Things to do in Bergen
'Norway in a nutshell', the slogan adopted by one of the fjord tour operators, sums up exactly what one can expect from a holiday in Bergen, the quaint Norwegian port city that, in its medieval heyday, was a major player as a Hanseatic League trading centre.
The old quarter of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of history and the must-see part of the city. A stroll from one end of Bryggen to the other takes under half an hour, but there are some great museums along this stretch, including the Bryggens Museum and the Hanseatic Museum, both of which provide insight into the lives and living conditions of the merchants who established the neighbourhood in medieval times.
Other worthwhile attractions in the city include its oldest surviving building, St Mary's Church, and the Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum, for lovers of classical music. All travellers should take advantage of the cable cars that ascend Mount Ulriken and Mount Floyen, to admire views of the city, which has a beautiful setting. Apart from its historic significance, many travel to Bergen for its many music festivals, so it is worth checking what's on during your travels.
Bergen is known as the gateway to the fjords and most visitors use the city as a starting point for adventures further afield. The region is transformed between summer and winter and the season for travel should be carefully calculated according to desired activities.
Bryggen
The site of the old medieval quarter of the city of Bergen, Bryggen is a charming, compact area of brightly coloured wooden homes that traditionally housed the city's merchants. Al…
Bryggen
The site of the old medieval quarter of the city of Bergen, Bryggen is a charming, compact area of brightly coloured wooden homes that traditionally housed the city's merchants. Also called Tyskebryggen, its steep cobbled lanes are lined with a vivacious blend of cafes and artisans' workshops.
With many buildings dating from before the 17th century, The Hanseatic wharf area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important examples of a medieval settlement in the world.
Bryggen was once the working area of the merchants and is the oldest part of Bergen, characterised by a maze of lopsided wooden buildings with pointed gables facing the harbour. The Bryggen and Hanseatic Museums, as well as the 12th-century St Mary's Church, are all in the Bryggen area.
At one end of the wharf is Bergen's famous fish market, a colourful market also selling flowers, fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs. Because of its predominantly wooden buildings, Bryggen has struggled with fire throughout its long history and many of the structures have been rebuilt several times. One of the unexpected advantages of the destruction caused by fire was the discovery of a wealth of runic inscriptions, now housed in the Bryggen Museum.
Hanseatic Museum
The Hanseatic Museum is housed in one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden buildings in Bryggen, the former home of a wealthy merchant. Furnished in the 18th century style, it p…
Hanseatic Museum
The Hanseatic Museum is housed in one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden buildings in Bryggen, the former home of a wealthy merchant. Furnished in the 18th century style, it provides a glimpse of the working and living conditions of the Hanseatic merchants during the Middle Ages.
The austere layout and maze-like rooms are saturated by the smell of fish and leave a lasting impression. Although a number of historic houses remain in the medieval district, the Hanseatic Museum is the only house left in Bryggen that has retained its original interior.
A short walk away next to St Mary's Church is the Schotstuene, a museum consisting of three assembly rooms and a kitchen once used by the Hanseatic merchants. Cooking was conducted in the Schotstuene as it was the only place in Bryggen where it was permitted to use fire. As a precaution, it was kept removed from the other buildings.
The ticket price for the Hanseatic Museum includes entry to the Schotstuene on the same day. The Hanseatic Museum is best visited on the guided walking tour, which begins at the Bryggens Museum. For many travellers, the Hanseatic Museum is one of the best historic attractions in the city and if you only visit one museum in Bryggen, it should probably be this one.
Website xn--schtstuene-2cb.no/english
Bryggens Museum
This fantastic archaeological museum was built around the remains of the oldest buildings discovered in Bergen, dating from the 12th century, and the ruins have been incorporated i
Bryggens Museum
This fantastic archaeological museum was built around the remains of the oldest buildings discovered in Bergen, dating from the 12th century, and the ruins have been incorporated into the exhibits along with excavated tools, ceramics, and even skeletons.
In 1955, parts of historic Bryggen were destroyed by fire and the subsequent excavations revealed some fascinating objects now on display in the museum. Bryggens Museum houses various artefacts and traditional costumes and imaginatively attempts to recreate life in the Middle Ages with displays of domestic implements, handicrafts, runic inscriptions, and items relating to seafaring and trade during medieval times.
The Bryggens Museum is the starting point for a wonderful historical walking tour through the UNESCO-listed district. This tour is really good value for money as it includes entry to two other museums as well. The guided tours are offered in several languages and depart every hour or so, depending on demand. The Bryggens Museum also houses temporary art and history exhibitions. The museum itself doesn't require much time to explore and is best seen as part of a wider exploration of the historic area.
Website www.bymuseet.no/en/museums/bryggens-museum
St Mary's Church (Mariakirken)
Bergen's oldest surviving building, the beautiful stone Church of St Mary's, dates from the 12th century. The interior is decorated with old frescoes and a splendid Baroque pulpit
St Mary's Church (Mariakirken)
Bergen's oldest surviving building, the beautiful stone Church of St Mary's, dates from the 12th century. The interior is decorated with old frescoes and a splendid Baroque pulpit donated by the Hanseatic merchants in 1676.
The twin towers of the church are distinctive among the low red-tiled roofs of the old quarter. St Mary's is constructed mainly of soapstone and the architectural style is predominantly Romanesque.
The Church of St Mary's is the only one surviving of 12 churches and three monasteries built around the time of Bergen's foundation. Its survival is mainly due to the fact that it was the chosen place of worship for the wealthy German merchants of Bergen, whose patronage ensured it never fell into ruin.
Like many buildings in Bergen, St Mary's has been damaged by several fires through the centuries and has therefore been repaired and renovated. But even considering these slight alterations, the structure remains remarkably intact and has ultimately changed very little through the ages.
The church is an active place of worship and those wanting to attend services will find them listed on the website below. Sightseeing visitors are also welcome.
Website bergendomkirke.no
Lillehammer
Lillehammer is best known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics and the area does offer excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. In fact, Lillehamm
Lillehammer
Lillehammer is best known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics and the area does offer excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. In fact, Lillehammer is considered Norway's oldest winter sports resort.
Lillehammer is picturesque, overlooking Lake Myosa and surrounded by mountains. The village transforms from season to season: a beautiful frozen world in winter and a lush green valley in summer.
In the cold, snowy months, visitors can find some of the best cross-country ski trails in northern Europe at nearby Nordseter and Sjusjoen, and a great ski centre at Hafjell. Lillehammer itself is a very small ski resort, with only about 630 feet (192 metres) of vertical descent and wonderful hiking opportunities in the summer months.
This small town has other attractions too, including Maihaugen, the largest open-air museum in Norway; the 12th-century Garmo Stave Church; and the PS Skibladner paddle steamer. The picturesque main street of Lillehammer is not to be forgotten, lined with charming 19th-century wooden houses. There is a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and accommodation in Lillehammer.
Website en.lillehammer.com
Sognefjord
Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway and the second longest in the world, stretching 127 miles (205km) from the coast to the village of Skjolden. Sheer cliffs rise to heights
Sognefjord
Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway and the second longest in the world, stretching 127 miles (205km) from the coast to the village of Skjolden. Sheer cliffs rise to heights of 3,300 feet (1,000m) and more above the water.
In addition to some of the most dramatic and magnificent scenery in the world, Sognefjord contains or provides access to many of Norway's most famous tourist attractions. These include three popular national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and much more.
Sognefjord offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors: travellers can see, touch and even walk on one of the largest glaciers in Europe in the Jostedalsbreen National Park; investigate numerous heritage treasures, like the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church in Luster, the oldest church in Norway; marvel at the thundering waterfalls, wild rivers and pristine mountain lakes that feed into the fjord; and explore the steep mountains on either side of Sognefjord, which boast an impressive network of hiking, climbing and skiing trails.
Gorgeous, mostly dry summers and mild winters mean that the fjord can be explored at any time of year, depending on desired activities and adventures. Popular activities in and around Sognefjord include cycling, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing, kayaking, river rafting, skiing, and canyoning. But those who just want to sit back and enjoy the splendid scenery can take one of the many fjord cruises or even enjoy a train trip.
Website www.sognefjord.no/en