Although it’s the second-biggest city in Norway, Bergen offers small-town charm alongside a metropolitan character. Standing on the top of Ulriken – the highest peak, overlooking the sea, islands, mountains and fjords, it becomes obvious why Bergen is known as ‘the capital of the fjords’.
One of Bergen’s most iconic landmarks is Bryggen, the historic wharf area that dates back to the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site features narrow alleyways, wooden buildings, and small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. A visit to Bryggen provides a glimpse into Bergen’s rich maritime history and its significance as a trading hub. The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene nearby offer deeper insights into the lives of the merchants who once operated here.
Nature lovers will find Bergen a paradise, with easy access to the surrounding fjords and mountains. The Fløibanen funicular takes visitors to the top of Mount Fløyen, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its natural surroundings. From here, numerous hiking trails lead through serene forests and picturesque landscapes. The Ulriken cable car is another popular attraction, whisking visitors up to Bergen’s highest peak for stunning vistas and more hiking opportunities. For those interested in exploring the fjords, boat tours from Bergen’s harbour provide unforgettable experiences of Norway’s rugged coastline and majestic fjord scenery.
Houses clinging to the hillsides, narrow cobblestone lanes, world-famous attractions with a ride on the Bergen Railway – voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
This is the backdrop for the meeting of r/v Oceanograf and r/v Oceania, and start of the joint research expedition.
