Bergen has an umbrella as its symbol and when it rains, it really does rain.
On a wet Monday afternoon, if you can't get inside, you'll probably curse the place. However it really doesn't rain all the time and, when the sun shines, it's a smashing city.
The harbour front with the colourful market and the old Hanseatic buildings of Bryggen behind it are well known to many who've never seen them in real life. Museums abound and the fish available in the restaurants can't be believed without tasting.
Then there's the funicular railway up to Mount Fløyen with an outstanding view over the city and the nearest fjords - and you only pay half the return fare if you want to ride up and walk down! It's almost impossible to believe that your only a few minutes away from the centre of Norway's second city.
The stave church and the Open Air Museum aren't far on the bus in opposite directions and you can take longer rides to grieg or Ole Bull's houses or an arboretum. [edit text][editors]
![Fantoft Stavkirke. [Stave Church]](/travel-guide-thumb/fantoft-stavkirke.-stave-church-2264.jpg "Fantoft Stavkirke. [Stave Church]")
