Travelling Northern Norway can be a time-consuming thing. With a lot of fjords and mountains, and few bridges and tunnels to help overcome the obstacles. Luckily there are alternatives – not that many though 🙂 – to sitting in a car for hours. In the Central Troms area, including some of the biggest towns in Arctic Norway, Harstad and Tromsø, you have the option of travelling by passenger ferries – a mode of transportation that can cut travelling time in half. It can be an expensive cut, but sometimes it is worth it. You can cut the cost too, by getting a travel card called Tromskortet, which can be used on public transportation in the Troms county. There are several routes, covering different parts of the coast, but the one I’ve used most frequently, both during childhood and as an adult, is the express ferry going back and forth between Harstad and Tromsø, stopping on the way at Finnsnes, the gateway to beautiful Senja. The service is very popular at times, so showing up early can be a good idea. Tickets are bought either at vending machines at the harbour or on board. Note that pre-purchased tickets do not guarantee a spot on a departure. Facilities onboard include a kiosk for purchasing something to eat and drink, and of course restrooms. Happy sailing! By the way, if you are pone to sea sickness, and the weather is bad, pop a pill, as crossing Malangen can be rough.
PS! Upon boarding the ferry, you have to state your name, birth year, and destination. Update: Not anymore.
