Known as the city of seven mountains, Bergen is a coastal outpost on the upper reaches of the Norwegian North Sea. Sitting on the Byfjorden fjord and surrounded by mountains, Norway’s second-largest city is minutes from nature. The city is relatively small, walkable, and famous for the leaning rows of historic, pastel-colored buildings and wooden alleyways in Bryggen, a harbor district and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four KODE museums dedicated to Scandinavian art and design, contemporary art, and the painter Edward Munch cluster around Lake Lungegard in the town's center.
Visit in summer from May to Sep. for daylight, sunny days, and mild weather. Mid-June to Aug. is Norway’s short-lived high season with larger crowds and higher prices. While Bergen’s weather is fickle, it’s mild by Norwegian standards—winter skiing abounds inland. The Bergen International Festival celebrates music and culture from late May to early June.
Bergen is relatively small and very walkable—from the historic wharf to the Revurtjernet viewpoint on Mt. Fløyen (reachable via the Fløibanen funicular railway from Bryggen). Take advantage of first-rate public transportation: You can travel via Bergen Light Rail, called "Bybanen" in Norwegian, and on buses within the city and region. The train ride from Oslo to Bergen is beautiful and drops you in the middle of town.
While the northern lights make occasional appearances, Bergen itself is not the best place to spot them. However, travelers on the hunt for beautiful scenery should not fear. There are viewpoints all around the mountain and fjord-laden region—the easiest to reach being Mt. Fløyen, one of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Head for the Fløibanen funicular station in Bryggen. From there, it’s a short ride to the summit with easy access to hiking trails and viewpoints popular with locals.
