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Bergen is a real gem of a city situated on the southwest coast of Norway. It’s Norway’s second largest city with a population of about 225,000 but somehow it feels much smaller. The city is surrounded by 7 mountains adding even more to the illusion of compactness. It is an ecclectic mix of old and new and most definitely a worthwhile destination. It also provides a great staging point from which to visit the Norwegian coast and the fabulous fjords.
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The top of Mount Flöyen offers great views of the city. There is a funicular from a point near the fish market. Mount Ulriken is nearby and is the tallest of the 7 mountains that surround the city. It is accessible via cable car. You could walk from the city center but a shuttle bus would be advisable. Old Bryggen is a photographer’s paradise with all its timbered buildings and quaint shops. Bergen is also a great starting point for the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour to Gudvangen and Flam.
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It’s a great walking city and there are lots more things to do and see than can be listed here. Ole Bull Plass is a good starting spot for a walking tour of the city. Interesting sights include the harbor, the fish market, the Rosenkranz Tower, the aquarium, and Hakon’s Hall. Nearby are Trollhagen (Edward Grieg’s home) and the Fantoft Stave Church
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The best bet in Scandinavia is to get a SCAN+ card (about $12 at one of the hotels or on the web (www.scanplus.no)). It’s good for major discounts at Rainbow and Golden Tulip hotels in Norway (and some other chains in other Scandinavian countries). Our room at the Bryggen Orion went from $160 to about $85 for a double room with the card.
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There are a lot of nightclubs in the city, mostly catering to the under 30’s crowd. Look in the vicinity of Old Bull’s Plass for the heaviest concentration of clubs. Most hotels have a “what’s happening in Bergen” guide with an up-to-date list of clubs and entertainment.
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There are a number of great Irish pubs in and around the city. The Harp Irish Pub, Scruffy Murphy’s and Finnegan’s top my list. The Balkommen Bar and Champion’s Sports bar are also good watering holes. There are numerous bars and cafes near the city center and especially around Ole Bull’s Plass so you’re bound to find something to suit every taste.
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Peppe’s Pizza (several locations) boasts of the “world’s best pizza”. It’s not the best but it is certainly good. I don’t normally look for steakhouses outside the USA but Steaker’s in old Bryggen was very good. With its maritime heritage and costal location, Bergen is a paradise for those seeking good fresh seafood.
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Published on Wednesday July 17th, 2002 by voyager
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