An A-Z of Bergen
New to Bergen? We have compiled an A-Z of places to see and useful information about the city.
A- Aquarium
Bergen Aquarium is the city’s largest collection of exotic living species and houses Norway’s only shark tunnel.
B - Bryggen
Bryggen |
This old wharf dates back to the 14th century, and has been designated a UNESCO heritage centre. As you walk through the small alleys between the houses you’ll be thrown back in time.
C – Culture
Bergen is the cultural hub of Norway. With one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world, nationally and internationally renowned artists, museums, galleries, exhibitions and festivals; you’ll never be bored in Bergen!
D - Danmarksplass
Bergen’s largest traffic junction has one ray of sunshine: Bien Bar. This café come bar is located in a former chemist serving lots of character and great food. Worth a visit!
E - Edvard Grieg
Edvarg Grieg is probably the most famous composer, Norwegian Romantic and citizen of Bergen throughout the ages. Troldhaugen next to Lake Nordås was his home from 1885 and is now a museum celebrating his life and musical achievements.
F – Fløyen
The most famous tourist attraction in Bergen. This mountain is (practically) located in the middle of the city. If you don’t fancy the walk to the top, you can always take the funicular which only takes a few minutes.
G – Gingerbread city
The Gingerbread City of Bergen |
Every Advent one of the world’s largest Gingerbread cities is constructed in Bergen. A vandal razed the Gingerbread city in 2009, and news of the destruction reached every corner of the globe. Luckily the whole city rallied round, and the Gingerbread City was erected again in time for Christmas.
H- Hulen
One of the most characteristic clubs in Bergen. This cave was used as an air-raid shelter during the 2nd World War, and has been run as a club by students for the last forty years. With two stages and great ambience, this club is really worth a visit.
I – International
The history and development of Bergen are closely linked to trade routes at sea and a constant interaction with the outside world. The city is proud of its international heritage, and it probably has the most international student community in the whole of Norway.
In October, a number of festivals celebrate all things international with: Bergen International Music Festival, Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF) and International Week in Bergen.
J – “Jeg tok min nystemte”
This is the first line of the anthem of Bergen, a song which the average citizen of Bergen probably holds more closely to their heart than the national anthem of Norway!
K - Koengen
This outdoor concert arena is more or less adjacent to Bryggen. Every summer international stars grace Koengen with their presence. Recent headliners include: Coldplay, Kiss, Sting, Pink, Metallica, Iron Maiden and Stevie Wonder, to name but a few!
Little Lungegård Lake |
L – Little Lungegård Lake
The lake in the city centre with a fountain in the middle and a lawn around it. Particularly beautiful on a sunny day in May when the Cherry trees are in blossom.
Warning: Not a suitable place for swimming!!
M – Mountains
Bergen is surrounded by mountains. There are seven official mountains: Ulriken, Fløyen, Sandviksfjellet, Løvstakken, Rundemannen, Damsgårdsfjellet and Lyderhorn.
Every year in May the Bergen Mountain Hiking Association arranges the 7-Mountain trip. The route is approximately 35km with a total ascent of 2400m.
N – Nordnes Outdoor Swimming Pool
Located in Nordnes Park, this outdoor heated salt-water swimming pool has a history dating back some hundred years. It’s open from the middle of May until the end of August.
O – Olav Kyrre
King of Norway from 1066 – 1093, he founded Bergen in 1070.
P – Picturesque
Picturesque |
We probably have a vested interest, but we maintain that Bergen is the most picturesque city in the whole of Norway. So remember your camera!
Q – Quiz
In Bergen there are plenty of opportunities to test your grey cells every night of the week. That’s right: You’ll find a quiz here every night!
R – Rain
You’ve probably heard the rumours: in Bergen it rains…..and it rains….and then it rains some more. But don’t worry, even on rainy days the sun often peeps through. Oh and one more thing, umbrellas here are pretty much shared ownership, so if you leave yours somewhere expect someone else to have ‘adopted’ it.
S – Stoltzekleiven
If you like to test yourself and are reasonably fit, you might ‘enjoy’ a trip up Stoltzekleiven. Approximately 800 steps take you some 313 metres above sea- level. The route itself is 910 metres, and the gradient varies from 20 – 40%.
Every year in September, there is a race to the top and the current best time from men is 8m 13s, and 9m 54s for women.
T – The Blue Stone
The Blue Stone is a very popular meeting point for the city’s inhabitants, and is located at the end of Torgallmenningen under the large clock.
U – Ulriken
Ulriken is one of Bergen’s official seven mountains, and is the roof of Bergen at 643 metres above sea-level. You can reach the summit by foot or by cable car and there is a restaurant at the top with great views over the whole of Bergen.
V – Vidden
Vidden |
This is the name for the mountain plateau stretching between Ulriken and Fløien. A popular place for hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter (weather permitting). As always in the mountains, pack wisely and be prepared for if the weather changes rapidly.
W – Wesselstuen
The childhood home of the Author and Poet Johan Herman Wessel is now a restaurant and bar, a stone’s throw away from the Blue Stone.
X – Xhibition
A shopping centre located in what used to be the old post office in Bergen. There is a restaurant at the top with a large roof terrace.
Y – yr.no
yr.no is an online weather service run by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. You'll probably find this link quite useful during your stay in Bergen!
Z –Zachariasbryggen
Next to Bryggen at the end of Vågen you will find Zachariasbryggen, also known as Zacchen. This building is full of restaurants and bars, and has a nice view over Vågen.
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