This handsome Hanseatic town amid the western fjords of Norway provides an exhilarating mix of cultural venues, staggering landscapes and a well-developed network of fjord cruises and outdoor activities. A Bergen weekend, can be expensive. You can buy a Bergen card which includes transport on busses and on the Bergen light railway. It also entitles you to discounts off many organised trips such as cruises and free entry to certain museums and churches. However, you may want to do the maths depending on what you would like to include.
Our suggestions for an active and culture strewn Bergen weekend
Walking tour of historic Bergen town
Bryggen and the fishmarket make a good starting point for any walking tour of Bergen. Check out our walking tour of Bergen city here for an enchanting walk around the old streets of Bergen, evocative of centuries of seafaring history.
Cultural venues in Bergen
From Reykjavik to Riga the list of museums and art galleries in these northern cities is impressive. Bergen is no different. In a short weekend, therefore the difficulty is in choosing. From the Hanseatic museum in Bryggen to the Knitting museum in Salhus much further away, there is a great choice and variety available. We chose the small museum at Trollhaugen as Grieg is one of our favourite composers. In choosing an art venue you couldn’t choose better by visiting the Bergen Art Museum that is located centrally on lake Lille Lungegadsvann a short walk from the terminus of the Bergen light railway. It actually comprises several museums, Kode 1-4 featuring distinct collections. For example, Kode 3 has a collection of some Edvard Munch’s best-known works. Check out the galleries website for up to date information here.
Mount Floyen and Mount Ulriken
Mount Floyen is the closest to Bergen and like Mount Ulriken, they both have funiculars that help you reach the top. It is also possible to walk between the two hills over a day giving stunning views of the fjords, Bergen city and on a good day the Folgefonna National Park with its glacier.
If the weather is poor or you haven’t got the necessary hiking gear and waterproofs opt for the funicular and walk down the mountains. From Floyen you get wonderful viewpoints of the fjords and Bergen city. The air is crystal clear, a far cry from Southern England, the gurgling streams and drip drip from the aromatic pine trees heavenly. It is therefore not surprising the Mount Floyen is a beacon for local keep-fit enthusiasts and there are many of them. Fortunately only few tourists choose to hike down the mountain.
Fjord cruise to Mostraumen
This 3-hour long cruise departs from the pier next to Bergen fishmarket. It’s a great way to visit remote communities and experience the silence of the fjords. What did surprise us was the number of isolated communities in what appeared to be some pretty inhospitable terrain. In August, the landscape was drenched by incessant rain, no doubt turning to snow in the winter months. The fjords therefore act as the highway for these isolated communities. In addition, Norwegian engineering has come to the rescue connecting islands by bridges, one of the longest being the floating Nordhordland Bridge which connects Bergen to Mostraumen. Our cruise took us under the bridge from where the laterally unanchored pontoons are visible.
The initial low-lying hills of the fjords around Bergen gives way to much steeper and narrower sections. Here the boat had to slow to a crawl to prevent the wash from destroying small communities around the shores. There were waterfalls a plenty. Indeed, one gimmick was to take the boat right up to a waterfall, fill up a bucket and give us all a drink of ‘fresh’ but slightly tinged water.
There were also many fish farms in the fjords. Norwegian salmon in particular like many other salmon farms around the world are having their reputations challenged. Our destination, Mostraumen, was typical of an isolated fjord community, pristine red and white buildings nestled amongst green rolling hills. Gushing white waterfalls charging down to the fjord and today low clouds broken by small rays of sunshine. The views definitely worth it, and with a Bergen card you get 20% off the price of the cruise.
Trollhaugen, home of Edvard Grieg (18403-1907)
Trollhaugen or ‘Trolls Hill’, is the country home of Norway’s greatest composer Edvard Grieg. Situated on the shores of the Nordas Lake, this became Nina and Edvard Grieg’s home since their visit in 1885. Visitors to Trollhaugen can visit the ground floor of his home. This is said to remain as it was in 1907 when Grieg died. One can also visit the little red hut on the lake’s shores where Grieg composed some of his greatest works, the museum and concert hall built in 1995. It is also his final resting place. During the summer, it is also possible to attend a short 30-minute concert given by a renowned Norwegian pianist in a concert hall that overlooks the little red hut and the lake. Check out www.troldhaugen.com, for the current programme of recitals.
It makes an idyllic setting and the inspiration for his music is all around – in the fjords, rolling hills and forests of this area.
Nangle angle
Add on an extra day or two to visit the Hardangervidda or Folgefonna National Parks.
Nangle facts & tips
Thon hotels and Comfort hotels have ethical and/or sustainable credentials for a better night’s sleep.
