Bergen
Known as the ‘city between seven mountains’, the historic city of Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s fjords and is perfectly placed to explore the flora and fauna of this tremendously tortuous coastline.
In a spectacular coastal setting, sheltered by hills, forests and straggling islands, Bergen is the gateway to the breathtaking fjords. It is also a fascinating city in its own right and after just a 2 hour flight from the UK you can be soaking up the atmospheric old warehouse quarter, terraces of tiny wooden houses, meandering alleyways and impressive art galleries and museums.
For panoramic views of the city, take the short ride in the quaint funicular to the top of Mount Floyen or perhaps onto the highest point, Ulriken. Then take an easy walk through delightful scenery back down to the hustle and bustle of the Torget, the open-air fish market selling everything from mounds of prawns and crab claws to flowers and local handicrafts.
From Bergen it’s a hop, skip and a jump over the mountains to the western fjords. These giant clefts in the landscape running from the coast deep into the interior are nature’s work of art, formed when the glaciers retreated, and sea water flooded the U-shaped valleys. Thanks to the warming Gulf Stream, the Norwegian fjords enjoy a mild climate and remain virtually ice-free, inhabited by seals, porpoises and an abundance of different fish.
