Bergen Hotels

The picturesque Norwegian coastal city of Bergen is dotted with quaint wooden houses and set against a backdrop of steep mountains and deep fjords. Step into the saga of Bergen, a city of smiling townsfolk and natural wonders.

Multi-coloured wooden Hanseatic houses dot the seafront of the old town, the world heritage site Bryggen, some of them dating back to the 14th century. The Fløibanen funicular chugs up to the top of Fløyfjellet mountain, with vistas of the fjords, while Bergen aquarium provides views of the oceans from beneath. High mountains and deep seas is what Bergen is all about.

Hang out in one of the several new, hip venues that have sprung up around Ole Bull's Pass. Party in style at the glamorous Feliz nightclub, or catch a play at Ole Bull Scene.

Find chunky, patterned lusekofte jumpers and traditional handicrafts, along with North Sea delicacies, at the colourful Fisketorget market. Head to classy Sandviken and Steinkjellergaten for small designer boutiques selling Norwegian and international fashions, jewellery and accessories or shop for high-street names in the city centre malls.

Catch a boat into Sognefjord, passing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, to see the glaciers of the high mountains as they reunite with the ocean. Closer at hand, gaze out over the fjords and Bergen city from Fløyfjellet mountain, accessible from the centre by the Fløibanen funicular. Once there, join the locals on a hike through the mountain trails, for a taste of that healthy Norwegian rosy-cheek feeling.

Walk in the footsteps of 19th-century composer Edvard Grieg. Concerts are arranged at his former home Troldhaugen as well as in the culture centre Grieghallen. Grieg's classical music tradition is also upheld by students at the renowned music school Grieg Academy, who put on regular concerts. The expressionist art of Grieg's namesake, Edvard Munch, is on display at Bergen Art Museum.

With the North Sea at its doorstep, Bergen's dining is all about fish and seafood. Try flounder, or, if you are brave, the smelly local fish Lutfisk. Whale steak also appears on some menus. Find a romantic hideaway among one of the traditional Bergen restaurants along Bryggen or choose the international cuisine of your choice at diverse Kong Oscars gate.

If you've had enough of healthy outdoors activities, take a peek behind the doors of the 18th-century leprosy hospital, now the Bergen Leprosy Museum.