One of the easiest ways to get to Bergen from Norway's other big cites is to fly. Large distances, mountains and partly impassable nature can make it tricky to get here by train, car or bus, although this isn't entirely impossible of course. Bergen Airport is located on Flesland, around 20 minutes by car, bus or taxi from the city centre. You can also take the Bybanen, but this takes around 40 minutes.

The decision to build an airport on Flesland was made in 1952. The municipality had begun to secure land in the area even before World War II, so this place made the perfect hub. The very first commercial flights went to Oslo in 1955, and the route was later expanded with flights to both Stavanger and Kristiansand.

Bergen Airport - one of the highlights of Bergen Travel Essentials (Read all about Bergen here)

The airport has a variety of facilities

The route between Oslo and Bergen is one of Europe's busiest based on the number of departures - there are up to 25 flights daily between the two cities.

The airport has two terminals. One is for commercial flights, while the other handles service flights to oil installations in the North Sea, as well as helicopter traffic.

By virtue of being Norway's second largest airport, Bergen Airport is a place where many kiosk and retail chains want to have premises. Yet unlike many other foreign airports, Bergen Airport has not been turned into a vast shopping mall. The atmosphere in both terminals is surprisingly subdued with little congestion outside peak travel times, which are usually in the early mornings and late afternoons. You'll find everything you'd expect at an airport with international routes: a duty free shop, bookstore, kiosks and restaurants, all at your disposal while you wait for your flight. SAS also offers its Cafe Lounge concept to members of the loyalty programme or those who are willing to pay. A place to sit back and relax before boarding. Other eateries include Bølgen & Moi, O’Learys, Fiskeriet and Upper Crust, so you're guaranteed to find something to eat. Chains such as Starbucks and Joe & the Juice also have a large selection of different drinks - both hot and cold. How about a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice while you wait?

photo by Wolfmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Where can you travel to from Bergen airport?

The routes from Bergen Airport are defined by the city's important status as the capital of Western Norway. Many people use the airport when they go on holiday either in Norway or abroad, but most people probably use it for business travel. The route between Oslo and Bergen is one of Europe's busiest based on the number of departures - there are up to 25 flights daily between the two cities.

You can of course also fly to other major cities in Norway, such as Stavanger, Trondheim, Tromsø and Kristiansand, as well as a number of European cities such as London, Amsterdam and Paris. A Helicopter Service and other smaller companies also provide air transport to the oil facilities in the North Sea as well as freight and ambulance transport.

photo by Bahnfrend (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Worth knowing about the airport and surrounding area

The airport is a good distance outside the city, so it may be worth finding something to do in the immediate area before you check in, or if you have a little extra time to kill before your flight departs.

Blomsterdalen and Hjellestad are two small towns close by, both of which offer a variety of activities for you to do. Hjellestad in particular is a great place for a boat or beach trip. If you've been to Bergen on a business trip, the chances are that you've been to Kokstad or Sandsli, which are industrial and office areas close to the airport. These areas have some decent restaurants, as well as hotels and fun outdoor activities. If you want to shop somewhere other than at the airport, Lagunen Storsenter is only a ten-minute drive from the terminal.

Bergen Airport

Location: Flyplassvegen 555, 5258 Bergen, Norway

Phone: (+47) 67 03 15 55