Alverstraumen: Sound, Suspension Bridge and Excursion History

Alverstraumen is a narrow sound, just under a kilometer long and 100 to 200 meters wide. Comparing its length and width illustrates its character as a narrow water passage. A 150-meter-long suspension bridge on county road 565 crosses Alverstraumen. This brings together two specific geographical measurements: the extent of the sound and the length of the crossing. When planning your trip, it may help to decide whether you would like to learn about the area's geographical character or the history of this waterway first. The bridge is considerably shorter than the water passage, which is just under a kilometer long: its 150 meters measure the crossing, not the length of the sound.

Shipping Route and Excursion History

Since the time of legends, the inner northbound shipping route has passed through Alverstraumen. The inn in Alverstraumen was operating in 1660. In the 19th century, the place was a popular excursion destination for wealthy families from Bergen, who arrived on excursion boats and later on steamships. Several different eras come together here: the route associated with the time of legends, a specific year for the inn, and a later excursion culture. The change from excursion boats to steamships brings the history of travel to life. If you are traveling with children, you can turn this into a little journey through time: Which mode of travel belonged to which era? This provides a specific question to explore the development of travel by water.

Boat Trip or Kayak Loop Tour

One excursion option is a boat trip from Bergen to Alverstraumen. Food, beer and wine are available on board; coffee, tea and snacks are complimentary. Nearby, you can take a kayak loop tour in Alversund. It takes you to Kongsøyna, where a sheltered bay is an inviting place to swim. The tours differ in how you travel and in their stated destinations: a trip aboard a boat to Alverstraumen or a kayak loop tour in Alversund. Check the current tour and service details before planning, as routes and onboard offerings may change. This lets you choose an excursion based on the experience you want: traveling aboard a boat or taking a kayak loop tour yourself.

Choose a Holiday Rental Based on Your Travel Priorities

Having a clear priority can help when searching for a holiday rental. If Alverstraumen—with its sound, suspension bridge and historical associations—is to be the focus of your stay, concentrate your search on this location. If you would also like to plan a kayak loop tour in nearby Alversund, treat it as a separate excursion destination. If you are traveling with children, you can decide together what you would like the day to revolve around: a look at the area's history, the boat trip or paddling.

Discover more destinations: Hundvin, Alversund, Vikanes, Hjelmås, Myking, Vågseidet, Seim, Eikangervåg

For the broader travel overview: Lindås.