Bergen, Port city in Western Norway
Description
Bergen is a port on the western coast of Norway, surrounded by seven mountains that slope directly into the sea. Rows of wooden buildings painted in red, yellow and cream line the waterfront, while narrow lanes climb upward through residential neighborhoods scattered on the hillsides.
History
King Olav Kyrre founded the settlement in 1070, and it grew into the capital of Norway during the 13th century. Merchants from the Hanseatic League later arrived and controlled trade in dried fish and timber, leaving behind the wooden warehouses that still stand along the wharf.
Culture
Locals gather at neighborhood bakeries and coffee shops throughout the day, chatting over skillingsboller and freshly brewed coffee in a relaxed manner. The theater scene stays active year-round, with performances in Norwegian often accompanied by surtitles, while street musicians play near the harbor on most afternoons.
Practical
A funicular takes you up Mount Fløyen in about six minutes, where trails begin and views stretch across the harbor and surrounding peaks. Rain gear is worth carrying at all times, since showers can arrive without warning and streets become slippery when wet.
Did you know?
The fish market by the harbor has been running without interruption since 1276, and sellers still offer fresh catches brought in that same morning. On some days, you can see live crabs and lobsters swimming in shallow tanks between the stalls, caught just hours before.
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Photo license: GFDL
Norway is explored through areas that change from south to north. Beyond the Arctic Circle, Tromsø becomes a place to see the Northern Lights in winter, while Nordkapp marks the northern tip of continental Europe. Further south, the Lofoten islands rise from the sea with their fishing villages and...
Fantoft Stave Church
6.3 km
Bryggen
372 m
Bergenhus Fortress
784 m
Stoltzekleiven
1.9 km
Grieg Hall
619 m
Troldhaugen
8.3 km
Ulriken
3.8 km
Fløyen
1.2 km
Fløibanen
267 m
Nordhordland Bridge
14.9 km
Old Åsane Church
9 km
St Mary's Church
530 m
Håkonshallen
760 m
Gamlehaugen
5.8 km
Askøy Bridge
6.1 km
Bergen Cathedral
259 m
Den Nationale Scene
397 m
Løvstakken
3.8 km
Lyderhorn
5.1 km
Sotra Bridge
8.9 km
Ulriksbanen
3.1 km
Rundemanen
3.1 km
St John's Church
742 m
Rosenkrantz Tower
671 m
Bergen National Academy of the Arts
535 m
Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
470 m
Christ Church
838 m
Koengen
713 m
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