Tucked away in the south west of the country, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city. It was once the capital of Norway and a past seat of the Hanseatic league, a historic trading block which in its heyday comprised of nearly 200 sea and inner cities. Today the city still plays an important economic and cultural role in the country. It not only is Norway’s busiest fishing port, it has even held the title of the European City of Culture. With colourful clapboard houses, a wonderful wharf, easy access to the fjords and a culture worth getting to know, Bergen is ticketed to be one of the hottest city break destinations in the coming years. And with a new biweekly route from Liverpool to Bergen recently announced, now’s the perfect time to share these 4 IDEAL reasons to visit Bergen.
IT’S EASY TO GET TO
As mentioned, at the start of this month, in collaboration with Scandinavia’s largest regional airline Widerøe, Liverpool John Lennon Airport announced the arrival of a new biweekly route – one that travels to and from Bergen. As such, the city has never been easier to reach. From 17th August 2018, the airline will transport passengers directly between Liverpool and Bergen.
WELL CONNECTED
One of Bergen’s primary attractions is the natural landscape that surrounds it. Nicknamed the ‘gateway to the fjords,’ there is no better place in Scandinavia from which to traverse the region’s stunning geography. While, Bergen was once the country’s capital, today its status as one of the nation’s major cities has made it one of the best connected locations in the area. Indeed, it is somewhat of a hub for Scandinavia’s airlines, meaning there is no shortage of connecting flights to the region’s most popular tourist hotspots. Indeed, Oslo and Helsinki are just a single flight away, so too is the rough far north, which plays host to both the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun.
THE HANSEATIC WHARF
Established in the 14th century, the old Hanseatic Wharf is one of the most iconic places in Bergen. Its higgledy-piggledy wooden buildings have become synonymous with Bergen’s cultural heritage and as such, it boasts the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hidden behind the colourful buildings is a labyrinth of alleyways and courtyards where you’ll find many boutiques and galleries to peruse.
THE FISH MARKET
Besides the wharf, the fish market is perhaps Bergen’s most famous spot. It has been around since the 1200s, where back in the day salt cod was major business. Today, the fish market is still bustling with business and is also a major attraction for foodies looking for a fishy fix. The beautifully rugged coastline surrounding Bergen brings in the best of the sea’s bounty daily – a chef and diner’s dream, indeed. A trip to the outdoor fish market in the middle of the city center is a must. Also, in 2012 the indoor Fish Market- Mathallen opened where there are permanent shops and restaurants indoors and are open all year.
