Bergen, Norway is a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture. If you want to explore the beautiful hometown of the great Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, you should experience it the way a patriotic native does it. Learn about five authentic ways to connect with native Bergen, Norway.
Let the capital of Western Norway tempt you with Edvard Munch, musical entertainment and mountain experiences close to the city center. See the city’s world-famous and hidden art and cultural treasures. The nature of western Norway is captivating by itself, and Bergen is the city with deep traces of the old days, and at the same time modern and vibrant. According to the inhabitants, Bergen is a suitably large city.
The Wharf
Bryggen (the wharf) in Bergen is one of the best-known urban areas from the Middle Ages (12th century) in all of Norway. A fire in 1702 reduced the whole city to ashes but Bryggen was rebuilt on its foundations and is thus basically unchanged and included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Take your time and stroll along the old buildings, enjoy the charming shops and excellent restaurants. Exploring the area is relaxing as well as food for thoughts.
Fløibanen Funicular
Another of Norway’s best-known attractions is the Fløibanen funicular. A ten-minute walk from the heart of Bergen, you find the lower station, and a buggy will take you the steep way up to Fløyen, 320m above sea level, with the most spectacular view over the Bergen area.
Charming walkways
But please, don’t take the Fløibanen back down again. Use this opportunity to walk down the charming twisting and turning walkway to central Bergen. It will take you around one hour walking, including taking photographs and enjoying the view over the city and wonderful sights of charming old wooden buildings.
There are many benches along the route, placed so that you can really take in the great view. Almost at the bottom, you can spot the lovely Skansedammen which is popular for skating during wintertime.
A walk in the wooden house area around Skansen and Skuteviken or on Nordnes is a matter of course for a Bergen resident with his heart in the right place. Skansen is located close to the lower Funicular station. At Skansen, you can also see the charming old wooden fire-watchers’ station. The Nordnes park is a popular hiking destination and the Bergen Aquarium is nearby.
Authentic Norwegian Seafood
Don’t miss a visit to Søstrene Hagelin (the Hagelin Sisters) and try one of their authentic Norwegian seafood classics from their original 1929 recipes. There are plenty of interesting eateries in Bergen.
Artistic Bergen
Modern Bergen has also a lot to offer. USF Verftet is located in a former sardine factory building where you’ll find five venues for presentations of music, theatre, films and contemporary arts. There are also several artist studios and offices in the building. Bergen is a city of art and artists.
If you really want to get to know Bergen and its pulse, including the city’s attractions, you need more than a short visit. But Bergen is worth it!
Five Authentic Ways To Connect With Native Bergen, Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © Fjord Norway