Until the 14th century, Bergen was the seat of the medieval kingdom of Norway. This amazing city is scenically situated in western Norway, where the ruggedly beautiful landscape is bestowed with glistening glaciers, deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls and still valleys.
Bergen provides easy access to breathtaking fjords, including the beautiful Hardangerfjord, the Sognefjord (Norway's longest fjord at 200kms, and deepest at 1,300m) and the Nordfjord. Also well worth seeing are the massive Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the spectacular waterfalls at Geirangerfjord, and Trollveggen - a jagged summit which challenges mountain climbers.
There are also some lovely sights in the city. You'll fine one of the most extensive collections of marine fauna in Europe at the Bergen Aquarium, located on the outermost point of Nordnes. Also of interest, Gallery Bryggen features exhibits on Norway's cultural heritage, mainly from the Viking period, as well as contemporary Norwegian arts and crafts.
The beautiful area around Bergen offers some great sea fishing without restrictions. Additionally, only 10 minutes away from town by the funicular - or via several roads and footpaths - is the summit of Mount Fløien, an unspoiled wood and mountain terrace with lakes and rivers. At night, there are plenty of charming taverns for enjoying a brew, as well as vibrant nightclubs for the more energetic.
Just a few hours by road is Mount Ulriken, which offers incredible views. The area is also a good place for hiking, with a popular but long hike being the four-hour route to Mount Floien. Two hours away is the mountaintop hamlet of Myrdal, which offers some light sightseeing and good views. Here, you can also board a cog railway for one of the world's most dramatically inclined train rides to the village of Flåm, a drop of 870m.
There are two different but equally scenic routes here from Oslo. The southern route along the E76 goes through mountain passes until reaching route 47; from there, you head north to Kinsarvik and cross by ferry to the E16, which leads west to Bergen. The northern route is via highway 7, through the resort of Geilo, and on to the junction with route 47; from there, the directions are the same as above.
Day and night trains arrive from Oslo and stations en route; journey time from Oslo to Bergen is 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on the weather. Express buses travel to Bergen from Oslo, Trondheim, Ålesund and the Nordfjord area; the journey from Oslo takes 11 hours. Bergen Airport is in Flesland, 19kms south of the city.
|
