Bergen is the perfect Norwegian weekend travel destination whether you are looking to visit in summer or winter. Cruise ship visitors might have a fast in and out trip, but for the independent visitor what are the top 5 things to make sure you do over the course of a weekend?
Bryggen
First off is the very photogenic traditional Hanseatic Wharf area Bryggen where you can wander around many wooden built buildings. Whether you want to shop for Christmas decorations in the (claimed to be…) largest Christmas store in the world, which is open all year around, or head to one of the hidden away cafes and bars for a taste of aquavit, this very attractive area is a must to start your exploration of the city. You will certainly have seen the wooden fronts and the pretty back streets when you are researching the area and following on social media.
Floivan via the Floibanen (funicular)
Sticking in the area, in fact just as you leave Bryggen, is the funicular up to the top of the Floivan – the Floibanen. Buy a ticket from the machine in the ticket office and then take a ride up the funicular to the top of the mountain where you are treated to a fantastic panoramic view of the city below, surrounding by even more mountains.
There’s a cafe here, but follow the signs into the woods and follow a walking track for about 10-15 minutes and you’ll find a beautiful walkers cafe overlooking a lake. Not the biggest range of food given its remote location, but what a location and a treat once you get there.
Fjord Cruise
This really is a must if you have a free morning (or afternoon is an option in summer). A 4 hour cruise up and down the fjord, just marvelling at the scenery. The cruise will take you out along the narrowing fjord from where you can admire the dramatic scenery on either side. In winter this can include snow capped mountains and even frozen waterfalls. If you are lucky, in winter you might see fjord frozen over where fresh water enters the salty water. That can mean the cruise can’t quite make the full length of the fjord, but instead you do get an amazing view of the fjord.
Sauna
Going to Norway and not having a sauna? Well at these saunas not only can you tick off the box of a sauna in Norway but you also get to do so out of doors and to jump into the fjord to cool down whenever you want.
Choose from a small sauna for about 4 or a larger one. Both are private with their own changing rooms (swimwear mandatory) and you keep the sauna warm with a log fired stove! Getting too hot – step outside to marvel at the view and if you are feeling brave take a plunge into the fjord. It could be just above freezing if you are there in winter!
Ice Bar
Another real treat here is to visit an ice cold bar (it’s minus 8c all year round). Everything inside is made of ice. The bar, chairs and tables, statues and even the drinks ‘glasses’. Book in advance or walk in and hope for a table, once there you are kitted up with a warm cloak and gloves and sent inside to experience your drinks, which are included in the entry fee.
Visiting Bergen
All of this is easily achievable in a weekend in Bergen and you can get more information including location references by following that link. Bergen is an easily walkable city and certainly worth a visit and more than just a stop on a passing cruise ship.
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