Cruise Holidays To Bergen

Overview

Bergen is the capital of Norway’s west and is the country’s second-largest city, with great shopping, wonderfully colourful architecture and plenty to see. The approach is spectacular, along the deep Byfjord, lined with smart homes and summer houses, and the city itself is surrounded by high, forested peaks. The constant to-ing and fro-ing of fishing boats and the regular Hurtigruten ships (the cruise-ferries which ply the coast) give the wharf a busy feel.

Small ships dock near the centre but larger vessels stop some 20 minutes’ walk away and normally provide shuttle buses. Explore the harbour and waterfront on foot – it’s here that you’ll find the brightly coloured houses and warehouses often featured in postcards of Norway, as well as the lively fish market. The old warehouses are now home to hip restaurants, galleries and shops.

Other things to see include the Hanseatic Museum, an interesting insight into life from the 14 th-16 th centuries, and the 13 th century King Haakon's Hall, and the 12 th century Mariakirken. The Theta Museum honours the local Nazi resistance group from WW2. For great views, take the Floibanen funicular railway for the views over the city and surrounding area.