Official Bergen Guide Norway

The low-down on Norway 's second city

Described by some as "the city with green lungs," Bergen is the second largest city in the Norwegian kingdom, with 225,000 people who are happy to call this maritime centre their home. These are lucky people: Bergen is the gateway to the famous fjords. Here you can learn about King Olav Kyrre, who founded Bergen in 1070. For the stout of heart and boot, there are seven mountains surrounding Bergen to amble around, and in spring you can take part in the 'seven mountain walk.'

In the winter, the 'mild' climate(temperatures rarely dip below 10 degrees) makes for a healthy snowfall, and when the white stuff covers Mount Fløyen, skiing becomes a local institution. Quickstep fans let their passions smoulder in early October when the Tango festival swings into town, bringing with it dance, street theatre, exhibitions and the odd rose clenched between teeth. There are also galleries to peruse, museums to probe, and the Hardangervidda National Park, which contains the largest reindeer herd in Europe.

www.bergen-guide.com

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