Known as the city of seven mountains, Bergen, Norway, is delightfully quirky in the most charming way possible.
Bergen’s love affair with flowing hair.
One curious thing I noticed while walking around is that Norwegians are serious about hair. For the most part, men, women, and young children alike had extremely long tresses. I realize that it’s an odd thing to comment on, but this almost felt like a cultural rite of passage with the locals. Bonus, if you forget your conditioner in Bergen, Norway, there’s some sort of hair salon every three shops or so.
Fjord tours, the Fløibanen, and more in Bergen.
If you visit Bergen, Norway during in the summer, chances are that you are going to be warmer than you anticipated. Outdoor swimming pools aren’t terribly common, so go for a splash in the Old Bull fountain. It’s what the locals do, and it will definitely cool you down. Other activities include visiting the Fløibanen, the flower filled gazebo in the city center, and the famous wooden houses by the wharf. Click here for more information.
Fjord tours are by far the biggest draw of Norway’s second biggest city. However, I had a few issues with local websites processing my information correctly. The easiest thing to do is to contact the company directly. The night prior to my fjord excursion, I still had not received the required confirmation. The power of electronic mail saved the day.
And, speaking of booking fjord tours, don’t wait until a week ahead of time (like I did). If at all possible, figure out your travel schedule several months in advance, because these tours fill up quickly. People will always pour in from around the world to admire Bergen’s pristine waters, and you won’t get to participate if you wait until the last second.
Fast fashion in Norway.
Like most of Scandinavia, Bergen is expensive. If you need to pick up a few items inexpensively, Cubus offers fast fashion at reasonable prices. The temperature spiked unexpectedly during my travels, so this place was a lifesaver. It’s convenient, because it’s located a few blocks from the fish market. The trendy styles aren’t investment pieces, but they won’t break the bank either.
Bergen’s information center.
Bergen’s information center is located in the heart of the fish market, and it’s a stark contrast to the rest of the city that revels in old world charm. This modern gem of architecture really stands out like a sleek serpentine that is rather out of place but somehow works. Be warned, lines are long here during the summer. I wanted advice about one of my boat trips, but I gave up and figured things out online. Bergen is quite popular, so I emphasize booking months in advance. Another tip, even if you don’t need additional information about the city, it’s still worth going inside, because this building has incredible views of the harbor.
Also, it’s worth noting that WiFi is widely available in the city center. And, the country does a good job ensuring connectivity.
The bus back to the airport from the city is convenient, but it can be a touch confusing. There are four stops, and the Radisson at the end of the row of the celebrated wooden houses is the most common pickup spot. When approaching the front of the hotel, make sure to walk around to the side, by the 26 Bar. Otherwise, you will miss it.
Overall, Bergen, Norway is pristine, incredibly clean, and expensive. Definitely worth a visit, don’t forget to make your plans well in advance. Otherwise, you might see your fjord dreams dashed.
