Practicalities

We generally advise against bringing someone along for the staff training. This will help you stay focused on the topics and give you more time to connect with other participants at SMW. The programme has been designed specifically for you as a participant – not for family or friends.

If you would like to share the experience with someone, we recommend planning a weekend together instead. It’s a great opportunity to explore more of the region – see our Tips for Trips.

Bergen Airport (Flesland) is located about 20 km outside the city. To travel between the airport and the city centre:

• Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) Line 1 runs frequently between the airport and the city. It is considerably cheaper than the airport bus. The journey from the airport to the city terminus takes 43 minutes. Link to information about tickets. 

• Airport Bus (Flybussen) departs approximately every 10 minutes during working hours, and slightly less often early mornings and evenings. Tickets cost about €14 and can be purchased at flybussen.no. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

• Taxis are considered expensive in Norway. If you need one, Bergen Taxi offers a maximum price option.

The train station is located in the heart of Bergen, with most attractions and hotels within walking distance. The bus station is connected to the train station.

From Oslo to Bergen - link to the Bergen line

Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) has a stop right outside of the train station in addition to one at the bus station. 

Visit Norway - Bergen

Visit Bergen

Bergen municipality

General information: https://bergenbysykkel.no/en

There are two Bybaner - one is going between tha airport and the city (line 1) - the other one from the city to the suburban area of Fyllingsdalen (line 2). 

It is NOT possible to buy a ticket onboard the light rail (Bybanen) - you need to have a valid ticket before entering. Tickets are bought at the stops from the ticket machine or using the SKYSS app. See information about SKYSS further down.

NB! It is possible to buy bus tickets from the driver, but this cost 20 kroner extra than if you buy it in the app or from the machine. 

One of the interesting things about living in Bergen is that you never know what weather the next day will bring. In early May, the temperature can vary a lot from 30° C and sunny, to snow and minus degrees.

It can be a big difference between day temperatures and night - so bring some warm clothes with you!

You can check out the weather forecast yourself at www.yr.no.

Bergen is known for its changeable weather and frequent rain, so we recommend bringing an umbrella and/or waterproof clothing. Several smw-activities will take place outdoors, where comfort and practicality are more important than style.

Participants should also bring comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking. Many streets in Bergen are cobblestoned and can be uneven or slippery, especially in wet weather, so high heels are not recommended.

The walk to Mount Fløyen follows gravel roads, so hiking boots are not necessary – good walking shoes are sufficient.
However, if you enjoy hiking, there are many opportunities close to Bergen.

The programme on Wednesday also includes a farm visit and a short trip at sea in smaller boats, which require appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. We recommend warm layers, weather‑resistant outerwear, and shoes with good grip.

There is no fee for participating in the Staff Mobility Week. Participants are however responsible for covering their own accommodation, travel to/from Bergen and most meals during the week. Some meals are however complementary from UiB. Every day lunch is part of the programme and Thursday night there will be a dinner in the evening. 

We have reserved a number of rooms at a hotel in Bergen at a special rate for SMW participants. The information about the hotel has been sent to the participants, and now this offer has expired. 

However, you may be able to find better prices yourself when you contact the hotels individually. At VisitBergen you may find much useful information about accommodation as well as the city of Bergen in general. Bergen is a rather small city with short walking distances. We recommend a few hotels close by the university and the venue, but there are many more good choices. We advise you to check booking.com and similar booking sights (Hotels) and consider booking a hotel near the airport with good public transport connections to the city center. Magic hotels: Magic kløverhuset, Magic Exhibition, Korskirken and Magic Solheimsviken,  Scandic hotels: Scandic Byparken  Scandic Ørnen, Scandic Neptun and Scandic City, Citybox Bergen and Citybox Danmarksplass 

The youth hostel offer reasonable single rooms. There are also a few hotels out by the airport which are within reach of the Light train (it runs from 5 in the morning until approx. midnight). In addition there is Airbnb.

In order to participate in our Staff Mobility Week, you need to be able to communicate well in English. We expect that the participants are willing and able to participate in debates, share views and some of you will be invited to hold a presentation about your work and experience.

• Storing Luggage At Bergen Railway Station.
• Storage boxes at Bergen Storsenter / Bustation. 
• Ask Your Hotel To Store Your Luggage

Skyss is the name of the public transportation in Bergen. A Skyss ticket is valid on Bybanen, the local train to Arna, local boats to Askøy, Frekhaug and Knarvik, and all buses (except the airport bus). The city of Bergen, including the airport, and all the muncipalities bordering to Bergen, are within the same zone (zone A).  

We encourage all our guests to purchase a Skyss one-week travel pass during their stay in Bergen. Zone A! This pass will make getting around the city and the region much easier.

A Skyss pass provides a simple and convenient way to travel to and from Bergen Airport on the Bybanen (light rail) - not the airport bus. It is also an easy way to move between your accommodation (hotel at Danmarksplass?) and the city centre, with frequent departures throughout the day.

In addition, the pass allows unlimited travel across a wide area, giving you great flexibility as you explore Bergen. It will also include the travel by boat at the beginning of our excursion to Nordhordland. Or you will need to buy a separate ticket for the boat.

How to purchase the one-week pass

You can buy the pass quickly and easily through the Skyss Ticket App. Simply download the app, choose period ticket, select one week, and follow the on-screen instructions.

More information is available on the Skyss website:👉 https://www.skyss.no/en/tickets-and-prices/buying-tickets/skyss-app/Skyss app

Registration will take place at the Student Centre, Parkveien 1, 5007 Bergen.

Please see the programme for details of the opening day schedule.

Upon entering the Student Centre through the main entrance on the first floor, you will find a lift to the far left. Alternatively, you can take the stairs to the top and turn left.

The official opening of SMW‑26 will take place in the auditorium Egget, located on the third floor of the Student Centre. Lunch on the first day will also be served on the third floor.

After lunch, participants will return to the registration area and then proceed in groups to NG5 – Nygårdsgaten 5, where the thematic sessions will begin.

On Tuesday, all conference activities will take place at NG5.