Bergen is nestled within seven mountains and seven fjords. It’s a fittingly picturesque setting for Norway’s second-largest city, itself a beguiling combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. A former 'European City of Culture' with a string of fascinating art galleries facing Lille Lungedgardsvann Lake, Bergen port nestles amongst the impressive mountains along Norway's western coastline.
A gateway to Fjordland, this 13th century Hanseatic - and now World Heritage - city was built on the site of an original Viking settlement and is full of historic sites, the best known of which is Bryggen. A collection of 11th century wooden buildings along the harbourfront, this is a World Heritage Site in its own right and has its own museum to tell its fascinating story. From the mid-1300s to the mid-1700s, Bryggen was a key trading centre for the German merchants of the powerful Hanseatic League, and the area has been devastated by fire numerous times over the centuries. Most of the 60-odd buildings standing today are about 300 years old. They’re now home to bijou galleries, cool cafés and charming boutiques.
To enjoy the best views of this picturesque city, take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Flyen, which overlooks both Bergen and the surrounding region. Also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is easily walkable and has a lively fish market and an even better general market along the harbourfront as well as many attractive bars and cafes.
