Bergen

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.

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. 

Image source title: © olenatur / Adobe Stock 

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