Beautiful Bergen, Noway

A June 2000 trip to Bergen by kimca

NorwayMore Photos

I have to admit that Norway wasn't one the countries that I was dying to see in our 17 country, 7 month trip. It ended up taking me by such great surprise and being one of the higlights. It is beautiful and unspoiled and a nature lover's paradise.

  • 6 reviews
  • 6 photos
Norway
Without a doubt, you have to take a fjord tour of some kind. There are several organizations that do them and they vary in price and setup.
Visit the Torget (The Fish Market). It's a lively little market that sells fruits, vegetables, souvenirs and of course, fish.
Mariakirken (The Maria Church) is Bergen's oldest building, built in the 12th century.
Take a ride on the Floybanen Funicular! It takes you to the top of Mt. Floyen and gives you a great view of Bergen. The station is 150m from the fish market.

Quick Tips:

The Bergen Tourist Office is very helpful and located at: Valkendorfsgaten 5, N-5012 Bergen, Norway
You can buy your tickets for the fjord cruises here.

Best Way To Get Around:

You can travel to Bergen by train, which is what we did, from Oslo. It's long (6.5-8 hours) but worth it. It climbs in elevation and hits snowy peaks at the top. The conductor usually lets you get out and take pictures. Once in Bergen, explore on foot. It is the perfect size for spending the day out walking.
Bergen is an expensive city and finding a reasonably priced double room is hard to do. The doubles at the Marken Gjestehas were basic and close to the train station. The bathrooms were in the hallway and were very clean. I don''t think the beds came with linen, which was fine as we had our own. The pluses were that it had free laundry and a kitchen so you could cook your meals. We chose this one because it was the cheapest we could find but I wouldn''t say it was a good value for your money.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kimca on February 20, 2001

Marken Gjestehus
Kong Oscarsgt. 45 5017 Bergen, Norway
+47 55 31 44 04

Baker BrunBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Baker Brun is a bakery with a few different locations. Try their delicate pastries, freshly baked. Their baked goods change often, you can get coffee, cakes and warm baked buns and bread as well. We liked the pretzels with sea salt. This bakery will ruin any diet! They do not accept credit cards.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kimca on February 20, 2001

Baker Brun
Zachariasbryggen Bergen, Norway
(55) 349-600

Pasta SentralenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Without a doubt, Pasta Sentralen is a good value for your money. In a city where not too many things are inexpensive, this is the place to go. They have countless types of homemade pasta (over 40, I think) pizza, etc. A great deal is the daily special. For 45 kroner, you can get bread, a drink (soda) and your main course. They do not accept credit cards. You might want to give them a call before you go to see how busy they are.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kimca on February 20, 2001

Pasta Sentralen
Vestre Stromkaien 6 Bergen, Norway
(55) 960-037

Fjord CruiseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bergen
We did the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which we both thought was incredible. It is a full day tour - we had to be at the boat at 8am and were back in Bergen by 5:15 pm. The itinerary was:
Bergen-Gudangen-Stalhelm-Voss-Bergen

We cruised along the Songefjord to the Aurland fjord on a fast boat for 4.5 hours. We changed boats in the middle of the water at the Midtfjord to a slower ferry, where we sat outside the whole time. The scenery went from beautiful to breathtaking at this point. Snowcapped mountains, waterfall-it was just gorgeous. We continued cruising down the Naeroyfjord for another 1.5 hours, the world's narrowest fjord. It was spectacular. We docked in Gudavangen, where a bus met us to take us back to Voss, via a scenic route. It stopped to let us get shots of the panorama. From Voss, we took the train back to Bergen. An absolute highlight.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kimca on February 20, 2001

Fjord Cruise
Bergen, Norway

FløibanenBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Floybanen Funicular"

Bergen
If you are interested in a great view of Bergen and it's surrounding area, take the 8 minute funicular ride to the top of Mt. Floyen which is 320 m above sea level.

Once at the top, you can do a mountain walk, or have something to eat at the the Floyen Restaurant. It is open ever day in the summer and on weekends in the winter. There is also a childrens playground and a souvenir shop.

If you choose, you can take the trail and walk back down which will take you about 30-40 minutes.

The funicular runs every 30 minutes and the station is located 150 meters from the waterfront Fish Market.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kimca on February 20, 2001

Fløibanen
Bergen, Norway

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kimca
kimca
Victoria, British Columbia

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