Welcome to Bergen, Norway’s second metropolis strikingly located on the convergence of fjords backed by steep, wooded hillsides. Fascinating and picturesque neighborhoods await to be explored – not solely Bryggen, the well-known outdated picket pier with UNESCO World Heritage standing, but additionally residential areas with photogenic, white-painted picket homes lining the quiet stone streets. Whether or not you are exploring historic websites, having fun with native delicacies or discovering hidden treasures, Bergen guarantees an unforgettable expertise that may depart a long-lasting impression.
Immerse your self in Norwegian tradition
Aside from its many bustling vacationer points of interest, the soul of Bergen lies in its energetic cultural scene. Locals immerse themselves in occasions such because the Bergen Worldwide Competition, the place world expertise gathers to showcase town’s position as a cultural hub. Stroll by way of less-explored neighborhoods like Nordnes and Sandviken, the place historic streets and quaint cafes foster a way of group and authenticity.
And if it rains – and on condition that Bergen is statistically one of many rainiest cities in Europe, there is a good likelihood it should – there are many good museums and artwork galleries value your time. Kode, Bergen’s most spectacular cultural establishment, gives a dose of tradition with its assortment of 4 galleries and three composers’ properties unfold all through town. Spend time searching the most important assortment of Edvard Munch work exterior of Bergen at Kode 3, together with a formidable sketch of his iconic “Scream”.
Expertise the previous in Bergen
Bergen’s historical past is woven into its cobbled streets and historic landmarks. It’s clear to see that Bergen’s existence is inseparable from its maritime previous and current. Right now, guests flock to see the medieval harbor and UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Bryggen, which sprang up in response to the booming cod business — one which made Bergen the most important Scandinavian metropolis within the seventeenth century. This historic space is a testomony to Bergen’s Hanseatic previous, whereas Bergenhus Fortress gives an perception into town’s medieval historical past. The enduring fjords that stretch to the perimeters of every peninsula are one other huge attraction. Vacationer boats sail out and in, taking curious passengers to see the rugged waterways that Norway is so well-known for.
Style your approach by way of town
Bergen’s culinary scene is a fusion of flavors, drawing inspiration from the ocean and surrounding mountains. Whereas vacationers might flock to well-known eating places, locals know the perfect locations for genuine dishes. Enhjørningen tempts with recent seafood delicacies, whereas Bryggeloftet & Stuene gives conventional Norwegian dishes in historic environment.
Refuel with lunch on the city’s 300-year-old fish market. Whether or not you seize a crab baguette from the outside stands alongside the harbor (open from Might to June) or sit indoors (the place recent seafood is ready on elegant counters), you are positive to pattern the wealthy seafood tradition rooted right here. If you wish to get a style of Bergen’s rising craft beer scene, you should go to Henrik Øl & Vinstove, which serves domestically brewed beer alongside a beneficiant beer backyard.
Buying with a distinction
Bergen’s slim streets are a singular buying expertise, with boutiques and galleries providing something however the common memento at each flip. From handcrafted treasures to modern Nordic design, there’s one thing for everybody’s style and finances. Discover the outlets alongside Hanseatic Wharf for conventional Norwegian handicrafts or stroll by way of Bergen Storsenter for a contemporary buying expertise. Make a beeline for Bryggen, town’s historic harbor district, to see how Bergen operated within the Center Ages. Discover the array of outlets, eating places and artwork studios housed in 62 historic buildings. Should you’re in want of a pastry store, strive Baker Brun within the harbor for kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) as huge as your face.
Issues to do
There’s a lot to discover in Bergen, and the toughest half is figuring out the place to start out. For a calming begin to the day, take a stroll by way of Nordnes Park, the place lush gardens and a panoramic view of the harbor await you. Discover the colourful avenue artwork scene in neighborhoods like Møhlenpris and Nygårdshøyden, the place colourful murals enhance historic buildings and alleyways. To get a style of Bergen’s pure magnificence, hike one of many metropolis’s many picturesque trails, the place fjords, waterfalls and mountain vistas await. For nature lovers, Songenfjord, the longest and deepest fjord within the nation, gives unparalleled alternatives for outside actions comparable to crusing. Take a day on a crusing cruise by way of Norway’s huge waters, floating by way of the great thing about the Songenfjord off the coast of Bergen.
Or expertise a really spectacular panoramic view from one of many highest factors within the space by taking the Ulriken cable automotive up Mount Ulriken, which stands at 643 meters above sea degree. The journey gives loads of sightseeing and photograph alternatives, providing a clean journey to the highest of Mount Ulriken.
Do not miss… the sounds of Bergen
Bergen boasts a wealthy musical heritage, of which it’s an instance The Bergen Philharmonic, one of many world’s oldest orchestras, based in 1765. Town performed a key position in trendy music, particularly in the course of the Nineteen Nineties with the emergence of the ‘Bergen Wave’, the place native musicians dominated the airwaves. This musical legacy continues right this moment, seen within the various music venues scattered all through Bergen. Some notable composer residences close by are value visiting, together with Troldhaugen, as soon as the house of composer Edvard Grieg; and Siljustøl, a exceptional mountain farmhouse and former residence of Twentieth-century composer Harald Sæverud.
The place to remain
Resort Park in Bergen is situated on each side of what was then one of the vital modern streets in Bergen. This a part of town has lately skilled a renaissance… and what’s much more handy, we’re inside strolling distance of town heart, practice and bus stations, in addition to landmarks like Grieg Corridor.