Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and offers travellers plenty of sightseeing, including the popular and colourful UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen with old wooden houses by the harbour. Bergen has been an important trading port and was once Norway’s capital during the 12th and 13th century. Its vibrant fish markets still captivate the interests of travellers today as do the many museums and places of interest found throughout the city. With good connections both by land and sea, you can arrive and depart Bergen by ferry or rail to some of its neighbouring suburbs or Scandinavian neighbouring countries.

While staying at one Bergen’s hotels, soak in the history and culture of this charming city by participating in some sightseeing, taking in the fantastic views offered, such as from the cable cars. Car hire will assist you in getting around and further, and being the gateway to the fjords, you can even take a cruise ship from Bergen and head north into Norway or perhaps a rail tour where spectacular scenery and views await. Escorted and non escorted tours include Bergen, still giving you the chance to experience this coastal city surrounded by mountains and then fjords.

See:

• Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuence – the museum and the Hanseatic assembly rooms capture the life of Hanseatic merchants, and it is the only building with original interiors from the period. 

• Bryggens Museum – Captures life in the middle ages due archaeological finding in the excavations of Bryggen. 
  
• St Mary’s Church – This is Bergen’s oldest building, a Romanesque church from the early 12th century, containing Baroque decorative art.
  
• Rosenkrantz Tower - Built in 1560 this Renaissance building has also served as royal residence.
  
• Hakon’s Hall – Dating back to as early as 1247 this hall has served its purpose on many important occasions throughout history, and in the 13th century it was the largest building of the royal residency.

Experience:

• The Hanseatic wharf Bryggen – On the Hanseatic wharf Bryggen you can find some very colourful old wooden buildings, which today are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

• Fish Markets – In Bryggen, the fish market is teeming with tourist and locals, you can experience the bustling sales as they happen.
  
• Bergen Aquarium – Depicting life in the ocean and the fjords, meet the local and international sea life. 
  
• Floibanen Funicular – Ride for about 7 minutes to the top of Mount Floyen, 320 metres above sea level, boasting magnificent views of Bergen and its suburbs. Once on top, a range of walking activities over the mountains are possible or perhaps relax and soak in the view from the cafe or restaurant while children explore the playground.

Secrets of the city:

• The Bergen city card offers many good discounts and sometimes free entry to places of interest. You can also take advantage of the free bus and light rail transport, Bybane, within the city limits.

• Further your sightseeing experience in Bergen with day trips to visit some of the interesting and important places in the surrounding areas. A very popular one being to Edvard Grieg Museum, the home of the famous Norwegian composer, in Troldhaugen.
  
• Explore Norway further from Bergen where you can; embark on a cruise ship on a coastal voyage of western Norway; take a rail tour into the fjord area or perhaps head by ferry to another destination nearby.