Bergen, Norway — City Information
The historic city of Bergen was medieval Norway's capital, and is today an international tourist center and gateway to the Fjords. It has a spectacular setting on a sheltered harbor of the North Sea, situated among seven hills that form a delightful backdrop to the brightly painted wooden houses along the waterfront, and is one of Norway's most enjoyable cities.
Bergen's history is closely linked to the sea. It became a major trading port of the medieval merchants of the Hanseatic League, who dominated European trade during the Middle Ages. The hub of the city's social life is around the Torget, the picturesque harbor-side market plaza that is surrounded by an assortment of cafes, restaurants and pubs, and home to the vibrant fish market. Flanking one side of the harbor is a colorful row of old wooden houses, part of the historic wharf area and the remaining influence of the Hanseatics, from where narrow cobbled streets wind their way up between the quaint houses of the picturesque old neighborhood.
The city center is divided into two parts: the old Hanseatic town along the wharf area and the modern center stretching inland from the harbor. It has a pleasant, slow pace and a cultured atmosphere with numerous interesting museums, galleries, an aquarium and surviving medieval buildings. A cable car and a funicular carry visitors to the top of two of Bergen's hills, Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen, to enjoy splendid views over the city and coast. Mount Fløyen is covered in forest with a well-marked series of walking trails. Boat trips to the fjords are very popular and the excellent 'Norway in a Nutshell' package tour provides a spectacular glimpse of Norway's scenery in a day, for those short on time.
