A FERRY route connecting the UK to Scandinavia could return after almost 20 years.
Brits could get a direct link to the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ without setting foot on a plane.
There are talks of restarting a ferry route that could link Newcastle to Bergen in Norway for the first time in 18 years.
Historically, this route existed for over 140 years, and is being looked into being brought back by Newcastle City Council.
DFDS Seaways was the last company to operate the service – but this ended 18 years ago on September 1, 2008.
The crossing was usually overnight and the sailing lasted up to 22 hours – depending whether or not it stopped at Stavanger.
In 2022 Bergen Cruise Line revealed that it was hoping to re-introduce a ferry service between Newcastle, Stavanger and Bergen starting this year.
The Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said in January of this year that she would “love to see the return of the ferry.”
The service was first introduced in 1890, just two weeks before World War Two.
It continued on and off for over 140 years which resulted in a special relationship forming between the two cities with Bergen even providing Newcastle with a Christmas tree each year.
This tradition continued right up until 2022 – the giving of a Christmas tree stopped, but the cities’ mayors now swap baubles each festive season.
Talks about bringing back the ferry route are still in the works.
Despite a journey across the seas not being available, Jet2 has direct flights from Newcastle to Bergen, taking just one hour and 25 minutes.
One-way flights in April with Jet2 start from £69.
Sun writer Emily-Jane Heap visited the Norwegian city to explore its natural wonders and pretty harbour.
She said: “If you take a stroll around the cobbled streets you will find an array of quirky gift shops, cafes and bars, as well as the vibrant Bryggen Nightclub.
“And the one-day Norway In A Nutshell tour is a must (£192pp, see fjordtours.com), showcasing the best of this country’s breathtaking nature.
“The carefully curated experience begins early, taking you straight from the city centre through more than 60 miles of wild mountain terrain on the Bergen Railway.”
When it comes to eating, Emily says to head to the Skyskraperen restaurant at the top of Mount Ulriken.
Here you can try ‘traditional Nordic food surrounded by nature’ – like grilled trout or a duo of beef.
There’s plenty of places to stop for a drink too – grab a pint of locally brewed lager from Ægir at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.
For more, here are the beautiful destinations you can get to from the UK without flying including the ‘British Fjords’ & Caribbean-like islands.
And here’s another ferry route that could become a reality this year connecting Scotland to Europe.
