The gateway to Norway's incredible fjords
Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Fjords” for good reason. Situated between Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjord, and the majestic Hardangerfjord, this colourful city makes a great starting point for exploring Norway’s famously rugged coastline. Of course, there’s enough going on here that it’s a fabulous destination on its own.
Take a look around its beautiful location — overlooking the sea, surrounded by seven hills— and it’s not hard to understand why this city is one of Norway’s top attractions. The truth is, it’s always been a popular place. Once the capital of Norway before the Middle Ages, Bergen established itself as a Hanseatic port in Medieval times and has since been a thriving port city for centuries.
Whether you arrive here by car, train, plane or cruise ship, you won’t be disappointed by all that Bergen has to offer. The vibrant city centre boasts a wealth of cultural and historical attractions along with spectacular landscapes in every direction.
When you visit, make sure to bring good shoes for walking on the cobblestone alleys and occasional steep walkways of the old neighbourhoods. And don’t forget an umbrella, as Bergen gets some of the highest precipitation amounts in Norway. But even cloudy skies can't dampen the vivid colours of the city’s well-preserved buildings, particularly in the famous Bryggen area.
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