, take the airport bus into the city center or take the light rail train, which also goes to the center. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from their stops to our pier Strandkaiterminalen. Hardangerfjord Express Boat also stops at Flesland pier, and there are corresponding bus from the nearby Bergen Airport – Flesland

From the airport in Tromsø, take the airport bus into the city. It takes about 10 minutes, and the closest stop to the departure point is Scandic Grand Tromsø, which is a 3 minutes’ walk to Nerstranda dock.

All tours

Our departure point at the Vågen harbor is a 5-10 minutes’ walk from the train station.

Fjord cruise Bergen-Mostraumen

The walk is about 10-15 minutes from the train station to Zachariasbryggen wharf.

Hardangerfjord Express Boat: Bergen-Rosendal

The walk is about 10-15 minutes from the train station to the Strandkaiterminalen ferry terminal.

There is no train station in Tromsø.

In Stavanger, you can pay for parking at a lot a short walk up the wharf, under the post office (P-Posten). Paid parking next to Clarion Collection Skagen Brygge Hotel (P-Valberghallen) across the harbor is also within walking distance.

In Bergen, the closest pay for parking garage is Klostergarasjen, about 5 minutes’ walk from our boat at Zachariasbryggen and Strandkaiterminalen (Hardangerfjord Express Boat). CityPark in Markeveien and Rosenkrantz parking house is also nearby.

A short walk from Nerstranda dock, you’ll find the pay for parking lot Nerstranda P-hus.

You need to be ready to board at least 20 minutes before departure. It’s a good idea to be even earlier, since your ticket is not for a specific seat.

The boat departs from Strandkaien, Vågen harbor in Stavanger. Link to google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQM48EDhRBRcxtVZ7

Fjord cruise Bergen-Mostraumen:

The boat departs from Zachariasbryggen, close to the fish market in Bergen city center. Link to google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2EFx6EUfMtyYXz9V9

Hardangerfjord Express Boat – Bergen-Rosendal:

The boat departs from Strandkaiterminalen in Bergen city center. Link to google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NWnZs5MWvJwq3bnN8

The boat departs from Nerstranda dock located just behind Nerstranda shopping mall. Link to google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGsUnGkFA3vqLLun8

On board

You are welcome to bring luggage or camping gear. Just keep in mind that we don’t have the capacity to check it or stow it for you.

No. Consuming your own food and drinks is not allowed on board our boats.

Most of our boats have kiosks offering food and drink, with the selection including snacks, candy, soft drinks, beer and wine. Please note that offerings may vary from boat to boat.

Our fjord cruises are suitable for children. Some of our fjord experiences are not recommended or permitted for children, which we will inform about in the product information.

Our cabins are protected from the weather and well heated, even during the coldest days of winter. However, many of our travelers are eager to feel the refreshing spray of a mighty waterfall or challenge the elements by facing a rainstorm. They can always warm up in the cabin afterwards.

Yes, you can bring your dog on tours where this is appropriate. See specifications under locations. There is no extra charge for dogs. Dogs must be outside on deck during the high season April – September. During winter months dogs can be inside in the designated area. One of the dog’s owners must remain with it for the whole trip.

Our crew will refer you to a suitable space inside the boat. You can also be outside with your dog. The dog is not allowed to be in the seats, and it is very important that the dog owner is together with the dog all the time and make sure the dog is not bothering other passengers.

You can bring your dog on the following tours: Fjord cruise Lysefjord & Preikestolen, Fjord cruise Bergen-Mostraumen, Hardangerfjord cruise and Day trip to the Flørli stairs (we do not recommend bringing dogs up the stairs).

No pets are allowed on the Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari. This also applies to service dogs.

All of our boats have restrooms, including handicap WC’s suitable for wheelchairs.

We generally keep lost property on board for a limited time, and then turn valuables over to the local police. Contact us by phone + 47 51 89 52 70 or email and we will do our best to help you track it down.

Nothing more than a warm jacket in winter, and other essentials you might like to bring. Don’t forget your camera!

If you are planning a hike or excursion off the boat, you need to bring things like hiking boots, food and drinks for use after disembarking.

Warm and comfortable clothing for being outdoors in the Polar winter and wind. We do have a few thermal winter suits hanging on the boat to borrow but there are not enough for all guests, so we recommend coming in your own winter gear. The boats lounge area is heated.

Unlike big cruise ships, our express ferries offer day trips only. Our cabins are warm and have most of the comforts of home, but for an overnight stay we recommend one of the many options on land near our ports of call.

Recorded audio-guiding is available in a variety of languages on our regular fjord cruises (except the Hardangerfjord Express Boat). Our crew selects languages after meeting guests and learning which ones they prefer.

Accessibility

Attendants for persons with special needs travel at no charge on selected tours, upon presenting proper documentation. The escorted traveler pays the standard price (adult or children).

Book the tickets at rodne.no and choose the number of attendants in the field for “Select travelers”. Please note that you have to display the attendant certificate or similar documentation when boarding, or you will have to pay for a ticket on board.

We urge travelers with special needs to meet at the departure point in plenty of time before departure.

Yes, the boats can handle them but only have capacity for one electric wheelchair and a limited number of manual wheelchairs per trip. We help passengers with manual wheelchairs get into a regular seat, when possible.

Book tickets for travelers with a wheelchair at rodne.no.

We urge travelers bringing wheelchairs to meet up at the departure point plenty of time before departure.

There is a lower water level in Tromsø, which results in a steeper gangway for disembarkation and boarding. This requires that the wheelchair user have the mobility to walk on and off the boat, and up and down stairs. Our crew will be helpful in getting both the passenger and wheelchair safely on board. This also applies to baby carriages.

There is a lower water level in Bergen, which results in a steeper gangway for disembarkation and boarding. This requires that the wheelchair user have the mobility to walk on and off the boat, and up and down stairs. This also applies to baby carriages.

Delays, changes and cancelations

We have a second chance guarantee on our Northern Lights Chase and Whale & arctic wildlife safari in Tromsø applying for the same season.

Northern Lights Chase
While our expert crews will do everything possible to find the Auroras, it is a natural phenomenon that we cannot guarantee. However, if you don’t experience the Northern Lights, we offer a free ticket to our next Northern Lights chase with us (subject to availability and only valid this season). There is no refund issued if you cannot attend our next cruise. The crew will give information on the return back to Tromsø on how to book your new free ticket.

Whale Safari & arctic wildlife safari
While our expert crews will do everything possible to find whales, it is a natural phenomenon that we cannot guarantee. Whales follow the herring shoals and move with the herring. However, if you don’t experience whales, we offer a free ticket to our next Whale Safari with us (subject to availability and only valid this season). There is no refund issued if you cannot attend our next cruise. The crew will give information on the return back to Tromsø on how to book your new free ticket.

Weather predictions
The weather in Norway can be unpredictable. Even if the forecast seems to be bad weather and cloudy skies this may change on short notice. There can be local variations, and our crew will do their best to find a suitable route, which is least exposed to the weather.

Cancelations due to bad weather

If we need to cancel the cruise due to bad weather, we will inform you via email. You can reschedule your tickets to our next available cruise or get a refund. Information will be given in the email sent.

Alternative routes
On the coldest days, there may even be a layer of ice on the fjord, adding its own special thrill. The captain then chooses an alternative route that gives you a magical fjord experience in winter scenery.

Whale and arctic wildlife Safari – alternative routes as a result of bad weather
If the weather proves to be too windy for whale watching our Captain will choose an alternative route and you will be informed upon embarking the ship. You will then get the choice to do our alternative route for an Arctic Fjord Cruise in more sheltered waters and receive a refund for the price difference.

Weather and Northern Lights
It’s still possible to see the Northern Lights with some cloud cover, but a clear sky is preferable. There may be major variations in the weather within the Northern Lights oval. This may include extremely local variations, and the weather changes faster than you may think. In other words, don’t worry if the forecast says ‘cloudy’ because there may suddenly be a hole in the cloud cover – and the Northern Lights may appear!

In principle, our standard cancellation policies apply if you are too late for your cruise. Still, we will do our best to help you change your booking to another time, assuming space is available. Please let us know as soon as possible about any delays. If you booked tickets through another vendor, you need to contact them for help in the event of a delay. If necessary, you can also buy a new ticket at the dock if there’s availability.

There are no refunds or rebooking if you arrive too late for the departure you booked.

If we have to cancel a tour, you will be offered a full refund or an alternate departure.

We offer a full refund on all paid tickets cancelled at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure date. After that deadline, no refund will be granted.

Tickets purchased through Rødne

Up to 48 hours before departure, the traveler can cancel the booking on My page. A link to My page is in the order confirmation e-mail from us. The refund is automatically credited to the traveler`s account. After that deadline, no refund will be granted.

Tickets purchased through one of our partners

For cancellations or refunds, please contact the vendor who sold you the tickets. Rødne cannot refund or change tickets sold by our partners.

Booking & tickets

Children over the age of 12 can travel alone on our tours. On the Hardangerfjord Express Boat, there are special rules for children traveling alone.

The best bet is to book in advance online at rodne.no to be sure to get a ticket. You can also buy them at our office in Stavanger, at the Tourist Information in Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø, and on the wharf or the boat if there are any left. We recommend advance bookings during the peak summer season.

Your booking confirmation (printed or digital) serves as your ticket. Please show the confirmation to our crew when boarding.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Payment for bookings at rodne.no must be completed before a booking is valid by credit card or Apple Pay. We accept all credit cards in our online booking system except American Express. For onboard ticket purchases we accept all credit cards including American Express, Apple pay and NOK in cash. We prefer payments by credit card or Apple Pay.

How can I make a group booking if I want an invoice?

We don’t operate with invoicing for private group bookings. For charter bookings and agents this will be handled on request.

Our fjord cruises are often fully booked, and we strongly recommend booking in advance at rodne.no

All types of tickets, including discounted ones, are listed under each tour at rodne.no

Hardangerfjord cruise from Bergen to Rosendal

There are changes in our routes on holidays. Please check the schedule for winter or summer routes.

New Year’s Day | Sunday routes winter

Maundy Thursday | Sunday routes winter

Good Friday | Sunday routes winter

Easter Eve | Saturday routes winter

Easter Day | Sunday routes winter

Easter Monday | Sunday routes winter

1st of May (Official Holiday) | Sunday routes summer

17th of May | Sunday routes summer

Ascension Day | Sunday routes summer

Whitsun Eve | Saturday routes summer

Whit Sunday | Sunday routes summer

Whit Monday | Sunday routes summer

Christmas Eve | Cancelled

Christmas Day | Cancelled

Boxing Day (26 Dec.) | Sunday routes winter

New Year’s Eve | Sunday routes winter

The fjord cruise takes you to Rosendal (2 hours from Bergen) where you catch a public bus to the town of Odda (1 hour) and change buses there for the ride to Skjeggedal and the trailhead.

Important information about the hike to Trolltunga.

Lost property is kept on board for about one week, tel. +47 98 24 15 30. There is no phone service between 10:30 and 14:00.

After one week it is turned over to the Kvinnherad district police, tel. +47 53 48 38 00.

When do the buses depart?

Buses to and from the town of Odda correspond with some departures by the Hardangerfjord cruise to Rosendal. The full bus schedule for route 760 can be found at skyss.no

How long does the bus take from Rosendal to Odda?

The bus from Rosendal to the town of Odda takes about an hour. There is no guarantee for available seats on the bus.

Can groups pre-book on the bus?

Larger groups can book at skyss.no

How much does a bus ticket cost?

Find updated prices at Skyss.no

Can I buy the bus ticket on board the boat?

No, it is not possible to buy the bus ticket on board our boat.

How far is the Barony Rosendal from Rosendal dock?

Barony Rosendal is about one kilometer, or a 20–25-minute walk from the dock. You can also enjoy a stop at the Stone Park in Rosendal.

Need transport from the dock? Please call Kvinnherad Taxi at +47 917 81 000.

Opening hours, arrangements and other information

For more information about opening hours, arrangements, packages and restaurants, please visit Barony Rosendal

The Solstrand Hotel is about one kilometer, or a roughly 20-minute walk from the wharf in Os. The hotel can also send a car for up to four passengers if you make a reservation before the express boat leaves Bergen by calling +47 56 57 11 00. For larger groups: Bergen taxi at +47 07000, or Os bus at +47 56 30 99 80.

Unfortunately, because it’s a tight schedule, the boat cannot stop at the dock next to the hotel.

When does the bus leave the airport?

Please check the schedule at flybussen.no

Choose Flesland kai/Bergen Lufthavn Flesland to find the correct schedule.

How much does a bus ticket cost?

Find the latest prices at flybussen.no

Where do I find the bus at the airport?

The bus departs from and arrives at the stop marked A2 on lower platform of Bergen Airport, Flesland airport. Find out more at avinor.no

Can I pre-book a ticket on the bus?

We recommend all passengers to buy tickets at flybussen.no

There is no seat guarantee without a pre-booking.

Barony Rosendal

Barony Rosendal is a roughly 20-minute walk from the dock. The castle, from 1665, is Scandinavia’s smallest. You can also walk through the beautiful grounds, gardens and surrounding nature. For more information, visit Barony Rosendal

Folgefonna national park

Folgefonna is the third largest glacier on mainland Norway and is the heart of Folgefonna national park. Exotic and dramatic, this magnificent glacier has drawn tourists since 1833. It has glacier tongues and icefalls, wild valleys, and raging rivers of meltwater and scenic summer pastures. Hiking trails between Sundal and Odda allow you to take a bus connecting with the Hardangerfjord cruise. We suggest arranging accommodation, since we don’t recommend this as a day trip.

Stone Park in Rosendal

The Stone Park in Rosendal is on the way to Barony Rosendal from our dock. This unique park features stone blocks sculpted and organized to show the geological diversity of the Folgefonna peninsula. The Stone Park in Rosendal is open every day, all year.

Center of Rosendal

Rosendal is a small and cozy place to visit. In the center of Rosendal you can find a small selection of stores and cafes.

Folgefonn centre

Folgefonn centre is a new and exciting visitor centre in Rosendal. Folgefonn Centre offers interactive exhibitions on the Folgefonna National Park, aquatic life in the Hardangerfjord, the world’s water cycle, sustainable use of natural resources, and climate change.

Bicycle

You can bring your bicycle on board. The crew will show you where to put it during crossing. There is a limited number of places for bicycles on board.

Electric bicycle and electric scooter

It is not allowed to bring an electric bicycle or electric scooter into the lounge. These must stand out on the deck due to fire hazards.

Scooter or moped

Scooters and mopeds are considered hazardous cargo and are not allowed on our boats.

We know the timetable can seem complicated, so we have outlined the schedule in a way we hope will make it easier to find the departure you need. Please always check the schedule for the latest information.

Tromsø

Meet up is at the latest 20 minutes prior to departure. The boat departs from Nerstranda dock located just behind the Nerstranda shopping mall. Plot in Rødne Fjord Cruise in google map and it will show you the direct location. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGsUnGkFA3vqLLun8
The boat leaves precisely at 08:30 and out of consideration for our other guests, we cannot wait if you are late.

If our Captain needs to cancel the cruise due to bad weather, we will inform you via email and sms. You can then contact us for a refund or reschedule your tickets to our next available cruise via mail@rodne.no. Did you purchase tickets through our partner Visit Tromsø, Best Artic or Norwegian Travel, you will need to contact them for any refund or rescheduling as we can’t access their tickets.

No pets are allowed on this cruise! Even service dogs.

We have complimentary hot coffee, water and tea. There is a kiosk on board for buying snacks, sandwiches and other beverages. Consuming  your own food and drinks is not allowed on board our boats.

Remember to dress appropriately. Warm and comfortable clothing for being outdoors in the Polar night and wind. We do have a few thermal winter suits hanging at the boat for borrowing but there is not enough for the entire boat, so we recommend coming in your own winter gear. The boats lounge area is heated.

The weather in the Artic can be rough and you may become seasick. Take precautionary measures if this is a concern.

Weather predictions

Weather in Norway can be unpredictable. Even if bad weather and cloudy skies are forecast, this can change at short notice. There will be extremely local variations.

Weather and Northern Lights

It’s still possible to see the Northern Lights with some cloud cover, but a clear sky is preferably. There may be major variations in the weather within the Northern Lights oval. This may include extremely local variations, and the weather changes faster than you may think. In other words, don’t worry if the forecast says cloudy because there may suddenly be a hole in the cloud cover – and the Northern Lights may appear!

The Polar Night in Tromsø stretches from around 27 November to 15 January. However, there is not constant darkness. When the sky brightens for a while in the middle of the day, we get a magical mix of dusk and dawn. It’s hard to beat the sight of pink polar skies and snow-capped mountains.

Northern Lights

While our expert crews will do everything possible to find the Auroras, it is a natural phenomenon that we cannot guarantee. However, if you don’t experience the Northern Lights, we offer a free ticket to our next Northern Lights chase with us (subject to availability and only valid this season). There is no refund issued if you cannot attend our next cruise.

Whale watching

While our expert crews will do everything possible to find whales, it is a natural phenomenon that we cannot guarantee. Whales follow the herring shoals and move with the herring. However, if you don’t experience the Whales, we offer a free ticket to our next Whale Safari with us (subject to availability and only valid this season). There is no refund issued if you cannot attend our next cruise.

If the weather proves to be too windy for whale watching our Captain will choose an alternative route and you will be informed upon embarking the ship. You will then get the choice to do our alternative route for an Arctic Fjord Cruise in more sheltered waters and receive a refund for the price difference.  

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