Bergen, located in the western coast of Norway, in the province of Hordaland, is the second largest city of the country and eight largest in the Nordic countries. Also the largest freight harbor of Nordic countries is located there. The city is built between seven mounds and seven fjords, and the center is in the harbor.

What to do and see in Bergen?

Bryggens Museum 

In the Bryggens Museum you can explore the findings made in the archaeological excavations in 1955 and the foundations of the oldest buildings of Bergen. The old wharf of Bergen, Bryggen, is a unique example of a medieval urban area, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1955, a fire destroyed part of the city, and in the subsequent excavations were found several medieval objects related to commerce, seafaring, handicrafts and everyday life. The oldest buildings of the area date from the 12^th century. There are a café, a souvenir shop and a cinema in the museum. From the museum are organized guided walking tours to the environment of Bryggen from 1 June to 31 August.

Hiking trips

Bergen is a popular attraction among hikers. On guided tours the mountains of the Bergen area are explored by walking through forests. The tour consists of uphill and downhill walking along well-marked paths. During the excursion the participants can learn about the Norwegian outdoor culture, flora and fauna. A little break is also included, during which local chocolate is served. The guides speak Norwegian and English. The start and end point is the Fløibanen Funicular top station. Among others, the famous Fløyen Mountain will be seen during the trip. You should take hiking shoes and good clothing with you. A wind jacket is recommended. The tour does not suite for children under 8 years old. Tickets can be booked in advance here: https://www.visitbergen.com/Templates/FjordNorge/Pages/floyen.no Also to 179 kilometers long Hardanger fjord is organized guided tours. These can be checked out here: https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/hardangerfjord-in-a-nutshell-p783163

Rosenkrantz Tower

The Rosenkrantz Tower is one of the most significant renaissance monuments in Norway. In its modern form it was designed by the owner of the Bergen Castle Erik Rosenkrantz in the 1560s. Some parts of the building date from the 1270s. The tower has been extended several times for the purposes of fortification and demonstration of power. The visitors can climb from the narrow and dark corridor up to the top of the tower, from which are spectacular views. The king Eirik Magnusson, who was the last king whose residence was in Bergen, lived there. He died in 1299. The cellar of the tower became later a prison which was in use until the 19^th century.

On 31, October there is held a glorious All Saints Day celebration. From 1 June to 15 September a café is open, from which you can get free coffee and tea included in your entrance ticket. Guided tours are offered in English and Norwegian from 24 June to 15 August.

Science Center VilVite

The Science Center VilVite is a fascinating attraction for the whole family, in which the visitors can discover over 100 exhibits. At weekends and during school holidays a science show and a 3D-film are displayed. There are 75 interesting interactive installations and experiments. You can, for example, bicycle in a 360 degrees loop, drill for oil, navigate a ship and imagine to be a meteorologist in TV. The main themes are weather, ocean and energy. Children under 3 years old have free entrance. More information: https://www.vilvite.no/english/experience-vilvite/

The Leprosy Museum

The St. George´s Lepracy Hospital, founded in the 15^th century, was in use until the middle of the 20^th century. During the years 1850 – 1900 there were three leprosy hospitals in Bergen. They had the largest concentration of patients in Europe. The newest buildings date from the 18^th century. The St. George´s Hospital is the oldest. It has a significant position in Norwegian work and research on leprosy. Leprosy is also known as Hansen´s disease, because a Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen discovered the leprosy bacillus in Bergen in 1873. The herb garden was founded in 1990s, and it is open during the opening hours of the museum.

Shopping 

• Bergen Storsenter is the largest shopping mall in the city center with almost 70 comprehensive shops. In the several services are included, for example, a pharmacy and a dentist.
• Galleriet is one of the most central shopping centers in Bergen, which has over 70 shops, several restaurants, a pharmacy and an art gallery. Seasonal exhibitions are held on the fourth floor.
• Kaffehuset Friele, founded in 1799, is Norway´s biggest coffee producer. In the outlet the visitors can explore the traditions and make excellent shopping.
• Julehuset is a Christmas shop open all the year round, from which can be bought traditional Norwegian Christmas products: baubles, Christmas lights, Christmas tree stands, Norwegian Santa Claus (“nisse”) figures, napkins, textiles, Christmas nativity scenes and everything else. In November and December the shop operates in two floors and outside the season in one floor.
• The silverfactory Arven is located in a historical environment between St. Mary´s Church and Bergenhus Fortress. The factory has the traditions of almost 150 years, and now it is opened for public for first time. There is also a magnificent gift shop in the building, from which can be bought jewelries. The visitors can experience gold- and silversmiths at work, and the factory also serves as a museum.
• Audhild Viken, founded in 1947, sells woven clothes such as jumpers and jackets. From there can also be found souvenirs.
• Haaland Sko, located in Strandgaten, offers a great selection of shoes as well for women, men as children from each price range.
• From the outlet of Janus, located in an old wooden building, can be bought knitwear. The factory is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Europe. The building dates from 1895.

Kuvat: CC-lisenssillä / Sveter , Jan’s fotoside , Svein-Magne Tunli – tunliweb.no