Bergen
[fusion_text]
Bergen is the real gem of the North Sea, lying on the western coast of Norway. It is the administrative center of Hordaland region, and it has appr. 270, 000 residents being the second-largest city of Norway.
Bergen received the city status in 1070. It was the important centre of trade for centuries as a member of the Hanseatic League, and until 1830s it was more populated than Oslo.
Recreation
Tourist facility of Bergen offers special guided walking tours in city area and nearby.
There is also a chance to see breath-taking fjord wiews on the boat trip.
The mountains surrounding the city are a great range for hiking. Area has a good networks of trails and paths, usually with the signposts. Good maps of the trails are available in most bookstores, one should look for Tur- og friluftskart Bergen (1:25 000) from the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority (Norwegian: Statens kartverk).
Shopping
Apollon (Nygårdsgaten 2 A) is music store, which sells beer from tap and has seats for appr. 20 persons.
Twisted (Nygårdsgaten 1 B) ia an independent fashion store for men and women. Voted Bergen’s best clothing store in 2010.
Blonder og stas (Bryggestredet in the heart of Bryggen) is a comfy small shop selling traditional Norwegian handmade textiles, such as tablecloths and napkins.
Something to see
Bryggen
This area consists the series of Hanseatic commercial stores, locating on the eastern side of the fjord. It has been one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1979. Here is a café, several small stores and three museums: Bryggens Museum, the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene and the World War II exhibiting Theta Museum nearby.
Bergenhus Fortress
Bergenhus is located near the ferry terminal and it was once of the court of the Norwegian kings. Oldest surviving buildings are from the mid 13th century, but this area was a royal residence from the late 11th century. The oldest part of the tower of the fort dates back to the 1270s. There is a café on the fort open from June to August. The fortress grounds serve as a public city park, which is a popular recreation area among the locals.
Bergen Art Museum
This art museum at Rasmus Meyers Allé 3, 7,9 houses one of the most greatest collections in Scandinavia. Exhibition is divided in three sections and themes in separate buildings: contemporary art showing Stenersens Collection, main works from Norwegian art history from the 18th century to 1915 Rasmus Meyers Collection, and Norwegian and foreign art from the 1400’s until the 20th century showing Lysverket Collection
Timeline of art goes from the Renaissance to the Contemporary Era.
Fløibanen
This funicular goes up to Fløyen, a plateau in the mountain massif north-east of the city center. The ride takes 5-8 minutes and the real prize is the beautiful wiev over the city. Timetable and ticket prices of the Banen are visible here.
How to get around in Bergen
City center is easily reacheable by foot. Here is also a public bus network. There is an information desk at the bus station providing information on all local bus and train lines free of charge. Calling 177 will also put you in contact with the information center (if you call from a cell phone, be sure to ask for the information center for Hordaland county, as this is a national service). Tickets can be bought from the driver or from ticket machines at major stops. The driver only accepts cash payment. Ticket machines are in Norwegian only, but some instructions in English are provided, and finding a local willing to help will usually never be difficult. Timetables and outline maps are visible here.
How to get in Bergen
International Bergen Airport Flesland serves Bergen, located 19 km south of the city. List of its destinations is here. Flybuss operates the bus line between the airport and downtown.
Bergen is connected with main Norwegian cities via NSB (State Railways) train. Timetables and ticket prices are visible here.
NOR-WAY Bussekspress operates buses to Bergen almost everywhere from Norway.
Ferry line Fjord1 operates north of Bergen, Fjord Lines operates ferries to / from Stavanger to Hirtshals, Denmark as well as Stavanger.
Highway E16 connects Bergen and Oslo, E39 goes from Stavanger.
Top 5 in Bergen
- Bergenhus Fortress
- Funicular trip to Fløyen
- Bryggen
- Theta Museum
- Hiking in mountains nearby
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: Wikipedia Commons / un-bekannt, Hofi0006, HMPinnsvinet, Alasdair McLellan, Pudelek, Øystein H. Brekke[/fusion_text]
