Bookstore MelvA¦r Norli 7, Torgalmenning 7 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm), has a good selection of English literature as well as books about Norway, maps and travel guides.

Car rental All the major international car rental companies have offices in town, including Budget, off the Bryggen at Lodin Lepps gate 1 (tel 55 90 26 15); and Avis, Lars Hilles gate 20b (tel 55 32 01 30).

Consulate UK, Carl Konows gate 34 (tel 55 94 47 05).

Ferries International: Fjord Line, Skoltegrunnskaien (tel 815 33 500). Domestic (from the Strand kaiterminalen): HSD (tel 55 23 87 80); Fylkesbaatane Reiseservice (tel 55 32 40 15).

Hiking The DNT-affiliated Bergen Turlag, Tverrgaten 4-6 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Thurs till 6pm), advises on hiking trails in the region, sells hiking maps and arranges guided weekend walks. A year's membership of DNT costs around 360kr.

Internet The library in StrA?msgaten (next to the train station) has a free Internet service.

Medical emergencies Casualty (24-hour) at Vestre StrA?mkaien 19 (tel 55 32 11 20).

Off licence Vinmonopolet, in the Bergen Storsenter shopping mall on StrA?mgaten.

Pharmacy Apoteket Nordstjernen, at the bus station (Mon-Sat 8am-midnight, Sun 9.30am-midnight).

Post office Olav Kyrres gate (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm).

Travel agents Terra Nova Travel, Nygaten 3 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm; tel 55 32 23 77).