Alverstraumen: a narrow strait with a maritime history

Strait and suspension bridge

Alverstraumen is a narrow strait, just under a kilometre long and 100 to 200 metres wide. The ratio of its length to its width illustrates the strait’s elongated shape. A 150-metre-long suspension bridge on county road 565 crosses the strait. The water and the bridge thus define two distinct aspects of the area’s geography: the shape of the waterway and the road crossing it.

The area’s geography and history complement each other: the measurements describe its shape, the bridge provides a road crossing, and the shipping route reflects the strait’s maritime role. This gives Alverstraumen both a spatial and a historical context.

Shipping and a destination for excursions

Since the age of the sagas, the inner shipping route heading north has passed through Alverstraumen. An inn was operating here in 1660. In the 19th century, the area was considered a popular excursion destination for wealthy families from Bergen, who arrived by excursion boats and later by steamships. The area’s history thus includes a route through the strait, an inn operating locally, and visitors who made Alverstraumen their destination. These topics belong to different periods and describe different connections with the water.

The change in modes of transport is revealing when it comes to the history of travel: the visitors remained wealthy families from Bergen, and the excursions continued; what changed was the journey, from excursion boats to later steamships. The older northbound shipping route was different. It passed through the strait, while the families headed to Alverstraumen as their destination. This contrast helps explain how the area was both part of a waterway and a former excursion destination.

Water experiences around Alverstraumen

A boat trip from Bergen to Alverstraumen offers a contemporary perspective on arriving by water. Food, beer and wine are available on board; coffee, tea and snacks are complimentary. The onboard offering therefore includes both food and drinks as well as complimentary light refreshments. As service details may change, check them before your trip.

Another water-based activity is nearby: on the Alversund kayak circuit, you can head to Kongsøyna, where a sheltered bay invites you to swim. This kayaking option is in the nearby Alversund area, not in Alverstraumen itself. As route information may change, check the latest details in advance if you plan to take this tour. In comparison, the boat trip runs from Bergen to Alverstraumen, while the Alversund kayak circuit has Kongsøyna as a possible destination. So first decide whether you want to visit Alverstraumen itself by boat or include a kayak circuit in the nearby area, with a possible detour to Kongsøyna.

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

Go to the broader travel overview: Lindås.