Bergen
 

We will be in Bergen for a full day in July (port of call/cruise). Would we do just as well to tour the city on our own, maybe hire a private taxi or take a city tour; or should we sign up for one of the cruise tours (usually very expensive)? If we do it on our own, what should we do? Any restaurant recommendations?

Our experiences with ship-organized shore excursions is that they are too expensive for what you get. Team up with a second couple and check out tour organizers on the pier, often freelance taxi drivers. Split the costs, see what you want, and (in Norway) don't worry about the language. Most likely, the tour driver speaks perfect English. About the only Bergen site that is out of town is the home of Edvard Grieg. We thought it was interesting, but nothing special. Be sure to take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Great little seafood places all around the market at the head of the harbor. If you are interested at all in antiques, poke around the shops. Otherwise, we found Bergen to be a great place just to mosey around on our own.

The most interesting parts of Bergen are near the fishmarket. I would suggest taking a taxi there and then exploring. The Hanseatic Museum is located within the attractive, bright, wooden buildings. I would also recommend the funicular for a lovely view.

As for restaurants, there is a nice one near the top of the funicular or you might enjoy nibbling the delicasies from the fish market.

Bergen has one of the best selections if a Scandinavian Sweater is on your list.

My wife and I loved being in Bergen several years ago. It is a very walkable city around the harbor...market, bryggen shops, history museum, St. Mary's church, floral park, etc. (I'm just listing from memory). Enjoy and hope for no rain.

ozarksbill
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I have been to Norway 13 times, and Bergen is certainly the best large city. I agree with the other posts: the warf area ("Bryggen") is good. Stop at the open air market. Buy a bunch of shrimp and some bread and sit on a bench and eat it right there.

Do bring an umbrella. Bergen is (in)famous, even in wet Norway, for its rain. (In Norway they say, "well, if it rains, we will do what they do in Bergen", meaning, let it rain and go on with our plans).

There an historic tour of old buildings along Bryggen. Also the best area in Norway to score a sweater.

If the weather is nice, take the funicular railway to the top (Floeybanen) and enjoy the great view.

You can see the best areas on foot. No need for a private taxi.

nhulberg said it all. I have been there numerous times too. You don't need a tour; walk around and see the bryggen area; if it is nice take the funicular up (or walk up as I have done) and enjoy the views. Nice restaurants abound all around the harbor, or try Dickens pub on the main square.

Would one be happier around town or doing this:

Leaving Bergen, pass the fortress of Bergenhus, King Haakons Hall, Rosenkrantz Tower, the picturesque, wooden buildings from the Hanseatic period, and the fish market, before travelling through Bergen's gardened suburbs, in the direction of Soerfjorden. Follow the shoreline looking across to Osteroey Island, and head up the hill to Gullbotn - one of the many ski resorts. Descend to the Samnangerfjord, before climbing up to the mountain plateau of Kvamskogen, and then down into the Steinsdalen valley through Tokagjelet Gorge. Travel through the village of Norheimsund, before continuing along the shores of the fjord to the neighbouring village of Oeystese in the next bay. Continue along the fjord, passing through charming villages and fruit orchards, before heading inland taking in views of Granvin Lake. The return trip back to Bergen travels past the shore of Vangs Lake, the Vosso River, and through numerous tunnels to Dale, a small community surrounded by mountains, and known for its hydroelectric powerstation.

Thanks for the advise.

WE were on a cruise June 8 06 & stoppped for a day in Bergen .We were delayed boarding our ship due some bug on the ship ,the health authorities finally cleared the ship but we were told to avoid eating fish from the fish market as this was found to be the cause of many people being sick , There is a Hop on and off bus that will pick you up at the dock gates at 25 minutes to the hour it will drop you off at the cable car & take you back to the dock or you can get off by the TI.16 Euro

Responding to EricoSmith's post, definately go for the excellent tour you have laid out, rather than spending that time in Bergen. Assuming you don't have time for both.