What to See and Do in Bergen
Sights Bergen is situated around the historic harbour area. The centre has a fairly compact layout and most areas of interest are within walking distance. Bryggen (the wharf area) is right in the middle of the quayside, close to the fish market. The Hanseatic Museum: Housed in one of the best-preserved merchant buildings, this museum you a good idea of how the traders lived and worked. There are storerooms, rooms for drying fish and offices, as well as living quarters, all decorated in period detail. The Bryggens Museum: This is the site of one of the biggest archaeological excavations in Europe. Exhibits dating back 800 years give a glimpse into the life of medieval Bergen. Mariakirken: One of Bergen’s oldest building, this stone church with twin towers dating from the 12th century is built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Culture: Take in a performance at Den Nationale Scene, Bergen’s main theatre, listen to the impressive Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra perform at Grieghallen or visit the Bergen Art Museum by lake Lille Lungegardsvann, which has a large collection of work by celebrated, Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. If you are interested in learning more about the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, take a trip to Troldhaugen, in the suburbs, where you can visit his home and a museum dedicated to his life and work. Rosenkrantz Tower: Opposite the harbour, this was built in the 1560s as a residence and fortified tower by the governor, and houses the Maritime Museum, which chronicles Norway’s shipping history and has several Viking ship displays. Museum of Natural History and Museum of Cultural History: The former has displays of stuffed animals, minerals and a botanic garden. The latter holds exhibits on the urban and rural history of western Norway, including Viking displays. Food & drink Being a port city, the best restaurants in Bergen tend to specialise in fish and seafood. Excellent (and expensive) restaurants can be found in Bryggen. For more reasonably priced food, try one of the informal café-bars, where you can combine drinking with a light meal. Several trendy café-bars can be found around Ole Bulls Plass, a few blocks away from the harbour. Try Bergen’s own Hansa beer at one of the many traditional pubs or bars. Back to Bergen
