Holiday in Bergen

What makes Bergen special as a destination?

Bergen, Norway's second-largest city and the "Gateway to the Fjords," is one of the most charming port cities in Europe. Nestled between seven mountains and the sea, this former Hanseatic city combines medieval heritage with a vibrant cultural scene and spectacular nature right at its doorstep. Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage Hanseatic Wharf at the harbor, is Bergen's landmark. The colorful, crooked wooden houses from the 14th to 16th centuries once stood at the center of trade between the Hanseatic cities and Norway. Today, they house boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and the narrow alleys behind them — the Passasjen — lead to hidden courtyards and workshops. The Fish Market (Fisketorget) at the harbor is an institution in Bergen. Fresh salmon, king crab, shrimp, and whale meat are offered alongside ready-made dishes. A plate of freshly peeled shrimp with bread and lemon, eaten right by the quay, is one of Norway's simplest and best culinary experiences. The Fløibanen, a funicular railway, takes visitors to the 320-meter-high Fløyen in eight minutes, where a breathtaking view of the city, harbor, and surrounding fjord and mountain landscape awaits. At the top, hiking trails through dense forests and to lakes offer wilderness right in the city. Bergen is also Norway's cultural capital. The KODE Museum houses one of the most significant art collections in Scandinavia (including works by Edvard Munch), Troldhaugen — the residence of composer Edvard Grieg — is beautifully situated by a forest lake, and the annual Bergen International Festival is the country's largest cultural event. Bergen is notorious for its rain — up to 240 rainy days a year. But instead of being deterred by it, the people of Bergen have made rain part of their identity. And when the sun does break through, the city shines in a light of such clarity that every single sun motif was worth the wait.