Bergen, situated on the southwestern coast of Norway, is a metropolis steeped in historical past and pure magnificence. Known because the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen boasts gorgeous landscapes of mountains, fjords, and islands, making it a preferred vacation spot for out of doors lovers. With a historical past courting again to the Middle Ages, Bergen can be dwelling to charming neighborhoods, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and museums that showcase the town’s cultural and maritime heritage. As Norway’s second-largest metropolis, Bergen is a vibrant hub of artwork, music, and delicacies, making it a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to Norway.
In this text I’ll share one of the best methods to get round Bergen, some wonderful Bergen street journeys, my favourite eating places and inns, in addition to the highest issues to see and do whereas strolling the town.
Best approach to get round Bergen:
Bergen is a compact and walkable metropolis, but when you have to get round extra rapidly or if you wish to discover the encircling space, there are a number of transportation choices out there:
- Walking: Many of the highest sights are situated inside strolling distance of one another, making it straightforward to discover the town on foot.
- Public transportation: The metropolis has an environment friendly and dependable public transportation system, which incorporates buses and light-weight rail. You can buy tickets at kiosks or utilizing the Skyss cellular app.
- Taxis: Taxis are available in Bergen, and you’ll both hail one on the road or name a taxi firm.
- Bicycles: Bergen has a public bike-sharing system referred to as the Bysykkel, which lets you lease a bicycle at numerous places all through the town.
- Car rental: If you need to discover the encircling space, you possibly can lease a automotive on the airport or within the metropolis heart.
- Fjord excursions: To discover the fjords across the metropolis, you possibly can take a guided boat tour.
Bergen Road Trips
Bergen is surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence, and there are a number of close by street journeys you could take to discover the fjords, mountains, and coastlines of western Norway. Here are a few of the greatest street journeys from Bergen:
- Hardangerfjord: Drive alongside the scenic Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord, and cease at charming villages, waterfalls, and fruit orchards alongside the way in which.
- Sognefjord: Take a street journey to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and discover the picturesque villages and mountains alongside the way in which.
- Flåm: Drive via winding mountain roads to the village of Flåm, situated on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord. From there, you possibly can take a scenic prepare trip on the Flåm Railway, which is taken into account probably the most lovely prepare journeys on this planet.
- Atlantic Road: Take a Bergen street journey to the Atlantic Road, a dramatic stretch of street that runs throughout a number of small islands and bridges, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and coastal panorama.
- Geirangerfjord: Drive to Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of Norway’s most iconic fjords, and take a ship tour to see the towering waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes.
- Trollstigen: Drive to the Trollstigen mountain street, a winding and steep street that provides unbelievable views of the encircling mountains and valleys.
Note: Some of those street journeys might require ferries or toll roads, so make sure that to plan accordingly and verify the street situations earlier than beginning your journey.
Here are a few of the high issues to see and do in Bergen:
- Bryggen: Explore the historic Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be taught in regards to the metropolis’s wealthy buying and selling historical past.
- Fløyen: Take a scenic funicular trip up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the town and the encircling fjords.
- Fish Market: Visit the energetic out of doors Fish Market, the place you possibly can pattern native seafood and store for souvenirs.
- Bergenhus Fortress: Explore the historic fortress, which dates again to the thirteenth century, and go to the Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall.
- Edvard Grieg’s dwelling: Visit the previous dwelling of Norway’s most well-known composer, Edvard Grieg, and see his piano and different private belongings.
- Troldhaugen: Explore the gorgeous gardens and go to the museum devoted to Edvard Grieg at his former dwelling on the outskirts of the town.
- Bergen Aquarium: Get up shut with quite a lot of marine life on the Bergen Aquarium, together with penguins, seals, and fish from Norway’s fjords.
- Fjord excursions: Take a ship tour of the encircling fjords, together with the well-known Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.
- St. Mary’s Church: Visit the oldest constructing in Bergen, a wonderful stone church that dates again to the twelfth century.
- Leprosy Museum: Learn in regards to the historical past of leprosy in Norway and go to the previous leprosy hospital, now a museum devoted to the illness and its remedy.
Where to Eat and Sleep
Recommended Restaurants:
- Lysverket – This trendy Nordic restaurant is situated within the KODE artwork museum, and affords artistic dishes utilizing native components. The restaurant has gained a number of awards and is understood for its distinctive service.
- Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant – This seafood restaurant is situated on a small island simply outdoors Bergen, and affords gorgeous views of the fjord. The restaurant serves contemporary seafood dishes, together with a well-known “Shellfish Platter”, and is accessible by boat or ferry.
- Colonialen – This restaurant affords a mixture of Norwegian and French delicacies, and is situated in a historic constructing within the metropolis heart. The menu adjustments usually, however at all times options contemporary and high-quality components.
- Bryggeloftet & Stuene – This conventional Norwegian restaurant is situated within the historic Bryggen space of Bergen, and affords traditional dishes reminiscent of “Raspeballer” (potato dumplings) and “Fårikål” (lamb and cabbage stew).
- Red Sun Restaurant & Bar is a recent Asian fusion restaurant that provides a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai-inspired dishes. The restaurant has a classy and trendy decor, and the menu consists of sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and different Asian dishes. Customers rave in regards to the high-quality components and inventive taste mixtures. Red Sun additionally has a bar space that serves cocktails, beer, and sake.
- Altona Vinbar & Kitchen is a comfy and intimate restaurant situated in a historic constructing within the metropolis heart. The restaurant focuses on Scandinavian delicacies, utilizing native and seasonal components. The menu consists of dishes reminiscent of salmon, lamb, and arctic char, in addition to vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant additionally has an amazing collection of wines, which clients can attempt by the glass or bottle.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Norge by Scandic – Located within the coronary heart of Bergen, this lodge affords trendy and comfy rooms, a rooftop bar with gorgeous views, and an amazing location near lots of the metropolis’s high sights. BTW, the breakfast buffet is excellent.
- Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret – This historic lodge is situated within the Bryggen space of Bergen, and affords fantastically embellished rooms, a scrumptious breakfast buffet, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the town.
- Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz – This trendy and trendy lodge is situated within the metropolis heart, and options comfy rooms, a health heart, and a rooftop terrace with nice views of Bergen.
- Grand Hotel Terminus – This historic lodge is situated close to the prepare station, and affords elegant rooms with excessive ceilings and vintage furnishings, in addition to an on-site restaurant and bar.
Viking Ocean Cruises to Norway
If you have an interest in visiting Bergen and exploring this unbelievable a part of western Norway, Viking Ocean Cruises has many cruises in-or-out of the Bergen port. Many of their itineraries embrace stops in Bergen, supplying you with the chance to discover the town and take a street journey to close by sights. Viking additionally supply guided excursions to the encircling fjords, mountains, and villages, permitting you to expertise the sweetness and tradition of Norway in a hassle-free approach. With their luxurious ships and distinctive service, Viking gives a cushty and pleasurable approach to discover this gorgeous a part of the world. Viking is how I received launched to Bergen and I can’t advocate them extremely sufficient.
Conclusion
Bergen is an enthralling and picturesque metropolis, identified for its scenic magnificence and wealthy historical past. There are loads of issues to see and do inside the metropolis, however if in case you have the time, a Bergen street journey is a should! Whether you need to discover the fjords, mountains, or shoreline of western Norway, there are many gorgeous pure landscapes and charming villages to find. A street journey from Bergen permits you the pliability to discover at your personal tempo, take within the breathtaking surroundings, and expertise the distinctive tradition and lifestyle on this lovely nation.
If you’ve any questions on visiting Bergen, depart a remark under. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the street…