The strikingly colourful buildings of Bryggen, are one of Norway's most iconic images and the waterfront gateway to this marvellous coastal city. Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, is in the heart of the fjords, has a mountainous backdrop, and is a vibrant, culturally rich, and sustainable city.
Popular year-round, Bergen offers Christmas markets in winter and waterfront dining and fjord cruises in the summer.
Bergen is wedged between the fjords and the local mountains. The action sports resort of Voss is just over an hour by rail from the city centre. Bergen has an enviable and visionary sustainability agenda, with electrified transport, near-total renewable power and locally sourced produce.
Incentive event venues are wonderfully Nordic, and the compact city centre makes Bergen a magical and intimate event setting.
Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, with a population of 270,000. It is known as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. With a central harbour and extensive waterfront to the west of the city centre, Bergen is innately connected to the water. The central fish market lands catches that are cooked just metres away, while the historic Bryggen waterfront is some of the most Instagrammed imagery in Norway.
The centre of Bergen is wonderfully compact, with a pedestrianised area offering views of the contrasting Bergen backdrops. Beautiful and offering superb public facilities, Bergen is a model city. The restaurants are stylish and offer regional cuisine. To the south and east of central Bergen, the local mountains wrap around the city and offer a fantastic playground for locals and visitors.
One of the real joys of Bergen is wandering the compact centre and taking in all the main attractions. The harbour, castle, central shopping area, restaurants, theatre, museums, and hotels are all within easy reach via the pedestrianised centre. In winter, the centre of Bergen is given over to a Christmas Market, the festive lights shining bright during the short Scandinavian days, with locals enjoying some alfresco good life.
After dark, Bergen offers a range of dining options and super trendy bars, again all within easy reach of the central hotels. Bergen airport is located just outside the city and can be reached by road or the electric light railway.
Bergen is surrounded by a ring of mountains. The key peaks are accessed by lift, and there are hiking trails, mountain biking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. There is also a high ropes circuit and restaurants for group dining.
Outside Bergen, and connected by train, is Norway’s adventure sports capital - Voss. Voss is a lakeside, mountain resort with skiing in the winter and everything from water sports, including white water rafting, to skydiving, both indoor and in the sky.
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Bergen was recognised for its gastronomy with a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy award in 2015. The city offers wonderful regional Norwegian cuisine in its restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants, dining in the stunning Bryggen historic district, and dining in the city mountains - the Skyskraperen on Mount Ulriken is a standout dining venue with stunning vistas over the city from the incredible terrace.
Root crops, game, and local seafood are all widely found on Bergen's menus, offering a gastronomic experience unique to western Norway. In addition to the seafood, lamb is a favourite staple in Bergen, while the city is famous for its cinnamon buns and cakes.
Bergen is a vibrant city with commerce, traditional industries & crafts and a large university all adding to the atmosphere. There are some wonderfully Nordic central bars and clubs to enjoy. There are some hip bars in the centre of Bergen with DJs playing till late.
Prices are above average but not unknown in European capitals or on the slopes of France or Switzerland. Christmas markets are a great way to meet the locals, enjoy the wonderful illuminations and gaze over the water and local peaks.
