The city of Bergen
The “Queen of the Fjords” is picturesquely situated in the midst of islands and fjord arms – surrounded by a ring of wooded heights, on whose slopes it rises amphitheatrically. It has the largest port on the western Norwegian coast with important shipyard facilities and is the seat of a bishop, a university and a business college.
This should also not go unmentioned: Bergen is among the rainiest cities in the world. However, when the sun breaks its rays through the cloud fields, the street restaurants fill up in no time. Then the city delights with an almost southern flair.
Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre and was the capital and residence of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries. For centuries it has been the center of western Norway.
The city experienced its greatest boom in the 14th and 15th centuries as one of the most important bases of the German Hanseatic League. Endowed with royal privileges, Bergen dominated all Norwegian trade.
Characteristically, the harbor front Bryggen is lined with historic merchant houses with pointed gables and spacious courtyards. Perhaps Norway’s most famous district is lively and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll through the pretty alleys of the district, which was rebuilt after a city fire in 1702, is highly recommended.
Sights
- Bergenhus Fortress
- St. Mary’s Church
- Bryggen
- Hanseatic Museum
- Cathedral church
- Lille Lungegårdstvan
- Permanent
- Museum of Decorative Arts
- Rasmus Meyers Collections
- University with the Maritime Museum
Tip: The panorama from Fjellvei is breathtakingly beautiful. The funicular takes you up to the lookout mountain in just a few minutes and you can enjoy the view over Bergen and the enchanting fjord landscape.
It goes even higher: Southeast of Bergen rises the scenic Ulrikken at 643 meters, also easily reached by funicular.
Ferries to Bergen
[land_routes destination=”bergen” mode=”destination port”]
