Bergen is surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular tourist attractions – the Norwegian Fjords, which have now been included on UNESCO´s World Heritage List.
Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway
Photo: Frithjof Fure
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords – it is the fjords’ “capital city”. The fjords around Bergen are many and varied. Whether you only have time for a short sightseeing trip, or you want to see the area in more detail, there are plenty of tours in and around Bergen to provide you with unforgettable memories. This makes Bergen the ideal stepping stone to the Kingdom of Fjords.
The fjords are Scandinavia's tourist attraction Number One - and Bergen opens the door to a virtual kingdom of fjords. It is one of the reasons why Bergen is one of Europe's most visited cruise ship harbours. The sea has carved itself through and across Norway's long coastline and has given us nature in many facets. Here waterfalls tumble down the mountainsides, here eternal snows glitter on the mountain tops, here bright grass softens the fjord edges. In spring, blossoming fruit trees throw a lacy carpet over the landscape.
This is a land of contrasts. From the soft and gentle, to the harsh and untamed. Tiny fertile villages strung like glowing green pearls along the fjordline, and indomitable fishing communities clinging to rocky outcrops with the wild ocean crashing all around. Between the world's longest fjord and one of the world's most beautiful - that is the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord - lies Bergen - which is the gateway to exploring this beautiful natural area.
But the scenery isn't just to soothe the eye. Here you can ski throughout the year - yes, also in summer. There's also white water rafting, mountain and glacier hiking, cycling along the byways, and fishing in the sea and rivers. The round trip "Norway in a nutshell" gives you a flavour of the fjords and mountains in just one day, all year round. But if you have the time, why not cruise the fjords, either by boat or car. Fjord Norway is worth it!