Bergen is known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” as the city is surrounded by this world-famous attraction. But in between sailing Bergen’s fjords you will discover a charming city, full of history and tradition. Get started with our Top 7 Things To Do In Bergen.
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Bergen Cathedral
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Bergen Cathedral has been a place of worship for 9 centuries, although it’s been burned down five times along its hisotry. It features stonemasonry in the entrance hall and inside you will find an old interior plus a wonderful organ.
Bryggen (the old wharf of Bergen)
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A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen is a series of Hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the fjord coming into Bergen. It is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. This is the oldest part of the city and the only preserved business district from the Hanseatic period.
Fish Market
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The fish market is situated by the harbor. Its charm lays in the fact that it is very much an open kitchen. Eat local specialties such as fresh caviar, pickled herring and fish soup at this lively outdoor market that dates back to the 12th century.
Mount Ulriken
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At 643 meters (2,109 ft) high, Mount Ulriken is the highest of the 7 mountains that surround Bergen. From Mount Ulriken you’ll have a magnificent view on the city and it’s surroundings. You can climb all the way up, though it’s not going to be easy, or to take the Ulriken Cable Car.
Bergen Aquarium
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Bergen Aquarium is a sea-life center with a wide variety of fish, shellfish, mammals and shows, as well as a tropical section with animals from the earth’s warmer climates.
Mount Floyen and the Fløibanen Funicular
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Ride the Fløibanen funicular railway, it starts from the city center of Bryggen, and takes you to the top of the Mount Floyen. At 320 meters (1,050 ft) above sea level a magnificent views over the surroundings islands will be revealed.
Fjord Cruise
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Bergen is surrounded by the Norwegian fjords, which have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The fjords were formed during the ice age from melting water that forced its way under the ice to create deep, narrow inlets between the tall mountains of Norway. From Bergen there are several cruise companies featuring the very best of the Norwegian coast and fjord scenery. The deepest and longest fjord in Norway, Sogne fjord, is only 70 km (43.5 miles) away from the city. It stretches over a distance of 204 km (128 miles) and was an important trading route during the Viking Era since it connected the villages of Sogn and Bergen.
Just So You Know…
- Bus #100 is a free public transportation service between the main bus station and the popular Galleriet shopping center, and from Olav Kyrresgate/Bergen Post Office to the main bus station and railway station.
- Visit during the Bergen International Festival, which takes place each May and showcases performing arts.
- Located close to Bergen between the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, Voss makes another excellent base for exploring the Fjords.
Get Some Culture:
- Bryggens Museum – A museum based on the findings of the archeological excavations of Bryggen from 1955. It contains the foundations of the oldest buildings in Bergen.
- Buekorps Museum – Dedicated to buekorps, which are traditional marching neighborhood youth organizations.
- Hanseatic Museum – One of the oldest wooden buildings in Bergen, furnished in 18th-century style to provide an intimate picture of the life of a Hanseatic merchant.
- Old Bergen Open-Air Museum – A reconstructed small town consisting of around 50 wooden houses dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
- KODE – A large museum of art, design and music.
Grab A Bite:
- To Kokker – Serves typical Bergen dishes such as whale carpaccio.
- Hanne På Høyden – Serves local and organic food. it is known for using traditional Norwegian produce.
- Cornelius Seafood Restaurant – Inspired by the weather of the day, Cornelius serves its famous Meteorological Menu of exquisite seafood and trimmings, prepared using innovative culinary techniques and with a genuine passion for seafood.
