Bergen

About Bergen

Known as “the heart of the fjords”, Bergen is situated between two of Norway’s biggest, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, the city acts as a beguiling basecamp for some of the country’s most iconic fjord excursions. The city is also surrounded by seven mountains, two of which you can get to by cable car. Fløyen is the most easily accessible at 320m above sea level, and the Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top from the city centre. But the Ulriken is the highest of them all, at 643m above sea level. Take the cable car to the peak for breathtaking views of the sea, mountains and fjords, and marvel at Bergen’s magic.

Yet for all of its dramatic landscapes, Bergen also offers small town charm in abundance, with cobbled streets, chocolate-box clapperboard houses, and an air of cosy community warming the drizzly climate – Bergen sees 200 days per year of rainfall, but the wet weather is embraced here with toasty pubs and lots of trendy raincoats. The city oozes cool, contemporary culture, too.

Around the wharf you’ll see perfectly preserved colourful wooden buildings, which have earned it protection as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore. Try KODE and discover its art, design and music, or visit the open-air Old Bergen Museum, a reconstructed small town that will transport you back in time. There are lots of interesting cafés, bars and restaurants to explore, but for a totally unique dining experience you could visit Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant – perched on its own island off the coast of Bergen, you need to jump on a boat at the wharf to reach this stylish seafood restaurant, but the views are are well worth it.