The Enthralling ‘Fjord Country’ Bergen, Norway

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The Western Norway region is the most beautiful part of the country with its majestic mountains, enchanting fjords and fascinating landscape. It is most rightly called the ‘Fjord Country’ because of the mesmerizing fjords that are found here while two of the many fjords are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Bergen is the second largest city in the country and the administrative center of Hordaland County and is situated on the south-western coast of the County. It is a city rich in culture besides it has an abundance of natural beauty surrounding it that makes it one of the most attractive cities in Norway. Flanked by seven hills on one side and the coastline on the other, Bergen has a lot to offer tourists in way of sightseeing.

First signs of settlements in the city date back to the Middle Age while the vibrant Hanseatic Wharf, Bryggen offers a view of the first buildings built here. The attractive waterside is marked by colorful buildings with parts of the old harbor and remains of old houses still in place. This part of the Hanseatic Wharf is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The 400 year old Hanseatic merchant settlement takes you through long and slim alleyways while the Hanseatic Museum and the Schøtstuene give you a glimpse of how the merchants lived and worked here centuries ago.

Bryggen Museum gives an insight into life in the Middle Age while St Mary’s Church next to it, is the oldest in Bryggen. Also you will find the Theta Museum here, which is dedicated to the Resistance Movement that took place during World War II. Other interesting historical sites are the Rosenkrantz Tower built in 1270 and extended several times, as a strong fortification displaying the power of the Hanseatic merchants. Lying adjacent to the tower is the Royal residence with its famous banqueting hall, the Håkon’s Hall built in 1247 and 1261. A 12th century church, Fantoft Stave Church near Troldhaugen has been rebuilt in its original design after it was raised to the ground in a huge fire in 1992.

The Damsgård Manor and the Aløven Country Mansion are two elegant eighteenth century Manor houses that have been converted to Museums. The Old Bergen Museum displays 40 wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries in an open air museum. The Edvard Grieg Museum, home of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg is a splendid museum exhibiting the life and works of the renowned composer. Also one can visit the Bergen Art Museum, the West Norway Museum of Decorative art and the Bergen Contemporary Art Center. If you are visiting with family, a trip to the Bergen Aquarium would be a fine treat for your children.

A ride on the Fløibanen Funicular from the heart of the city to the Fløien Mountain gives you a spectacular view of the city, the enticing fjords and the vast coastline from atop the hill. Talking about the fjords, your trip would be incomplete if you didn’t take a tour of them. There are several excursions available that will take you through the magical fjords offering breathtaking views. Other outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, trekking, fishing, kayaking, rafting and a number of other sports. Bergen offers great nightlife and interesting restaurants, nightclubs, bistros and bars. You will also find plenty of small to large department stores where you can shop.

Bergen is well connected to all parts of Norway, as well as is a great cruise destination. One can get here either by sea, land, rail or air, giving you all options to get to this enthralling city in the Fjord Country.