bergen, norway
Tiny timber houses and a majestic backdrop
Imagine a city that feels like a village, with little traffic and no skyscrapers, but tiny wooden houses clinging to each other. Imagine being surrounded by forested hills reflecting into the calm waters of the fjords. Then picture the rain falling for 260 days a year, and you'll have the perfect idea of Bergen.
what to do
All the sights within Bergen center are at a walkable distance and a day should be enough to see them all. However, take your time to explore the residential area too, as there's no better way to discover the genuine essence of this city than strolling along its quiet paved alleys and its charming timber houses exquisitely adorned with flowers. Among the city's most iconic landmarks, instead, is Bryggen: a cluster of picturesque wooden buildings founded in the 14th century by the Hanseatic League, rebuilt after a fire in 1702, and now turned into touristy bars, restaurants, and shops. A few steps aside, also facing the harbor, along with a microbrewery and numerous eateries is another main touristic attraction: Torget fish market, whose lively outdoor section is only open during summer. Just five minutes away, located in the lovely Byparken, is KODE, an extensive museum that hosts contemporary art exhibitions as well as permanent collections of prominent Norwegian artists such as Edvard Munch, displayed at KODE 3. Next to KODE, instead, Bergen Kunsthall is entirely dedicated to contemporary art and it is one of Norway’s most important showgrounds for the genre. Finally, no visit to Bergen would be complete without a trip to Mount Fløyen, that, connected to the center by Fløibanen funicular, is the most accessible of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Surely the funicular saves times and offers panoramic views all over Bergen and the fjords, but the authentic Fløyen experience is the way itself to the top: a 40 minutes hike in the woods where you'll meet plenty of Norwegians running with their dogs, carrying skis or pushing strollers. Either way, once you reach the top, don't forget to check out Bergen's best playground and Tubakuba, an oddly designed cabin, where, booking in advance, you can stay overnight free of charge. Thanks to its wondrous natural setting, Bergen offers countless walks with magnificent sceneries but, if I were to recommend one, it would unquestionably be the six-hours hike between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen across Vidden. Ultimately, weather permitting, having a disposable barbeque in a park and diving in the fjord like the locals is an experience that absolutely shouldn't be missed. The best place to do so in the city center is Nordenesparken, while, reachable by bus, Helleneset also features free outdoor climbing walls.
when to go
Being the driest month of the year, May is probably the best time to visit Bergen for a weekend getaway. Moreover, on the 17th of May Norwegians dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the city to celebrate Constitution Day. However, if your trip also includes hikes to the iconic Trolltunga or Kjerag, it is best to wait until June, as usually snow still blankets the tracks in May.
where to eat and drink
Due to its large student community, Bergen boasts an impressive bar and restaurant scene considering its size. Nevertheless, it's common knowledge that food and drinks are especially pricey in Norway, and Bergen is no exception. There are options for every pocket from gourmet experiences to fast-food, however, I will hereafter mention only those premises that offer a good value for money. Pingvinen: typical homey Norwegian cuisine - Kafé Spesial: relatively cheap bites and decent pizzas - Trekroneren: hot-dogs kiosk, try the reindeer sausage - BarKollektiv: good burgers and pleasant atmosphere - Marg & Bein: typical dishes with a creative twist cooked using fresh local ingredients, a bit pricey but well worth the money - Det Lille Kaffe Kompaniet: the smallest and cutest café in town, cakes are delicious - Apollon: a record store with a great selection of beers - No Stress: cool ambience and gigs, especially on Fridays - USF: a former sardines warehouse, now a huge art and culture complex, perfect to chill under the sun in summer.
Imagine a city that feels like a village, with little traffic and no skyscrapers, but tiny wooden houses clinging to each other. Imagine being surrounded by forested hills reflecting into the calm waters of the fjords. Then picture the rain falling for 260 days a year, and you'll have the perfect idea of Bergen.
when to go
Being the driest month of the year, May is probably the best time to visit Bergen for a weekend getaway. Moreover, on the 17th of May Norwegians dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the city to celebrate Constitution Day. However, if your trip also includes hikes to the iconic Trolltunga or Kjerag, it is best to wait until June, as usually snow still blankets the tracks in May.
what to do
All the sights within Bergen center are at a walkable distance and a day should be enough to see them all. However, take your time to explore the residential area too, as there's no better way to discover the genuine essence of this city than strolling along its quiet paved alleys and its charming timber houses exquisitely adorned with flowers. Among the city's most iconic landmarks, instead, is Bryggen: a cluster of picturesque wooden buildings founded in the 14th century by the Hanseatic League, rebuilt after a fire in 1702, and now turned into touristy bars, restaurants, and shops. A few steps aside, also facing the harbor, along with a microbrewery and numerous eateries is another main touristic attraction: Torget fish market, whose lively outdoor section is only open during summer. Just five minutes away, located in the lovely Byparken, is KODE, an extensive museum that hosts contemporary art exhibitions as well as permanent collections of prominent Norwegian artists such as Edvard Munch, displayed at KODE 3. Next to KODE, instead, Bergen Kunsthall is entirely dedicated to contemporary art and it is one of Norway’s most important showgrounds for the genre. Finally, no visit to Bergen would be complete without a trip to Mount Fløyen, that, connected to the center by Fløibanen funicular, is the most accessible of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Surely the funicular saves times and offers panoramic views all over Bergen and the fjords, but the authentic Fløyen experience is the way itself to the top: a 40 minutes hike in the woods where you'll meet plenty of Norwegians running with their dogs, carrying skis or pushing strollers. Either way, once you reach the top, don't forget to check out Bergen's best playground and Tubakuba, an oddly designed cabin, where, booking in advance, you can stay overnight free of charge. Thanks to its wondrous natural setting, Bergen offers countless walks with magnificent sceneries but, if I were to recommend one, it would unquestionably be the six-hours hike between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen across Vidden. Ultimately, weather permitting, having a disposable barbeque in a park and diving in the fjord like the locals is an experience that absolutely shouldn't be missed. The best place to do so in the city center is Nordenesparken, while, reachable by bus, Helleneset also features free outdoor climbing walls.
where to eat and drink
Due to its large student community, Bergen boasts an impressive bar and restaurant scene considering its size. Nevertheless, it's common knowledge that food and drinks are especially pricey in Norway, and Bergen is no exception. There are options for every pocket from gourmet experiences to fast-food, however, I will hereafter mention only those premises that offer a good value for money. Pingvinen: typical homey Norwegian cuisine - Kafé Spesial: relatively cheap bites and decent pizzas - Trekroneren: hot-dogs kiosk, try the reindeer sausage - BarKollektiv: good burgers and pleasant atmosphere - Marg & Bein: typical dishes with a creative twist cooked using fresh local ingredients, a bit pricey but well worth the money - Det Lille Kaffe Kompaniet: the smallest and cutest café in town, cakes are delicious - Apollon: a record store with a great selection of beers - No Stress: cool ambience and gigs, especially on Fridays - USF: a former sardines warehouse, now a huge art and culture complex, perfect to chill under the sun in summer.