The Best Travel Guide to Bergen

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Bergen

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Overview

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Bergen The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Bergen is a charming old city with a youthful spirit. As you fly into Bergen, you will see the stunning cliffs rising out of the sea and the fjord surrounded by majestic mountains. In the Middle Ages, Bergen was the largest city in Scandinavia, and it wasn't until the 1830s that Oslo's population overtook that of Bergen. However, Bergen retains its status as an important port city. The dramatic scenery, lively music scene, and pleasant and relaxed atmosphere make Bergen a very popular destination.

Facts

Population:	285,900 (2021)
Currency:	1 Norwegian krone = 100 öre
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 112 Fire brigade: 110 Ambulance: 113
Newspapers:	Bergens Tidende Bergensavisen
Opening hours:	Shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and on Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Many shops are closed on Sundays. The banks are open from 9am to 3:30pm, but most stay open later on Thursdays.
Tourist information:	Bergen Tourist Information Strandkaien 3, Bergen +47 55 55 20 00 Daily 9am–4pm

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Section in Bergen

Bergen is beautifully situated right by the stunning Norwegian fjords. The scenic landscapes are a major part of the experience. Hiking is one popular alternative, as are horseback riding and boat trips.

Bryggen

Bryggen

Lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbour is Bergen's most famous postcard, Bryggen. A series of colourful wooden buildings, which once housed the trading offices of the Hanseatic League. Over the years, Bryggen has been ravaged by many fires, and in 1702 the entire city was reduced to ashes. Its rebuilding followed the foundations that had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen was able to retain its medieval architecture. In 1979, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. And today, Bryggen is home to museums, shops, restaurants, and pubs.

The Bergen Aquarium

The Bergen Aquarium

Sea creatures can be seen in their natural setting at the Bergen Aquarium–Norway's largest aquarium as well as one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. It is home to Europe's largest collection of fish species and primitive marine creatures together with basins for seals, penguins, and sea birds.

Mostraumen Fjord Cruise

Mostraumen Fjord Cruise

Feast your eyes and fill your camera roll with Norway's postcard-perfect scenery on this fjord tour from Bergen. Head along the narrow Mostraumen fjord to see some of western Norway's most spectacular landscapes. Spot wildlife, including seals and goats, and sample the fresh mountain water.

Fjellskål Fisketorget

Fjellskål Fisketorget

For over 800 years, the fish market in Bergen has been a meeting place for merchants and fishermen. Here you will be able to buy the freshest fish and choose from the largest selection of seafood. The market consists of several indoor fish counters as well as restaurants.

Fløyen (Fløyfjellet)

Fløyen (Fløyfjellet)

From the fish market, you can take the cable car up to one of the seven mountain peaks and enjoy the breathtaking view! The cable car climbs 320 metres up the mountain, and you can either take an invigorating walk down or, in winter, go down by sledge.

USF — Cultural Centre

USF — Cultural Centre

This former sardine canning factory is now a unique cultural meeting place. It includes schools for dancers, filmmakers and scriptwriters, a design office, and artist studios, along with stages, exhibition halls, and one of the best cafés beside the sea.

Mount Ulriken

Mount Ulriken

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, the highest of which, at 643 metres, is Mount Ulriken. Take the cable car up to the top or if you're feeling adventurous, choose one of the routes to the summit and conquer the mountain on foot or by bike.

KODE — Art Museums and Composer Homes

KODE — Art Museums and Composer Homes

KODE is one of Scandinavia's largest museums for art, craft, design, and music. It features more than 43,000 art objects, ranging from paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations and videos to musical instruments, furniture, artisanal handcraft, and design. All can be experienced in four museum buildings in Bergen city centre and in the homes of the composers Ole Bull, Harald Saeverud, and Edvard Grieg.

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