Bergen, positioned on the southwestern coast of Norway, is a metropolis steeped in historical past and pure magnificence. Referred to as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen boasts beautiful landscapes of mountains, fjords, and islands, making it a preferred vacation spot for outside fans. With a historical past relationship again to the Center Ages, Bergen can be dwelling to charming neighborhoods, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, 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.
On this article I’ll share the very best methods to get round Bergen, some superb Bergen highway journeys, my favourite eating places and inns, in addition to the highest issues to see and do whereas strolling the town.
Greatest strategy to get round Bergen:
Bergen is a compact and walkable metropolis, but when it is advisable to get round extra shortly or if you wish to discover the encircling space, there are a number of transportation choices accessible:
- Strolling: Most of the prime sights are positioned inside strolling distance of one another, making it straightforward to discover the town on foot.
- Public transportation: Town has an environment friendly and dependable public transportation system, which incorporates buses and light-weight rail. You should buy tickets at kiosks or utilizing the Skyss cellular app.
- Taxis: Taxis are available in Bergen, and you may both hail one on the road or name a taxi firm.
- Bicycles: Bergen has a public bike-sharing system known as the Bysykkel, which lets you lease a bicycle at numerous areas all through the town.
- Automobile rental: If you wish to discover the encircling space, you’ll be able to lease a automobile on the airport or within the metropolis middle.
- Fjord excursions: To discover the fjords across the metropolis, you’ll be able to take a guided boat tour.
Bergen Street Journeys
Bergen is surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence, and there are a number of close by highway journeys you could take to discover the fjords, mountains, and coastlines of western Norway. Listed below are a number of the finest highway 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 highway journey to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and discover the picturesque villages and mountains alongside the way in which.
- Flåm: Drive by means of winding mountain roads to the village of Flåm, positioned on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord. From there, you’ll be able to take a scenic prepare trip on the Flåm Railway, which is taken into account one of the crucial lovely prepare journeys on the earth.
- Atlantic Street: Take a Bergen highway journey to the Atlantic Street, a dramatic stretch of highway 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 Website and one among Norway’s most iconic fjords, and take a ship tour to see the towering waterfalls and beautiful landscapes.
- Trollstigen: Drive to the Trollstigen mountain highway, a winding and steep highway that gives unimaginable views of the encircling mountains and valleys.
Notice: A few of these highway journeys might require ferries or toll roads, so be sure that to plan accordingly and verify the highway circumstances earlier than beginning your journey.
Listed below are a number of the prime issues to see and do in Bergen:
- Bryggen: Discover the historic Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and study 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: Go to the full of life outside Fish Market, the place you’ll be able to pattern native seafood and store for souvenirs.
- Bergenhus Fortress: Discover the historic fortress, which dates again to the thirteenth century, and go to the Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Corridor.
- Edvard Grieg’s dwelling: Go to the previous dwelling of Norway’s most well-known composer, Edvard Grieg, and see his piano and different private belongings.
- Troldhaugen: Discover the gorgeous gardens and go to the museum devoted to Edvard Grieg at his former dwelling on the outskirts of the town.
- Bergen Aquarium: Stand 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: Go to the oldest constructing in Bergen, a stupendous stone church that dates again to the twelfth century.
- Leprosy Museum: Study 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 therapy.
The place to Eat and Sleep
Beneficial Eating places:
- Lysverket – This contemporary Nordic restaurant is positioned within the KODE artwork museum, and presents inventive dishes utilizing native components. The restaurant has received a number of awards and is thought for its distinctive service.
- Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant – This seafood restaurant is positioned on a small island simply exterior Bergen, and presents beautiful 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 presents a mixture of Norwegian and French delicacies, and is positioned in a historic constructing within the metropolis middle. The menu modifications commonly, however at all times options contemporary and high-quality components.
- Bryggeloftet & Stuene – This conventional Norwegian restaurant is positioned within the historic Bryggen space of Bergen, and presents traditional dishes comparable to “Raspeballer” (potato dumplings) and “Fårikål” (lamb and cabbage stew).
- Purple Solar Restaurant & Bar is a recent Asian fusion restaurant that gives a mixture of Japanese, Chinese language, and Thai-inspired dishes. The restaurant has a trendy and trendy decor, and the menu consists of sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and different Asian dishes. Prospects rave in regards to the high-quality components and artistic taste mixtures. Purple Solar additionally has a bar space that serves cocktails, beer, and sake.
- Altona Vinbar & Kitchen is a comfy and intimate restaurant positioned in a historic constructing within the metropolis middle. The restaurant focuses on Scandinavian delicacies, utilizing native and seasonal components. The menu consists of dishes comparable to salmon, lamb, and arctic char, in addition to vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant additionally has an ideal collection of wines, which clients can strive by the glass or bottle.
Beneficial Inns:
- Lodge Norge by Scandic – Positioned within the coronary heart of Bergen, this lodge presents trendy and comfy rooms, a rooftop bar with beautiful views, and an ideal location near most of the metropolis’s prime sights. BTW, the breakfast buffet is excellent.
- Clarion Assortment Lodge Havnekontoret – This historic lodge is positioned within the Bryggen space of Bergen, and presents superbly adorned rooms, a scrumptious breakfast buffet, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the town.
- Thon Lodge Rosenkrantz – This trendy and trendy lodge is positioned within the metropolis middle, and options comfy rooms, a health middle, and a rooftop terrace with nice views of Bergen.
- Grand Lodge Terminus – This historic lodge is positioned close to the prepare station, and presents elegant rooms with excessive ceilings and vintage furnishings, in addition to an on-site restaurant and bar.
Viking Ocean Cruises to Norway
If you’re concerned with visiting Bergen and exploring this unimaginable a part of western Norway, Viking Ocean Cruises has many cruises in-or-out of the Bergen port. Lots of their itineraries embody stops in Bergen, supplying you with the chance to discover the town and take a highway journey to close by sights. Viking additionally provide guided excursions to the encircling fjords, mountains, and villages, permitting you to expertise the wonder and tradition of Norway in a hassle-free means. With their luxurious ships and distinctive service, Viking supplies a snug and gratifying strategy to discover this beautiful a part of the world. Viking is how I acquired launched to Bergen and I can not advocate them extremely sufficient.
Conclusion
Bergen is an enthralling and picturesque metropolis, recognized for its scenic magnificence and wealthy historical past. There are many issues to see and do inside the metropolis, however you probably have the time, a Bergen highway journey is a should! Whether or not you wish to discover the fjords, mountains, or shoreline of western Norway, there are many beautiful pure landscapes and charming villages to find. A highway journey from Bergen permits you the flexibleness to discover at your individual tempo, take within the breathtaking surroundings, and expertise the distinctive tradition and lifestyle on this lovely nation.
When you have any questions on visiting Bergen, depart a remark beneath. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…