Natural beauty and Scandinavian sophistication
Bergen and the fjords, Norway
This region is Norway in a nutshell: a cosmopolitan city surrounded by spectacular scenery. Bergen, the Nordic nation’s pretty second city, is home to historic houses and world-class museums that are ideal for its unpredictable weather. But visiting Bergen is also about exploring its surrounding areas including, of course, the world-famous fjords – surely one of the most dramatic landforms on the planet. All told, Bergen may have lost its title of ‘capital’ to Oslo centuries ago but the region still reigns supreme.
Urban perfection
Bergen may be Norway’s second city but it’s definitely not second best. Expect brightly painted timber-fronted houses the old Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen, modern museums – it is home to a huge collection of Edvard Munch’s works – and thriving restaurants serving local produce. And all surrounded by spectacular scenery: Bergen sits between seven fjords and seven mountains.
Fantastic fjords
Norway is synonymous with its stunning fjords, giant chasms in the landscape that were shaped by glaciers. Choosing a favourite fjord is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child – nigh on impossible – but Hardangerfjord, and the Unesco-listed Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord all amaze. And you don’t have to stick to exploring the fjords by boat: hiking, cycling and kayaking are all options with Cosa.
A splendid train ride
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ‘Life is a journey, not a destination’. And on Norway’s Flam railway, one of the steepest lines in the world, you’ll understand what the American writer meant. Admire dramatic waterfalls and mountain scenery from the comfort of your carriage on this hair-rising 19km journey from the fjord village of Flam to the mountain town of Myrdal.
Get your adrenaline pumping
The small town of Voss in the heart of the fjords is known as Norway’s adventure capital, and with good reason. From skydiving to whitewater rafting, adrenaline junkies will find their fix, but for there’s also gentler summer activities like horse riding and salmon fishing. Or visit Voss in winter for skiing, both alpine and cross country.
Essential Bergen and the fjords
Founded by King Olav Kyrre in 1070, Bergen was Norway’s first capital. In around 1360, the Hanseatic League – a wealthy trading federation that dominated commerce in the Baltic Sea – opened an office in Bergen’s old wharf, Bryggen, and for four centuries German merchants lived and worked here. Today the historic city is also the starting point for exploring the coastline, and some nearby fjords are truly vast: Sognefjord is over 200km long and 1300m deep.
Where it is
Northern Europe
When to go
May to September
Why go there
Natural beauty
Historic city
Outdoor adventures
What to see
Bergen
Flam Railway
The fjords
