You are here: Why Bergen 10 reasons why Bergen
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Choose Bergen for a bit more sustainable journey
You are here: Why Bergen 10 reasons why Bergen
Bergen is beautifully surrounded by seven mountains, right in the heart of the Fjord Norway.
If you are looking for a new and safe destination for your next incentive tour, group holiday or event, then look no further. Here are ten of the most popular reasons why Bergen is the number one choice for numerous tour operators and organisers.
The city of Bergen is compact and can easily be explored on foot. You can also rent bicycles or find city bikes for hire in central areas. Bergen Airport is sustainability certified and holds an Airport Carbon Accreditation. From the airport you can travel environmentally friendly by Bergen Light Rail or the Airport bus.
Bergen aims to be fossil free by 2030 and 88% of the hotel beds hold a sustainable certification. Public transport in Bergen is run on renewable energy (electricity or biofuel). From Tide you can hire electric tour buses, ready to transport your group around the Fjord Norway region.
Read more about how you can plan your costumers journey a bit more sustainable here. And read more about how the destination work on sustainable development.
View from Mount Fløyen. Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
The old harbour area Bryggen, is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Bryggen is very much a living part of the cultural heritage, still in active use. Today, there are several attractions in the area, perfect for groups, all lined up from the Fish Market to Bergenhus Fortress. There are numerous museums, cafés, restaurants and shops for you to visit.
Photo of Bryggen: Visit Bergen / Endre Knudsen - visitBergen.com
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, located on the west coast. It only takes 1 -3 hours by plane from most European cities. There are flights from more than 35 European destinations daily and train connection to Oslo, as well as international ferries to Denmark. With The Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten) and Havila Voyages you can sail the entire Norwegian coast from Kirkenes to Bergen. It is said to be the world's most beautiful voyage and you can combine your trip with a visit to Bergen before or after the journey.
Bergen is located in the heart of the fjords between Norway’s longest fjord Sognefjorden in the north and the beautiful Hardangerfjord in the south. The fjords in Norway is Scandinavia's tourist attraction number one and from Bergen you have the perfect starting point for exploring the fjords. Take your group on a day trip to the fjords or include several days in the Fjord Norway region.
Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjorden. Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
A cultural experience in the form of a guided tour, a concert or a festival is high on the agenda for any tour operator organising trips to Bergen. Bergen has one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras, the country’s first national theatre, and is host to several renowned international festivals. You will also find a large number of concert scenes, theatres, galleries, and museums for the holidaymakers to explore on their own.
Troldhaugen was the home of composer Edvard Grieg for 22 years. His home outside the city center is now a museum, a concert hall and a venue for different types of cultural events. A concert at Troldhaugen combined with a guided tour is a popular cultural activity both for small and large groups when in Bergen.
Private concert at Troldhaugen. Photo: Dag Fosse
A rich traditional culinary culture and access to a great variety of produce from magnificent, pure surroundings, provide the inspiration for a creative and innovative cuisine. The Bergen region offers renowned restaurants and a growing number of world class chefs, who cultivate, develop and pass on local food culture and gastronomy. Read more about Bergen City of Gastronomy.
Bergen is a vibrant metropolitan heart in the magic Fjord Norway region. It is the natural place for experiencing the unique fjord landscape, whether you would like to go on a fjord cruise, an adventurous RIB-safari or a silent and beautiful kayak trip. Surrounded by 7 mountains, the city offers stunning hikes just minutes away.
Bergen offers a large selection of attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen is a must for most visitors, and a visit to one of Bergens seven mountains is also a popular choice to include on the agenda. From the Fish Market it only takes a few minutes to walk to the Fløibanen Funicular.
Fløibanen funicular. Photo: Visit Bergen / Endre Knudsen - visitBergen.com
The funicular takes you right to the top of the mountain in just 6 minutes. At the top of Mount Fløyen you get fantastic panoramic views as well as an extensive selection of hiking trails. If you would like to include lunch or dinner for your group, the Fløirestauranten located on top can accommodate large and small groups. Just outside the city center, the Ulriken Cable Car takes you and your group up to the top of Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains. Browse through all attractions in Bergen and the region here.
On a snowy winter day, the mountains surrounding Bergen are perfect for skiing, sledding and hiking. You can experience skiing at its best within a short distance from Bergen. The unique fjord landscape creates a topography which in combination with heavy snowfall, makes the network of ski slopes varied and exciting.
During November and December you can visit the World’s largest Gingerbread Town, as half of Bergen’s citizens make their own contributions to this tasteful, magical town.
The Gingerbread Town. Photo: Visit Bergen / Robin Strand - visitBergen.com
There is also a large Christmas Market at Festplassen in the city center as well as a large number of various Christmas events to choose from. Read more about Christmas in Bergen here.
Bergen is located on the western coast of Norway. The archipelago is the perfect place for active, brisk and exciting group experiences. Just a stone’s throw from the city, you can experience spectacular coastal activities, learn about Norway’s strong wool heritage, or exciting periods in Norway’s war history.
Added bonus: Value for money
Hotel prices are competitive when compared to other European cities. All of the hotels have been modernized and redecorated during the last years. Check out the selection of boutique hotels in Bergen or see the list of historic accommodations.
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Welcome to Bergen - everything you could wish for - and a bit more.