Bergen is easily accessible. Bergen airport has a large number of direct flights and international connections as well as 32 arrivals from Oslo every weekday. As the gateway to the Fjords of Norway – “the world’s best unspoiled travel destination” – Bergen is a major tourist hub with many hotels. We have the famous Bryggen, which is on the UNESCO world heritage list, famous art from Munch and others, and the home of composers like Grieg in the city center. Bergen is also the starting point of many wonderful excursions – long and short.
Bergen today is an international city, packed with history and tradition. Ever since King Olav Kyrre sailed into the charming harbour and founded the city in the year 1070, Bergen has attracted people from all over the world. It became an important European trading city in the 14th century when the Hanseatic merchants opened one of their four offices on the wharf at Bryggen, making Bergen a European hub of commerce, seafaring and craftsmanship.
Today, Bryggen is a reminder of the city’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League, and it has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A stroll through the back streets of Bryggen brings you back to the Middle Ages, since a lot of the architecture has been preserved or rebuilt as it originally was. Several museums provide a deeper sense of the history of Bryggen and what is has meant for the people of Bergen and Norway as a nation.
The fjords are Scandinavia’s biggest attraction, and they attract visitors from all over the world. Bergen and the surrounding region are situated in the heart of the world-famous fjords. It is no accident that the fjords in our region are included on UNESCO’s famous World Heritage List. Situated between the world’s longest fjord and one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord.
FACTS ABOUT BERGEN
The Bergen region has a fantastic coastline with thousands of islands and a buzzing cultural scene. There are many possibilities for people looking for active experiences. The island archipelago and the majestic fjords make for highly varied scenery.
Waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides, snow glitters on the mountain tops and lush green pastures line the fjords. Lovely small villages line the fjords like a string of pearls and fi shing villages cling to the shoreline. This is a land of contrasts – from gentle and mild to rugged and wild – all natural and unspoiled. The scenery is not just something to be admired – combine the fantastic scenery with some of the huge range of invigorating and exciting activities on offer. Visit some of the countless islands out at the coast. Wonder at the drama of mountains and glaciers reflected in the still, deep water of the fjords. Admire the green hills and try some local delicacies.
Bergen is the portal to world-famous natural tourist attractions. It is also a global maritime industry hub and a rising clean energy centre, with a focus on hydro and wind power.
SEVEN WONDERS OF NATURE
With its direct access to the famous Norwegian fjords – one of the world’s “Seven Wonders of Nature” – Bergen attracts a growing number of tourists from around the world. The city has Norway’s largest cruise ship port of call and starting point of the iconic Hurtigruten coastal route and Viking Cruises’ Scandinavian cruises. The fjords was named “world’s best unspoiled travel destination” by National Geographic Magazine.
WELL-KEPT TREASURES
Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic-era quayside, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings are a significant part of the historic wooden city of Bergen, and reminds us of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the 16th century.
The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra dates back to 1765, and is one of the world’s oldest orchestras. Edvard Grieg had a close relationship with the orchestra, serving as Artistic Director for two years.