Bergen, Norway's Coastal Beauty
Medieval City Offers History, Hikes, Shopping and Spectacular Views
Norway's second largest city is its most picturesque, with it's oceanside location, Hanseatic League buildings, world-class aquarium, inviting downtown and natural charm.
Of the more than two dozen ports of call along the Norwegian Coastal Voyage routes, Bergen is among the most interesting. Since it is also southern terminus of the boats’ routes, savvy passengers arrive a day or two before or stay after the voyage so they have time to enjoy the city.
Location and History
Approximately 300 kilometers (about 186.5 miles) west of Oslo, Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olaf III. It was Norway’s capital during the 12th and 13th Centuries, became a leading trade center and joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th Century. Though its roots are in the past, it’s feet are firmly planted in the present. As a result you’ll find modern shops, hotels and other amenities as well as historic landmarks. The following are among the highlights in Norway’s second city.
Historic Buildings
Since the city suffered extensive damage from Allied bombings during the German occupation in World War II, many of the older buildings were destroyed. Those remaining that are open to the public include Fantoft Stave Church (a replica of the original 1150 church), King Haakon’s Hall (1261) and St. Mary’s Church (12th Century). The hall, used for coronations, weddings and other important state occasions, was built in Gothic style from 1248 to 1261 and has undergone two restorations.
Museums
Bryggen, the city’s waterfront, was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Its wooden buildings, which became a center of the Hanseatic League’s thriving trade, date back about 900 years. Three rooms in the parallel rows of seaward-facing buildings represent typical meeting rooms of the 18th Century.
Troldhaugen, composer Edvard Grieg’s Victorian home, is only a short distance from the city. Situated on Lake Nordasvatnet, the house and surrounding gardens provide the setting for musical events throughout the summer season (open May-September, 10 a.m.-2p.m. and 3–6 p.m.)
The Bergen Aquarium (open year-round 10 a.m.-6 p.m, extended in summer; moderate admission) contains one of the best and most extensive collections of marine life in Europe. Species of fish from all parts of the world swim in nine large tanks and 42 smaller ones as well as three outdoor pools, which are home to penguins and seals.
Other Bergen museums focus on area history, geology and fishing.
Shopping
Ripe berries and fresh-boiled shrimp are popular snacks you might buy while strolling the harbor-side fisketorget (outdoor fish-market), which is open daily from early mornings until mid-afternoon. In the harbor area and a short walk away in the city’s centrum (business district), you’ll find traditional Norwegian crafts at a variety of stores such as Troll at Bryggen, Julehuset (Christmas store), Viking Shop and Oleana Knitting. Plastic kitchen utensils with a Nordic flair are for sale in department store homeware departments.
Natural Beauty
The mountains that surround Bergen offer paths in abundance – rated from moderate to difficult --, with a variety of outlooks on the city, harbor and North Sea. The funicular to Mt. Floyen, 320 meters above sea level (1,050 feet), operates May - August on the hour and half hour from early morning to 11 p.m. The cable car to Mt. Ulriken, more than twice as high as Floyen, will not be operational until spring 2009 due to upgrading. A moderately difficult walk between the two mountains takes from four to six hours.
Additional Information
With an estimated population of approximately 225,000, Bergen is about half the size of Norway’s Capital, Oslo. Due to its location along the coast, Bergen is warmed by the Gulf stream. Although rainy year-round, it is much warmer than the country’s interior
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