Articles

The City of Seven Mountains - Bergen, Norway
by Roy Witman © 2008

Intimate. Enthusiastic. Beautiful. Bergen, Norway is one of the smallest cities in the Scandinavian region, but its citizens are delightfully warm and welcoming. Surrounded by seven mountains and bordered by the ocean, Bergen offers gorgeous scenery that spans from the sea to the sky. Founded in 1070, this once thriving shipping port offers almost 1,000 years of history to explore during your visit.

Sights in Bergen

The Seven Mountains

Bergen is nestled in the bowl formed by the surrounding seven mountains. Just looking out the window is a majestic sight! Needless to say, hiking is a popular pastime in Bergen. Mt. Ulriken, one of the seven, has cable cars (aerial trams) that transport visitors to the summit. There, free telescopes allow guests to see practically all of Bergen with a bird's eye view.

Bergen International Festival

Bringing various cultures together for a mammoth event, the Bergen International Festival unites the Nordic and Baltic countries for two full weeks in the cultural capital of Norway. According to the official festival website, attendees can view performances of orchestral music, chamber music, recitals, theatre, ballet, festival exhibitions, literature /poetry, outdoor events and street performances. It takes place from the end of May through early June each year.

Tall Ships' Races

A week of festivities surrounds this fun-filled event that takes place in late summer each year. From the Opening Ceremonies to fireworks displays to the actual ship races themselves, the Tall Ships' Races make for days upon days of family fun for all ages.

Watching the tall ships enter the harbor is a majestic sight on its own. Hailing from ports around the globe - including Mexico, Russia, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Poland, France, the UK and more - the world is literally on stage for all to see during this regatta.

The Bryggen (Wharf)

Bergen's Bryggen (wharf) is a popular attraction due to its unique features and beauty. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Bryggen was built in 1070 when the city was founded. All wood construction met with a violent end in 1702 when most of the Bryggen - including warehouses and government buildings - burned. Today, the Bryggen area is filled with shops, restaurants, pubs and tourists.

Botanical Gardens

Simply stunning! With over 500 plants from all over the world, you can thrill at the sight of Norway's largest rose garden as well as numerous specialized collections including the Alpine Garden, Japanese Garden and Heather Garden. Follow winding pathways as you stroll through unique varieties of scrubs and flowers, natural forest areas and ornamental plant displays.

Music

Bergen is also famous for the headliner musical concerts that play this venue regularly. In 2008, Bergen will host superstars like KISS, Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, R.E.M. and others.

For blockbuster fun in a less crowded destination, make sure Bergen Norway is on the itinerary for your next cruise. The whole family will enjoy their stay.

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