Bergen

Overview

Bergen is Norway's fjord capital. The wooden houses of Bryggen are a World Heritage Site, and the city is an excellent starting point for exploring the fjords.

History

Bergen was founded in 1070 and in the Middle Ages was an important trading port of the Hanseatic League, where German merchants maintained a trading post for 400 years. Bryggen is the medieval Hanseatic wharf complex; despite repeated fires it preserves the original town plan and became a World Heritage Site in 1979. Bergen is the main departure point for Norway's fjords, close to Sognefjord, the longest in the country, and Hardangerfjord.

Highlights

• •Travel back in time among the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen
• •The Fløibanen funicular for a full view of the city and fjords
• •One of the best-preserved fish markets in Norway
• •A day trip to Sognefjord, the longest and deepest in the world
• •Northern lights and the midnight sun at these latitudes

Practical tips

• •Day trips to the fjords start from here
• •Bring rain gear

Practical information

Best time

June to August

Tickets

Bryggen free to visit; fjord cruises about NOK 500 to 1,000

Opening hours

City open all day; fish market 7:00 to 21:00

Local food

Salmon, fish soup and cinnamon buns

Getting around

The airport light rail runs to the centre; fjord cruises and the mountain funicular are the main experiences

Visa

Norway is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. The fjord region is busiest in summer, so plan transport and accommodation early.

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