Founded around 1070 AD, Bergen quickly evolved into one of the most important cities in Norway. It was the country's administrative capital from the early 1200s until 1299, and the largest city in Scandinavia. Bergen was one of the most important bureau cities of the Hanseatic League, interconnecting continental Europe with the northern and coastal parts of Norway, thus becoming a central spot for the vending of stockfish and the commercial hot spot in Norway. It was the largest city in Norway until the 1830's and has a long maritime history in shipping and finance.
The city still has relics of its Hanseatic heyday, most notably the old harbor of Bryggen, a [wiki=d8a9b665cf6b311b9557019e63670643]UNESCO World Heritage Site[/wiki]. Bergen has been ravaged by several fires; the most recent major fire took place in 1916, a fire which destroyed most of the buildings in what is today the central parts of the city center, centered around the large square Torgallmenningen.
Bergen is located far west in Norway, sheltered from the North Sea only by a number of islands. It is situated along latitude 60 degrees north (as are [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki], [wiki=fcfff492e00727b63cf5dff9f59bc2a4]Stockholm[/wiki], [wiki=8449280a23f8c4fcfb13469f6dc19592]Helsinki[/wiki], [wiki=030731390dab949e28d2e3fa11a3b6f3]Saint Petersburg[/wiki] and [wiki=b19ebe22fcdcb7a220932846969bddcc]Anchorage[/wiki]). The city is the most hilly and mountainous in Norway. The city center is surrounded by a group of mountains and peaks known as the Seven Mountains, a defining characteristic which has given the city its name (berg is an old Norse word for mountain). The geographic conditions of the city are very visible; limited space to build on made it necessary in the 19th century that new city blocks be built on the steep slopes of mount Fløyen[http://www.floibanen.com].
Except for the dense city center, which made up the entire city before 1916, Bergen is the least dense of the four largest cities in Norway. Most of the settlement inside the very wide city borders is concentrated in the western part of the municipality. The rest of the municipality is made up of mountains, as well as some farmland and smaller settlements.
Due to the city's location relatively far north, close to the northern sea and surrounded by mountains, special weather conditions occur, resulting in approximately 240 days with precipitation a year and a mean temperature of 7.6 °C (45.7 °F). In January 2007, a record of 85 rainy days in a row was set. Still, local people claim there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
For the rest of us, the trick is obviously to choose the time of visit with caution. If you're lucky enough to catch the city on a sunny day, you will find an incredible atmosphere as citizens really know how to appreciate nice weather. City planners have probably had this in mind the latest years, resulting in open spaces, parks, flowers and lawns scattered all over downtown.
July has the highest mean temperature, 14.3 °C (57.7 °F), with August, 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) following close behind. May is usually the month with the least precipitation. Considering the number of local events this month, May is probably the best time to visit Bergen, with the summer months of June, July and August as an almost as good second choice.
Bergen is one of the most important cultural centers in Norway. The city is the home of the Bergen International Festival, Nattjazz and Bergenfest, festivals of international renown within their genres. The local symphony orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded in 1786. It is one of the world's oldest orchestral institutions. Bergen was the home of Norway's great composer, Edvard Grieg. Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright, started his career in Bergen as manager of Den Nationale Scene.
Around 2000, a number of artists from the rhythmic music scene in Bergen gained international fame. In the domestic press, this became known as the Bergen Wave. Musicians and bands with roots in Bergen include Annie, Burzum, Enslaved, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Erlend Øye, Kings of Convenience, Röyksopp, Sondre Lerche, and Datarock. Bergen still has a thriving underground/indie music scene.
In recent years, a number of great international artists have visited Bergen, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Bruce Springsteen, Depeche Mode, Kent and Mark Knopfler. And in the summer of 2011 several artists including Roxette, Mastodon, Avenged Sevenfold, Suzanne Vega, Bob Dylan, Kaizers Orchestra, Kanye West and Rihanna appeared.
Bergen Airport Flesland [url=http://www.avinor.no/lufthavn/bergen]]is located 19 km south of the city. The main international airports with flights to Bergen are [[Copenhagen[/url]], [wiki=59ead8d1e124ccfb79f3ace06f43e703]London[/wiki], and [wiki=3eb8670d999ac077dd0e2c345cb7c905]Amsterdam[/wiki]. There are also flights from various cities in the United Kingdom (such as [wiki=78e9266876e7649e0a12e3840f5be006]Newcastle[/wiki], [wiki=03cf54d8ce19777b12732b8c50b3b66f]Edinburgh[/wiki], and [wiki=f5f72e9d59bf003dd0eb05d4119da211]Aberdeen[/wiki]); [wiki=a71105026dfe9155f7ac4d18e494a40b]Prague[/wiki], [wiki=e20d37a5d7fcc4c35be6fc18a8e71bfa]Paris[/wiki], [wiki=ee1611b61f5688e70c12b40684dbb395]Berlin[/wiki], [wiki=4312d5c8cdda027420c474e2221abc34]Frankfurt[/wiki], various cities in [wiki=907eba32d950bfab68227fd7ea22999b]Spain[/wiki], and some other airports. There are also a number of domestic flights, such as [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki], [wiki=dd755cfcbe227d7271b91c1be176fe6f]Stavanger[/wiki], [wiki=f608a4bfaa44aeb3cb8c2d09de41b159]Trondheim[/wiki], [wiki=54e85cbe1dcafdb11da5123993113fca]Kristiansand[/wiki] and [wiki=04bd74d9bb02221cb5593c4a97371fb1]Sandefjord[/wiki], connecting Bergen to additional international airports. The main carriers in Norway are SAS and the low cost airlines Norwegian Air Shuttle. The Dutch KLM has flights to Amsterdam, Lufthansa to Frankfurt. The smallest airports in Norway are usually served by Widerøe.
There is a frequent (every 15 minutes) airport bus service (Norwegian: Flybussen [url=http://www.flybussen.no/bergen/]),]which takes about 30-40 minutes to downtown (costing kr. 100, return ticket valid for one month kr. 160). Another company offering a similar service is Airportexpress [url=http://www.flybussbergen.no/[/url](costing]kr. 100, return ticket valid for one month kr. 150). Their departures are not quite as frequent (every 30 minutes), but they stop closer to many hotels. Notice that return tickets are not exchangeable between these competing services.
Taxis are also available but they cost much more (kr. 300-350 on weekdays to downtown, more at night and at the weekend). There are some local buses occasionaly going to and from the airport (see the [[Bergen#By_bus_2|Get around by bus[/url]]-section for more information on local buses). They have limited space for luggage and take longer, but only cost kr. 25.
The car rental companies AVIS, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and National all have offices at Bergen Airport Flesland. Located in the terminal building, by the exit, most of them are open 7AM-9PM on weekdays. Opening hours in the weekend are limited, but some of the companies will offer 24 hours rental if you make a reservation.
Bergen is served by a railway line which runs from [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki]. The railway line is operated by the Norwegian State Railways [url=http://www.nsb.no/].]The journey takes about seven hours and gives you beautiful views, especially for the last three hours. When passing [[Geilo[/url]], you will cross over a high mountain plateau and then travel downwards through some of the most wonderful scenery in Norway. If you buy your ticket online well in advance, fares may be as low as kr. 199 for a one-way ticket. For an additional fee of kr. 90, you may upgrade your ticket to NSB Komfort, the equivalent of first class, with slightly better seats, free coffee and tea, and a power outlet. If you want to make more out of your journey, book your tickets on the phone (+47 815 00 888, press 9 for information in English). Phone reservations cost 50 NOK extra per ticket however, so be sure to mention you had trouble booking on their website (which is common) to avoid the extra cost. Ask to get a window seat on one of the most recent upgraded trains (they're quite stylish and have power outlets by every seat) on the left hand side (this will give you the best view). The railway station is located east of the city centre, close to the bus station and the Bygarasjen garage.
Universal access is a priority to the Norwegian State Railways. Book your ticket on the phone or buy it at the train station at least a day in advance to inform staff if you have any special needs. You will have the same offers as are available online. Most trains are equipped with lifts or ramps and handicap toilets. Wheelchairs can be secured on board. For the seeing impaired, there are tactile lines in the larger stations. Staff will assist you in the station. If you need an assistant and can provide documentation, you and your traveling companion will get a 50 % discount off the full ticket price.
When travelling by car from Oslo, European road E16 is the longest, but easiest drive and it has few toll booths. Between Lærdal and [wiki=68f459f5c2f224f1a244e8d96326271f]Flåm[/wiki], the road goes through Lærdalstunnelen, the longest road tunnel in the world. This route is less prone to be closed on short notice in the winter due to weather conditions, compared with the other mountain crossings.
There are many other alternatives, such as RV7 (the Hardangervidda route) which probably is the most scenic route, but also more difficult with regards to both weather and driving conditions. The road takes you across the mountain plateau Hardangervidda and along the innermost parts of Hardangerfjorden. From Eidfjord, continue over the bridge to [wiki=bd1c355404fc67c8cc7113b42f7fc02b]Voss[/wiki] where RV7 meets E16 or take the beautiful "Hardangerfjord route" from Granvin via Norheimsund. Parts of this scenic "Hardangerfjord route" is narrow, even with single lane roads. Caravanists, be aware! Please also note that the Hardanger bridge crossing is very expensive for larger vehicles (NOK 600 for vehicles over 3500 kg).
Other interesting alternatives from eastern Norway are:
*The nice Aurland-Hol route from upper Hallingdal to Flåm. Take RV7 to Hagafoss, then RV50 to Flåm. This is a quick route many Norwegians prefer, as there are no ferries - but be prepared for some narrow, dark tunnels and the rather steep, but breathtaking descent down from the mountains.
*The Numedal Valley route from Kongsberg to Geilo on RV40, and then over the Hardangervidda plateau (see RV7 above). Enjoy very decent and even good roads along this peaceful valley. This route has much less traffic than Hallingdal. A good alternative if you travel from Vestfold county, but not the fastest route from Oslo.
*The Haukeli route via mystical Telemark through the southern part of Hordaland county on E134. Take R13 to Odda, then 555 to Utne and the ferry to Kvandal. Continue on the Hardanger route (see above). Alternative: The “unknown”, fascinating route from Odda via the Folgefonna tunnel to the outer Hardangerfjord area. Visit the Barony at Rosendal or try summer skiing on the glacier, then take the ferry from Løfallstrand to Gjermundhavn. Drive to Eikelandsosen and take the short Venjaneset-Hatvik ferry crossing, or drive to Tysse and over the Gulfjellet mountain to Bergen. Some narrow roads. As for the Numedal route this is a good alternative if you’re starting from the districts south of Oslo - or if you arrive on a ferry (Horten, Sandefjord, Langesund, Larvik etc).
From [wiki=dd755cfcbe227d7271b91c1be176fe6f]Stavanger[/wiki], choose E39, which takes you past [wiki=a860137d0e6f173d1a75a6f4f99b39f2]Haugesund[/wiki], Stord and [wiki=450fec1904d946047591beecea8b15db]Os[/wiki]. The trip takes approximately four hours. Many toll roads and two ferries. From [wiki=e4ec5f3205b96e00d7f70c2c992aee97]Ålesund[/wiki], [wiki=f608a4bfaa44aeb3cb8c2d09de41b159]Trondheim[/wiki] or any of the other cities, towns and villages north of Bergen, the shortest road is also E39, but if you're coming from Trondheim or the northern part of [wiki=71408d4dc8ca854f51573b44fc630e61]Møre og Romsdal[/wiki], the inland roads might be a better choice. However, for the most scenic road, choose E39 and consider detours along road RV60 or road RV5.
Generally, you will find that some roads in rural areas, even the highways between the cities, are of poor quality. There are no motorways except in the areas in and around the largest cities, due to the rather low traffic and the somewhat difficult conditions in the mountains. Even if some people drive very fast, you should mind the speed limits (usually 80 km/h) and drive according to the conditions. In the mountains, help can be hours away. Furthermore, you should expect traffic controls and police in unmarked cars nearly everywhere. Fines are very high. Do also keep in mind that to avoid dangerous situations, it's a very good idea to stop and let faster traffic pass you.
The trip from Oslo to Bergen takes between seven and nine hours, depending on the route, the driving conditions and whether you choose to make any stops on the way. Be prepared to add some hours driving time in the winter - and remember that the daylight will be scarce for many months. It might be a good idea to use two days in the winter if you're not accustomed to these conditions. A 12 or even 14 hour drive on icy, dark roads in bad weather is not very nice.
If you plan to cross the mountains (for instance by driving from Oslo to Bergen) in the winter season, it is imperative that you are prepared for the journey. Always keep a full tank of fuel, and keep warm clothes, food and drink in the car. Make sure your tires are good enough and suited for winter conditions (studded or non-studded winter tires; "all-year" tires are not enough), and that you have sufficient skills for driving in snowy and cold conditions. Roads are often closed on short notice due to weather conditions. For advice on conditions and closed roads, call 175 in Norway or check the online road reports [url=http://www.vegvesen.no/Trafikkinformasjon/Reiseinformasjon/Trafikkmeldinger]](in Norwegian only) from the Norwegian State road authorities. Remember that not all parts of the roads have cellular phone coverage.
If arriving in Bergen by car, you will be better off not taking your car into the city center unless you know exactly where you're going, as most streets are one-way or do not allow cars at all (only buses and taxis), read more in the [[#By_car_2|Get around[/url]] section.
Via the network of NOR-WAY Bussekspress [http://www.nor-way.no/], Bergen is accessible from almost the entire country. Bus is usually the cheapest way to travel, but can take some time. The national buses are very comfortable, but not suitable for people using a wheelchair. Schedules and fares are available online, and it is also possible to pre-book. Booking may be required on some routes. The bus station is conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the city center. The terminal for long distance buses is situated on the rear side of the station.
There are fast boat services from Stavanger as well as several communities north of Bergen. Because these passenger ferries stop at various small towns on the way there, you get a great view of the coast and its islands. Fjord1 [url=http://www.fjord1.no/en/]]runs ferries north of Bergen, Tide [url=http://www.tide.no/[/url]]runs services south of Bergen (including Stavanger-Bergen connection). The boat terminal is on the Nordnes peninsula in the city center.
Bergen is the southern terminus for [[Hurtigruten[/url]] [url=http://www.hurtigruten.no/],]a week-long passenger ship route with stops along Norway's coast all the way to [[Kirkenes[/url]] in the far north of Norway. Ålesund can be reached overnight, and Trondheim will take one full day and two nights. The terminal is located at Nøstet. The Hurtigruten ships are accessible with a wheelchair.
There are car ferries which run to and from [wiki=6acd3030e35f17392b056b6ac9d14108]Hirtshals[/wiki] in northern [wiki=424214945ba5615eca039bfe5d731c09]Denmark[/wiki], operated by Fjordline [http://fjordline.com/]. The terminal is the Skoltegrunn pier, some hundred meters beyond Bryggen.
Within the city center, walking is the best way to get around. You can walk across the downtown in 20 minutes in any direction. The most central streets of the city generally have a good accessibility for the disabled. The most important pedestrian crossings have sound signals and are indicated by tactile paving. They are also accessible with a wheelchair. Although paved stone is a popular material in the streets, it is rarely used in pedestrian areas. A map with more information on this subject is available from the municipality's website [http://www.bergen.kommune.no/bk/multimedia/archive/00008/Tilgjengelighetskart__8097a.pdf].
A light rail line runs between the city centre and southwards towards Lagunen. This is the primary means of public communication to southern parts of Bergen. The line passes the railway station, the bus station, Brann soccer stadium, the student homes at Fantoft and Nesttun along the route. The line operates from 6AM to 1AM, seven days a week, generally with a 10-minute frequency (a bit more often during rush hours, 15-minute frequency on Saturday mornings, 30-minute frequency on Sunday mornings). The entire journey takes about 31 minutes.
Night lines operate all Friday and Saturday night with departures every 30 minutes.
You need to buy your ticket from the ticket machine at the station before you board. Apart from that, the ticket and fare card system is the same as for buses, see the [wiki=d36096a10b82aadd44de1efb13058c0b#By_bus_2]Get around by bus[/wiki] section for more details. It's possible to change from bus to light rail and from light rail to bus within the time of validity of a ticket. Tickets for the night lines must be bought on board. Fare cards can not be used. The price is 60 kr.
The light rail is accessible with a wheelchair. All stops are announced and displays also show the name of the next stop.
It is an expressed goal of both local and national authorities to cut car traffic in the city center. Thus, the speed limit downtown is very low, and most streets are one-way streets. If you plan on getting from one part of downtown to another, walking is often faster then driving, even for locals who know their way around. Furthermore, parking in the streets are reserved for the handicapped and residents with a special permit with only a very few exceptions. If you plan to drive to the city center from outside of it, unless you have any special needs, park your car in a garage, such as Bygarasjen (very large, at the bus station) and Klostergarasjen (at Nøstet, northern downtown); Bygarasjen being the cheaper. There are also several smaller (and more expensive) garages around town. If you take the chance to bring your car further downtown, be sure to read all signs - most streets are one-way streets and some are for buses and taxis only.
To park in a spot reserved for the disabled, you need a standard European "blue badge", a special parking permit (generally, handicapped parking permits from most countries will be accepted). It must be placed on the inside of your car's front window, clearly visible from the outside. You will find a list of parking spots for the disabled in the city center on the municipal parking authorities' website [url=http://www.bergenparkering.no/Forflytningshemmede/forflytningshemmede.html],]along with some information on the general rules of parking [url=http://www.bergenparkering.no/utenl/english/english.html[/url].]The accessibility map [http://www.bergen.kommune.no/bk/multimedia/archive/00008/Tilgjengelighetskart__8097a.pdf[/url] mentioned previously also indicates where parking spots for the disabled are situated.
Driving in the area outside the city center is quite convenient, with expressways going in most directions. The roads are well sign-posted, but a map will probably come in handy anyway. Mind the speed limits; traffic controls are common and fines are stiff. Do also keep in mind that a lot of the roads are toll roads. All toll stations are automated. When approaching one, keep driving and do not slow down. A photograph of you license plates will be taken, and you will receive an invoice per mail. During rush hours (7:30AM-9AM and 3PM-5PM) traffic is jammed many places, but it's nothing compared to larger cities in Europe.
Between 1 November and 31 March, the use of studded tires is legal. Within Bergen municipality, you have to pay a fee to use such tires. You can pay at automated payment stations on the main roads into Bergen (Norwegian: oblatautomat), Statoil gas stations or by visiting the municipal parking authorities in Bygarasjen or Vincens Lunges gate 3 (directly south of the railway station).
Taxi is generally expensive in Norway. Throughout Bergen, there are a number of taxi stalls where taxis are parked waiting for customers. During the day, taxis will usually not pick up customers nearer than 300 metres from the stalls, except when called to an address. During the night in the weekends, taxi queues can be very long (up to one hour), and all customers are therefore required to go to the stalls. It is possible to order taxis to addresses also at this time of the week, but you shouldn't really expect the taxi to arrive.
The places where the taxis are stationed changes from time to time because of renovation of the city streets, but usually you will find them at the bus station, the railway station, Festplassen, Ole Bulls plass, Torget and in Torggaten and Vetrlidsalmenning. Look for signs saying "Taxi". Some taxi stalls are only open during night, and vice versa. Information about this is printed on a separate sign below the taxi sign. If no taxis are available at the taxi stall, call 07000 (Bergen Taxi), 08000 (Norgestaxi), +47 55 70 00 00 (Taxi 1) or +47 55 70 80 90 (Bryggen Taxi). Note that there is usually a fee associated with calling a taxi. Taxis may also be ordered in advance by calling one of these numbers, which is recommended if you have the possibility. Most hotels in Bergen also have iPads in the front desk area where you can book a taxi. Also, most receptionists will call a taxi for you if you ask nicely.
Fares are approximately the same regardless of the taxi company. All companies are regarded as reliable and safe. If several taxis are available at a taxi station, you may pick the one you want from the line.
It can be added that taxi drivers rarely expect or receive any tip.
There is one local commuter train service, between the downtown Bergen train station and the fairly rural suburb of Arna in the east (schedules [http://www.nsb.no/getfile.php/www.nsb.no/nsb.no/PDF/Rutetabeller/Norsk/2008/043Bergen-Arna2008.pdf] available from the Norwegian State Railways' web site). If you are going to Arna, the train is by far the fastest option from downtown since the roads run around the mountains while the railway line runs straight through them, taking only eight minutes.
In Arna, the train station, the bus terminal and the shopping center lie very close to one another.
Getting around by bike can be difficult in Bergen. Many central streets are paved with cobblestone, and there are only a few roads with designated cycling lanes. Cycling in such lanes can even be dangerous, as car and bus traffic may cross the lane. It is however legal to cycle on the sidewalks as long as you do not disturb pedestrians. Front and rear lights are mandatory after dark. Bicycle theft and vandalism is common, so be careful where you leave your bike and always use a lock.
One of the largest art museums in the Nordic countries, with art from the renaissance as well as contemporary art. The museum houses several of Edvard Munch's works.
* Bergen's outdoor fish market has a long history, being the historical center for fish trade. Most tourists find their way here, but with locals changing their shopping habits, the fish market today does not compare to what it once was. The fish market is dominated by makeshift souvenir shops and seafood stalls. The seafood is generally of only ok quality as the fishermen no longer deliver their catch directly to the market. Still, you can get a pretty good idea of what the locals eat by having a look at the various fish they sell here, and try some of the stranger ones, if you feel adventurous. Free samples of are usually available of the more common items such as whale, salmon and salmon caviar. Although somewhat crowded, getting around with a wheelchair is fairly easy.
Prices here are very high, and a lunch can easily cost you 80 euros per person. Many items such as caviar, canned herring, mackrel in tomato, cloudberry jam and other stuff can be purchased for a fraction of the prices in the nearby supermarkets
* Fløibanen is a funicular which goes up Fløyen, a plateau in the mountain massif north-east of the city center. From here, you get a great view of the city. Accessing Fløibanen and the plateau on Fløyen with a wheelchair is a piece of cake. More than 1.2 million people rode with Fløibanen in 2007, and it has become the attraction that the most tourists are content with. Expect queues, but don't worry, they move fast. There are no steps where lifts are not available without assistance, and all doors are wide.
* A museum of design and decorative art. Norway's largest collection of Chinese art.
* St. Jørgen's Hospital is one of very few preserved leprosy hospitals from the 18th century in Northern Europe. This was where Armauer Hansen discovered the bacteria that causes leprosy in 1873. The Leprosy Museum tells the story about the disease and its history in Norway, in addition to showing life at the hospital. A visit to the museum is a unique but disturbing experience.
* The aquarium has a nice selection of aquatic life, especially penguins and seals. Typical Norwegian aquatic life is well documented, and there is also a collection of tropical fish and animals and a shark tank with an underwater glass tunnel. Fun for kids.
* A three-masted barque sail training vessel built in 1914, one of the best kept in its kind. Mini cruises (approximately five and a half hours) available a few times a year, at the cost of kr. 425 including food. Tickets should be bought well in advance. For the more adventurous up to week-long cruises to Europe are available where you live and work as a sailor.
* The oldest remaining building in Bergen, St. Mary's Church was built in the 12th century. It is the best preserved of the city's three medieval churches. Having belonged to the German community in Bergen for many centuries, it contains a unique pulpit and one of Norway's most beautiful altarpieces.
Bergen Museum is a part of the University of Bergen, and is in the heart of campus. It is divided in two collections, the Cultural History Collections and the Natural History Collections, located in two different buildings. The Cultural History Collections include archeology, anthropology and art- and culture studies sections. Among other things, the museum has a large collection of Norwegian folk art and national costumes. It is notable for its unique exhibition of Norwegian medieval church art, including painted altarpieces, crucifixes and portals from demolished stave churches, all in wood.
* The Natural History Collections include botany, geology and zoology. The zoology exhibitions is preserved more or less as they were when they were put up almost a hundred years ago. Enormous whale skeletons suspended from the ceiling in the exhibition halls are visible through the windows from the outside. The geology exhibition is modern and varied and contains samples from most part of the world, in addition to a nice local collection. Around the museum is a garden which is at its finest in spring and summer. There is also a green house where you can enjoy tropical plants. Note that the Natural History Collection is closing down for major renovation on the November 1st 2013 and will not reopen for several years (no one knows for how long the museum will be closed, but a reopening in 2017 is sometimes suggested).
* Sponsored by the state and the city in addition to some of the largest industrial companies in Norway, this all new science center features interactive exhibitions of science, technology and mathematics. It targets children and young people with the intention to inspire the to learning more about science, but is popular also among the adults. It has special exhibitions about the weather, the ocean and energy, with altogether 75 different interactive machines and experiments.
* This traditional maritime museum is in the middle of the campus of the University of Bergen. Exhibitions of maritime history, shipping history, the vikings, naval warfare, maritime archeology, and more.
* This is a very nicely landscaped park laid out in the late 1800s after English patterns. The park is a popular picnic place for families, and in the summer there's always several groups of students and young people having barbeques. You are very welcome to step on the grass and it's a nice place to play frisbee, kubb or croquet. If you want to save a few kroner on food and drink stop by a local grocery store to pick up some ingredients to a picnic, bring along a blanket and a few beers and spend a cheap and relaxing afternoon in this park. It's highly unlikely that the police will bother you for drinking in public in this park as long as you behave. It's also one of the places where it's rather easy to get in contact with the locals. There's no public toilet here, but pop over the road to Vilvite and use their facilities for free. If you arrive from Nygårdshøyden, don't be scared by drug addicts hanging out in the upper part of the park, just walk past them and you will find the lower and beautiful part after a few metres.
Stave churches are built in a distinctive style using the logs of trees as pillars, by the early Christians. This is a reconstruction of a church originally built in [wiki=f239f72c5c583e03b99a940fdcf1b93a]Fortun[/wiki], by the Sognefjord, around 1150. On the 6 Jun 1992, the church was totally destroyed by arson, but a perfect copy has since been constructed. The inside of the stave church has no wall paintings and the altar is quite austere. If you have seen the stave church in the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, then save yourself a few kroners and skip this one.
* The villa at Gamlehaugen, built to resemble a castle, was the home of Christian Michelsen, former prime minister who helped free Norway from the Swedish rule through the peaceful dissolution of the "union" in 1905. Nowadays, the villa is the royal family's residence in Bergen. There is a large and very popular park around the villa. Bathing possibilities.
* The home of the composer Harald Sæverud, famous for late romantic and neo-classicist works now houses a museum with occasional concerts. The somewhat mystic park around the house is open for the public.
* This is the house of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, who wrote the Peer Gynt suite and is Norway's national composer. His country house (just outside the town center of Bergen) has been preserved in the state it was in when he died in 1907. You can also see his and his wife's grave down by the water; they were buried on their own estate. Next to the house, but cleverly hidden in a gully, there is a concert hall with regular concerts. Just before you get to the house, there is a museum devoted to Grieg and his work.
* Cable car to the top of Mt. Ulriken, the highest of the mountains surrounding the city. Re-opened May 2009 with a new restaurant at the top.
A reconstructed town with about 50 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a beautiful place to stroll on a sunny day. The more cultural traveler will enjoy a guided tour of the area and the houses.
* Located in the buildings that used to house the first fully mechanized knitwear factory in Norway. The machinery is still in working condition and is used. Guided tour, exhibitions and film.
An old and picturesque formerly industrial community situated on the west coast of the Bergen peninsula. The manor building at Alvøen has been converted into a museum with several exhibitions.
* This 18th century manor is the most splendid of the many country retreats built by Bergen's aristocracy in the past centuries. The roccoco main building is surrounded by several beautiful gardens.
A 3 hour tour by coach to the most important sights in Bergen, including Troldhaugen and Fantoft stave church.
* A 1.5 hour tour by coach to the most important sights downtown Bergen.
* A 55 minute tour by a diesel-powered train imitation starting at Bryggen, travelling around downtown past a nice viewpoint half way up Mount Fløyen.
Jazz club with focus on modern jazz. Norwegian Jazz Club Of The Year 2008.
* Producing most of the larger pop, rock and hiphop concerts in Bergen.
* The program is varied, but the repertoire is usually quite easy listening. The orchestra plays of course a lot of Edvard Grieg's works.
* Popular student venue, usally hosting concerts several times a week except during holidays and the summer.
* Rock venue, concerts every weekend.
* Rock venue, concerts and other events, oldest rock club in northern Europe.
BIT (Bergen International Theater) presents Norwegian and international contemporary stage art productions of high quality.
*The national theater in Bergen. In a beautifully restored building, the theater presents a variety of plays on three different stages, from traditional Ibsen to contemporary plays. The largest stage (Store scene) is where most mainstream plays are played, while the two smaller stages features more alternative plays, often the most interesting ones. The plays are in Norwegian.
*Although Bergen does not have its own opera house, it does have its own opera company. Den Nye Opera (The New Opera) usually put on a few productions throughout the year. Summer performances are often at the Bergenhus Fortress while other productions are performed at Den Nationale Scene or at Grieghallen. Tickets are available online. Tickets usually range from kr. 200 to kr. 550 depending on seating and availability. Bergen does not attract the top performers, and the quality may vary a bit, usually anywhere between superb and a bit below average.
Hanging out by the ocean can be one of the best ways to spend a summerday in Bergen. The temperature in the ocean around Bergen is warmer than most places on the west coast because of the outer islands protecting the area from the constant flow of cooler water from the North Sea, and allowing the water to heat in smaller bays in the area. Temperatures can rise to 20°C after consecutive days with good weather. The water is clean and fresh. There are sandy beaches at Arboretet at Milde (Hjellestad), Kyrkjetangen at Nordåsvannet and Helleneset, "bathing houses"/beaches at Nordnesparken and Elsero situated in Old Bergen in Sandviken. After a day hiking in the mountains, Skomakerdiket above Mount Fløyen has a sandy fresh-water beach.
* Public seawater "pool".
The mountains surrounding Bergen offers great hiking possibilities. There are options for anyone from those just looking for a fifteen-minute stroll in the sun to the more adventurous interested in daytrips and steep hills. Byfjellene (lit. "the city mountains") have good networks of dirtroads and paths, usually well signposted. Good maps are available in most bookstores - look for Tur- og friluftskart Bergen (1:25 000) from the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority (Norwegian: Statens kartverk).
For advice on hiking, as well as hiking opportunities elsewhere in Norway, you should consult Bergen Turlag [url=http://www.bergen-turlag.no/]](Bergen Hiking Association), the local branch of Den Norske Turistforening [url=http://www.turistforeningen.no/[/url]](Norwegian Trekking Association), located in Tverrgaten 4-6. The Norwegian [[right to access[/url]] entitles you to hike in all uncultivated areas.
Music festival from the end of April to start of May. A number of concerts in most rythmic music genres (pop, rock, hip hop, blues, soul) all over town.
* BIFF is a week-long film festival held in October every year at Bergen kino (the Magnus Barfot multiplex cinema). In 2007 BIFF had 40,000 visitors.
* Yearly event hosted by the reggae collective Cushion in the beginning of June.
* On 17 May, every business in town, except restaurants downtown, is closed as the citizens dress up in their finest clothes and celebrate all day long. You will be stunned by the amount of people in the streets - one can hardly move around - and by the beautiful national costumes every second person you meet will wear. This is the day people will look oddly on you if you wear anything less then a suit or dress. At 7AM, there is a twenty-one-gun salute from Skansen, half way up Mount Fløyen, as the morning parade starts from Dreggen. At 10:30AM, the main parade starts at Torgalmenningen, goes around town and ends up at Festplassen. The parade is formed by children and organizations such as sports teams, and only a very few military troops, unlike in many other countries. The level of nationalism can perhaps be a bit overwhelming for foreigners, but try to say gratulerer med dagen (literally "congratulations on the day") to anyone you meet, and you will probably get the same in response, even if you're not Norwegian at all.
*The night before Constitution Day is the definite party night in Bergen.
*With about 160 events in two weeks from the end of May to start of June, Bergen International Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Nordic countries. The festival presents literature, dance, theater and classical music. The latest years, focus has been on art from the Nordic countries.
*Nattjazz is a two-weeks long jazz festival from the end of May to the start of June, the longest jazz festival in Northern Europe. All concerts take place at Verftet USF, a former sardine factory located at Nøstet, with a capacity of over 4000 guests. With a day-pass, you get access to all concerts that night for a fair price. Usually, there are six or seven concerts every night, some simultaneously on the various stages. The festival's musical profile ranges from traditional jazz to world music. Some of the artists that previously has played on Nattjazz are Gotan Project, Ahmed Jamal, Jan Garbarek, Stan Getz, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison and James Brown.
Music store, sells CDs, vinyls and band merchandise. Recently, it has revamped with a liquor license - great specialty craft beers available on tap and in bottle while listening to records. Table seating available for 2-20ish. Some snacks available as well.
* A small shop selling beautiful Norwegian handmade textiles, such as tablecloths and napkins.
* This market hall built in 1877 was once the only one in its kind in Norway. Nowadays it houses Bergen's finest gourmet food stores, the most interesting for tourists being Havets Grøde and Sesong. Havets Grøde has a large selection of top quality seafood, with fresh deliveries every day. The quality is usually much better than at the fish market. Sesong offers the season's food directly from local farms and producers.
* Husfliden is a chain of stores throughout Norway with focus on traditional Norwegian crafts. The most interesting things for tourists found in these stores are traditional jewelry and tableware. Husfliden also sells beautiful national costumes (Norwegian: bunad).
* Expensive, but cool clothes and shoes for both men and women
* Handknitted pullovers,cardigans and accessories from the brand Norsk Håndstrikk. The sweaters are made by hand in Norway, knitted by norwegian ladies in their homes. Rare and unique products. The shop also carry a great selection of other norwegian made products, in addition to other souvenirs like trolls, softtoys etc. The prices are very good compared to other shops at Bryggen.
* Robot features a range of hip clothes for men and women, a small but excellent selection of music on CD and vinyl, and a large selection of books on pop culture, art, comics, music and design.
* Unique, fun and stimulating toys for kids and adults.
* Søstrene Hagelin has been a tradition in Bergen since 1929. Famous for their taditional fiskekaker, fish-burger. There are some tables in the shop where you can eat the fish-burger, or their fish soup.
* A sort of designer's collective run shop with clothes, art and scooters.
* Extremely stylish menswear.
* Independent fashion store for men and women with brands such as IVANAHelsinki, Moods of Norway, Namso, GTP, Birna, Pernilla Svenre, Maria Weterlind, El Naturlista, William Rast, Gabba, Scotch&Soda, Minium, Insight, Pace and Pour. Voted Bergen's best clothing store in 2010.
* Sweet and handmade clothing for girls from 2-11 years of age.
*Handknitted pullovers,cardigans and accessories from the brand Norsk Håndstrikk. The sweaters are made by hand in Norway, knitted by norwegian ladies in their homes. Rare and unique products. The shop also carry a great selection of other norwegian made products, in addition to other souvenirs like trolls, softtoys etc. The prices are very good compared to other shops at Bryggen.
VAT (value added tax/sales tax, Norwegian: mva. (merverdiavgift) or moms. (merverdiomsetningsavgift)) is 25 % for most items in Norway. It is included in the retail price, which makes the VAT content roughly 20 % of the price you pay. As Norway is not a member of the European union, all foreign citizens (apart from those of Sweden, Denmark and Finland) are eligible for a refund of the VAT if the goods purchased are brought out of the country at the latest one month after the purchase. The prerequisites for such a refund is that the goods are not used or consumed, even in part, within Norway, and that you spend at least kr. 315 in a store.
Look for stores with a Global Refund/tax free flag or sticker. You need only to ask the shop assistant for a global refund check, and provide documentation of your citizenship. When leaving Norway, go to a Global Refund office with the goods, the check and your passport, and you will receive up to 19 % of the sales price in cash. In Bergen, the only Global Refund office is at the airport, but there are also information desks on a couple of the ferries leaving from the city. Check the Global Refund website [http://www.globalrefund.no/] for more information.
Unlike in many other countries, the customs authorities are not involved in the VAT refund process in Norway.
Finding local food might take some effort, but there are some options. There aren't that many local dishes available at restaurants. "Norwegian" food is the food of the husmann (cottager) - nutritious and cheap, not what you usually find in a restaurant. The Bergen fish soup might be the most important, as well as raspeballer and cooked cod. If you want to get that Norwegian taste and have a gourmet meal at the same time, look for dishes that use "local" ingredients (such as reindeer, stockfish and cod) with a twist, such as Bryggen Tracteursted's filet of reindeer farced with goat cheese.
Many cafe's and restaurants serve "raspeballer" on Thursdays. Raspeballer are local potato dumplings, in Bergen usually served with bacon, sausages, salted meat from sheep, melted butter and mashed rutabaga. You can get takeaway raspeballer at Kjøttbasaren (kr. 50), cheap ones at Lido, excellent ones at Pingvinen and Bjellands Kjøkken. You can get reasonable take-away fish soup, fish-balls, "plukkfisk" and fish-gratin at Madam Bergen.
In November, December and January, traditional Christmas food is served in many restaurants. Look for "pinnekjøtt" (cured, dried and sometimes smoked meat of lamb or mutton), "lutefisk" (lit. "lye fish", dried cod prepared with lye) and "ribbe" (oven-baked pork ribs). For a very special experience, try smalahove (sheep's head). It is a traditional dish from [wiki=bd1c355404fc67c8cc7113b42f7fc02b]Voss[/wiki] not far from Bergen.
Though selling the cheapest kebabs in town, Bergen Kebab manages to maintain a decent level of service and quality. Serves an ok pizza as well.
* Bjellands Kjøkken is a tiny cafe at Nordnes (Strandgaten), run by 76 year old Randi Bjelland which is worth the walk herself. She does everything by herself in a tiny kitchen, makes everything from scratch. Serves a great variety of traditional food depending on season; huge flesh-pancakes, homemade fish-cakes, meatballs, cooked cod, salted meat, whale-meat etc. 6 tables, good portions and reasonable prices.
* A fantastic place to eat. The prices are cheap, and the food and service are excellent. It is located close to the city center, 200 meters from the bus station. It is definitely worth trying at least once.
* Good-quality Chinese food freshly cooked in the open kitchen. Service is fast, and the prices are low. This is a place with many regular customers, especially between 4PM and 6PM. Around kr. 86 for most courses.
* The Thai equivalent of Hot Wok, although with slightly smaller portions. Service is usually fast, and the staff is friendly. Can often be full, so take-out can be a good plan B. Serves lunch for kr. 59. There is also a Kroa Thai restaurant with the same menu in Åsane senter, a few miles outside of the town senter. Multiple options for vegetarians.
* Cheap but decent pasta and pizza for students and budget travellers alike. Pasta Sentral has been an institution in Bergen since its opening in 1990. Provides a take-out service as well.
*Organic restaurant situated in the heart of Bergen. featuring live conserts and art exibitions.
* Affordable thai restaurant. Interior decoration may look a little tacky, but don't let it put you off. The food is good and freshly prepared, however, service can be a little slow. The place is very small, yet quite popular so you may want to have a plan B before going here.
* Soups and salads - tasty, cheap and big portions.
One of the most popular restaurants in Bergen, probably most due to its location. It has an exciting interior and decent food, but is a bit overpriced.
* Stragiotti is now closed. It was a Modern Italian restaurant in the heart of Bergen. Many says it's the best italian restaurant in town. Good food and wine selection. Main courses are between kr. 80-250.
* Great food for the money. This is a place with many regular customers. During the day they serve lunch and cakes. Early in the evening it is a place for dinner and beer. Late night is for dancing. Main courses are between kr. 80-150.
* Fresh, tasty and fast sushi at the cheapest prices in town. Primarily take-away, but you can also eat in if you don't mind the complete lack of atmosphere.
* The café serves a variety of meals, from sandwiches to dinners. The view is extraordinary. If you are lucky enough to catch a sunny day, you can observe a range of activities that happens in the bay. Indoors the café has a quiet atmosphere. There are large panorama windows facing the water giving you a romantic view even on rainy days. In connection with the restaurant, there is a changing art exhibition. Accessible with a wheelchair.
* Run by a Sicilian, La Bottega Italiana serves Sicilian-style pasta dishes, salads, a few main courses and Tiramisu for Dolce.
* Delicious Thai cusine.
* Open from 4PM every day. An informal restaurant with two price ranges: You can get the best priced gourmet food in town, or you can go for the cheaper "Swedish" menu. Regardless of what you choose, the food is prepared from first class local ingredients, and you get to enjoy the freshly baked bread and white table cloths. One of the best restaurants in town. For dinnertime dining you need a reservation. If you don't have reservations, try the rather crowded pub downstairs - they serve the "Swedish" menu there too. Main courses from the swedish menu are from kr. 80-150, main courses from the gourmet menu are from kr. 180-280.
* A very nice, but usually crowded bar where you can also get a good portion of Norwegian food. Recommended by Time Magazine [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1604438,00.html]. Food available throughout opening hours. One of very few venues where genuine Norwegian homecooking - and large bowls of popcorn - are available. Nice prices on food and drink, main courses from kr. 80-140.
* A refreshing cafe/restaurant run by two young girls, which is reflected in the interior and menu. Try out the fried Smil-chokolate with caramel icecream.
Bryggen Tracteursted offers a modern kitchen inspired by Hanseatic and local traditions, served in historic surroundings. A hidden treasure with its somewhat anonymous appearance. The restaurant can in principle fit up to about 200 guests, but the kitchen is very small, and expansion is not allowed by the cultural heritage authorities. This forces the restaurant to accept a relatively low number of patrons at a time - giving a peaceful atmosphere. A reservation is recommended.
* Bergen's latest and perhaps best (according to local newspaper BT) restaurant. Very ambitious but more reasonably priced than Colonialen and Cornelius. Located at Hotell Norge, Søtt+Salt leaves you with the option of 3,5 or 7 course meals. Reservations are recommended.
* Bergen's most traditional - and expensive - fish restaurant. Located in a building restored to its 18th century appearance, Enhjørningen is well reputed for its excellent food, served in classical manners. A reservation is required. Ask for a window table if possible, as you will have a beautiful view of Bergen harbor.
* A small and traditional gourmet restaurant.
* Partially situated in a medieval basement, Potetkjelleren offers gourmet food in very special surroundings. The place is often crowded and a reservation is required.
Baklommen, Bryggen (Enhjørningsgården), [url=http://www.tokokker.no/].]Probably Bergen's smallest bar. A place to sit down and relax with a coffee or a drink. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. Age limit is 23 years. No dress code.
* Dampen, Bryggen 7, [url=http://www.steakers.no/main.lasso?cat=Dampen&site=steakers.no-bgo[/url].]A bar with a maritime environment. Steak house on first floor. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. Age limit is 20 years. No dress code.
* Engelen, Bryggen, [url=http://www.engelen-bryggen.no/[/url].]W-Su 10PM-3AM. Most popular among people in the 30's and above. A bit younger audience can be expected on Saturdays. Not at all pretentious; some might claim not very classy. Still, an OK place for a beer and dancing. Kr. 58 for 0.4 litres draft beer, kr. 86-94 for cocktails.
* Rubinen, Rosenkrantzgaten 7 (in the area behind the stone buildings at Bryggen), [http://www.rubinen.no/[/url] is a very popular nightclub for adults, and one of the largest venues in Bergen. Live music every weekend. Age limit is 23 years.
USF Verftet, Georgernes verft 12 (Nøstet), [url=http://www.usf.no/].]Formerly a sardine factory, USF Verftet is a very large venue with different stages for concerts, theatre and dance. Intimate jazz concerts every Friday except around Christmas and in the summer. Home of the Nattjazz [url=http://www.nattjazz.no/[/url]]jazz festival. Kafé Kippers is a café with a beautiful view of Puddefjorden. The best place for a beer outdoors in the summer, but also family friendly. The café is open every day. Check the program on the venue's website [url=http://www.usf.no/[/url]]or in the local newspaper Bergens Tidende (BT) for events. Student discount on beer and wine. The café and the two largest stages are accessible with a wheelchair. Access to the remaining stages is possible with assistance. Age limit is 18 years. No dress code.
* Altona Vinbar, C. Sundts gate 22 (Entrance through Hotel Augustin or from Gågaten), [http://www.augustin.no/visartikkel.asp?art=298[/url]. The only bar/restaurant in Bergen with Wine Spectators Best of Award of Excellence. Excellent selection of wines, nice atmosphere.
The student culture house recently re-opened after a long period of renovation and expansion. It is one of the largest venues in Bergen with two large stages and one smaller, a pub, a café and a few other bars. Often popular club concepts and concerts in the week-ends. A very popular place among most people in the 20s. Age limit is 20 years unless you have valid student ID, in which case the age limit is 18 years. No cover charge (except Saturdays after 9PM, kr. 50, and for special events) or dress code. Completely accessible with a wheelchair.
* Fincken, Nygårdsgaten 2 A, [url=http://www.fincken.no].]W-Th 7PM-1:30AM, F-Su 7PM-2:30AM. Traditionally the center of gay nightlife in Bergen, these days Fincken is a mixed crowd with plenty of men that aren't gay by any stretch of the imagination. No dress code.
* Fotballpuben, Vestre Torggaten 9, [url=http://www.fotballpuben.no/[/url].]Live football from every corner of the globe, except [[Trondheim[/url]], as locals have a rather difficult relationship with the city. Nightlife starts at 11PM and people usually get very drunk by the end of the night. Expect a fight and expect the bouncers to go hard on anyone involved. Age limit is 18 years. Inaccessible with a wheelchair. No dress code.
* Garage, Christies gate 14, +47 55 32 19 80 (e-mail: [mailto:info@garage.no info@garage.no]), [url=http://www.garage.no/].]The rock haven of Bergen. Traditionally the second home of every black-clad character in Bergen, this rock pub-with-a-basement-stage has become more mainstream the latest years, and is now usually crowded with students. The concept "Wineyard" (e.g. cheapest and worst wine in town) on Tuesdays is popular. A small funfact, look at the door handles inside. Many of them are "Spellemanspriser" (Norwegian music awards), donated by artists who started their career at the place. Poor accessibility for people with a wheelchair, but the staff is very friendly and will rush to help you if you don't mind you and your wheelchair being carried up and down the stairs. No dress code.
* h-bar, Allégaten, [url=http://h-bar.uib.no[/url].]Fridays 7PM-1AM. A small bar run by physics students, situated in the bomb shelter of the University's Department of Physics and Technology. Also a popular place for the math-student neighbors of the department, if particle physics and algebraic geometry is your idea of a fun discussion on a night out, this should be right up your alley. No dress code.
* Hulen, Olaf Ryes vei 48, [http://www.hulen.no/[/url]. Th-Sa 9PM-3AM (closed during summer). Established in 1969, Hulen is the oldest running rock club in Northern Europe. Hulen can be tricky to find, but with its unique atmosphere it is well worth a visit. The somewhat concealed location is a good buffer against the hords of drunk morons that frequent more central bars. Hulen is situated in a cave (an old bomb shelter), and is run by students with two bars and a stage. Good concerts (Fridays), cheap drinks and the best rock disco in town (Saturdays). Beer costs kr. 36 before 11PM and kr. 44 after. It should be noted that the turnout varies greatly. No dress code.
* Legal, Christies gate 11. A small and very popular 50's style drinking den with brilliant music and ambiance. No dress code.
* Vamoose! Håkonsgaten 27, closed down in January 2012. It was a very popular bar, known for its engagement in the Bergen music scene. The Monday open mic night was frequented by emerging bands and more established artists. Vamoose was rated as among the best bars in Norway by national newspaper Dagbladet. The clientele were typically in their early twenties and painfully hip. The drink prices were amongst the cheapest in the city, and it got extremely busy on weekends. No dress code. The location has now re-opened as Brukbar, which has dropped the cosy interior and live music policy for a slicker generic bar look and bar tenders who throw bottles around.
This great neighborhood pub used to be a pharmacy. Wooden drawers with labels for bandages and creams still line the walls, as the art deco interior is protected by the local cultural heritage authority. Bien has a friendly staff and a good atmosphere. In addition to classic drinks you can also get very good food both for lunch and dinner here. Try "Bien spesial", sausages from a local slaughterhouse served with lentils. Quiz every Wednesday at 8:30PM and regular jazz concerts with free entrance. No dress code, accessible with a wheelchair.
Bergen Montana Family & Youth Hostel, Johan Blytts vei 30 (on Landås, about 10 minutes from the city center by car, use bus line 31 southbound), +47 55 20 80 70 (fax: +47 55 20 80 75, e-mail: [mailto:bergen.montana@hihostels.no bergen.montana@hihostels.no]), [url=http://www.montana.no/].]Situated on the hillside of Mount Ulriken. Bus connections are good. For families this typical hostel is an excellent choice for those traveling on a budget, with decent and clean facilities in a quiet area. Its location is however not ideal if you plan to enjoy the nightlife of Bergen. Free Wifi, two well equipped guest kitchens and free parking for guests. Member of Hosteling International, and members of Hosteling International receive 15 % discount. Low season 2008 (3 Jan-30 Apr and 1 Oct-22 Dec): Bed in a 4-bedded dorm: kr. 200. Single room with private bathroom: kr. 475. Twin room with private bathroom: kr. 325 per person, kr. 650 for the room. 3-bedded room with private bathroom: kr. 230 per person, alternatively kr. 690 for the room. 4-bedded room with private bathroom kr. 230 per person, alternatively kr. 920 for the room. Family room with private bathroom kr. 690 for the room. Family room without bathroom: kr. 550. High season 2008 (1 May-30 Sep): Bed in a 20-bedded dorm: kr. 200. Bed in a 4-bedded dorm: kr. 250. Single room with private bathroom: kr. 650. Twin room with private bathroom: kr. 375 per person, kr. 750 for the room. 3-bedded room with private bathroom: kr. 295 per person, alternatively kr. 885 for the room. 4-bedded room with private bathroom kr. 295 per person, alternatively kr. 1180 for the room. Family room with private bathroom kr. 810 for the room. Family room without bathroom: kr. 750. Breakfast included. Linen and towels not included.
* Bergen YMCA Hostel, Nedre Korskirkeallmenning 4, +47 55 60 60 55 (e-mail: [mailto:ymca@online.no ymca@online.no[/url]), [url=http://www.bergenhostel.com/].]1 May-31 May: Daily 8:30AM-9PM, 1 Jun-31 Aug: Daily 7AM-12 midnight, 1 Sep-7 Oct: Daily 8:30AM-9PM, 8 Oct-30 Apr: M-F 8:30AM-3:30 PM. Located a minute's walk from the fish market, the Bergen YMCA Hostel is a decent youth hostel right in the center of town, with a rooftop terrace where you can sit and look out over the old town center. Member of Hosteling International. Reservations essential. Double room kr. 750, single room (winter only) kr. 555. Bed in 4-bed room: kr. 230. Bed in 6-bed room: kr. 210. Bed in dormitory (summer only): Kr. 155. Bed in female dormitory (summer only): Kr. 175. Breakfast, linen and towels not included.
* Crowded House, Håkonsgaten 27, +47 55 90 72 00 (fax: +47 55 90 72 01, e-mail: [mailto:info@crowded-house.com info@crowded-house.com[/url]), [url=http://www.crowded-house.com/haakonsgaten/eng/index.html].]A 33-room hotel conveniently located close to the university area downtown.
* Intermission, Kalfarveien 8 (close to the railway station), [url=http://www.intermissionhostel.no[/url]]+47 55 30 04 00. A Christian hostel 40-bed dormitory with probably the lowest prices in town. Norwegian evenings every Monday and Thursday with traditional cakes and waffles, free of charge. Open in the summer only.
* Marken Gjestehus, Kong Oscars gate 45, +47 55 31 44 04 (fax: +47 55 31 60 22, e-mail: [mailto:post@marken-gjestehus.com post@marken-gjestehus.com[/url]), [url=http://www.marken-gjestehus.com/eng/homepg.aspx].] Jan-Feb M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Mar M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Apr M-F 9AM-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. May-Aug daily 9AM-11PM. Sep M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Oct M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Nov Dec M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. A 67-bed hostel located close to the railway station. Lockable closets in all rooms. No mixed sex dormitories. Bed in 2-bed room: kr. 285. 2-bed room as single room: kr. 495. Bed in 3-bed room (these rooms have a private bathroom): kr. 295. 3-bed room as single room: kr. 650. 3-bed room as double room: kr. 750. Bed in 4-bed room: kr. 225. Bed in 8-bedded room: kr. 185. Bed in 10-bedded room (with private bathroom): kr. 210. Breakfast, linen and towels not included.
* Skansen pensjonat, [http://www.skansen-pensjonat.no/[/url]. Small and cosy, with only seven rooms. Located near the funicular. A double room costs kr. 700, and is very good value. Reservations are necessary.
* Situated behind Bryggen in a nice neighbourhood. The guesthouse consists of two houses, one with a two bedroom apartment and one in which four rooms are available. All rooms can be fitted with a baby bed free of charge. Some of the bedrooms can also be rented and used as living rooms or offices on request.
Comfort Hotel Holberg, Strandgaten 190 (Nordnes), +47 55 30 42 00 (fax: +47 55 23 18 20, e-mail: [mailto:co.holberg@choice.no co.holberg@choice.no]), [url=http://www.choicehotels.no/hotels/hotel?language=en&hotel=NO013].]A little bit outside the center of downtown, but still no more than a few minutes walk from the fish market, this hotel is probably one of the lesser known accommodation options in Bergen. The hotel is quite new and modern. With facilities in the typical mid-range class, it might however be a bit pricey compared to its competitors. About kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.
* Friis Pensjon [url=http://www.friispensjon.com[/url].]A small flat close to the city center: a bedroom, a living-room, a kitchen-corner (without stove), a bathroom. There is wifi in the flat. Suitable for 2 persons, but can be also used by four. In June 2008 the price was 1700 NOK for two nights, four persons.
* Parkveien Apartment [url=http://www.apartmentbergensummer2011.com[/url].]Upscale, central apartment on Nygaardshoyden available for rent during the summer. Fully furnished and top modern facilities. 1,200 NOK for two persons. Discount rates for longer stays.
* Grand Terminus, Zander Kaaesgate 6 (just opposite the railway station), [url=http://www.ght.no[/url]]+47 55 21 25 00 (fax: +47 55 21 25 01, e-mail: [mailto:booking@ght.no booking@ght.no[/url]), [url=http://www.ght.no/].]Just around the corner form the railway station. The hotel built in 1928 is elegant and has a classical style. Prices from kr. 1150 per night for a standard double room.
* InCity Hotel & Apartments [url=http://www.incity.no[/url].]In the heart of Bergen, 50 m. from the meeting point ("the blue stone"). Large and comfortable rooms with kitchenette and broadband internet. Hotel, restaurant, bar, night club and theater under same roof! From 890 NOK for a double room.
* Jacob's Apartments, Kong Oscars gate 44, +47 982 38 600 (fax: +47 55 54 41 69, e-mail: [mailto:post@apartments.no post@apartments.no[/url]), [url=http://www.apartments.no/].]Decent apartments with bathroom and kitchen, close to the railway station. The apartments vary in size, the largest can hold up to seven people. Jacob's Apartments also has an 18-bed dormitory. There is no curfew in the dormitory. Apartments per person per night: Single apartment (one person): kr. 660-960. Double apartment (two people): kr. 860-1160. Per extra person in a double apartment: kr. 250(?). Bed in dormitory: kr. 165(?).
*Rica Hotel Bergen, Christiesgate 5-7, +47 55 36 29 00 (fax: +47 55 36 29 01, e-mail: [mailto:rica.hotel.bergen@rica.no rica.hotel.bergen@rica.no[/url]), [url=http://www.rica-hotels.com/index.cfm?oa=hotel.display&con=439].]A business hotel with good facilities and a central location. Wi-Fi in all rooms. About kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.
*Scandic Bergen City, Håkonsgaten 2 (close to the university area), +47 55 30 90 80 (fax: +47 55 23 49 20, e-mail: [mailto:bergencity@scandic-hotels.com bergencity@scandic-hotels.com[/url]), [url=http://www.scandic-hotels.no/bergencity].]A reasonably priced conference hotel, also a good option for tourists due to its relatively central yet quiet surroundings. There is a gym and bath close by, and a cinema across the street. From kr. 1100 per night for a standard double room.
* Thon Hotel Bergen Brygge, Bradbenken 3 (close to Bergenhus), +47 55 30 87 00 (fax: +47 55 32 94 14, e-mail: [mailto:bergen.brygge@thonhotels.no bergen.brygge@thonhotels.no[/url]), [url=http://www.thonhotels.com/bergenbrygge].]An ok hotel situated in the historic part of Bergen, though not very historic in itself. Fixed low prices; 695 NOK per night for single room, 895 NOK per night for double room.
* Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Rosenkrantzgate 7, +47 55 30 14 00 (fax: +47 55 31 14 76, e-mail: [mailto:rosenkrantz@thonhotels.no rosenkrantz@thonhotels.no[/url]), [http://www.thonhotels.com/rosenkrantz]. Hotel Rosenkrantz is a comfortable hotel located just behind Bryggen. The hotel serves an evening buffet included in the room price every night except in the summer season. There is a number of nightclubs in the vicinity. About kr. 1300 per night for a standard double room.
Augustin Hotel, C. Sundts gate 22, +47 55 30 40 00, (fax: +47 55 30 40 10, e-mail: [mailto:booking@augustin.no booking@augustin.no]), [url=http://www.augustin.no/]].]Augustin Hotel is Bergen's oldest family-run hotel, owned by the same family for three generations. It is the only hotel in the city center that is not member of a hotel chain, giving room for the management to create a unique atmosphere. The hotel has undergone extensive modernization the latest years. The restaurant and the wine bar are both highly recommended. The hotel is often fully booked, so a reservation well in advance is recommended. About kr. 1700 per night for a standard double room.
* Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Slottsgaten 1 (at the harbour), +47 55 60 11 00 (fax: +47 55 60 11 01, e-mail: [mailto:cc.havnekontoret@choice.no cc.havnekontoret@choice.no[/url]), [url=http://www.choicehotels.no/hotels/hotel?language=en&hotel=NO097&language=no].]This luxurious hotel opened in the beautiful neo-classical building formerly housing the Port of Bergen harbor company in May 2006. The hotel is situated on historical ground between Bryggen and Bergenhus fort. Hotel facilities include a gym and a sauna. About kr. 2000 per night for a standard double room.
* Clarion Hotel Admiral, C. Sundts gate 3, +47 55 23 64 00, (fax: +47 55 23 64 64, e-mail: [mailto:cl.admiral@choice.no cl.admiral@choice.no[/url]), [url=http://www.choicehotels.no/hotels/hotel?hotel=NO037&language=no].]A traditional high-class hotel with a view of Bergen harbor. About kr. 1600 per night for a standard double room.
* Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Finnegaarden 2 A, +47 55 30 48 00 (e-mail: [mailto:hotellbooking@finnegaarden.no hotellbooking@finnegaarden.no[/url]), [url=http://www.dethanseatiskehotell.no/EN/index_en.html].]Situated in the very heart of the historic Bergen, the hotel building was rebuilt after the great fire in 1702, but is mentioned in texts dating back to the beginning of the 15th century. It is part of the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site[/url]] [wiki=d36096a10b82aadd44de1efb13058c0b#Bryggen]Bryggen[/wiki]. With only 16 rooms, the hotel opened in May 2006 and has quickly gained renown for its historic atmosphere. From kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.
Police: 112
* Fire: 110
* Emergency Medical Services: 113
If you are unsure which number to call, 112 is the central for all rescue services and will put you in contact with the correct department.
For non-emergencies, the police is to be called on 02800.
The hearing impaired using a text telephone can reach the emergency services by dialing 1412.
Roadside assistance is provided by Falck (tel. 02222) and Viking (tel. 06000). AAA members may call NAF on 08505.
Bergen Bahá'í Center, Sydnessmuget 6, +47 930 00 159 (after 5PM).
*Bergen center of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, +47 971 11 302. Meditation hours every Wednesday from 7PM.
*Bergen Hindu Sabha, Storetveitveien 5, +47 55 28 22 45.
*Bergen Mosque, Nøstegaten 43, +47 55 23 37 10.