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Ever since the intrepid King Olav Kyrre sailed into the harbour and founded the city in 1070, Bergen has attracted people from all quarters of the world. Some came and went, others decided to make Bergen their home. Bergen has become a melting-pot of cultures and Norway's most international city.

Bergen grew up around its colorful harbour - it was the hub of commerce, seafaring and crafts-manship. We became the north's largest city, Norway's first capital city and the seat of royalty. So important was Bergen by the 13th century that the Hansas - the German medieval guild of merchants - opened one of their four European offices on the wharf called Bryggen.

But Bryggen stays the same, its contour just as it was in the 11th century, untouched by shifting times. It has become a symbol of our cultural heritage and has gained a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Bergensers are proud of their city and of their city's traditions. They look after their past because it is a part of their living present. A city with its feet in the sea, its head in the skies and its heart in the right place - full of infectious enthusiasm, and happy to share it with visitors. Welcome to Bergen, the old city with a young outlook.

Sights

Schïtstuene, Hanseatic Assembly Rooms. Old assembly rooms that vividly illustrate social life among the Hanseatic merchants in Bergen, who gathered here for warm meals, court meetings and teaching. In these old rooms, illustrating life among the Hanseatic merchants in Bergen, organised meetings, conferences and other events are also held.

Bryggen in Bergen - Meeting Point Bryggen. Comprising a maze of characteristic wooden buildings with pointed gables facing onto the harbour, the old Bryggen Hanseatic wharf is architecturally unique and is included on UNESCO's list of world heritage of history and culture.

Bryggens Museum. A cultural history museum based on finds made during the archaeological excavations at Bryggen between 1955 and 1972, showing the foundations of the city's oldest buildings from the 12th century on their original site.

Gallery Bryggen AS. Reconstructions from Norway's cultural heritage, mainly from the Viking period. Also contemporary Norwegian arts and crafts.

Haakon's Hall. The medieval Castle Hïkon's Hall was built during the reign of King Haakon Haakonsson between 1247 and 1261. It was the largest and most imposing building of the royal residency in 13th century Bergen, then the political centre of Norway.

Hanseatic Museum. One of the oldest and best preserved wooden buildings in Bergen, furnished in 18th century style to provide an intimate picture of the life of a Hanseatic merchant.

Rosenkrantz Tower. The Rosenkrantz Tower was built in the 1560's by the governor of Bergenhus Castle, Erik Rosenkrantz, and served as a combined residence and fortified tower for Bergen. Earlier structures by King Magnus the Lawmender (1270) and Jïrgen Hanssïn (1520) incorporated.

St. Mary's Church. The oldest building still existing in Bergen, from the first half of the 12th century and one of the most outstanding Romanesque churches in the country. The pulpit is considered the finest example of Baroque decorative art in Norway.

Theta Museum on Bryggen - the resistance movement. The secret room, now museum, of the Theta Group of the Resistance Movement during the occupation of Norway 1940 to 1945. The group's aim was to establish connection and communication with the Norwegian government in exile and the resistance.

West Norway Museum of Decorative Art. The permanent exhibitions include: "People and Posessions", "The Treasury of Bergen" with the exquisite violin of the virtuoso Ole Bull, from 1562, (one of the world's oldest and most beautiful violins in the world), and The China Collection. There are also changing exhibitions.

Bergen Art Museum. The Museum includes The City Art Collections, Stenersen's Collection and Rasmus Meyers Collection. In the museum you'll find extensive collections of paintings by both Munch and Picasso. The museum also shows interiors from old Bergen homes.

Reksten Museum/Gallery. Norwegian and international portrait art, sculptures and paintings. Hilmar Reksten's collection of silver and antique Persian carpets. Alternating exhibitions.

Lysïen Island, and Ole Bull's Villa. The beautiful and extraordinary villa on Lysïen (the Island of Light) was built as a summer residence for the Norwegian violin virtuoso Ole Bull in 1873. Ole Bull's charismatic personality and musical excellence influenced contemporary artists. The villa is open to the general public in the summer, offering daily guided tours and concerts.

Troldhaugen Home of composer Edvard Grieg. The home of composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) and his wife Nina. Grieg lived here for 22 years and composed many of his best-known works in the little garden. Also visit the cliff-hewn tomb where he was buried, the concert hall "Troldsalen" and the museum.

Siljustïl, home of composer Harald Sïverud. One of the most important Norwegian composers of this century. The property was a wedding gift from the bride's parents. The house from 1939 is made of wood and natural stone, and with elements from old Norwegian building traditions.

Norway in a nutshell takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery. You can experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flam Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow Naeroyfjord (now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List) and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheim Canyon.

This is a combination train, boat and bus tour, all done in one day!

Departure from Bergen at 8.40am

Norway in a nutshell takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery. You can experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flam Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow Naeroyfjord (now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List) and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheim Canyon.

This is a combination train, boat and bus tour, all done in one day!

Departure from Bergen at 8.40am

An 8-minute ride to the top of Mount Floyen (altitude 320 m). Runs every half hour, every 15 minutes if necessary. A magnificent view over Bergen and the suburbs. Ideal for mountain walks. Souvenir shop open all year. Concerts every evening during summer.