Bergen, Norway — Where to Go
Bergen Sightseeing Overview
Bergen is situated around the historic harbor area. The center has a fairly compact layout and most areas of interest are within walking distance. Bryggen (the wharf area) is right in the middle of the quayside close to the fish market.
Despite its small scale there is plenty to keep the visitor amused, with many of the key attractions focusing on the city's natural setting and beautiful surroundings. There is a funicular and a cable car, which carry visitors to the summit of two of Bergen's mountains to enjoy spectacular views. Boat trips to the fjords are also popular.
The local architecture, particularly the Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen and the Bergenseners' brightly painted wooden homes, provides great photo opportunities.
If, as is often the case, it happens to be raining, there are numerous museums covering topics as diverse as fishing and maritime life, the Norwegian Resistance in WWII and local cultural history. There are also several good art galleries, particularly along the southern bank of the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake. Walkers around the city should be prepared for some steep climbs, as Bergen is hilly in parts.
Bergen Tourist Information
Bergen Turistinformasjon (Bergen Tourist Information)
Vågsallmenningen 1
Tel: 5555 2000.
Website: www.visitbergen.com
During summer, there is an additional information office by the harbor at Skoltegrunnskaien and another all year at Flesland Airport.
Bergen Sightseeing
The Bergen Card allows free bus travel within the city limits, discounted parking and free or discounted admittance to many of Bergen's museums and attractions, sightseeing tours and entertainment venues. A 24- or 48-hour Bergen Card can be purchased at the tourist information office, the railway station, the Express Boat Terminal, youth hostels and many hotels and camping sites.
Bergen Sightseeing
The Bergen Card allows free bus travel within the city limits, discounted parking and free or discounted admittance to many of Bergen's museums and attractions, sightseeing tours and entertainment venues. A 24- or 48-hour Bergen Card can be purchased at the tourist information office, the railway station, the Express Boat Terminal, youth hostels and many hotels and camping sites.
Key Attractions in Bergen, Norway
Fløibanen Funicular Railway
Fløibanen has been carrying people 320m (1,050ft) up the Fløyfjell Mountain for more than 80 years - a one-way trip takes about eight minutes. The views over the city and offshore islands from the summit are spectacular. There is a restaurant (summer only) and shops at the top, as well as mountain walkways.
Vetrlidsalmenningen 23A
Tel: 5533 6800.
Website: www.floibanen.no
Bryggen (Wharfside)
In 1980, UNESCO listed Bergen's Hanseatic wharf area as one of the world's most significant examples of the history and culture of a medieval settlement. Although many of the buildings were ravaged by fire through the centuries, they have been carefully restored to their original state. Today, Bryggen is a lively mix of restaurants, cafes and artists' workshops. At the eastern end is Torget, Bergen's picturesque market where fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs are sold.
The market is open Monday-Friday 0700-1600 (Thursday until 1900) and Saturday 0700-1500. Slightly reduced hours operate outside the peak season.
Hanseatiske Museum
The Hanseatic Museum is housed in one of the oldest wooden buildings in Bryggen. It was razed to the ground in 1702 but subsequently rebuilt. Furnished in 18th-century style, it provides an insight in to life at that time as lived by a wealthy Hanseatic merchant.
Finnegårdsgate 1A
Tel: 5554 4690.
Website: www.museumvest.no
Admission charge.
Bryggens Museum
After the destruction of several Hanseatic houses in 1955, archaeologists excavated the area and unearthed the remains of the oldest settlement ever discovered in Bergen (dating from the 12th century). This museum was built around the remains, and displays various artifacts, including traditional costumes. Collections include runic inscriptions, ceramics and other items illustrating commerce, shipping, cultural activities, handicrafts and everyday medieval life. Temporary exhibitions are also staged here.
Dreggsallmenning 3
Tel: 5558 8010.
Website: www.bymuseet.no
Admission charge.
Akvariet I Bergen (Bergen Aquarium)
On the tip of the peninsula, the Bergen Aquarium contains one of the finest and most extensive collections of marine fauna in Europe. Seventy tanks and three outdoor pools are complemented by an extension containing a realistic nesting cliff, open-plan tanks, an exhibition and video facilities. There are also sections covering marine industry and polar sea life, and an exhibition featuring amphibians and aquatic reptiles. The feeding of the penguins and seals is always popular with visitors.
Nordnesbakken 4
Tel: 5555 7171.
Website: www.akvariet.com
Admission charge.
Mariakirken (St Mary's Church)
This is Bergen's oldest building (dating from the first half of the 12th century) and one of the country's best examples of Romanesque architecture. The pulpit is generally regarded as the finest example of baroque decorative art in Norway. Concerts are regularly performed here in the summer months.
Dreggen
Tel: 5559 3270.
Website: http://bergen.kirken.no
Admission charge.
Rosenkrantz Tower/Håkon's Hall
Built in the 1560s by Erik Rosenkrantz, governor of Bergenhus, Bergen Castle once served as a fortified residence. It incorporates earlier structures including a 13th-century keep and is adjacent to the equally significant Håkon's Hall, named for King Håkon Håkonsson, who ruled Norway from Bergen in the mid 1200s.
Bergenhus Festning
Tel: 5558 8010.
Website: www.bymuseet.no
Admission charge.
Bergen Kunstmuseum (Bergen Art Museum)
Located in several buildings along the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake in the city center, this Bergen institution is a must-see for any art lover. If you're short of time, focus on the fascinating Rasmus Meyer collection, where some of the best Edvard Munch paintings outside Oslo are on display, as well as major works by other significant Norwegian painters. The Stenersen Collection next door focuses on modern art, again with big names on display, including Max Ernst, Vassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso.
Rasmus Meyers Allé 3 and 7
Tel: 5556 8000.
Website: www.bergenartmuseum.no
Admission charge.
Further Distractions
Damsgård Hovedgård (Damsgård Manor)
This lovely 1770s manor house is in Laksevåg, 3km (2 miles) west of Bergen city center and is considered Europe's best-preserved wooden building from this period. The gardens of 200 years ago have been recreated - both in terms of the plants and the overall design.
Alleen 29, Laksevåg
Tel: 5594 0870.
Website: www.bymuseet.no
Admission charge.
Gamle Bergen Museum (Old Bergen Museum)
Situated about 7 minutes' bus ride (see Tours of the City) from the city center, this open-air museum features a collection of around 40 houses depicting life in Bergen as it was in the late 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nyhavnsveien 4
Tel: 5539 4300.
Website: www.bymuseet.no
Free admission, charge for tours.
Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum (Western Museum of Decorative Arts)
This museum has extensive exhibitions of historic and modern arts, crafts and design. The collections span 1,000 years and are drawn both from Norway and overseas. The museum also features one of Europe's biggest collections of Buddhist temple sculpture and a regular program of temporary exhibitions.
Nordahl Brunsgate 9
Tel: 5533 6633.
Website: www.vk.museum.no
Admission charge.
