Norway’s second largest city is the gateway to the country’s largest fjords, but it also has great apple orchards, national parks, a picturesque harbor that is a UNESCO World Heritage, and a lively cultural scene. Bergen is actually a college town with 10% of the residents attending the university. The University of Bergen is an internationally recognized research facility, especially in the areas of marine science, climate and global health.

Interested in visiting a stone fortress, fjords that stretch for miles with gorgeous scenery and art museums considered the best of any Nordic country? Then Bergen is for you and GetAway Travel will help you get there.

Historic coastal location

 Oslo is the gateway to Norway, but Bergen is the gateway to the country’s amazing fjords. Bergen’s history goes back to the 14th century Hanseatic League’s trading empire.

Bryggen, the harbor district of Bergen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tall, skinny townhouses frame the wharf. The colorful, wooden houses remind visitors that Bryggen was once a trading center. The tiny alleys between the houses are lined with eclectic artisan shops where visitors can get amazing pottery, jewelry, artwork as well as textile and leather crafts.

The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene has exhibits that detail the lives and work of the merchants who traded here.

Travel further into the city and take the Fløubanen Funicular, a cable car railway, up to the top of  Mount Fløyen for spectacular views of the harbor and city. There’s also the Troll Forest with its hidden troll sculptures as well as a restaurant, cafe and gift shop.

Since the 1200s, Bergen’s fish market has been a meeting place for fishermen and merchants. Find fresh fish, seafood, produce, baked goods, handicrafts, souvenirs, food stalls and restaurants here.

The Bergenhus Fortress stands guard at the entrance to Bergen’s harbor. The main building of the fortress is Norway’s first castle, built between 1242 and 1261. It was also a royal residence. Check out King Håkon’s Hall, climb the Rosenkrantz Tower for breathtaking views of the city and the on-site museum has exhibits and artifacts detailing the history of the fortress.

The Kode Art Museum is one of the largest museums for art, design and music in the Nordic countries.

It is actually a collection of four galleries with artwork from classic Norwegian painters as well as contemporary international art exhibits. Kode 1 has 19th century Norwegian artworks including works by Edvard Munch. The Kode complex includes historic homes like Troldhaugen, the some of composer Edvard Grieg and Lysøen, the villa that violinist Ole Bull called home.

The fabulous fjords

The country’s most memorable fjords are in the Bergen area. Don’t think of a fjord as a rut carved into the ground by a glacier. Think steep cliffs, crystal clear deep blue water, towering cliffs and lush greenery and you’ll realize why Norway has fjords that are called the king and queen of fjords.

The juxtaposition of waterfalls, greenery and snow-capped mountains is awe-inspiring.

Hardangerfjord is the country’s second largest fjord and considered the queen of fjords. It is flanked by picturesque fruit orchards and waterfalls. Quaint little villages, Eidfjord, Lofthaus and Ulvik are near the fjord.

The King of fjords is Sognefjord and the longest beautiful stretch of the fjord is called Nærøyfjord which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The longest and deepest fjord is best viewed on a boat tour or on the Flåm Railway.

Some other Norway options

Alesund is chock full of colorful, charming homes. It is known as the adventure capital of the fjords. It sits among several islands with the majestic Summøre Mountains rising in the back. Early in the 20th century, a fire burned for 16 hours throughout the town destroying the entire city center. Three years of rebuilding with care taken to include art nouveau architecture earned Alesund a membership in the “Résean Art Nouveau Network.”

The starting point for fjord exploration is Flåm. The Flåm Railway takes you through steep mountains, into valleys and past cascading waterfalls for truly memorable views. Visit the Aegir Brewery and sample craft beer inspired by Viking traditions.

Tromso is the gateway to the Arctic. This vibrant city is known as the best place to experience Northern Lights. Located just above the Arctic Circle, it is home to what is billed as the world’s northernmost brewery. The Mack Brewery also has 12 Norwegian beers on tap.

The Tronsdalen Church or Arctic Cathedral is a vision of striking architecture. It is shaped like a shard of ice. In addition to the stunning exterior, the glass mosaics in the interior are impressive.

Ulvik is on the shores of the Hardangerfjord. It is a beautiful city, especially in the spring when the apple, cherry and pear trees are all in bloom. It is known as the “Fruit Garden of Norway.”

Try traveling the Fruit and Cider Route and you can tour local farms and taste freshly made ciders and other regional products.

Are the fjords of Norway calling you? GetAway Travel can help you answer. We can be reached at: (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel