Bergen, historically Bjorgvin … second largest coastal city in Norway … surrounded by mountains, fjords, including Sognefjord, country’s longest, deepest, most beautiful fjord-city.
Where is it
Located on Bergenshalvoyen peninsular, west coast of Norway … area of 465 sq.km (180 sq miles).
Also known as ‘city of seven mountains’ … some of the extra-municipal suburbs are on islands.
Sheltered from North Sea by surrounding islands … Bergen enjoys relatively calm seas – ideal for coastal cruising !
Bergen history
Started as a trading post in early 1020s , named Bjorgvin “green meadow among mountains” … served as Norway’s capital in 13th century. Until 1789 Bergen enjoyed exclusive rights to mediate trade between Northern Norway and abroad.
Principal export traded is dried cod from northern Norway, since 1100.
Remains of the quay, Bryggen, World Heritage Site; centre for aquaculture, shipping, trading in early days, now an international centre for offshore petroleum industry, subsea technology and national centre for higher education, media, tourism and finance.
Bergen weather
Oceanic climate – mild summers, cold winters, plentiful rainfall all seasons, intermittent snowfall in winter.
Bergen is considered rainiest city in Europe, though not wettest on continent.
Mild winters, warm summers, proximity to The Gulf Stream gives Bergen long growing season with plant hardiness zone, prone to cloudiness year-round.
So, enjoy those sunny days when you can … never know what tomorrow will bring … cold … windswept … drizzling days !
Historic Bryggen
As part of restoration process, Bryggen, large portion destroyed by 1955 fire was restored and some of burned buildings reconstructed to preserve Bergen’s trading history.
Today, Bryggen substitutes trading house with trendy shops and cafes for visitors wishing to exercise some shopping therapy whilst in town.
Notice something? No billboards? Bet you did not know that billboards are banned in Bergen !
Bergen tourism
Tourism is an important income source – recognised as gateway to world-famous fjords of Norway, Bergen is Norway’s largest and Europe’s largest cruise ship ports of call.
Bergen Port is largest seaport in Norway, servicing over 300 cruise ships with over 500,000 visitors; handles over 60 million tonnes of cargo – 9th busiest cargo port in Europe.
Flesland, Bergen’s airport serves over 6 million passengers per year, hub for Scandinavian airlines with direct flights to over 20 domestic and over 50 international destinations.
Coastal express ships like Hurtingruten and Havila operate daily service along coast to Kirkenes. – imagine a bus service … except it is along the coastline.
How good is that !
You can literally hop on and off all along the coastal ports at leisure … Simply amazing !
Do you know that Bergen is one of the smallest cities in Europe to have both tram and trolleybus, with electric urban transport system still in operation ?
Floibanen, funicular which runs from city centre to Mount Floyen and Ulriksbanen is an aerial tramway which links to Mount Ulriken.
Take in fantastic views from top of Mount Floyen; both sea and hinterland views – just takes your breath away !
Especially so when sun is setting over horizon …
So much has changed – cosmopolitan Bergen – with Chinese, Indian, Thai, Middle eastern delights, amongst usual English, European offerings. Multi-cultural society surrounding ancient Nordic history.
Yet, so much remains unchanged – Bryggen being restored, fish market modernised but still offering fresh prawns, king crabs, variety of fish – cod, salmon, fish roe. Delicious bread, pastries baked daily …
Conclusion
Returning to Bergen after almost 50-year break is nostalgic.
Edward Greig, internationally renowned Norwegian composer, now stands in his birthplace, Bergen city.
Music pavilion … West Norway Museum of Decorative Art … Bergen Railway station … all stand majestically as landmarks of Bergen.
Visit Bergen … it’s just as enticing as ever !
