Sandwiched between mountains, fjords and the sea, historic Bergen’s charm is working wonders for its reputation as a great short break destination, says Andy Hoskins
Bergen 48 hours FACTFILE
Essential info Getting there: Direct services to Bergen vary between summer and winter timetables. Norwegian, bmi, SAS, Wideroe and Eastern Airways operate from airports in London, the North of England and Scotland. Flybe is the latest carrier to launch services to Bergen, taking off from March 25 with a three-times weekly service from Newcastle.
www.visitbergen.com www.visitnorway.com
The Bergen Card This useful pass offers free or discounted entry to a range of attractions, museums, restaurants and services and is available as a 24- or 48-hour pass (around £22 or £28), online or at numerous locations in the city. It also entitles the holder to half-price fares on the Floibanen Funicular, free bus travel around the city, discounted guided tours and up to 50 per cent off some boat trips in the area.
Where to stay Try the Clarion Collection’s Hotel Havnekontoret. It’s a great boutique hotel, stylishly decorated and, what’s more, it’s located right on the waterfront at the end of the colourful wharf. Room rates include breakfast and an evening buffet, helping
to keep costs down.
www.choicehotels.no
steeply from the waters below, Bergen’s impressive setting is only part of its multifaceted appeal.
L Its wealth of art galleries and museums,
a busy summer schedule of outdoor events and a fascinating maritime history were recognised when Bergen was named a European Capital of Culture in 2000, immediately enhancing its reputation as a great city break destination. What’s more, it’s also easily accessed
by direct flights from a number of UK airports, ticking yet another box for those weighing up its merits. Bergen might be Norway’s second
largest city – after capital city, Oslo – but it feels more like a large town, with the majority of its main tourist attractions within easy walking distance of each other. Its busy harbour and charming old town, Bryggen, are bursting with character, with a colourful waterfront façade concealing around 60 bright wooden buildings and a
ocated on a natural harbour in the heart of Norway’s fjordland and penned in by seven mountains rising
maze of alleyways, shops and museums. Although fires have ravaged the former
homes and warehouses of Bryggen several times down the years, they originally date from the 14th to 16th century when Bergen was a major player in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. Today, these historic buildings are one of Norway’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Down by the sea The historic wharf is the first stopping point for most visitors, with its Hanseatic Museum – set within one of the historic buildings – presenting a good insight into Bergen’s heritage as a major trading settlement. The Bryggens Museum helps complete the picture with its displays of mediaeval remains – they were revealed during archaeological excavations after fire swept through the city in 1955. Visit Bergen lists nearly 50 historic
sites, museums and galleries among its attractions, including top picks such as the Natural and Cultural History Collections, the Maritime Museum and the Bergen Art
Musuem, set around a lake in the city centre. Popular with kids, meanwhile, are the Bergen Aquarium and the Vilvite Science Centre. See the panel on the left for details on discounted or free admission with the Bergen Card. Easily the most popular free attraction in
the harbour is the fish market. Visitors shouldn’t leave without trying a bowl of delicious fish soup at one of the many makeshift cafes – but, as with the rest of the country, it’s not cheap! A short walk away is the Floibanen
Funicular, another of the city’s ‘must-do’ features. With departures every 15 minutes, the Funicular takes passengers 320 metres up the mountainside for impressive views of the city and the fjords and mountains beyond.
Above and beyond Beyond the harbour front and historic wharf, a series of quaint, narrow streets climb the steep mountainside, so visitors should consider getting off the Funicular half-way down to go in search of a cosy
18 March/April 2012 •
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