Recent Blogs Created
Recent blogs created by our usersThere are currently 0 users online.
 |
Jan
10
Bergen Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Norway
A trip to Bergen
The historic Norwegian town of Bergen is one of the most popular cultural spots in the country. Serving as a gateway to the western fjords which draw so many tourists from around the world, Bergen’s popularity is largely based on its easy access to spectacular and contrasting countryside. Here you will find glaciers soaring over deep fjords and snow-capped mountains housing cascading waterfalls.
Flights to Bergen
Bergen’s international airport is located 12 miles south of the city centre. The airport receives traffic from a number of major European cities, mainly London and Copenhagen, while domestic flights also make regular stops here. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Bergen try lastminute.com
. Shuttle buses make regular runs from the airport to the city centre, while taxis are the more popular option for those travelling with luggage.
Inside the city, many visitors choose to get around by taxi. Bus lines run throughout the city and fares are reasonably priced. Car hire is one the best options for local travel, particularly for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside.
Bergen
Sightseeing in Bergen
One of the best ways to get a fabulous eagle eye’s view of the city is to take the Ulriksbanen, one of Norway’s better known cable car lines, to the summit of Mount Ulriken. Once you have reached the top, the breathtaking views and endless picture perfect photo opportunities may leave you thinking about immigrating to Norway for good.
Bergen is well known as a starting point for trips to the infamous fjords of northern Norway. Sognefjord is Norway’s longest fjord and can be reached within a matter of hours from Bergen.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Bergen’s most popular districts for night-time fun are Bryggen and Ole Bulls. Bars and pubs offer a lively atmosphere combined with free flowing alcohol and often live entertainment. Most establishments stay open until 02:00, while nightclubs shut at about 03:00. The live music scene is alive and kicking with numerous establishments offering the best in rock and indie music.
Menus of food from around the world can be found throughout the city. Eateries offering local specialities are everywhere, but beware that eating in Bergen is not the cheapest of activities. However, the price is worth it to sample the delectable specialities on offer including fresh seafood.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Diverse daytime activities abound in Bergen. The Bergen Art Museum should be on the top of any traveller’s list of places to visit. The museum, housing one of Norway’s best collections of art, overlooks the picturesque Lille Lungegårdsvann Lake. Fun for all the family can be had at the Berge Aquarium, home to an extensive and fascinating collection of marine life. For an insight into the heritage of Bergen and the surrounding areas, the Gallery Bergen features displays outlining the history of the area from the time of the Vikings.
One of the best options for shopping is the Torget, a local market selling the best in local handicrafts such as rugs and handmade tablecloths.
Daytrips
Because Bergen is often referred to as the ‘gateway to Norway’s fjords’, it is no surprise that many of the daytrips from this city are centred on visiting these magnificent natural wonders. The Hardangerfjord has become quite popular among tourist in recent years. Visitors can journey through the fjords by biking across the terrain or by mountain climbing.
Arrange a boat trip or sightseeing cruise and travel to the islands surrounding Bergen. Visit the famous Hellisoy lighthouse on the small island of Fedje or stroll along the coast if weather permits. Of course, jumping aboard the Norway in a Nutshell tour is the easiest way to cover not only the main hotspots of Bergen but most of the country in a short amount of time.
For those looking to ski, renting a car and driving to the small town of Voss is a great idea. The skiing haven is only 1 hour, 30 minutes from the centre of Bergen and can also be reached by train and by bus. A bit farther away is the ski town known as Geilo. Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Gielo, as it is roughly four hours outside of Bergen.
Must-see attractions
When the weather and climate permits, a stroll along Art Gallery Street is worthwhile. Hop from exhibition to exhibition exploring works by artists such as Picasso and Hilmar Reksten. The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, the Reksten Museum and the Bergen Kunsthall are just a few of the art houses displaying permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Explore the traditional architecture of the region by visiting several of the historical wooden houses that are in place all over the city. Europe’s most well-preserved wooden structure, known as the Damsgard Manor, is located in Laksevag. The Alvoen Country Mansion was built at the end of the 18th century and houses artefacts and antiques from its former inhabitants, the Fasmers.
Like many Scandinavian cities, Bergen is surrounded by water. A trip to the city would not be complete without a visit to the many maritime museums dedicated to the rich history and culture of living and working with the sea. The Coastal Museum has an environmental flare and raises awareness about costal living in not only Norway, but all over the world. The Maritime Museum is full of exhibitions and artefacts that date back to Norway’s introduction into commercial sea life and incorporation into the global economy.
Best time to go
Bergen isn’t an ideal city to visit for basking in the warmth and sunshine. Wintertime sees the most rainfall so if your trip is nature or outdoor oriented, the weather is something to consider. The summer has the warmest temperatures of the year and even so, the thermometers peak at around 14°C.
Dressing appropriately and planning for precipitation is the best way to guarantee a pleasant trip to Bergen. May is quite a popular month to visit Bergen, as it doesn’t rain as much as other months and there are a number of on-going festivals.
Rainy day suggestions
Take the chance to explore a few historical aspects of Bergen on a rainy day. Roam the halls of Schotstuene’s Hanseatic Assembly Rooms. Here, visitors are afforded the opportunity to see how the Hanseatic merchants functioned in both their daily and social lives. After the assembly rooms, head over to the ‘secret room’ at the Theta Museum in Bryggen. Get a glimpse of the Resistance Movement during the 1940 to 1945 period before finishing up an educational day at the Bergenhus Fortress Museum.
Comments
Leave a Reply
-
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
