Scan Magazine

By Anna Maria Espsäter

Founded as early as 1070, Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, has long been one of the country’s most important centres for trade, shipping and culture. The old Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; some of Norway’s most stunning fjord landscape is only a short hop away; and this summer will see the likes of Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen take to the stage here. Bergen is the happening place to be!

Many nationalities have come to Bergen over the centuries – some to visit, some to make this place their home – and the city has an international vibe, perhaps even more so than the capital, Oslo. The German influence is evident in the old Hanseatic quarter and the city’s location by the sea gives it a laid-back feel. A sense of history is very palpable here and historical walks through old Bergen are one of the best ways to experience the city.

Easily accessible city life

Bergen’s centre is compact and stroller-friendly, its cobbled streets and alleyways perfect for exploring at leisure on foot. For those wanting to give their legs a rest, a boat trip around the harbour is another popular way of getting to grips with Bergen. The maritime heritage is well documented in several fascinating museums, from the Maritime to the Hanseatic Museum, or for something old-style, but very much alive and kicking, check out the Fish Market, still a buzzing hive of activity.

Bergen is also the birth place of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and his home, Troldhaugen, is now open as a museum. Every summer sees the “Grieg in Bergen” festival take over the city for almost 10 continuous weeks, when Bergen celebrates its most famous son. The city may appear to have one foot in the past, always in touch with its history, but culturally it’s firmly forward-looking, with a strong innovative vibe and it’s no coincidence that world-class stars on the music scene have been enticed to play Bergen this summer.

Nature on the doorstep

The great outdoors is never far away and nature forms just as important a part in the everyday lives of Bergensers as culture does. The proximity of the Norwegian fjords is perhaps Bergen’s biggest draw, with spectacular scenery right on the city’s doorstep. It’s possible to take a cruise to one of the nearby fjords, including the two most famous, Hardanger fjord and Sogne fjord. Another option is simply to hop on one of the many scheduled fjord ferries that ply the waters, some of which can accommodate cars if you want to take your own vehicle and explore further afield.

The area is also excellent for hiking during the summer months. A lovely, but somewhat strenuous hike, can be completed between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen. Although it’s possible to first trek to the top of the former, an easier way is to take the cable car up to Mount Ulriken and just hike between the two mountains. Some four hours should suffice to get from one to the other and then there’s another handy cable car taking you back down again. The views across the town and fjords are breath-taking and well worth what can sometimes be a sweaty ramble in the height of summer. Although Bergen isn’t always blessed with good weather, summers can get surprisingly warm.

A rewarding culinary treat

After indulging in such energetic pursuits, there’s nothing like settling down to a nice slap-up meal as a reward. Norwegian fish and seafood are justly famous and the restaurants in Bergen serve up some of the finest in the country. Cod, salmon, herring, brisling and lyed fish, accompanied by potatoes, pickled cucumbers, rye bread, all of it washed down with the potent tipple aquavit and you’re all set up for the following day’s activities.

Factbox:

For further information: www.visitbergen.com and www.visitnorway.com.

Information about Ulriken cable car: www.bergen-guide.com.

For flights from London Gatwick to Bergen: www.norwegian.no.