JC. Princen Norway Travel Guide | A sprawling but charming town, Bergen has long been a major fishing and trade centre, and is still an important hub for the shipping industry.
Arriving
Bergen airport is 20 km (12 miles) from the city centre, and well served by public bus, airport shuttle bus and taxi.
Moving on
The ferry to Trondheim sails daily and takes about a day and a half. Alternatively, get an overnight train or bus (14–15 hours), or fly (1 hour)
Day 1 in Bergen
Morning
Begin the day by investigating the oldest and prettiest part of Bergen, the Bryggen, where a string of old timber buildings overlooks the harbourfront. Drop into one of the best preserved, the Hanseatiske Museum,where German merchants once held sway. Spend time in the Bryggens Museum, which is packed with archaeological finds dug out of the Bergen mud, and call in at the Mariakirken, the city’s oldest and most engaging church. Round off the morning by wandering around the fortifications of the Bergenhus castle and park before clambering up the Rosenkrantztårnet for the views over the harbour.
Afternoon
Detour out to one of the region’s most popular attractions, Trondhaugen, celebrated across Norway as the one-time home of the composer Edvard Grieg. Visit the house, which has changed little since Grieg’s death in 1907 and wander around the museum that traces Grieg’s life and times. If possible, try to arrange your visit to coincide with a performance at the concert hall.
Day 2 in Bergen
Morning
Delve into the wooded, rocky valley ssurrounding Bergen en routeto the tiny quay at Buena Kai, where you catch the passenger ferry over to Lysøen, once the island hidey-hole ofthe violinist Ole Bull. Take theguided tour of Bull’s ornate villa and enjoy the tales associated with this famous musician.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon wandering the lively streets of downtown Bergen, popping into the city’s most interesting art museum, the Rasmus Meyer Collection, which forms one distinct part of the Bergen Kunst museum. Round off the day by taking the little funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, from where there are wonderful views over the city and a network of easy footpaths into the surrounding forest.
