BERGEN

The fjord capital

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Bryggen in Bergen .
Photo: Florian Olbrechts

We have many names for the things we love, and few cities in Norway have more nicknames than Bergen.

“The heart of the fjords” is one of them.

Even though Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it has the vibe of a small town, packed with charm and urban character.

Bryggen in Bergen .
Photo: Florian Olbrechts

Houses clinging to the hillsides …

Houses in Bergen .
Photo: Robin Strand / Norphoto AS

… narrow cobblestone alleys …

Cobblestone alley in Bergen .
Photo: Mahdis Mousavi / Unsplash

… and world-famous attractions.

You have probably seen it on Instagram, the picturesque wharf with several old, wooden buildings standing tall in different colours.

The UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen, “The Hanseatic Wharf”, is the most obvious remnant from the time Bergen used to be the centre of trade between Norway and the rest of Europe.

Today, the wharf houses a museum, shops, galleries, and restaurants, and is a focal point for both locals and visitors.

Bryggen in Bergen .
Photo: Lachlan Gowen / Unsplash

Just a stone’s throw away is the lively Fish Market which has been providing the locals with freshly caught treasures from the sea since 1276.

Today, it is one of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets, and also offers fresh fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs.

The fish market in Bergen .
Photo: Robin Strand

Seafood lovers – or let’s just say food lovers in general – have plenty of reasons to like Bergen, which is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Fresh seafood is the core of Bergen cuisine. Among local specialities, you’ll find Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and “persetorsk”, a traditional Bergen steamed cod dish.

Fish restaurant in Bergen .
Photo: Johnny Mazzilli

After cod, catch a concert.

As 10 per cent of the population are students, there is always something going on at the various watering holes and venues throughout the city.

Bergen is in fact known for raising some of Norway’s most successful artists and bands, like Kygo, Aurora, and Röyksopp.

Concert in Bergen .
Photo: Christian Bertrand

Few cities in the world are prouder of having 200 days of rain (!) per year than Bergen.

Proud, you might wonder?

Yep! Lots of rain means A: Lots of super hip rainwear to bring home …

… and B: tons of indoor fun.

Bergen .
Photo: Martin Håndlykken / Visitnorway.com

KODE is one of the largest museums for art, design, and music in the Nordic countries and consists of a unique combination of art museums and composers’ homes.

KODE Museum in Bergen .
Photo: KODE

Troldhaugen was the home of Edvard Grieg (1843–1907), Norway’s most famous composer, for 22 years.

Today, it is a living museum comprising Grieg’s villa, the composer’s cabin, an exhibition centre, and the concert hall Troldsalen.

Troldhaugen, KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes, Bergen .
Photo: KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes

Another highlight is Bergen Aquarium. Boasting more than 50 aquariums and plenty of entertaining sea and land animals, this is a must for kids of all ages.

The Bergen Aquarium .
Photo: A. Docando / Shutterstock

The same goes for the open-air Old Bergen Museum, where you can catch a glimpse of the past.

The museum is a reconstructed small town and a reminder that Bergen used to be Europe’s largest wooden city, consisting of around 50 wooden houses dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The Old Bergen City Museum .
Photo: Tove Breistein / Bymuseet

One of the cool things about Bergen is that you don’t necessarily need to visit a museum or gallery to experience great art.

All over the city, you can admire dense collections of spray-painted glory thanks to world-class street artists from near and far. Skostredet, perhaps Bergen’s most charming shopping street, is an ideal starting point for a self-guided street art safari.

Street art in Bergen .
Photo: Claudia Carlsen / Shutterstock

Bergen is also often called “the city between the seven mountains”.

By far the most easily accessible summit is Fløyen, 320 metres above sea level. It is connected to the city centre by Fløibanen funicular by a six-minute ride.

Fløyen in Bergen .
Photo: Robin Strand / Norphoto AS

At the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city centre while the little ones let off some steam in Bergen’s number one playground.

Jump on the Fløibanen back to the city, enjoy a peaceful walk down the mountainside, or continue further into the mountains.

Fløyen in Bergen .
Photo: Robin Strand / Norphoto AS

The highest of the seven mountains is Ulriken, 643 metres above sea level. You can easily reach this top as well, thanks to the Ulriken cable car.

Standing on the top of Ulriken, overlooking the sea, islands, mountains and fjords, you might understand why Bergen often is referred to as “the fjord capital”.

Ulriken in Bergen .
Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag / Espen Haagensen / visitBergen.com

Perfectly situated between the two biggest fjords in Norway, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, the city is an ideal starting point for fjord excursions.

If you want a real treat, join the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour, which takes you through Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery.

Sognefjorden in Bergen .
Photo: Paal Audestad/FjordTours

The round trip also includes experiences on the Bergen Railway – voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys – and the Flåm Railway (pictured).

The Flåm railway .
Photo: Morten Rakke