Bergen and Bryggen by night. Photo: Pål S. Schaathun/ Wikimedia Commons
A medieval city
Bergen is a city packed with history and tradition. It is the second largest city in Norway but still a small town with charm and atmosphere.
The city was founded in 1070 by the Viking King Olav Kyrre, and was the capital of Norway between 1240 and 1298 . Because of its harbour setting and commercial importance in the Middle Ages, Bergen was a vital link in the Hanseatic League until the 18th century. Bryggen´s characteristic parallel rows of old wooden buildings and seaward-facing gables have its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Tourist information Bergen
Official tourist web page: visitbergen.com
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- Troldhaugen. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Nybø
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- Bergen is full of small houses and narrow alleys to explore. Photo: Oddleiv Apneseth/ Bergen Reiselivslag
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- The rainy city. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Nybø
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- Bergen in summer sunshine. Photo: Terje Rakke/ Fjord Norway
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- Photo: Terje Rakke/Fjord Norway
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- Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Nybø
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- Lille Lungegårdsvann. Bergen Reiselivslag/ Photo: Philippe Brechet
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- Crowded at Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Eide
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- Bryggen by night. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Nybø
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- The old Hanseatic wharf. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Nybø
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- A view from Mount Fløyen. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Oddleiv Apneseth
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- A view from Skivebakken. Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag/ Per Eide
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- Summernight at Bryggen. Bergen Reiselivslag/ Oddleiv Apneseth
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- Climbing to the top of Fløyen. Photo: Pål Hoff
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- The Håkons Hall by night. Photo: Oddleiv Apneseth/Bergen Reiselivslag
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- View from the top of Fløyen. Photo: Terje Rakke/ Fjord Norway
Hiking the mountains of Bergen
The easy way to explore the mountains of Bergen, is with a ride on the Fløibanen funicular or with the aerial tramway Ulriksbanen. Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains surrounding the city. A good network of trails offers shorter or longer walks. The “Fløyen Hiking Map” shows many alternative walks, and the most popular trails are described. A walk from Fløyen to Ulriken is marked and will take about four hours.
Gateway to the fjords
Bergen is surrounded by one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions – The Norwegian Fjords. Bergen has gained the reputation as “The Gateway to the Fjords”. The longest fjord, Sognefjorden, is in the north, and the beautiful Hardangerfjord in the south. The narrow Nærøyfjord, is included in UNESCOs World Heritage List. You can easily take a round trip to the fjords.
The Nærøyfjord. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
