Surrounded by seven mountains and Norway’s awesome fjordland region, Bergen’s history is
closely tied to the sea. It was one of the central ports of the Hanseatic League of merchants, which
dominated trade in Northern Europe during the late Middle Ages, and the city once boasted itself
capital of Norway. Today, Norway’s second largest the city is definitely one of its most beautiful
and wettest.
Arriving into Bergen by ship is quite picturesque, so be on deck with your camera and it is one of
those ports where the docking location is within easy walking distance of downtown and the main
attractions of the city. Once the gangway is down and you’re able to go ashore it’s a pleasant 500
yard walk to Bryggen (Bergen’s charming old Hanseatic wharf area) and the town centre. Within
minutes you’ll be able to find all manner of souvenirs, distractions and tasty treats ashore.
Bergen is easy to navigate on your own, and if you’ve planned to visit several attractions and/or
use local city buses, you simply must purchase the Bergen Card, which gives you free or heavily
discounted entry into many attractions and free bus rides.
You should be able to explore most of the attractions on foot. The Bryggen is the city’s
centrepiece, where you’ll find reflected in the water a long row of wooden medieval looking
warehouses that now house boutiques, shops and plenty of places to find a bite to eat.
There’s also a museum of the Bryggen. Just five minutes away is the Bergen Fish Market, which is
well worth your attention and the place for fresh salmon or fish and chips. From here, catch the
ferry over the aquarium showcasing marine life around the North Sea. You should definitely take a
ride up the Floibanen Funicular, which will whisk you up over a thousand feet to the top of Mt
Floyen for that picture postcard view over Bergen. There’re plenty of hiking trails up here.
Outside of town is one of the most popular attractions, Troll Hill (Troldhaugen) and the Edvard
Grieg Museum! Edvard Grieg was Norway’s most renowned classical composer and Troldhaugen
was where he lived with his wife. Visit his home and also take in a live concert of his music in the
beautiful concert hall.
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: June – August
Don’t Miss: Bryggen, Fish Market
Tour or Not: Easily explored independently
Sightseeing: Troldhaugen and Floibanen Funicular
Food: Fresh seafood, salmon
Language: Norwegian (many locals speak English)
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Shopping: Bryggen for woollen jumpers, crystal and
tableware
Cash or Card: Cards accepted everywhere
By Roger Condon, cruise sales manager, Discover the World Marketing – with 15 years at sea.
