15 Apr Bergen
Welcome to Bergen
Bergen, the charming, picturesque coastal city in Norway surrounded by mountains and fjords, is Norway’s second-largest city, with a population of around 280,000. Bergen’s rich and fascinating history dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally founded as a trading post in the 11th century, Bergen quickly became an important centre of commerce and culture in Northern Europe. For centuries, the city was a hub of international trade, with merchants worldwide coming to exchange goods and ideas.
Today, Bergen is a thriving city that continues to be a hub of commerce, culture, and innovation; with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that Bergen has become a popular destination for travellers worldwide.
One of the most famous landmarks in Bergen is Bryggen, a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings from the Middle Ages designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colourful wooden houses are beautiful, and wandering around the narrow alleyways is like stepping back in time. For those interested in history, the city is also home to several museums, including the Bergen Art Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and the Bergen Maritime Museum.
Another great way to experience the beauty of Bergen is by taking a trip up Mount Fløyen. The Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. Several hiking trails start from the top of the mountain, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. The mountains and fjords are truly breathtaking.
If you are in Bergen in May and June, you should attend Bergen International Festival, with a diverse lineup of music, dance, and theatre performances. Bergen is known for its live music scene hosting several festivals throughout the year, including the Bergenfest music festival and the Bergen Chamber Music Festival. Alternatively, the Grieg Hall is also an excellent venue for classical music performances, with several art museums and galleries to explore.
How To Get There
Here are some options for getting to Bergen:
By Air: Bergen Airport, Flesland, is the primary airport serving Bergen and is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre. Many major airlines operate flights to Bergen from cities across Europe, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or local bus from the airport to the city centre.
By Train: Bergen is connected to Oslo and other major cities in Norway by a scenic railway known as the Bergen Line. The train journey takes approximately 7 hours from Oslo, passing through stunning mountain landscapes and fjords. There are also local train connections to Bergen from other cities in Western Norway.
By Bus: Several bus companies operate services to Bergen from other cities in Norway and neighbouring countries. Some popular bus companies include Nettbuss, Vy Express, and Flixbus.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, Bergen is well-connected to other cities in Norway via a network of highways. The drive from Oslo to Bergen takes approximately 7 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and picturesque towns.
You will be greeted by stunning scenery and warm Norwegian hospitality upon arriving in Bergen, regardless of your transportation mode.
Where To Stay
Bergen offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some popular areas to stay in Bergen:
Bryggen: This historic area is popular for you who want to be in the heart of Bergen’s cultural scene. Several charming hotels and guesthouses are located in the colourful Hanseatic buildings of Bryggen, offering stunning views of the harbour.
Bergen Hostel Montana: Bergen Hostel Montana is a cozy and affordable accommodation option located on a hilltop overlooking Bergen, Norway. The hostel offers basic rooms and communal facilities.
City centre: Bergen’s city centre is a bustling hub of activity, with many shops, restaurants, and bars to explore. Several hotels and guesthouses are located in this area, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations.
Citybox Bergen City: Citybox Bergen City is a modern, budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Bergen, Norway. The hotel offers self-service check-in and comfortable rooms with essential amenities.
No matter where you stay in Bergen, you will be greeted by warm Norwegian hospitality and stunning natural beauty.
Where To Eat
If you’re a fan of seafood, Bergen is the place to be. You will find the city’s fish market a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling all kinds of fresh seafood. Try the famous Norwegian salmon or sample some of the local shellfish. Here are some popular places to eat in Bergen:
Bryggen Tracteursted: This historic restaurant is located in the heart of Bryggen and serves traditional Norwegian dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a cosy and rustic atmosphere, with wooden beams and candlelight adding to the ambience.
Lysverket: This Michelin-starred restaurant in the KODE 4 museum serves innovative and creative dishes that showcase the best Norwegian cuisine. The restaurant has a modern and stylish interior, with large windows offering stunning harbour views.
Pingvinen: This popular pub and restaurant are known for its hearty comfort food, including burgers, stews, and fish and chips. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with many beers and spirits.
Fisketorget: This seafood market is located near the harbour, where you can choose from various fresh seafood dishes, including fish soup, grilled fish, and seafood platters.
Cornelius Seafood Restaurant: This unique restaurant is located on a small island just outside of Bergen and is only accessible by boat. The restaurant serves a 5-course seafood menu that changes with the seasons, and the stunning views of the fjord make for a memorable dining experience.
No matter where you dine in Bergen, you will surely be impressed by the quality of the food and the warmth of Norwegian hospitality.
Final Thoughts
What made our trip to Bergen special was the people. Norwegians are known for being friendly and welcoming, while the city stole our hearts. It’s a place where natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable travel experience.
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