Traditional homes in Bergen, Norway
Wander alongside the wharf and through the narrow alleyways of Bryggen, the oldest part of Bergen. See the colorful UNESCO-listed wooden buildings, preserved or rebuilt in their original Medieval style. Curious to find out more about the city's history? Visit the Hanseatic Museum or the Bryggens Museum.
A cable car going up a mountain over Bergen, Norway
Head to the top of Mt. Floyen or Mt. Ulriken for dramatic views of the city, the fjords and the ocean. The cable car or funicular will take you there in just a few minutes. Want to stretch your legs? Mt. Floyen is an approachable one-hour hike up peaceful trails.
Bergen International Festival, Bergenfest and Bergen Live are among the many yearly festivals held here. Get to know the locals while listening to a rock or jazz band in one of the city's trendy nightclubs. Or indulge in a concert by the world's oldest symphony orchestra in modernist Grieg Hall.
Treat yourself to a Skillingsbolle cinnamon bun for a breakfast. Don't miss the seafood-centric freshness of Bergen fish soup, traditional fish cakes and local king crab. At the dinner hour, head to the Bryggen district, where you'll find higher-end restaurants transforming local ingredients into refined, modern plates.
Bergen is known as the Norwegian shopping capital, so the chances are high you'll find what you're looking for. Check out one of the department stores — Bergen Storsenter is the largest — or trendy design stores stocked with cool gifts, souvenirs, homewares and fashion by local fashion designers, like Dale of Norway and Oleana.