Fjords and Heritage: The Ultimate Bergen Travel Guide
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, this city is a true gem with its captivating views and a plethora of attractions in its historic center. The legendary fjord city of Bergen, a rare combination of historical sites and breathtaking natural scenery, is our destination today.
Imagine a place that feels like a second Norwegian capital, where you can experience one of the most breathtaking and cherished landscapes on the planet. However, Bergen offers much more than just that. It is a UNESCO jewel, boasting a rich cultural heritage with its 360° fish and a collection of significant architectural and artistic gems from the great north.
Why Visit Bergen: Key Attractions
Whenever we find ourselves in Bergen, we usually just make a quick stop in the city. However, there are times when it might be more enjoyable to extend our stay for a few extra days. Let’s explore what can be discovered and delve into the history of Bergen. The rest can be left to the curious tourist!
The basics
Go there if you like: fjords, nature and excursions, Nordic history and culture.
For how long: 3-4 days.
The best period: from spring to autumn.
Things you should be aware of
Bergen is a city located in Hordaland County, in the Vestlandet region of Norway. The city is situated between the longest fjord, the Sognefjord, and the Hardangerdjord, which is considered the most breathtaking of them all. This has earned the city the nickname “Capital of the Fjords” and it serves as the main entry point to the fjords of Norway.
Bergen’s Historic Center: A UNESCO Gem
However, the city area has its own distinct charm. The Bryggen neighborhood has earned the prestigious recognition of being included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The city is split into eight bydeler, which are like large neighborhoods: Arna, Bergenhus, Fana, Fyllingsdalen, Laksevg, Ytrebygda, Rstad, and Sane. Knowing the names will be useful for navigating and fully exploring all the places!
The city center is located in the Bergenhus bydel, also known as the historic center, and is home to approximately 35,000 residents. Let’s begin your exploratory itinerary right here, amidst the enchanting corners of the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the sea and don’t forget to soak in the breathtaking view of the fjords. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth visiting the surrounding villages as well.
Make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to the morning fish market. It’s a lively place where you can not only enjoy the sunny atmosphere, but also have the opportunity to taste and purchase a variety of fresh fish, including stockfish, cod, salmon, and more.
Majestic Fjords and Mountains: Nature’s Wonders
If you have a deep appreciation for the fjords, a visit to the summit of Mount Ulriken is an absolute must. You can easily reach it by taking the city cable car. At an impressive altitude of over 600 meters, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. This view in Europe is absolutely breathtaking and will leave a lasting impression on you.
If you happen to be in this area, you might be considering a tour of the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. In our opinion, it would be best to set aside 2-3 days for exploring the city.
If you’re on holiday in Oslo, you can also consider stopping here. To reach this destination from the capital, you can take the convenient Oslo-Bergen train route. The journey lasts about 4 hours and offers breathtaking views that are a travel attraction in themselves.
Where is it?
Bergen is a coastal city with a population of approximately 250,000 people. It is situated in southwestern Norway and is the second most populous city in the country, following the capital, Oslo.
Located in the county of Hordaland, Bergen serves as the administrative capital. Nestled between seven mountains, this city is often referred to as the gateway to the fjords of Norway. The city’s territory is mainly defined by fjords, including the Sørfjord and Byfjord to the north, and the Raunefjord and Grimstadfjord to the west.
Bergen boasts a rich historical background, with its evolution into a prominent university city and bishopric over the years.
The town was established in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre and served as the capital of Norway for several centuries. The city’s rich history is closely tied to the sea, as it was a prominent member of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. This league united a group of port cities that were already well-established in terms of trade.
Did you know that Bergen is actually one of the major ports in Norway and throughout Scandinavia? It’s quite impressive! Being strategically located as a “gateway” to the northern territory, this city has played a crucial role in commercial traffic, industries, and as a historical-cultural hub throughout its history.
Living like a local
Today, this lovely Norwegian city is a bustling hub of industry, with a thriving fishing and mercantile port. The industry primarily operates in the oil and wood sectors, while the tertiary sector is mainly associated with insurance and IT.
Getting around Bergen is a breeze thanks to its excellent public transport system. You won’t need a car as the city offers a variety of options such as boats, cable cars, railways, and buses.
Bergen’s Climate: When to Visit
The city has a pleasant oceanic climate. The temperature variations are not very strong, with mild winters and rainy summers. Bergen is known as the rainy city or the European Seattle. Just so you know, the annual rainfall here actually exceeds 2000 millimeters (2250). Did you know that the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in a single day reached a staggering 192.2 mm? Did you know that there was a period of 85 consecutive days of rain between October 29, 2006, and January 21, 2007? Quite a long stretch, huh?
The reason for the frequent rainfall is primarily due to orographic factors. The westerly winds, which are commonly found over the Norwegian Sea, carry a significant amount of moisture. When these winds collide with the mountain ranges located behind the cities, it results in heavy rainfall. It’s important to keep water in mind before heading out.
However, despite its location, Bergen experiences a relatively mild climate. In January, the average temperature hovers around 2 degrees, while the summer months are pleasantly cool with an average temperature of 14.5 °C in July.During the night in the city, instead of experiencing the phenomenon of the midnight sun, there is a constant twilight that persists throughout the dark hours.
Gastronomic Delights: Bergen’s Culinary Scene
By the way, Bergen is actually a member of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy. Some of the dishes you can try include enal’r, a delicious sausage made from sheep meat, bergens fiskesuppe, a flavorful fish soup, a smoked herring salad with apples, trrfisk, which is stockfish, and plukkfisk, a hearty fish stew made with leeks and potatoes. You might want to give Geitost, the cube-shaped cheese, and the apple pie a try. They’re definitely worth it! How about enjoying some local beer and perhaps a glass of aquavit, a delightful wheat and potato distillate?
Festivals and Events in Bergen
In Bergen, on June 24th, the Summer Solstice is marked by lively bonfires and concerts. It’s a special day when the sun never sets in the North Cape. The city is well-known for its vibrant music festivals. One of the highlights is the International Festival, which takes place from May to June. Another notable event is the Bergen Art Festival, which also includes the International Film Festival.
