Once the capital of Norway, Bergen remains the country’s second-largest city. It’s primarily the gateway for any traveller to the fjords region, making it an essential destination in Norway. But don’t just see it as a brief stopover on your Viking journey! The city, with its sleepy seaside charm, has much to offer in terms of activities and sights. Here’s what we recommend you visit in Bergen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcda A bit of History<\/strong>. If you’ve watched Vikings<\/em>, you’d be interested to know that the city was founded roughly around the same time the series is set, in about 1070 AD, by King Olaf III. Bergen started to flourish in the following century with the arrival of German merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we delve into the must-dos in Bergen, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this Norwegian destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, it depends on what you’re after. If you want to avoid rain (though bear in mind, Bergen is known for its wet weather) and enjoy milder conditions, it’s best to visit between May and August, during the summer. This is also when the days are longest, giving you ample time to explore and soak up its unique ambiance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For fewer crowds but still decent weather, late spring and early autumn are good times. But in that case, pack some warm clothing for the evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, in fact, Bergen is often dubbed the “gateway” to the fjords of Western Norway. From here, you can easily reach renowned fjords like N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord <\/strong>and Sognefjord<\/strong>, either via organised tours or by boat and train. If you’re heading east, the railway line connecting Bergen to Oslo (read our guide<\/a><\/strong>) promises breathtaking views, though at seven hours, it’s quite a journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\uddd2\ufe0f Northern Lights, hotels: things to know about Bergen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time to visit Bergen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is it easy to travel from Bergen to other parts of Norway, including the fjords?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n