 Bergen OverviewThe historic city of Bergen was medieval Norway's capital, and
is today an international tourist centre and gateway to the Fjords.
It has a spectacular setting on a sheltered harbour of the North
Sea, situated among seven hills that form a delightful backdrop to
the brightly painted wooden houses along the waterfront, and is one
of Norway's most enjoyable cities. Bergen's history is closely linked to the sea. It became a major
trading port of the medieval merchants of the Hanseatic League, who
dominated European trade during the Middle Ages. The hub of the
city's social life is around the Torget, the picturesque
harbour-side market plaza that is surrounded by an assortment of
cafes, restaurants and pubs, and home to the vibrant fish market.
Flanking one side of the harbour is a colourful row of old wooden
houses, part of the historic wharf area and the remaining influence
of the Hanseatics, from where narrow cobbled streets wind their way
up between the quaint houses of the picturesque old
neighbourhood. The city centre is divided into two parts: the old Hanseatic
town along the wharf area and the modern centre stretching inland
from the harbour. It has a pleasant, slow pace and a cultured
atmosphere with numerous interesting museums, galleries, an
aquarium and surviving medieval buildings. A cable car and a
funicular carry visitors to the top of two of Bergen's hills, Mount
Ulriken and Mount Fløyen, to enjoy splendid views over the city and
coast. Mount Fløyen is covered in forest with a well-marked series
of walking trails. Boat trips to the fjords are very popular and
the excellent 'Norway in a Nutshell' package tour provides a
spectacular glimpse of Norway's scenery in a day, for those short
on time. |
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