For some, winter getaways mean steering clear of the hustle-bustle of the metropolitans, opting for a quieter corner of the globe just in time for the holidays. Bergen might just offer you that—and more.
From Oslo, Norway’s capital city, Bergen is only a 55-minute flight away. Forget skyscrapers and crowded malls; the only tall things you will see during a longer but scenic route by trainto Bergen are mountainous panoramaas you whoosh through the 7-hour journey.
The easiest way to take in the entire beauty of Bergen’s fjords, mountain tops and glaciers is with a tour-operated helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the city. Squeamish flyers can opt for The Fløibanen funicular, a ride to the top of Mount Fløyen in just 8 minutes. The Cable Car Ulriken 643 goes up the highest of Bergen’s famous "Seven Mountains", Mount Ulriken. Insert adrenaline rush into your itinerary by skiing, sledging, and hiking to your heart’s content at the lavish resorts nearby.
Visitors flock here for the fjords, which are long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea between high cliffs,surrounded by steep mountains with snow-covered tops and waterfalls. Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord are two of the most popular.These fjords can be conveniently explored with boat tours.
If nature trips aren’t your forte, Bergen won’t leave you idle. One of Scandinavia’s largest and most impressive art museums, Bergen Art Museum (Kunstmuseum), displays art spanning from the 15th century to modern art, spread over three different buildings. Music-enthusiasts will appreciate the Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum, while history buffs shouldn’t miss Det Hanseatiske Museum og Schoetstuene to see the inner workings of old Hanseatic trades of the Bryggen Harbour.
Pleasantly lose track of timein downtown Bergen, exploring its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops selling handmade sweaters, trolls, silverware, pewter, bunads (traditional Norwegian costumes), outdoor clothing, Nordic caviar, and Viking souvenirs. When you’ve found your treasures, fill up with a hot drink and their local delicacy, a skillingsboller (cinnamon roll), and continue immersing in the small-town wintertime charm!
PHOTOS visitnorway.com, visitbergen.com
