Explore and enjoy Bergen like a local
By Pia Cernic, born and raised in Bergen
Are you like me when visiting different cities and countries? You don’t want to follow the tourist tracks, but rather explore and use the city like the locals do.
F
ind those small and special places, and when visiting the must-see attractions and activities, get some tips that will make them even more special.
bergenser. It actually doesn’t rain as much as people would like you to believe.
Pia Cerni
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Bergen is packed with beautiful small alleys with picturesque houses, special shops and plenty of places to eat or to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Anyhow, if the weather forecast predicts rain, just bring a small umbrella and you are set to meet Bergen: The capital of the fjords, the city surrounded by seven mountains, Norway’s second largest city measured by population.
You have probably heard that it rains a lot in Bergen. Well, how do you define rain? If it’s just a drizzle, it’s not “raining” for a
Depending on how many days you spend in Bergen, the things to do and sights to see are nearly endless.
I will try to guide you, and hopefully you will come to love Bergen as much as I do. STARTING WITH SOME FACTS
HOW TO GET AROUND The best way to see and explore Bergen is by foot. Bergen is a walk-friendly city. By foot you will be able to enjoy all the small quirky streets and alleys. Perhaps you’ll get lost in the cobble streets surrounded by charming wooden houses, but you will always find your way back to the starting point. Do you want to cover more ground, and have limited time, make use of the City bikes (read more on page 42) Are you eager to visit the Stave Church, The home of Ole Bull or Edvard Grieg’s Troldhaugen situated in the outskirts of Bergen city, you could rent a car. All
the big rental companies have offices in Bergen. When buying a ticket on a bus, Bybanen or the Expressen ferry from the local transportation company SKYSS, the ticket will be valid for 90min, and to be used on either of them. (read more on page 42) TIP: Take the local ferry Expressen to Kleppestø, a short 15 min. sea ride each way, only stopping to unload and upload passengers before heading back to Bergen City. Go outside (upstairs), and get a perfect view of the city and its seven surrounding mountains.
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MEETING THE LOCALS People from Norway can come across as a bit shy and reserved. On the other hand, when out in the nature, we greet everyone we meet, either we know them or not. It’s nearly expected to do so! We are very proud of our city. In fact, there is a saying here in Bergen: I am not from Norway, I am from Bergen. If you need to ask for directions, we are more than happy to guide you – and most of us are fluent in English (that s what you get for being a small nation, you need to learn English from an early age).
www.bergensentrum.no
