Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway.

Understand

History

Founded around 1070 AD, Bergen quickly evolved into one of the most important cities in Norway. It was the country's administrative capital from the early 1200s until 1299, and the largest city in Scandinavia. Bergen was one of the most important bureau cities of the Hanseatic League, interconnecting continental Europe with the northern and coastal parts of Norway, thus becoming a central spot for the vending of stockfish and the commercial hot spot in Norway. It was the largest city in Norway until the 1830's and has a long maritime history in shipping and finance.

The city still has relics of its Hanseatic heyday, most notably the old harbor of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bergen has been ravaged by several fires; the most recent major fire took place in 1917, a fire which destroyed most of the buildings in what is today the central parts of the city center, centered around the large square Torgallmenningen.

Climate

Due to the city's location relatively far north, close to the northern sea and surrounded by mountains, special weather conditions occur, resulting in approximately 240 days with precipitation a year and a mean temperature of 7.6 °C (45.7 °F). In January 2007, a record of 85 rainy days in a row, was set. Still, local people claim there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Although rainy, in winter time, it is also the warmest city in Norway.

For the rest of us, the trick is obviously to choose the time of visit with caution. If you're lucky enough to catch the city on a sunny day, you will find an incredible atmosphere as citizens really know how to appreciate nice weather. City planners have probably had this in mind the latest years, resulting in open spaces, parks, flowers and lawns scattered all over downtown.

July has the highest mean temperature, 14.3 °C (57.7 °F), with August, 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) following close behind. May is usually the month with the least precipitation. Considering the number of local events this months, May is probably the best time to visit Bergen, with the the summer months of June, July and August as an almost as good second choice.

Geography

Bergen is located far west in Norway, sheltered from the North Sea only by a number of islands. It is situated along latitude 60 degrees north, as Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg and Anchorage. The city is the most hilly and mountainous in Norway. The city center is surrounded by a group of mountains and peaks known as the Seven Mountains, a defining characteristic which has given the city its name. The geographic conditions of the city are very visible; limited space to build on made it necessary in the 19th century that new city blocks be built on the steep slopes of mount Fløyen.

Except for the dense city center, which made up the entire city before 1916, Bergen is the least dense of the four largest cities in Norway. Most of the settlement inside the very wide city borders is concentrated in the western part of the municipality. The rest of the municipality is made up of mountains, as well as some farmland and smaller settlements.

Culture

Bergen is one of the most important cultural centers in Norway. The city is the home of the Bergen International Festival, Nattjazz and Bergenfest, festivals of international renown within their genres. The local symphony orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded in 1786. It is one of the world's oldest orchestral institutions. Bergen was the home of Norway's great composer, Edvard Grieg. Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright, started his career in Bergen as the manager of the Norwegian theater.

Around 2000, a number of artists from the rhythmic music scene in Bergen gained international fame. In the domestic press, this became known as the Bergen Wave. Musicians and bands with roots in Bergen include Annie, Burzum, Enslaved, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Erlend Øye, Kings of Convenience, Röyksopp, Sondre Lerche, and Datarock.

Recent years, the people behind the Bergenfest festival have been hosting concerts the rest of the year. International artists who have visited Bergen include Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Foo Fighters and Coldplay. In 2010 concerts with Depeche Mode, Kent and Mark Knopfler have so far been announced.

Getting there

By plane

Bergen Airport Flesland (IATA : BGO) is located 19 km south of the city. The main international airports with flights to Bergen are Copenhagen, London and Amsterdam. There are also flights from various cities in the United Kingdom (such as Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen), Prague, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, various cities in Spain and some other airports. There are also a number of domestic flights, such as Oslo, Stavanger and Sandefjord, connecting Bergen to additional international airports. The main carriers in Norway are SAS and the low cost airlines Norwegian Air Shuttle. The Dutch KLM has flights to Amsterdam, Lufthansa to Frankfurt. The smallest airports in Norway are usually served by Widerøe.

There is a frequent airport bus service (Norwegian: Flybussen ), which takes about 30-40 minutes to downtown (costing kr. 85, return kr. 150). Taxis are also available but they cost much more (kr. 300-350 on weekdays to downtown, more at night and at the weekend). There are some local buses occasionaly going to and from the airport. They have limited space for luggage and take longer, but only cost kr. 24 (schedules available online ), refer to the schedules for bus line 523 or 523/524, use buses marked 100 and/or Sentrum (downtown), Busstasjonen (the bus station) or Birkelandskrysset from the airport, or 523 and/or Flyplassen (the airport) or 520 Overgang, from the city center).

The car rental companies AVIS, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and National all have offices at Bergen Airport Flesland. Located in the terminal building, by the exit, most of them are open 7AM–9PM on weekdays. Opening hours in the weekend are limited, but some of the companies will offer 24 hours rental if you make a reservation.

By train

Bergen is served by a railway line which runs from Oslo. The railway line is operated by the Norwegian State Railways . The journey takes about seven hours and gives you beautiful views, especially for the last three hours. When passing Geilo, you will cross over a high mountain plateau and then travel downwards through some of the most wonderful scenery in Norway. If you buy your ticket online well in advance, fares may be as low as kr. 199 for a one-way ticket. For an additional fee of kr. 75, you may upgrade your ticket to NSB Komfort, the equivalent of first class, with slightly better seats, free coffee and tea, and a power outlet. If you want to make more out of your journey, book your tickets on the phone (+47 815 00 888, press 9 for information in English). Ask to get a window seat on one of the most recent upgraded trains (they're quite stylish and have power outlets by every seat) on the left hand side (this will give you the best view). The railway station is located east of the city centre, close to the bus station and the Bygarasjen garage.

Universal access is a priority to the Norwegian State Railways. Book your ticket on the phone or buy it at the train station at least a day in advance to inform staff if you have any special needs. You will have the same offers as are available online. Most trains are equipped with lifts or ramps and handicap toilets. Wheelchairs can be secured on board. For the seeing impaired, there are tactile lines in the larger stations. Staff will assist you in the station. If you need an assistant and can provide documentation, you and your traveling companion will get a 50 % discount off the full ticket price.

By car

When travelling by car from Oslo, European road E16 is usually the best choice. Between Lærdal and Flåm, the road goes through Lærdalstunnelen, the longest road tunnel in the world. The trip usually takes between seven and eight hours, depending on the conditions and whether you choose to make any stops on the way. There are several other alternatives, such as RV7 which probably is the most scenic route (but also the most difficult with regards to both weather and driving conditions). The road takes you across the mountain plateau Hardangervidda and along the innermost parts of Hardangerfjorden. From Brimnes, take the ferry to Bruravik and continue to Voss where RV7 meets E16.

From Stavanger, choose E39, which takes you past Haugesund, Stord and Os. The trip takes approximately four hours. From Ålesund, Trondheim or any of the other cities, towns and villages north of Bergen, the shortest road is also E39, but if you're coming from Trondheim or the north part of Møre og Romsdal the inland roads might be a better choice. However, for the most scenic road, choose E39 and consider detours along road RV60 or road RV5.

Generally, you will find that roads in rural areas, even the highways between the cities, are of poor quality. There are no motorways except in the areas in and around the largest cities, due to the rather low traffic and the somewhat difficult conditions in the mountains. Even if some people drive very fast, you should mind the speed limits (usually 80 km/h) and drive according to the conditions. In the mountains, help can be hours away. Furthermore, you will find traffic controls and police in unmarked cars nearly everywhere. Fines are very high. Do also keep in mind that to avoid dangerous situations, it's a good idea stop and let faster going traffic pass you.

If you plan to cross the mountains (for instance by driving from Oslo to Bergen) in the winter season, it is imperative that you are prepared for the journey. The conditions are harsh. Always keep a full tank of fuel, and keep warm clothes, food and drink in the car. Make sure your tires are good enough and suited for winter conditions (studded or non-studded winter tires, "all-year" tires are not enough), and that you have the sufficient skills for driving in snowy and cold conditions. Roads are often closed on short notice due to weather conditions. For advice on conditions and closed roads, call 175 in Norway or check the online road reports from the Norwegian State road authorities.

If arriving in Bergen by car, you will be better off not taking your car into the city center unless you know exactly where you're going, as most streets are one-way or do not allow cars at all (only buses and taxis), read more in the Get around section.

By bus

Via the network of NOR-WAY Bussekspress , Bergen is accessible from almost the entire country. Bus is usually the cheapest way to travel, but can take some time. The national buses are very comfortable, but not suitable for people using a wheelchair. Schedules and fares are available online, and it is also possible to pre-book. Booking may be required on some routes. The bus station is conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the city center. The terminal for long distance buses is situated on the rear side of the station.

By boat

There are fast boat services from Stavanger as well as several communities north of Bergen. Because these passenger ferries stop at various small towns on the way there, you get a great view of the coast and its islands. Fjord1 runs ferries north of Bergen, Tide runs services south of Bergen (including Stavanger-Bergen connection). The boat terminal is on the Nordnes peninsula in the city center.

Bergen is the southern terminus for Hurtigruten , a week-long passenger ship route with stops along Norway's coast all the way to Kirkenes in the far north of Norway. Ålesund can be reached overnight, and Trondheim will take one full day and two nights. The terminal is located at Nøstet. The Hurtigruten ships are accessible with a wheelchair.

There are car ferries which run to and from Hirtshals in northern Denmark, the route are operated by Fjordline . The terminal is the Skoltegrunn pier, some hundred meters beyond Bryggen.

Traveling around

On foot

Within the city center, walking is the best way to get around. You can walk across the downtown in 20 minutes in any direction. The most central streets of the city generally have a good accessibility for the disabled. The most important pedestrian crossings have sound signals and are indicated by tactile paving. They are also accessible with a wheelchair. Although paved stone is a popular material in the streets, it is rarely used in pedestrian areas. A map with more information on this subject is available from the municipality's website .

Schedules

Schedules for buses within Bergen and outline maps of the services are available online. The online map FINN kart displays the location of bus stops (but not schedules or lines).

Schedules can be picked up from any bus, but are only available in Norwegian, like their web counterparts. There is an information desk at the bus station providing information on all local bus and train lines free of charge. Calling 177 will also put you in contact with the information center (if you call from a cell phone, be sure to ask for the information center for Hordaland county, as this is a national service).

For a few major stops, the bus may have a fixed departure time, and will not leave before schedule. At other stops though, a bus may leave a few minutes ahead of schedule. During periods of high traffic, the bus may be several minutes late. Rush hour traffic is sometimes accounted for in the schedule by greater time allowances, but busy Saturday shopping is often not.

Schedule information at stops, if present, refers to the bus' departure time from the originating station, or another major stop, and there are usually few indications on how long the bus takes to reach your stop. Furthermore the name of a stop is almost never written on the stop itself, and in some cases, one stop may be referred to by multiple names, often corresponding to a particular landmark. Ask a local or a bus driver, both will usually be able and happy to assist you.

Fares

Tickets and fare cards can be bought from the driver (cash payment only).

As long as you stay within Bergen, the fare structure is simple: tickets within Bergen municipality cost kr. 24 per trip for adults, and kr. 12 for senior citizens (67 years or older), children (15 years or younger) and other people entitled to a rebate (such as the disabled). Traveling out of Bergen subjects you to Hordaland county's zone payment system, and prices can be considerably higher when traveling even one stop beyond the city limits. There are several fare zones within Bergen as well, but as long as you stay inside the city limits, any fare increases from crossing these zone boundaries are suppressed. Once you travel outside the city limits, the cost of crossing the zones inside Bergen catch up with you.

When you purchase a ticket, you will find a time printed on it. Within this time you may use the ticket on one more buses than the one where you bought the ticket. You may get on one bus, buy a ticket, get off the bus after a few stops, have a break, then get on a new bus and travel in the same or a different direction. The only catch is that it is not possible to use the ticket for a return trip. If unsure, show your ticket to the driver and ask if it is valid for the trip you are planning to take. If you are caught without a valid ticket or fare card, you will be kicked off the bus and get a stiff fine.

Children under 4 always travel free, and so do their carriages. Outside rush hours and in the weekends, children under 16 years travel free when accompanied by an adult. Groups traveling together will also receive a discount.

A 6-trip card with 17% discount can be bought on all buses. There is also a day pass, available from the information at the bus station. It covers Bergen and surrounding areas, but is not very good value at kr. 80, unless you want to go out of Bergen municipality or travel very extensively. A value card may also be of interest, with this scheme you "fill" a card with a certain amount of money, a minimum of kr. 200 at a time, and use it to buy single tickets with a 15% discount throughout Hordaland county.

Lines and services

Regular bus services operate throughout the day, major trunk routes running through downtown run with a 20-minute frequency or better. Between Nesttun in the South and the Norwegian School of Business and Economics in the north, the combined schedule of all routes are supposed to give a five-minute frequency, but buses can be delayed. In the suburbs, there are smaller lines, generally operating from a local terminal, with less frequent services.

Most major lines operate seven days a week, including all holidays (usually a regular Sunday schedule with a few exceptions), but some of the lesser lines may have no service on Sundays, or even Saturdays. Service is somewhat less frequent after about 6 PM, less frequent on Saturdays, and even less frequent on Sundays. During the school vacation (mid-June to mid-August), buses are also less frequent. On Christmas Eve (December 24), there are no buses after about 4 PM. On Constitution Day (May 17), the parades and celebrations shut down the downtown streets, though buses do run to and from downtown, they will generally not run through downtown on that day.

After about 1AM, regular bus services cease to run. On the weekends, there are a few so-called night bus lines available. Tickets are more expensive than on the regular lines (kr. 50 within city limits), and fare cards can not be used.

There are two free bus alternatives within the city center. Sentrumsbussen (the downtown bus) runs on weekdays between 7:30AM and 9PM from Møhlenpris by Vilvite (departures every 10 minutes), to Christies gate, the bus station, the fish market, Øvregaten, Bryggen, back to the fish market, through Småstrandgaten and back to Møhlenpris. Second, regular buses labeled with the "100"-number can be used to or from the downtown stop Olav Kyrres gate to make the short hop to or from the bus station free of charge.

Accessibilty

The process of replacing old buses with newer ones accessible for people using a wheelchair is ongoing. Most buses on central lines, including the parking bus, have low floors and a built-in ramp. Unfortunately, stops are not announced on a display nor by voice, except for the few trolleybuses in operation on line 2. The bus driver will usually be able to assist you in English, if required.

By tramway

Even though it looks as though there is a tramway in Bergen, don't wait for it at a stop. You'll have to wait until the end of June 2010 before the first car arrives (the tramway is still under construction).

By car

It is an expressed goal of both local and national authorities to cut car traffic in the city center. Thus, the speed limit downtown is very low, and most streets are one-way streets. If you plan on getting from one part of downtown to another, walking is often faster then driving, even for locals who know their way around. Furthermore, parking in the streets are reserved for the handicapped and residents with a special permit with only a very few exceptions. If you plan to drive to the city center from outside of it, unless you have any special needs, park your car in a garage, such as Bygarasjen (very large, at the bus station) and Klostergarasjen (at Nøstet, northern downtown); Bygarasjen being the cheaper. There are also several smaller (and more expensive) garages around town. If you take the chance to bring your car further downtown, be sure to read all signs – most streets are one-way streets and some are for buses and taxis only.

To park in a spot reserved for the disabled, you need a standard European "blue badge", a special parking permit (generally, handicapped parking permits from most countries will be accepted). It must be placed on the inside of your car's front window, clearly visible from the outside. You will find a list of parking spots for the disabled in the city center on the municipal parking authorities' website , along with some information on the general rules of parking . The accessibility map mentioned previously also indicates where parking spots for the disabled are situated.

Driving in the area outside the city center is quite convenient, with expressways going in most directions. The roads are well sign-posted, but a map will probably come in handy anyway. Mind the speed limits; traffic controls are common and fines are stiff. Do also keep in mind that a lot of the roads are toll roads. All toll stations are automated. When approaching one, keep driving and do not slow down. A photograph of you license plates will be taken, and you will receive an invoice per mail. During rush hours (7:30AM-9AM and 3PM-5PM) traffic is jammed many places, but it's nothing compared to larger cities in Europe.

Between 1 November and 31 March, the use of studded tires is legal. Within Bergen municipality, you have to pay a fee to use such tires. You can pay at automated payment stations on the main roads into Bergen (Norwegian: oblatautomat), Statoil gas stations or by visiting the municipal parking authorities in Bygarasjen or Vincens Lunges gate 3 (directly south of the railway station).

By taxi

Taxi is generally expensive in Norway. Throughout Bergen, there are a number of taxi stalls where taxis are parked waiting for customers. During the day, taxis will usually not pick up customers nearer than 300 metres from the stalls, except when called to an address. During the night in the weekends, taxi queues can be very long (up to one hour), and all customers are therefore required to go to the stalls. It is possible to order taxis to addresses also at this time of the week, but you shouldn't really expect the taxi to arrive.

The places where the taxis are stationed changes from time to time because of renovation of the city streets, but usually you will find them at the bus station, the railway station, Festplassen, Ole Bulls plass, Torget and in Torggaten and Vetrlidsalmenning. Look for signs saying "Taxi". Some taxi stalls are only open during night, and vice versa. Information about this is printed on a separate sign below the taxi sign. If no taxis are available at the taxi stall, call 07000 (Bergen Taxi), 08000 (Norgestaxi), +47 55 70 00 00 (Taxi 1) or +47 55 70 80 90 (Bryggen Taxi). Note that there is usually a fee associated with calling a taxi. Taxis may also be ordered in advance by calling one of these numbers, which is recommended if you have the possibility.

Fares are approximately the same regardless of the taxi company. All companies are regarded as reliable and safe. If several taxis are available at a taxi station, you may pick the one you want from the line.

It can be added that taxi drivers rarely expect or receive any tip.

By train

There is one local commuter train service, between downtown Bergen and the not-so-interesting suburb of Arna in the east (schedules available from the Norwegian State Railways' web site). If you for whatever reason are going to Arna, the train is by far the fastest option from downtown since the roads run around the mountains while the railway line runs straight through them.

By bicycle

Getting around by bike can be difficult in Bergen. Many central streets are paved with cobblestone, and there are only a few roads with designated cycling lanes. Cycling in such lanes can even be dangerous, as car and bus traffic may cross the lane. It is however legal to cycle on the sidewalks as long as you do not disturb pedestrians. Front and rear lights are mandatory after dark. Bicycle theft and vandalism is common, so take when you leave your bike.

See

There's a number of attractions in Bergen and the surrounding areas. Surveys do, however, show that most tourists in Bergen find the atmosphere, cultural landscape and architecture more compelling than the typical sights, so pick a few things to see and spend the rest of your time in Bergen sitting down in a park or café, strolling around the city, enjoying a concert or hiking the mountains. On sunny summer days, stay downtown until late to enjoy the sunset in the north.

Downtown

• Bergen Art Museum (Bergen kunstmusem) , +47 55 56 80 00, +47 55 56 80 00, 15 May-14 Sep: M-Su 11AM-5PM. 15 Sep-14 May: Tu-Su 11AM-5PM, Rasmus Meyers allé 3, 7 and 9, by Lille Lungegårdsvann, One of the largest art museums in the Nordic countries, with art from the renaissance as well as contemporary art. The museum houses several of Edvard Munch's works.

• The fish market (Fisketorget) , +47 55 31 56 17, +47 55 31 56 17, hours, Torget, Bergen's outdoor fish market has a long history, being the historical center for fish trade. Most tourists find their way here, but with locals changing their shopping habits, the fish market today does not compare to what it once was. The term

• Fløibanen , +47 55 33 68 00, +47 55 33 68 00, 2 Jan-1 May: M-Th 7:30AM-11PM, F 7:30AM-11:30PM, Sa 8AM-11:30PM, Su 9AM-11PM. 2 May–21 Aug: M-Th 7:30AM-midnight, F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa 8AM-midnight, Su 9AM-midnight. 1 Sep-31 Dec: M-Th 7:30AM-11PM, F 7:30AM-11:30PM, Sa 8AM-11:30PM, Su 9AM-11PM, Vetrlidsalmenning 21, Fløibanen is a funicular which goes up Fløyen, a plateau in the mountain massif north-east of the city center. From here, you get a great view of the city. Accessing Fløibanen and the plateau on Fløyen with a wheelchair is a piece of cake. More than 1.2 million people rode with Fløibanen in 2007, and it has become the attraction that the most tourists are content with. Expect queues, but don't worry, they move fast. There are no steps where lifts are not available without assistance, and all doors are wide.

• The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art (Permanenten) , +47 55 33 66 33, +47 55 33 66 33, Tu-Su 12 noon-4PM, Nordahl Bruns gate 9, by the music pavillion, A museum of design and decorative art. Norway's largest collection of Chinese art.

• St. Jørgen's Hospital (The Leprosy Museum), +47 55 55 20 00, +47 55 55 20 00, 21 May–2 Sep: Daily 11AM–3PM, Kong Oscars gate 59, St. Jørgen's Hospital is one of very few preserved leprosy hospitals from the 18th century in Northern Europe. This was where Armauer Hansen discovered the bacteria that causes leprosy in 1873. The Leprosy Museum tells the story about the disease and its history in Norway, in addition to showing life at the hospital. A visit to the museum is a unique but disturbing experience.

• Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet i Bergen) , +47 55 55 71 71, +47 55 55 71 71, May-Aug: Daily 9AM-7PM. Sep-Apr: Daily 10AM-6PM., Nordnesbakken 4, indoor parking available, but usually full in the summer season; walk for 20 minutes from the city center or use bus line 11, The aquarium has a nice selection of aquatic life, especially penguins and seals. Typical Norwegian aquatic life is well documented, and there is also a collection of tropical fish and animals. Fun for kids.

• Statsraad Lehmkuhl , +47 55 30 17 00, usually at Bergen harbor shed 7 – Bradbenken 2, at the end of Bryggen, across the street from Bergenhus fort, A three-masted barque sail training vessel built in 1914, one of the best kept in its kind. Mini cruises (approximately five and a half hours) available a few times a year, at the cost of kr. 425 including food. Tickets should be bought well in advance. For the more adventurous up to week-long cruises to Europe are available where you live and work as a sailor.

• St. Mary's Church (Mariakirken) , +47 55 59 32 70, +47 55 59 32 70, June 19-August 20.: Mon-Fri 9.30AM - 11.30AM and 13PM - 16PM, rest of the year: Tue-Fri 11AM - 12.30PM, Dreggsalmenningen 15, behind Bryggen, The oldest remaining building in Bergen, St. Mary's Church was built in the 12th century. It is the best preserved of the city's three medieval churches. Having belonged to the German community in Bergen for many centuries, it contains a unique pulpit and one of Norway's most beautiful altarpieces.

Bergenhus fortress

• Bergenhus fortress (Bergenhus) , +47 55 54 63 87, Bergenhus, past bryggen, Once the seat of the king, Bergenhus fortress is one of the oldest and best preserved forts of Norway. The oldest surviving buildings are from the mid 13th century, but the area was a royal residence from the late 11th century. The fortress is situated close to the international ferry terminal. The royal hall, Håkonshallen, (Haakon's Hall), named for King Haakon Haakonsson, was built some time between 1247 and 1261. It is used today for royal galas, as a banqueting hall for the city council, and other public events. The roof is reconstructed after a blast during World War II. The nearby Rosenkrantz tower has the same appearance as it had in the 16th century. The oldest part of the tower dates back to the 1270s, a few decades after Håkonshallen. It was expanded in the 1560s by the governor, Erik Rosenkrantz, to its present shape. The rest of the medieval buildings in the fortress have been replaced or demolished over the centuries, with some ruins still visible. Among these is the medieval cathedral, the Church of Christ, which was used for coronation and as a royal burial site in the 13th century. A memorial marks the site of the high altar. Guided tours of the royal hall and the tower start every hour between 10AM and 4PM every day from 15 May to 31 Aug in the royal hall. From 1 Sept to 14 May tours are only available between noon and 3PM on Sundays. Entrance fee is kr. 40 for adults, 20 for students and free for children under 16. A small cafeteria with coffee, tea and basic snacks is open from June to August. The fortress grounds serve as a city park; you can hang out here and eat that fish you just bought at the nearby fish market - or just enjoy the sunshine and the view. The park is popular among locals and tourists, but usually not crowded. It is normally not a problem to find a good spot for your picnic or a round of Frisbee. There is a very good view of the bay. The use of open fire, including barbecues, and the drinking of alcoholic beverages are forbidden. Unlike in many other parks, the prohibition of alcohol is enforced strictly here, as the fort is still a military area with occasional military guards on patrol.

Bryggen

• Bryggen, Bryggen, north side of the bay, Between 1350 and 1750, this area used to be a Hansa dock, trading and processing area. The wooden houses at Bryggen today were built after the devastating city fire of 1702, but are probably very similar to the buildings that were there before. Despite neglect and fires (Norwegian cities had a habit of burning down because everything is made of wood), a considerable number of buildings have survived and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you enter some of the alleyways between the storefronts, you really get a feel of what Bergen must have been like in the middle ages. There are a few museums on the history of Bergen and of Bryggen, but the most interesting aspect is probably that almost all of the buildings are still in use. One example is the restaurant Bryggen tracteursted , serving food and drinks in a building first opened for this purpose in 1708. Wandering about on Bryggen is possible with a wheelchair, but getting in and out of buildings can be very difficult.

Museums

• Bryggens musem , +47 55 58 80 10, +47 55 58 80 10, M-F: 11AM-3PM. Sa: 12-3PM. Su: 12-4PM, Dreggsalmenningen 3, by St. Mary's church and Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, After the fire in 1955, when a lot of Bryggen burnt down, remains of the first settlement on Bryggen were discovered. The museum is built over these up to 900 years old wooden building foundations, giving a unique insight in Bryggen's architectural history. It contains the world's largest collection of medieval runic inscriptions, mostly inscribed on wooden items, but only a small number of these are on display. It also hosts themed exhibitions.

• The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene , +47 55 54 46 90, +47 55 54 46 90, The Hanseatic Museum: 15 May–15 Sep: Daily 9AM–5PM. 16 Sep–14 May: Tu–Sa: 11AM–2PM. Su: 11AM–4PM. Schøtstuene: 15 May–15 Sep: Daily 10AM–5PM. 16 Sep–14 May: Su: 11AM–2PM, Finnegårdsgaten 1 A and Øvregaten 50, museum: the first building on Bryggen when walking from the fish market, Schøtstuene: the street behind Bryggen, a little bit towards Bergenhus from the Hanseatic Museum, The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene are the only places on Bryggen where the original interior is preserved or restored. A tour of The Hanseatic Museum gives you a good introduction to the hanseatic Bergen and the Hansa life, as you walk around an authentic Hanseatic merchant's house from the early 1700s. The building was in use until the late 19th century, when it was converted into a museum. In Schøtstuene, buildings from other parts of Bryggen are rebuilt to show where people ate, celebrated and held meetings. Neither the museum nor Schøtstuene is accessible for those using a wheelchair.

• Theta museum, +47 55 31 53 93, Tu Sa Su 2PM-4PM, Bredsgården 1 D, entrance from the front of Bryggen, by Enhjørningsgården, During the first half of World War II, the Theta group, formed by people between the ages of 19 and 22, established radio contact with London and reported movements of the German fleet in Norway. The group headquarters and radio station was located in the heart of occupied Bergen, but remained active for two years before it was discovered and raided by the Nazis. In the 1980s, the small room was reconstructed to its original state by orders of the Directorate of Cultural Heritage. It is now probably the country's smallest museum, displaying radio equipment and the Theta group's own security system. Not accessible with a wheelchair.

Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris (southern downtown)

• Bergen Museum – The Cultural History Collections (Kulturhistorisk museum) , +47 5 558-3140, +47 5 558-3140, Tu–F: 10AM–3PM, Sa Su 11AM–4PM, Haakon Sheteligs plass 10, Bergen Museum is a part of the University of Bergen, and is in the heart of campus. It is divided in two collections, the Cultural History Collections and the Natural History Collections, located in two different buildings. The Cultural History Collections include archaeology, anthropology and art- and culture studies sections. Among other things, the museum has a large collection of Norwegian folk art and national costumes. It is notable for its unique exhibition of Norwegian medieval church art, including painted altarpieces, crucifixes and portals from demolished stave churches, all in wood.

• Bergen Museum – The Natural History Collections (Naturhistorisk museum) , +47 5 558-2920, +47 5 558-2920, Tu–F: 10AM–3PM, Sa Su 11AM–4PM, Muséplass 3, The Natural History Collections include botany, geology and zoology. The zoology exhibitions is preserved more or less as they were when they were put up almost a hundred years ago. Enormous whale skeletons suspended from the ceiling in the exhibition halls are visible through the windows from the outside. The geology exhibition is modern and varied and contains samples from most part of the world, in addition to a nice local collection. Around the museum is a garden which is at its finest in spring and summer. There is also a green house where you can enjoy tropical plants.

• Vilvite (Bergen Science Center) , +47 5 559-4500, +47 5 559-4500, Tu-F 9AM-4PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM, Thormøhlensgate 51, Sponsored by the state and the city in addition to some of the largest industrial companies in Norway, this all new science center features interactive exhibitions of science, technology and mathematics. It targets children and young people with the intention to inspire the to learning more about science, but is popular also among the adults. It has special exhibitions about the weather, the ocean and energy, with altogether 75 different interactive machines and experiments.

• Bergen Maritime Museum (Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum) , +47 5 554-9600, +47 5 554-9600, all week 11AM-3PM. closed on holidays, Christmas eve, new year's eve and the 17th of May, Haakon Sheteligsplass 15, This traditional maritime museum is in the middle of the campus of the University of Bergen. Exhibitions of maritime history, shipping history, the vikings, naval warfare, maritime archeology, and more.

• Nygårdsparken, Allways open, This is a very nice landscaped park laid out in the late 1800s after English patterns. The upper part is mainly occupied by drug addicts, but the rest of the park is actually nice. The park is a popular picnic place for families, and in the summer there's always several groups of students and young people having barbeques. You are very welcome to step on the grass and it's a nice place to play frisbee, kubb or croquet. If you want to save a few kroner on food and drink stop by a local grocery store to pick up some ingredients to a picnic, bring along a blanket and a few beers and spend a cheap and relaxing afternoon in this park. It's highly unlikely that the police will bother you for drinking in public in this park. It's also one of the places where it's rather easy to get in contact with the locals. There's no public toilet here, but pop over the road to Vilvite and use their facilities for free. Although the park is a safe place in general it's probably best avoided after nightfall.

South of the city center

• Fantoft Stave Church (Fantoft stavkirke), +47 5 528-0710, Fantoftveien 46, about 6 km from the city center, bus line 2 from the front side of the exhibition shopping center, Stave churches are built in a distinctive style using the logs of trees as pillars, by the early Christians. This is a reconstruction of a church originally built in Fortun, by the Sognefjord, around 1150. On the 6 Jun 1992, the church was totally destroyed by arson, but a perfect copy has since been constructed. The inside of the stave church has no wall paintings and the altar is quite austere. If you have seen the stave church in the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, then save yourself a few kroners and skip this one.

• Gamlehaugen, +47 55 92 51 20, +47 55 92 51 20, Villa open for guided tours only. Guided tours Tu-Su at 12PM, 1PM and 2PM in Jun-Aug. Tour at 12PM will be given in English if necessary, other tours will be given in Norwegian only, Gamlehaugveien 10, about 10 minutes by car from the city center, southbound bus lines 525, 60 over Fjøsanger, 20–24, 26, 560 and 620–630 from the bus station, The villa at Gamlehaugen, built to resemble a castle, was the home of Christian Michelsen, former prime minister who helped free Norway from the Swedish rule through the peaceful dissolution of the

• Siljustøl Museum , +47 55 92 29 92, Museum open 24 Jun-23 Sep: Su 12 noon-4PM, Siljustølveien 50, about 20 minutes by car from the city center, southbound bus lines 23 and 26 from the bus station, The home of the composer Harald Sæverud, famous for late romantic and neo-classicist works now houses a museum with occasional concerts. The somewhat mystic park around the house is open for the public.

• Troldhaugen , +47 55 92 29 92, +47 55 92 29 92, May-Sep: Daily 9AM-6PM. Oct-Nov: M-F 10AM-2PM, Sa Su 12AM-4PM. Dec: Closed. Jan-Mar: 10AM-2PM. Apr: M-F 10AM-2PM, Sa Su 12AM-4PM, Troldhaugveien 65, about 15 minutes by car from the city center, southbound bus lines 20–24, 26, 560 and 620–630 from the bus station, This is the house of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, who wrote the Peer Gynt suite and is Norway's national composer. His country house (just outside the town center of Bergen) has been preserved in the state it was in when he died in the late 19th century. You can also see his grave; he was buried on his own estate. There is a museum devoted to Grieg and his work, and a concert hall with regular concerts.

• Ulriksbanen , Ulriken 1, southbound bus lines 2, 31 and 50 from the front side of the Xhibition shopping center to Haukeland hospital, Cable car to the top of Mt. Ulriken, the highest of the mountains surrounding the city. Re-opened May 2009 with a new restaurant at the top.

North of the city center

• Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen) , +47 55 39 43 00, +47 55 39 43 00, Nyhavnsveien 4, a few minutes by bus or car from the city center, northbound bus lines 20, 50, 71, 80, 90, 280-301, A reconstructed town with about 50 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a beautiful place to stroll on a sunny day. The more cultural traveler will enjoy a guided tour of the area and the houses.

• The Norwegian Knitting Industry Museum (Norsk Trikotasjemuseum) , 55 25 10 80, Salhusvegen 201, by car, drive north on the motorway E39/E16 until Åsane senter. when you're off the motorway, drive west and later north-west on RV 564. eventually, the signs should start pointing to Salhus. by bus, take northbound line 280, Located in the buildings that used to house the first fully mechanized knitwear factory in Norway. The machinery is still in working condition and is used. An amazing guided tour, lovely exhibitions, and film. This is a museum you should not miss when you visit Bergen. It's amazing location, history, venue, and exhibitions is something you'll never forget.

West of the city center

• Alvøen , +47 55 58 80 10, +47 55 58 80 10, twelve kilometers west of the city centre by road; follow the signs towards Sotra, and then to Alvøen a while after the end of the dual-lane carriageway, westbound bus line 42, An old and picturesque formerly industrial community situated on the west coast of the Bergen peninsula. The manor building at Alvøen has been converted into a museum with several exhibitions.

• Damsgård Hovedgård (Damsgård Manor) , +47 55 94 08 70, +47 55 94 08 70, Alléen 29, just across the fjord south-west of the city center, walk or drive across the Puddefjord bridge, then turn right and keep going for a kilometer, the manor is visible from the road on your left hand side, This 18th century manor is the most splendid of the many country retreats built by Bergen's aristocracy in the past centuries. The roccoco main building is surrounded by several beautiful gardens.

Things to do

Guided tours

• Bergen Guided Tours, Daily at 11AM from May to September, departing from the tourist information, A 3 hour tour by coach to the most important sights in Bergen, including Troldhaugen and Fantoft stave church.

• Bergen Highlights, Offered from May to September, A 1.5 hour tour by coach to the most important sights downtown Bergen.

• The Bergen Express , 1 May–31 May: Daily every hour from 11AM to 5PM. 1 Jun–20 Jun: Daily every hour from 10AM to 7PM. 21 Jun–20 Aug: Daily every half hour from 9AM to 7PM. 21 Aug–31 Aug: Daily every hour from 10AM to 7PM. 1 Sep-15 Sep: Daily every hour from 11AM to 5PM, A 55 minute tour by a diesel-powered train imitation starting at Bryggen, travelling around downtown past a nice viewpoint half way up Mount Fløyen.

Concerts

• Bergen Jazzforum , +47 55 30 72 50, +47 55 30 72 50, Concerts every Friday except in the summer and during the Christmas holidays, Georgernes verft 12, Jazz club with focus on modern jazz. Norwegian Jazz Club Of The Year 2008.

• Bergen Live , Producing of most of the larger pop, rock and hiphop concerts in Bergen.

• Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra , Classical concerts so to say every Thursday evening at 7:30PM, Grieghallen, Edvard Griegs plass 1, The program is varied, but the repertoire is usually quite easy listening. The orchestra plays of course a lot of Edvard Grieg's works.

Stage art

• BIT Teatergarasjen , +47 55 23 22 35, +47 55 23 22 35, Nøstegaten 54, BIT (Bergen International Theater) presents Norwegian and international contemporary stage art productions of high quality.

• Den Nationale Scene , +47 55 54 97 00, +47 55 54 97 00, Engen 1, The national theater in Bergen. In a beautifully restored building, the theater presents a variety of plays on three different stages, from traditional Ibsen to contemporary plays. The largest stage (**Store scene**) is where most mainstream plays are played, while the two smaller stages features more alternative plays, often the most interesting ones. The plays are in Norwegian.

• Den Nye Opera , +47 55 21 61 20, +47 55 21 61 20, Although Bergen does not have it's own opera house, it does have it's own opera company. Den Nye Opera (**The New Opera**) usually put on a few productions throughout the year. Summer performances are often at the **Bergenhus Fortress** while other productions are performed at **Den Nationale Scene** or at **Grieghallen**. Tickets are available online. Tickets usually range from kr. 200 to kr. 550 depending on seating and availability. Bergen does not attract the top performers, and the quality may vary a bit, usually anywhere between superb and a bit below average.

Hiking

The mountains surrounding Bergen offers great hiking possibilities. There are options for anyone from those just looking for a fifteen-minute stroll in the sun to the more adventurous interested in daytrips and steep hills. Byfjellene (lit. "the city mountains") have good networks of dirtroads and paths, usually well signposted. Good maps are available in most bookstores – look for Tur- og friluftskart Bergen (1:25 000) from the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority (Norwegian: Statens kartverk).

For advice on hiking, as well as hiking opportunities elsewhere in Norway, you should consult Bergen Turlag (Bergen Hiking Association), the local branch of Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association), located in Tverrgaten 4-6. The Norwegian right to access entitles you to hike in all uncultivated areas.

Mount Fløyen

Mount Fløyen is the most central of the mountains. It is easily accessible by the funicular running from downtown, but the better fit will probably choose the 40-minutes walk up. A good compromise can be to take the funicular up and walk down. The way is well signposted, so you won't get lost. In the steep slope towards Fløyen (right above the city) there is the popular Fjellveien, a long, gentle, horizontal pedestrian road with a perfect panorama of the city. From Fjellveien, there are several alternative roads to the top.

From the top of Mount Fløyen, the 1.8 km (1.1 mi) walk in relatively flat terrain to Brushytten (lit. "the soda cabin") is ideal, if you have kids. Brushytten is a kiosk usually open on Sundays. There are several ways to get there, if you follow the signs, you're on the safe side and will walk on dirtroads all the way (easily accessible with both a wheelchair or a pram).

From Brushytten, you can walk up the hill to Mount Rundemanen and get a beautiful view. From Mount Rundemanen, a good choice for a not-so-long hike will be to walk to Sandviksfjellet, and from there down to Sandviken, where you can get on a bus or walk back to the city center. Another possibility is to cross the Vidden plateau and walk to Mount Ulriken, the highest mountain in Bergen, a hike which takes about five hours. You should be somewhat fit to take this trip, and also be prepared for bad weather. The trip across Vidden is among Norway's most popular hiking trips.

For both kids and adults, a popular activity on snowy days is to take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and toboggan to the city center.

Events

• Bergenfest , Music festival from the end of April to start of May. A number of concerts in most rythmic music genres (pop, rock, hip hop, blues, soul) all over town.

• Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF) , +47 55 30 08 40, +47 55 30 08 40, BIFF is a week-long film festival held in October every year at Bergen kino (the Magnus Barfot multiplex cinema). In 2007 BIFF had 40,000 visitors.

• Bergen Reggae Festival (BRF) , +47 400 74 249, +47 400 74 249, Yearly event hosted by the reggae collective Cushion.

• Constitution Day, On 17 May, every business in town, except restaurants downtown, is closed as the citizens dress up in their finest clothes and celebrate all day long. You will be stunned by the amount of people in the streets – one can hardly move around – and by the beautiful national costumes every second person you meet will wear. This is the day people will look oddly on you if you wear anything less then a suit or dress. At 7AM, there is a twenty-one-gun salute from Skansen, half way up Mount Fløyen, as the morning parade starts from Dreggen. At 10:30AM, the main parade starts at Torgalmenningen, goes around town and ends up at Festplassen. The parade is formed by children and organizations such as sports teams, and only a very few military troops, unlike in many other countries. The level of nationalism can perhaps be a bit overwhelming for foreigners, but try to say **gratulerer med dagen** (literally

• 16 May, The night before Constitution Day is the definite party night in Bergen.

• Bergen International Festival (Festspillene) , With about 160 events in two weeks from the end of May to start of June, Bergen International Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Nordic countries. The festival presents literature, dance, theater and classical music. The latest years, focus has been on art from the Nordic countries.

• Nattjazz , Nattjazz is a two-weeks long jazz festival from the end of May to the start of June, the longest jazz festival in Northern Europe. All concerts take place at Verftet USF, a former sardine factory located at Nøstet, with a capacity of over 4000 guests. With a day-pass, you get access to all concerts that night for a fair price. Usually, there are six or seven concerts every night, some simultaneously on the various stages. The festival's musical profile ranges from traditional jazz to world music. Some of the artists that previously has played on Nattjazz are Gotan Project, Ahmed Jamal, Jan Garbarek, Stan Getz, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison and James Brown.

Eat

There is a great variety of restaurants and cafes in Bergen, but you should expect to spend some time looking for the best places. In the most central parts of the city, many of the restaurants are all the same. Move a block away from the most central parts of downtown to find lower prices and better food. Kitchens usually close at 11PM at the latest.

Waiters and other restaurant staff have good wages. You are not required to leave any money to cover the service, but many people choose to tip the waiter if he or she has been helpful and nice, and if the food was good. If you choose to leave a tip, rounding up or adding about five to ten percent will be appreciated. A rule of thumb would be that the more expensive the food is, the more are you expected to leave a tip.

Keep in mind that tap water is safe to drink and (usually) free of charge. To save money, ask for tap water to drink.

Finding local food can be troublesome, especially for budget travellers. In fact, there are only a very few genuine local dishes, the Bergen fish soup being the most important. It is not the most interesting culinary experience, as with a lot of typical Norwegian food. "Norwegian" food is the food of the husmann (cottager) – nutritious and cheap, not what you usually find in a restaurant. If you want to get that Norwegian taste and have a gourmet meal at the same time, look for dishes that use "local" ingredients (such as reindeer, stockfish and cod) with a twist, such as Bryggen Tracteursted's filet of reindeer farced with goat cheese. For a very special experience, try smalahove (sheep's head) before Christmas. It is a traditional dish from Voss not far from Bergen.

Budget

• Bergen Kebab, M-W, Su 11AM-midnight, Th-Sa 11AM-3AM, Christian Michelsens gate 7, Though selling the cheapest kebabs in town, Bergen Kebab manages to maintain a decent level of service and quality. Serves a decent pizza as well for 99,- NOK.

• Hot Wok City, +47 406 09 550, Neumanns gate 20, Good-quality Chinese food freshly cooked in the open kitchen. Service is fast, and the prices are low. This is a place with many regular customers, especially between 4PM and 6PM. Around kr. 86 for most courses.

• Kroathai, +47 55 32 58 50, Nygårdsgaten 29, The Thai equivalent of Hot Wok, although with slightly smaller portions. Service is usually fast, and the staff is friendly. Can often be full, so take-out can be a good plan B.

• Pasta Sentral , +47 55 96 00 37, Vestre Torggate 5-7, Cheap but good pasta and pizza for students and budget travellers alike. Pasta Sentral has been an institution in Bergen since its opening in 1990. Provides a take-out service as well.

• Thai Curry House Restaurant, +47 55 31 11 99, Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen 11, Affordable thai restaurant. Interior decoration may look a little tacky, but don't let it put you off. The food is good and freshly prepared, however, service can be a little slow. The place is very small, yet quite popular so you may want to have a plan B before going here.

• Zupperia, +47 55 55 81 14, Nordahl Bruns gate 9, Soups and salads – tasty, cheap and big portions.

Mid-range

• Bien, +47 55 59 11 00, Fjøsangerveien 30, This used to be a pharmacy, but has now been converted to a neighborhood pub in the Danmarksplass area. Wooden drawers with labels for bandages and hemorrhoid cream still line the walls.

• Bocca Restaurant , +47 55 23 16 13, Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3, 5012 Bergen, One of the most popular restaurants in Bergen, probably most due to its location. It has an exciting interior and decent food, but is a bit overpriced.

• Café Opera, +47 55 23 03 15, Engen 18, by the theater, Great food for the money. This is a place with many regular customers. During the day they serve lunch and cakes. Early in the evening it is a place for dinner and beer. Late night is for dancing. Main courses are between kr. 80-130.

• Ichiban, Håkonsgaten 17, close to the university campus, Fresh, tasty and fast sushi at the cheapest prices in town. Primarily take-away, but you can also eat in if you don't mind the complete lack of atmosphere.

• Kafé Kippers, Georgernes verft 12, Kulturhuset USF, The café serves a variety of meals, from sandwiches to dinners. The view is extraordinary. If you are lucky enough to catch a sunny day, you can observe a range of activities that happens in the bay. Indoors the café has a quiet atmosphere. There are large panorama windows facing the water giving you a romantic view even on rainy days. In connection with the restaurant, there is a changing art exhibition. Accessible with a wheelchair.

• La Bottega Italiana, +47 55 31 81 10, Strandgaten 80, Run by a Sicilian, La Bottega Italiana serves Sicilian-style pasta dishes, salads, a few main courses and Tiramisu for Dolce. On the ground floor, they sell imported Italian products. This includes a Salumeria in the back, where you can also get the owners' wonderful olive oil produced by themselves in Sicily.

• Ma Ma-Thai, +47 55 31 38 70, Daily 2PM-11PM, Kaigaten 20, Close to the bus terminus, Delicious Thai cusine.

• Naboen Pub & Restaurant , +47 55 90 02 90, Sigurds gate 4, Open from 4PM every day. An informal restaurant with two price ranges: You can get the best priced gourmet food in town, or you can go for the cheaper

• Pingvinen, Vaskerelven 14, A very nice, but usually crowded bar where you can also get a good portion of Norwegian food. Recommended by Time Magazine . Food available throughout opening hours. One of very few venues where genuine Norwegian homecooking – and large bowls of popcorn – are available. Nice prices on food and drink, main courses from kr. 80-140.

Splurge

• Bryggen Tracteursted , +47 55 33 69 99, +47 55 33 69 99, Bryggestredet 2, in the middle of Bryggen, towards the rear side, Bryggen Tracteursted offers a modern kitchen inspired by hanseatic and local traditions, served in historic surroundings. A hidden treasure with its somewhat anonymous appearance. The restaurant can in principle fit up to about 200 guests, but the kitchen is very small, and expansion is not allowed by the cultural heritage authorities. This forces the restaurant to accept a relatively low number of patrons at a time – giving a peaceful atmosphere. A reservation is recommended.

• Enhjørningen , +47 55 32 17 19, +47 55 32 17 19, Daily 4PM-11PM, Bryggen, Bergen's most traditional – and expensive – fish restaurant. Located in a building restored to its 18th century appearance, Enhjørningen is well reputed for its excellent food, served in classical manners. A reservation is required. Ask for a window table if possible, as you will have a beautiful view of Bergen harbor.

• Munkestuen , +47 55 90 21 49, +47 55 90 21 49, Tu-Sa 2PM-11PM, Klostergaten 12, A small and traditional gourmet restaurant.

• Potetkjelleren , +47 55 32 00 70, +47 55 32 00 70, Kong Oscars gate 1A, Partially situated in a medieval basement, Potetkjelleren offers gourmet food in very special surroundings. Recently, the food quality has been discussed. Despite this, the place is often crowded and a reservation is required.

Drink

There is a great variety of bars, night clubs, concert venues etc. in Bergen. Night clubs are usually open from 11PM, but life never starts before 1AM. Bars opens at different hours, some can be open all day. No places are allowed to serve alcohol after 2:30AM, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages must cease at 3AM at the latest. Some places are required to close earlier. The establishments are only allowed to let people bring their drinks outside if they have been granted a special permit. A requirement to get this permit is that they have a confined space outdoors for their guests. All drinks must be indoors by 1AM. People go out all week, but Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights, Saturdays being the clear winner (most places will be a bit too crowded on Saturdays). Some clubs have a 2 for 1 policy on Wednesdays, and Sunday is usually the night for people in the industry.

Most places require that you are 20 years of age (look in the list for details) and that you can provide a valid ID, even if you are much older. Valid IDs are Norwegian bank cards, European standard driver's licenses and ID cards and passports.

Prices vary great from place to place, ask at the door if you need to know. In the weekends, there is usually a cover charge from kr. 50 to kr. 100 at night clubs.

Almost all night clubs and many bars have a dress code. The required attire varies; look in the list for more information (when the listing indicates "no dress code" normal, nice clothes are accepted). Supporter gear is generally not accepted even in sports pubs.

Remember that smoking in all indoor areas where people work is strictly prohibited by law in Norway. Most restaurants, bars, night clubs etc. will require you to leave if you try to smoke indoors.

Drinking in public is illegal. Emptying a can in front of a police officer on a Saturday night will earn you a kr. 2500 fine. If you stroll through a park a bit outside the city center on a sunny day you will still see a lot of people having a beer or a glass of wine with the picnic. The police usually won't mind as long as everything passes in an orderly fashion.

Clubs

• Calibar , M-Th 3PM-1AM, F 3AM-3PM, Sa noon-3PM, Su 6PM-1AM, Vaskerelven 1, between the theatre and the university area, A fancy café during the day, a hot bar/night club at night. The place to be if you were young in the eighties and make good money now. Strict dress code usually requiring suits for men. Age limit is 24 years.

• Feliz , Th-Sa 10PM-3AM, Su 11PM-3AM, Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3, between the theatre and the blue stone, Currently the the place to be for an exclusive night out. Bergen's hottest night scene features a bar, a club and a lounge. Strict dress code usually requiring suits for men. Age limit is 24 years on Fridays and Saturdays, 20 years on Thursdays and Sundays.

• Landmark , +47 55 55 93 10, +47 55 55 93 10, Rasmus Meyers allé 5, at Bergen Kunsthall by Lille Lungegårdsvann, A cafe and club usually visited by the alternative crowd. Popular among art students. The stylish locale is almost cube-shaped, and often has video installations projected on one of the walls. Usually has DJs playing electronic music on weekends, although most punters tend not to arrive before around 1AM on Saturdays. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. No dress code.

• Studenten , Th-Sa 10PM-3AM, Torggaten 5, close to the blue stone, A very popular disco among the younger students. You may be required to present a valid student ID. Very cheap drinks and party music from the 90's. Crowded on Saturdays. Usually hard to find a place to sit, but if you're looking for a place to party and dance this might just be it. Also a good pick-up place. Guests are normally happy and open-minded, and the place is visited by both straight and gay people. Currently closed for renovation. Accessible with a wheelchair. Age limit is 20 years. People above 30 years will usually not be allowed in.

Other

• Baran, Håkonsgaten, Small and nice pub with an excellent selection of reasonably priced beers, and a small selection of cheap food. A bit run-down, but rather cozy. Clientele between 20-35.

• Biskopen, Neumannsgate, A nice pub that caters mostly to people between 20 and 35. Nice selection of beers. If it looks crowded, check the basement.

• Inside Rock Café , M-Sa 3:30PM-3AM, Su 3:30PM-midnight, Vaskerelvsmuget 7, close to the blue stone, The place to be if you like metal, where the dark lords that used to frequent Garage now hang out. Cheap beer, long hair and heavy metal music. No dress code, but some nails or spikes are recommended.

• Logen Bar , Øvre Ole Bulls plass 6, between the theatre and the blue stone, A bar where actors from the repertory theatre and intellectuals of every stripe meet over beer and drinks. There is a strict no-music policy, which leaves room for conversation. Frequently houses roaming exhibitions of visual art, often ones of astounding quality. Inaccessible with a wheelchair. No dress code.

• Pacific Bar, Torget, across the road from the fish market, A small bar with a somewhat unclear profile, squeezed in between other restaurants and bars at Torget. Pacific Bar carries a good selection of aquavits. It is popular among smokers as there is a number of tables outdoors. Age limit is 20 years.

• Pingvinen, Vaskerelven 14, A very nice, but usually crowded, bar where you can also get a good portion of Norwegian food. Recommended by Time Magazine . One of few places where genuine traditional Norwegian food is available. Nice prices both on food and drinks.

• Rick's , Veiten 3, just by the theatre, A large complex featuring among other things a scene, a disco, a bar and an English pub, most popular among people between 30 and 40 years. If you are a woman, expect sleazy guys in the disco. Age limit is 24 years in weekends.

Bryggen, Dreggen, Inner Sandviken area

• Baklommen, Bryggen (Enhjørningsgården), . Probably Bergen's smallest bar. A place to sit down and relax with a coffee or a drink. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. Age limit is 23 years. No dress code.

• Dampen, Bryggen 7, . A bar with a maritime environment. Steak house on first floor. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. Age limit is 20 years. No dress code.

• Engelen, Bryggen, . W-Su 10PM-3AM. Most popular among people in the 30's and above. A bit younger audience can be expected on Saturdays. Not at all pretentious; some might claim not very classy. Still, an OK place for a beer and dancing. Kr. 58 for 0.4 litres draft beer, kr. 86–94 for cocktails.

• Rubinen, Rosenkrantzgaten 7 (in the area behind the stone buildings at Bryggen), is a very popular nightclub for adults, and one of the largest venues in Bergen. Live music every weekend. Age limit is 23 years.

Nordnes and Nøstet area

• USF Verftet, Georgernes verft 12 (Nøstet), . Formerly a sardine factory, USF Verftet is a very large venue with different stages for concerts, theatre and dance. Intimate jazz concerts every Friday except around Christmas and in the summer. Home of the Nattjazz jazz festival. Kafé Kippers is a café with a beautiful view of Puddefjorden. The best place for a beer outdoors in the summer, but also family friendly. The café is open every day. Check the program on the venue's website or in the local newspaper Bergens Tidende (BT) for events. Student discount on beer and wine. The café and the two largest stages are accessible with a wheelchair. Access to the remaining stages is possible with assistance. Age limit is 18 years. No dress code.

Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris – the University Area

• Det Akademiske Kvarter (Kvarteret) , , Olav Kyrres gate 49, The student culture house is currently closed for renovation and expansion, but will re-open as one of the largest venues in Bergen on 5 February 2010 with two large stages and one smaller, a pub, a café and a few other bars. Student discount on drinks. Age limit is 20 years unless you have valid student ID, in which case the age limit is 18 years (though you may be lucky and get in if you're an 18- or 19-year old without a student ID, ask nicely at the door). No cover charge (except Saturdays after 11PM, kr. 30-50, discount for students) or dress code. Accessible with a wheelchair.

• Fincken, Nygårdsgaten 2 A, . W-Th 7PM-1:30AM, F-Su 7PM-2:30AM. Traditionally the center of gay nightlife in Bergen, these days Fincken is a mixed crowd with plenty of men that aren't gay by any stretch of the imagination. No dress code.

• Fotballpuben, Vestre Torggaten 9, . Live football from every corner of the globe, except Trondheim, as locals have a rather difficult relationship with the city. Nightlife starts at 11PM and people usually get very drunk by the end of the night. Expect a fight and expect the bouncers to go hard on anyone involved. Age limit is 18 years. Inaccessible with a wheelchair. No dress code.

• Garage, Christies gate 14, +47 55 32 19 80 (e-mail: info@garage.no), . The rock haven of Bergen. Traditionally the second home of every black-clad character in Bergen, this rock pub-with-a-basement-stage has become more mainstream the latest years, and is now usually crowded with students. The concept "Wineyard" (e.g. cheapest and worst wine in town) on Tuesdays is popular. Poor accessibility for people with a wheelchair, but the staff is very friendly and will rush to help you if you don't mind you and your wheelchair being carried up and down the stairs. No dress code.

• h-bar, Allégaten, . Fridays 7PM-1AM. A small bar run by physics students, situated in the bomb shelter of the University's Department of Physics and Technology. Also a popular place for the math-student neighbors of the department, if particle physics and algebraic geometry is your idea of a fun discussion on a night out, this should be right up your alley. No dress code.

• Hulen, Olaf Ryes vei 48, . Th-Sa 9PM-3AM (closed during summer). Established in 1969, Hulen is the oldest running rock club in Northern Europe. Hulen can be tricky to find, but with its unique atmosphere it is well worth a visit. The somewhat concealed location is a good buffer against the hords of drunk morons that frequent more central bars. Hulen is situated in a cave (an old bomb shelter), and is run by students with two bars and a stage. Good concerts (Fridays), cheap drinks and the best rock disco in town (Saturdays). Beer costs kr. 36 before 11PM and kr. 44 after. It should be noted that the turnout varies greatly. No dress code.

• Legal, Christies gate 11. A small and very popular 50's style drinking den with brilliant music and ambiance. No dress code.

• Vamoose!, +47 55 70 60 05, Håkonsgaten 27, A plain bar with a small stage and fair prices. Can be crowded by students in the weekends if there's a good club concept.

South of the city center

• Bien bar, Solheimsgaten 33. This used to be a pharmacy, but has now been converted to a neighborhood pub in the Danmarksplass area. Wooden drawers with labels for bandages and hemorrhoidal cream still line the walls. The art deco interior is protected by the local cultural heritage authority. Friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Serves food. No dress code.

Sleep

Outside the summer season, getting a hotel room is usually not a problem, although it can be quite expensive unless you have a reservation. In the summer season (from May to Sept) a reservation well in advance is required. Breakfast is normally included in the price except at hostels and camping sites.

Budget

• Bergen Montana Family & Youth Hostel, Johan Blytts vei 30 (on Landås, about 10 minutes from the city center by car, use bus line 31 southbound), +47 55 20 80 70 (fax: +47 55 20 80 75, e-mail: bergen.montana@hihostels.no), . Situated on the hillside of Mount Ulriken. Bus connections are good. For families this typical hostel is an excellent choice for those traveling on a budget, with decent and clean facilities in a quiet area. Free Wifi, two well equipped guest kitchens and free parking for guests. Member of Hosteling International, and members of Hosteling International receive 15 % discount. Low season 2008 (3 Jan-30 Apr and 1 Oct-22 Dec): Bed in a 4-bedded dorm: kr. 200. Single room with private bathroom: kr. 475. Twin room with private bathroom: kr. 325 per person, kr. 650 for the room. 3-bedded room with private bathroom: kr. 230 per person, alternatively kr. 690 for the room. 4-bedded room with private bathroom kr. 230 per person, alternatively kr. 920 for the room. Family room with private bathroom kr. 690 for the room. Family room without bathroom: kr. 550. High season 2008 (1 May-30 Sep): Bed in a 20-bedded dorm: kr. 200. Bed in a 4-bedded dorm: kr. 250. Single room with private bathroom: kr. 650. Twin room with private bathroom: kr. 375 per person, kr. 750 for the room. 3-bedded room with private bathroom: kr. 295 per person, alternatively kr. 885 for the room. 4-bedded room with private bathroom kr. 295 per person, alternatively kr. 1180 for the room. Family room with private bathroom kr. 810 for the room. Family room without bathroom: kr. 750. Breakfast included. Linen and towels not included.

• Bergen YMCA Hostel, Nedre Korskirkeallmenning 4, +47 55 60 60 55 (e-mail: ymca@online.no), . 1 May-31 May: Daily 8:30AM-9PM, 1 Jun-31 Aug: Daily 7AM-12 midnight, 1 Sep-7 Oct: Daily 8:30AM-9PM, 8 Oct-30 Apr: M-F 8:30AM-3:30 PM. Located a minute's walk from the fish market, the Bergen YMCA Hostel is a decent youth hostel right in the center of town, with a rooftop terrace where you can sit and look out over the old town center. Member of Hosteling International. Reservations essential. Double room kr. 750, single room (winter only) kr. 555. Bed in 4-bed room: kr. 230. Bed in 6-bed room: kr. 210. Bed in dormitory (summer only): Kr. 155. Bed in female dormitory (summer only): Kr. 175. Breakfast, linen and towels not included.

• Crowded House, Håkonsgaten 27, +47 55 90 72 00 (fax: +47 55 90 72 01, e-mail: info@crowded-house.com), . A 33-room hotel conveniently located close to the university area downtown.

• Intermission, Kalfarveien 8 (close to the railway station), +47 55 30 04 00. A Christian hostel 40-bed dormitory with probably the lowest prices in town. Norwegian evenings every Monday and Thursday with traditional cakes and waffles, free of charge. Open in the summer only.

• Jacob's Apartments, Kong Oscars gate 44, +47 982 38 600 (fax: +47 55 54 41 69, e-mail: post@apartments.no), . Decent apartments with bathroom and kitchen, close to the railway station. The apartments vary in size, the largest can hold up to seven people. Jacob's Apartments also has an 18-bed dormitory. There is no curfew in the dormitory. Apartments per person per night: Single apartment (one person): kr. 560-960. Double apartment (two people): kr. 385-630. Per extra person in a double apartment: kr. 210. Bed in dormitory: kr. 165.

• Marken Gjestehus, Kong Oscars gate 45, +47 55 31 44 04 (fax: +47 55 31 60 22, e-mail: post@marken-gjestehus.com), . Jan-Feb M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Mar M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Apr M-F 9AM-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. May-Aug daily 9AM-11PM. Sep M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Oct M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. Nov Dec M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM. A 67-bed hostel located close to the railway station. Lockable closets in all rooms. No mixed sex dormitories. Bed in 2-bed room: kr. 250. 2-bed room as single room: kr. 395. Bed in 3-bed room (these rooms have a private bathroom): kr. 265. 3-bed room as single room: kr. 500. 3-bed room as double room: kr. 630. Bed in 4-bed room: kr. 195. Bed in 6-bed room: kr. 180. Bed in 8-bedded room: kr. 160. Breakfast, linen and towels not included.

• Skansen pensjonat, . Small and cosy, with only seven rooms. Located near the funicular. A double room costs kr. 600, and is very good value. Reservations are necessary.

• Stølesmauet Guesthouse & Apartment , , Stølesmauet, Situated behind Bryggen in a nice neighbourhood. The guesthouse consists of two houses, one with a two bedroom apartment and one in which four rooms are available. All rooms can be fitted with a baby bed free of charge. Some of the bedrooms can also be rented and used as living rooms or offices on request.

Mid-range

• Comfort Hotel Holberg, Strandgaten 190 (Nordnes), +47 55 30 42 00 (fax: +47 55 23 18 20, e-mail: co.holberg@choice.no), . A little bit outside the center of downtown, but still no more than a few minutes walk from the fish market, this hotel is probably one of the lesser known accommodation options in Bergen. The hotel is quite new and modern. With facilities in the typical mid-range class, it might however be a bit pricey compared to its competitors. About kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.

• Friis Pensjon . A small flat close to the city center: a bedroom, a living-room, a kitchen-corner (without stove), a bathroom. There is wifi in the flat. Suitable for 2 persons, but can be also used by four. In June 2008 the price was 1700 NOK for two nights, four persons.

• InCity Hotel & Apartments . In the heart of Bergen, 50 m. from the meeting point ("the blue stone"). Large and comfortable rooms with kitchenette and broadband internet. Hotel, restaurant, bar, night club and theater under same roof! From 890 NOK for a double room.

• Rica Hotel Bergen, Christiesgate 5-7, +47 55 36 29 00 (fax: +47 55 36 29 01, e-mail: rica.hotel.bergen@rica.no), . A business hotel with good facilities and a central location. Wi-Fi in all rooms. About kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.

• Scandic Bergen City, Håkonsgaten 2 (close to the university area), +47 55 30 90 80 (fax: +47 55 23 49 20, e-mail: bergencity@scandic-hotels.com), . A reasonably priced conference hotel, also a good option for tourists due to its relatively central yet quiet surroundings. There is a gym and bath close by, and a cinema across the street. From kr. 1100 per night for a standard double room.

• Thon Hotel Bergen Brygge, Bradbenken 3 (close to Bergenhus), +47 55 30 87 00 (fax: +47 55 32 94 14, e-mail: bergen.brygge@thonhotels.no), . An ok hotel situated in the historic part of Bergen, though not very historic in itself. Fixed low prices; 695 NOK per night for single room, 895 NOK per night for double room.

• Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Rosenkrantzgate 7, +47 55 30 14 00 (fax: +47 55 31 14 76, e-mail: rosenkrantz@thonhotels.no), . Hotel Rosenkrantz is a comfortable hotel located just behind Bryggen. The hotel serves an evening buffet included in the room price every night except in the summer season. There is a number of nightclubs in the vicinity. About kr. 1300 per night for a standard double room.

Splurge

• Augustin Hotel, C. Sundts gate 22, +47 55 30 40 00, (fax: +47 55 30 40 10, e-mail: booking@augustin.no), . Augustin Hotel is Bergen's oldest family-run hotel, owned by the same family for three generations. It is the only hotel in the city center that is not member of a hotel chain, giving room for the management to create a unique atmosphere. The hotel has undergone extensive modernization the latest years. The restaurant and the wine bar are both highly recommended. The hotel is often fully booked, so a reservation well in advance is recommended. About kr. 1700 per night for a standard double room.

• Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Slottsgaten 1 (at the harbour), +47 55 60 11 00 (fax: +47 55 60 11 01, e-mail: cc.havnekontoret@choice.no), . This luxurious hotel opened in the beautiful neo-classical building formerly housing the Port of Bergen harbor company in May 2006. The hotel is situated on historical ground between Bryggen and Bergenhus fort. Hotel facilities include a gym and a sauna. About kr. 2000 per night for a standard double room.

• Clarion Hotel Admiral, C. Sundts gate 3, +47 55 23 64 00, (fax: +47 55 23 64 64, e-mail: cl.admiral@choice.no), . A traditional high-class hotel with a view of Bergen harbor. About kr. 1600 per night for a standard double room.

• Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Finnegaarden 2 A, +47 55 30 48 00 (e-mail: hotellbooking@finnegaarden.no), . Situated in the very heart of the historic Bergen, the hotel building was rebuilt after the great fire in 1702, but is mentioned in texts dating back to the beginning of the 15th century. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen. With only 16 rooms, the hotel opened in May 2006 and has quickly gained renown for its historic atmosphere. From kr. 1500 per night for a standard double room.

Buy

Bergen has a number of shopping centers, and international chains are well represented. As prices are rather high in Norway, regular shopping is probably not the most interesting thing to do in Bergen, even if you get a VAT refund (see the Tax Free shopping section below). But if you know where to go, you can find rare and unique items, both traditional crafts and stuff made by local designers - and some other fun stuff. Keep in mind that with a very few exceptions, Bergen shuts down completely on Sundays and holidays.

Shops

• Apollon, +47 55 31 59 43, Nygårdsgaten 2 A, Music store, sells CDs, vinyls and band merchandise.

• Blonder og stas, +47 55 31 83 81, Bryggestredet, in the heart of Bryggen, A small shop selling beautiful Norwegian handmade textiles, such as tablecloths and napkins.

• Kjøttbasaren , M–W, F: 9AM–5PM, Th: 9AM–7PM, Sa: 9AM–3PM, Vetrlidsallmenningen 2, between Torget and Fløibanen, This market hall built in 1877 was once the only one in its kind in Norway. Nowadays it houses Bergen's finest gourmet food stores, the most interesting for tourists being Havets Grøde and Sesong. Havets Grøde has a large selection of top quality seafood, with fresh deliveries every day. The quality is usually much better than at the fish market. Sesong offers the season's food directly from local farms and producers.

• Mint, Strandkaien 18, by the high-speed ferry terminal, Mint has a selection of tasteful designer items from around the world. These include books, toys, radios, lamps, furniture, greeting cards and a bunch of other stuff.

• Norsk Flid Husfliden , +47 55 54 47 40, +47 55 54 47 40, Vågsallmenningen 3, near the tourist office, Husfliden is a chain of stores throughout Norway with focus on traditional Norwegian crafts. The most interesting things for tourists found in these stores are traditional jewelry and tableware. Husfliden also sells beautiful national costumes (Norwegian: **bunad**).

• Pepper , +47 55 56 39 75, Christies gate 9, Expensive, but cool clothes and shoes for both men and women

• Robot, Skostredet 16, Robot features a range of hip clothes for men and women, a small but excellent selection of music on CD and vinyl, and a large selection of books on pop culture, art, comics, music and design.

• Ruben's varme gleder , +47 55 31 41 11, +47 55 31 41 11, Vetrlidsalmenning 5, Unique, fun and stimulating toys for kids and adults.

• Tilsammans , +47 55 32 55 55, +47 55 32 55 55, Kong Oscars gate 26, A sort of designer's collective run shop with clothes, art and scooters. Don't be fooled by the amateur looking website, it's a gimmick.

• T Michael , +47 55 55 80 37, Skostredet 9 A, Extremely stylish menswear.

• ZUMM design , +47 930 69 578, +47 930 69 578, Holmedalsgården 1, Sweet and handmade clothing for girls from 2–11 years of age.

Tax Free shopping

VAT (value added tax/sales tax, Norwegian: mva. (merverdiavgift) or moms. (merverdiomsetningsavgift)) is 25 % for most items in Norway. It is included in the retail price, which makes the VAT content roughly 20 % of the price you pay. As Norway is not a member of the European union, all foreign citizens (apart from those of Sweden, Denmark and Finland) are eligible for a refund of the VAT if the goods purchased are brought out of the country at the latest one month after the purchase. The prerequisites for such a refund is that the goods are not used or consumed, even in part, within Norway, and that you spend at least kr. 315 in a store.

Look for stores with a Global Refund/tax free flag or sticker. You need only to ask the shop assistant for a global refund check, and provide documentation of your citizenship. When leaving Norway, go to a Global Refund office with the goods, the check and your passport, and you will receive up to 19 % of the sales price in cash. In Bergen, the only Global Refund office is at the airport, but there are also information desks on a couple of the ferries leaving from the city. Check the Global Refund website for more information.

Unlike in many other countries, the customs authorities are not involved in the VAT refund process in Norway.

Safety

Bergen has, as the rest of Norway, a generally low crime rate. The most likely crimes for tourists to experience is car break-ins and bicycle theft. Pickpockets do also tend to be an increasing problem in the summer season, but it's still nothing like in larger cities in Europe. It is always a good idea to look after your belongings, this includes never leaving valuable objects visual in your car and locking your bike safely.

There are no particular unsafe areas in Bergen. The upper part of Nygårdsparken is, however, the hang-out place for drug addicts. They are usually completely harmless, but nevertheless not fun to be around. The risk of getting into trouble is very low, but families should be aware of the area. The lower part of Nygårdsparken is a beautiful place popular among the locals.

Until 2009, prostitutes would solicit their services rather openly in the area around Nykirken, the northern parts of Strandgaten and C. Sundts gate. From January 2009 buying sex is illegal in Norway. This has had an effect on the visible prositution.

People party hard on Friday and Saturday night, and hoards of drunk people will appear in the central areas from around midnight, singing, carousing, and just hanging around. Some foreigners may perceive this as threatening, but they are mostly harmless, even all-male groups chanting football songs. If approached, just smile and stay friendly.

There is an emergency and accident ward at Vestre Strømkai 19, close to the bus station. The ward is open all day all week, and provides examination and treatment in case of accidents and acute diseases. The ward is located together with a life crisis assistance center, a psychiatric emergency ward, a reception center for rape victims and a dental emergency ward. All services may be reached at +47 55 56 87 60. If you should be in need of immediate medical assistance, do however call 113.

The police station downtown is in Allehelgens gate 6, across the street from the old town hall.

Emergency numbers

• Police: 112

• Fire: 110

• Emergency Medical Services: 113

If you are unsure which number to call, 112 is the central for all rescue services and will put you in contact with the correct department.

For non-emergencies, the police is to be called on 02800.

The hearing impaired using a text telephone can reach the emergency services by dialing 1412.

Learn

Institutions of higher education in Bergen include the University of Bergen , The Norwegian School of Business and Economics , Bergen National Academy of the Arts and Bergen University College . The university is Norway's second largest and covers most areas of education, though the educations in law and in medicine are probably considered the best. The Norwegian School of Business and Economics is considered the best education within these fields in the country. All the aforementioned institutions are members of the Nordplus and Erasmus exchange programmes and offer courses in English.

Contact

Area codes are no longer in use in Norwegian phone numbers. Phone numbers are normally eight digits, some special numbers may be three, four or five digits. In any case you should always dial all of the digits to make a call. The country code of Norway is 47. If you are calling abroad from a land line, dial 00 before your country code and phone number.

Cellular phone coverage is very good throughout the city. Three different networks are available, Telenor, NetCom and Network Norway. Check with your local operator to find out which one is the cheaper for you. The difference is usually not big. Norway, like most of Europe, uses GSM 900 and 1800, which means that some cell phones from USA, Canada and countries in Asia will not work. For those in need of mobile data lines, both HSDPA/3G/UMTS, EDGE and GPRS coverage is good on both networks.

There are no telephone centers in the city, and only a very few phone booths. Most hotels have phones in every room, but international calls from these phones are usually very expensive. There are some calling cards available, this is probably the cheapest way to phone home. Look for Lebara stickers in kiosks.

Many cafes and restaurants have free Wi-Fi for their patrons. Free Wi-Fi is also available at Bergen Public Library, Strømgaten 6 (by the bus station). Most large hotels do also have wireless Internet access, however access at a hotel is usually pricy.

If you are a registered user at an eduroam participating institution, you can connect to a high-speed secure Wi-Fi network on the university campus on Nygårdshøyden, as well as in other buildings used by the university, the Bergen University College, The Norwegian School of Business and Economics and the Bergen National Academy of the Arts. For information on how to connect, see UNINETTs website .

There are a number of internet cafes around town. At Bergen Public Library, you may also use a computer with high-speed internet access for free. There is a reservation system, ask at the circulation desk.

Cope

Getting around by foot is easy, and free maps are available everywhere. If you need a better map, you should buy one of Bergens Tidende's maps . Bergens Tidende is a local newspaper. Maps are sold from their reception in Krinkelkroken 1, close to the blue stone, and in various bookstores. The city map costs kr. 50.

VISA and MasterCard are normally accepted in any restaurant, taxi and store, except grocery stores, some kiosks and McDonald's. Many places, American Express, JCB and Diners Club are also accepted. ATMs accept all major credit and debit cards and are available in English language. The currency is Norwegian kroner (crowns), but euros may also be accepted at some tourist destinations (you should, however, avoid paying in euros as the exchange rates may be stiff). Currency exchange is available in all banks. Exchange is usually associated with an incredible fee, so you should use your credit card or withdraw cash from an ATM unless you have a good reason not to.

The regular opening hours for grocery stores are 8AM-9PM. Some stores open earlier and close later. Other shops usually have shorter hours, except those in the shopping centers. Almost all shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Kiosks such as Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Deli de Luca are open. These do however often have very high prices for normal grocery items.

There are some smaller grocery stores open on Sundays and public holidays. This includes Kiwi at Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen 2 (by the Bergen YMCA and the Church of the Cross), Bunnpris (across the street from Kiwi) and Rimi at Nygårdsgaten 6.

The city's main post office is conveniently located in the Xhibition shopping center, on 1st floor. Some grocery stores offers limited postal services, and stamps are available from most book stores and kiosks. Post boxes are either red or yellow and located all over town. Yellow boxes are only for local mail, if unsure use the red box. All post boxes, post offices and grocery stores offering postal services are marked with the emblem of the Norwegian postal service, a stylized red or silver horn, and the word "Posten". For more information on the postal service and to locate post offices and post boxes, see the web site of Norway Post .

The local tap water is fresh, tasty and rich in minerals from the surrounding mountains, and safe to drink.

Looking for a public toilet? Forget it. There are none, except one well hidden at Bryggen, and one even better hidden at Torget. Ask nicely at a restaurant or even better, sneak in.

A number of countries have consulates in Bergen. For a full list of embassies and consulates in Norway, see the web site of the department of foreign affairs .

Religious services

• Bergen Bahá'í Center, Sydnessmuget 6, +47 930 00 159 (after 5PM).

• Bergen center of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, +47 971 11 302. Meditation hours every Wednesday from 7PM.

• Bergen Hindu Sabha, Storetveitveien 5, +47 55 28 22 45.

• Bergen Mosque, Nøstegaten 43, +47 55 23 37 10.

Christian

• Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway (state church), . Services in Norwegian in most churches every Sunday at 11AM.

• St. Paul's church (Catholic church), Nygårdsgaten 3, +47 55 21 59 50. Religious services every day of the week. Services are in Norwegian, English, Vietnamese, Tamil, Spanish, Filipino, Polish or Latin.

• Engensenteret chapel (Anglican church), Baneveien 1, .

• The Baptist Church, Vilhelm Bjerknes vei 16. Services every Sunday at 11AM.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Åsbakken 14, +47 55 91 05 10.

• Jehova's Witnesses, +47 55 13 02 18. English speaking congregation.

• Kvamskogen is a popular target for day trips in the winter season, especially among locals. Kvamskogen is a ski eldorado situated between 400 and 1300 meters above sea level in the Kvam municipality. There is a number of alpine slopes served by several ski lifts, and endless possibilities for those who favor cross country skiing. If you tried neither before - don't worry: Professional ski instructors are available at a fair cost, and so are rental skis and other equipment. There are regular buses to Kvamskogen, call 177 or visit the information desk at the bus station for more information.

• Lysøen , +47 56 30 90 77, +47 56 30 90 77, 18 May-31 August: M-Sat 12PM – 4PM. Sundays: 11AM - 5PM September: Sundays Only: 12PM - 4PM, This island belonged to Ole Bull, a famous musician. He bought the island in 1872 and drew the original drawings for the special house he built himself. The island is a great place to go for walks, as well as seeing the extraordinary house, as there are many great paths to walk along. You can attend guided tours at every hour, starting 15 minutes after opening time. To get to the island you must take the ferry from Buena quay. The ferry departs Buena every day at noon, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM, Sundays also 11AM and 4PM. It departs Lysøen at 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM and 4:30PM, Sundays also 12:30PM and 5:30PM. Tickets cost kr. 50 for adults and kr. 30 for children (free with the Bergen card). The boat has more departures if necessary. Large groups should book in advance. There is a café and museum shop at the island.

• Norway in a Nutshell, +47 815 68 222, . Roundtrip Bergen - Myrdal - Flåm - Gudvangen - Stalheim - Voss - Bergen by train, boat and coach. The tour takes you through some of the most beautiful fjord scenery in Norway. It takes one day, but it is possible to spend more time if you wish. Tickets cost kr. 895.

• Os borders Bergen to the south. While the south-eastern part of Os municipality is mainly made up of typical Nordic suburb-style settlements and a quiet urban center, the western part consists of a beautiful and popular coastal area with many small islands with cabins.

• Havråtunet , 18 May-31 Aug: M-Sa noon–4PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Sep: Su noon-4PM, A farmstead on a steep slope on the island of Osterøy overlooking a fjord. This Norwegian version of a village consists of 36 buildings bundled together with steep fields and plots around it. During the 20th century 60 people used to live there and to this day all the work is done without modern equipment like machines.

• The North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg on the island of Sotra to the west of Bergen commemorate the Norwegians that fled to Shetland and Great Britain during WWII and the Telavåg tragedy (1942) when the entire village was destroyed and the people were forced to move and most the men were sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Germany.