Bergen

Published: 05 January 2023, 13:00

UNESCO World Heritage City in the Heart of the Fjords

The pretty town of Bergen, in the midst of seven majestic mountains and fjords, attracts visitors with its breathtaking scenery and a small-town feel. The city, located on the south-west coast of Norway, attaches great importance to variety with a mix of nature, history and modern city life – there’s something for everyone to experience and discover. The heart of the city is the picturesque old town of Bryggen, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 with its colourful, picturesque wooden houses. The small streets, museums, shops and numerous restaurants are bustling with locals and tourists. You can buy fresh fruit, vegetables and even souvenirs at the nearby lively fish market.

Ten percent of Norway’s second largest city is made up of students who like to paint the town red in the pubs and clubs. Bergen has a plenty of culture to enjoy – successful Norwegian artists, such as Kygo and Aurora, started their careers here. Things are a little quieter in the many museums where you can gain insights into Bergen’s past.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: none
Population: 286,930
Official language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Bergen’s highlights

A must: the Bryggen district, also known as the Hanseatic Landing Bridge, was Norway’s trading centre with the rest of Europe over 400 years ago. © napa 74 / AdobeStock

Boats in Bergen's harbor with surrounding houses and mountains in the background.

The harbour with its adjacent fish market is the perfect place to take a stroll, feast and relax. © JoachimFlügel / AdobeStock

Bergen and harbor in evening light from Mount Fløyen with city lights.

For a fantastic view over the city, it’s worth taking the funicular up to Mount Fløyen – especially at sunset. © tonefotografia / AdobeStock

Cable car to Mount Ulriken over a forested slope in daylight.

Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains at 643 metres and can be easily reached by cable car. The summit offers a unique view of the city. © Tomas Marek / AdobeStock

Old stone walls of Bergenhus Fortress with tower and grassy area.

Bergenhus – located on Vågen Bay in Bergen – is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses. © Oleksandr Dibrova / AdobeStock

Historic wooden houses at Gamle Bergen open-air museum with garden.

A journey to the 19th century: the open-air museum Gamle Bergen is a reconstructed city environment. Around 50 wooden houses provide an insight into that time. © Art Media Factory / AdobeStock

Edvard Grieg’s villa Troldhaugen with garden and trees in the background

The Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen is worth a visit. The picture-perfect house was the residence of the famous Norwegian composer for over 20 years. © maylat / AdobeStock

Hilly Sandviken district with colorful wooden houses.

Sandviken is a traditional neighbourhood in Bergen. It’s well worth taking a stroll through the narrow streets. © topshots / AdobeStock

Pure nature!

It’s impossible not to be captivated by Norway’s breathtaking landscape. Bergen isn’t known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” for nothing. The varied nature between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, two of the country’s most famous fjords, provides relaxation and adventure. Cruises and boat trips allow you to admire the fjords and the numerous waterfalls that rush down the mountainsides. Back on land, the Flåm Railway runs past farmland and small farms from Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, to the Myrdal mountain station. There are two attractions at Hardangerfjord: Trolltunga, a cliff made famous by social media and particularly popular with hikers. Voringfossen, Norway’s third highest waterfall, meanders through the craggy mountains near Eidfjord.