Accommodation
Please see the Venue & Access page for details.

Allergies
During the conference it will be early summer, although pollen seasons of different plants arrive later in Norway than in Central Europe. If you have a pollen allergy, check with your doctor about possible medication during your trip to Bergen.Pollen countsare usually mitigated by the fairly rainy weather in Bergen. For an updated pollen forecast go to Polleninfo and click on the map for Norway. If you have any food allergies, please inform the local organisers (mentioning it on the registration form will do).

Banks
There are several cash mashines at Bergen airport. Banks are open from Monday to Friday 9.00 - 16.00 or 09:00-17:00. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a FOREX bank at Olav Kyrres gate 39 in walking distance from the meeting venue. It opens Mon-fri 08:00-20:00 and Sat 10:00 - 17:30. If you want to exchange money or cash cheques it is advisable go do so at a bank. Close to the Strand and Neptun Hotels and the YMCA hostel there is a Handelsbanken branch at Strandgaten 18 (opening hours Monday-Friday 08:00 - 15:30) and a DNB branch at Torgalmenningen 2 (opening hours Mon-Fri 08:00 - 18:00 sat 10:00 - 16:00). Close to Marken gjestehus is a Sparebaken Vest branch at Kaigaten 4 (opening hours Mon-Wed 09:00 - 15:30) and Thu 09:00 - 18:00. Cash machines are widespread in Bergen. The one closest to most hotels is the one at the DNB branch at Torgalmenningen 2.

Climate
There is a saying in Norway that children are born with rubber boots in Bergen. This does not mean that it always rains in Bergen (usually the weather is very nice in spring), but if it rains, it tends to do so quite heavily. May is actually the driest month in Bergen with "only" 15 wet days. The average overall temperature in May is 11° C, the average max temperature being 17°C and the minimum 7°C. Precipitation in May amounts to 83 mm (also the yearly minimum). Bring your umbrella and a light raincoat in case of occasional showers. Please note that there will be Nordic twilight during the meeting (see below).

Crime
Bergen is a very safe place. Occasionally foreigners are targeted by pickpocketing (especially in the crowded "Bryggen" area). If you want to report a crime, contact the local police station or ring 0280. In Bergen it is located at Allehelgens gate 6. In emergency cases ring 112.

Driving in Norway
Many rules on driving resemble those in the Nordic Countries. For example, car headlights must be lit at all times (even during the day and the Nordic twilight). Traffic drives on the right. Your vehicle must carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and wheel chocks. Seat belts are compulsory in front and rear seats. Information about roads, distances, driving conditions can be obtained from inside Norway with the number 175, from inside Norway and +47) 815 48 991.

In general the speed limit for cars on Norwegian roads is 80 kilometres per hour. In residential areas this can be as low as 30 kilometres per hour. Watch out for speed control bumps, they are not always signposted. Special rules apply for vehicles above 3.5 tons.

At downhill stretches, when brakes may overheat. To avoid this, drive in a low gear. When driving up steep slopes, keep an eye on the car's temperature gauge, because the car can quickly overheat.

Seat belts are compulsory for all seats. All children must be firmly strapped in using approved safety equipment that matches their age, size and weight. It is an offence to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.

Fuel prices are relatively high. However, gasoline dealers set their own prices, which might differ. Credit cards are accepted at most petrol stations.

DO NOT drink even minute amounts of alcohol before and during driving. The legal limit of alcohol in the blood is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliltre of blood (i. e. as good as zero) and drink-driving is punished by heavy fines and/or imprisonment. Norwegian police and courts are strict in this matter.

Parking is a problem in Bergen due to many pedestrian-only roads. Heavy fines can be imposed for unlawful parking. It is recommended to park in guarded car parks.

Emergency
The emergency number for the fire brigade is 110, for the police 112 and 113 for the ambulance.

Food
Norwegians are fond of fish. Nevertheless, Norwegian cuisine is more than "gravlaks" (cured salmon) and akvavit (brandy flavoured with herbs such as caraway seeds, anise, dill, fennel and coriander). Prawns (reker) are equally popular. You can peel them yourself, pile them on white bread, squeeze fresh lemon juice and mayonnaise on top, and sprinkle with dill.

Breakfasts (frokost) usually consists of coffee, breads (including flatbread or crisp bread), pickled or smoked fish, cold meats, perhaps boiled eggs, and milk products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, and varieties of sour milk. Breakfast may be more substantial than the noon meal (lunsj) which may consist of an open-faced sandwich of bread, cheese, paté, or cold meat, perhaps accompanied by a piece of fruit and coffee. Fish and meat (pork, beef, lamb, chicken, and whale) and boiled potatoes, usually served with gravy or melted butter, traditionally have defined the late afternoon meal (middag). Minced beef rolled into balls and then fried (kjøttkaker) served with gravy, mushy peas and boiled potatoes are a popular meal. Root vegetables such as carrots often supplement potatoes. Beer or wine is drunk occasionally (and occasionally in high quantities) in the evening. In Northern Norway reindeer meat and cloudberry jam are local specialities. A popular dessert is "rømmegrøt", a porridge made from natural sour cream and served with butter, sugar and cinnamon.

Norway has also 2 typical cheeses: "myseost" (whey cheese) and the caramely "Brunost" (brown cheese).

Immigration
Norway is an associate member of the Schengen agreement which exempts travelers from regular personal border controls between 13 European Union (EU) countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) and two European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway and Iceland). People living in Great Britain and Ireland are subject to personal border controls upon entry to the Schengen area. Border controls can, however be imposed on travellers from all states.

A list of countries whose citizens DO NOT need a visa to visit Norway can be found here. If you need a visa, please start the paperwork AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Not only can handling times be long, but it might be difficult to find the embassy responsible for citizens of your nationality and location. In many cases, Norwegian embassies do not hold consular offices and the visa applications are handled by embassies of other, mostly Nordic countries.

Internet
Free Wifi is available at the conference venue. Also most hotel and hostels offer wireless connections.

Laundry facilities
There are few coin-operated self-service launderettes in Norway, but the Montana Youth Hostel has washing machines. Furthermore, hotels offer (expensive) laundry services.

Medical Services
In case of emergency, call 113 (general emergency). The medical service is very good. Pharmacies (Apotek) are widespread in Bergen. There are 3 in close to the hotels and YMCA: "Løven" at Strandgate 58 (opening hours Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00) and "Svanen" at Strandgate 6 (opening hours Mon-Fri 08:30 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00). Close to "Marken" is the "Vitus Apotek Nordstjernen" at Bergen Storsenter, Strømgaten 8.

Money
Norway's currency is the Norwegian crown "krone". Norwegian coins and banknotes are found here. In September 2013 1 USD was equal to NOK 6.10, 1 Euro equal to NOK 8.00. Cash machines are widespread in Bergen. The one closest to most hotels is the one at the DNB branch at Torgalmenningen 2. Cash mashines also exist at Flesland Airport.

Nordic Twilight
During the course it will not get dark in Bergen. Although hotels and hostels have curtains, some people might find it hard to sleep. So some sleeping cover for the eyes could be a good thing to bring.

Post office
Post offices are often located in other shops in Norway ("post i butikk"). The post office nearest to the meeting venue is at Håkonsgaten 38 (opening hours Mon - Fri 07:00 - 23:00, Sat 08:00 - 21:00). Closest to most hotels is Nordnes (Kiwi Nordnes), Strandgaten 238 (opening hours Mon - Sat 07:00 - 23:00). Closest to Marken Guest House is the office at Rimi Marken, Marken 3 (opening hours Mon - Fri 07:00 - 23:00, Sat 08:00 - 21:00). Information about the Norwegian Postal service can be found here.

Public transport in Bergen
With the exception of Montana Youth Hostel all suggested hotels and hostels are in walking distance of the venue. They are also in the middle of the town so it is not necessary to rely on public transport in Bergen. For transfer from the airport please use the aiport bus. Information about the public transort in Bergen city as well as timetables can be found at the Skyss. Information about the bus service in the wider area of Bergen can be obtained at the TIDE site.

Public holidays
May 17th is the big national holiday in Norway with a lot of festivities, parades and other events. On this day only very limited opening hours of most sights can be expected. Banks, post offices and many shops are closed. People also tend to dress up (often in national costumes) on May 17th.

Sightseeing
Bergen and the Norwegian Fjord Land are one of the most popular traveller's destination in Norway. Information about Bergen and the area can be found under here. Bergen and the surrounding area offer a range of activities. We suggest that you prolong your stay with at least one day to enjoy one of the spectacular fjord tours that can be taken from Bergen.

Shopping
Shops generally open 09:00 - 18:00 (Mon to Sat). Some department stores and shops in tourist areas stay open later. Some are also open on Sundays. Most popular souvenirs are:

• Wollen sweaters
• Norwegian smoked salmon
• High quality outdoor clothes and equipment
• Snow and rain wear
• Norwegian "linje" aquavit (travelled across the world in oak vats)
• CDs with Norwegian folk music or classical music by Edvard Grieg
• Norwegian food like smoked salmon, cloudberry jam, (be careful about custom rules for food !)

Taxis
Taxis are safe and cheating tourists is not very common. However, they are very expensive. Conference guests are advised to use the airport bus for getting to Bergen from Flesland Airport, since the airport is about 20km from town and buses are running frequently. You can order a taxi on-line or by phone at Bergen Taxi, phone 07000. Taxi stalls are at the airport, railway station and bus station in Bergen. To "wave down" taxis like in London or New York from the street is uncommon in Norway.

Telephone
For calls to Norway: Dial +47 (the country code for Norway), then the subscriber's number. There are no longer any area codes in Norway.

If you want to make a call from Norway, dial 00 + the country code + area code + the subscriber's number. Inside Norway only the subscribers number must be dialled.

The GSM network works on frequencies of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz (dependent on the carrier). If you are taking your mobile phone with you, make sure that it is able to work on these.

Time
Central European daylight saving time (UTC + 2) will be in force during the meeting. There is no time shift between Germany, France and Norway and a 1 hour time shift between the UK and Norway. If it is 1 o' clock in London and 2 o'clock in Frankfurt and Paris it is 2 o'clock in Bergen.

Tipping
Tipping is less common in Norway than in the rest of Europe. It is actually not required or expected in most places. In restaurants, service is included in the bill, but if you get a good service in a restaurant where the bill is sent to the table you can tip 5-10 %. In case of bad service it is OK to give nothing. Hotel staff does usually not expect tips.

Toilets
All toilets are marked with the symbol for ladies/gents restrooms. Since toilets in Norway tend to cost something, people have started using toilets in restaurants. To prevent that, many restaurant toilets now have a coded lock to keep out people that aren't guests. Just ask your waiter for the code. Please note: Don't "go" behind a bush or a tree. In Norway, that'll earn you a fine.

Tourist information
General information about Bergen is available at the website of the Bergen Tourist Office. You can order a paper guide about Bergen via this site or read it on-line. Information about all Norway can be found on the site of the Norwegian Tourist Board. The Bergen Tourist Office is open daily from 09:00 to 20:00 in May. It is located at Strandkaien 3, N-5012 Bergen, phone: +47 55 55 20 00, fax: +47 55 55 20 01, email: [email protected]

Venue
Please see the Venue & Access page for details.

Voltage
The electricity supply in Norway is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use. If your electrical devices have other plugs, please bring an adapter from your home country. Like most things, they are expensive in Norway.

Weights and measures
Norway uses the metric system.

! DISCLAIMER !

All the information given above is to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot accept any liability for false or incomplete information on this site.

Velkommen til Bergen !