Why Visit Bergen This Summer

Most of my trips happened during summer and winter ( I wish it will be all season ---someday, someday) and I must say, summer for me is always the best time to travel. You can travel light! That is a big plus for me. With only a pair of jeans, tank top, a couple of shirts, flipflops and a comfortable trekking shoes, you can survive already. While during winter, you'll need to wear layers, layers...and you guessed it right, LAYERS.

As I am planning for another summer trip, I thought of sharing a series of places which you can consider visiting on your next short (or maybe long) summer holidays.

First city for this series is my favorite! Bergen in Norway!

[caption id="attachment_3125" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Viewing Deck on Top of Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3130" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very busy town center.[/caption]

Bergen is often called 'the city among the seven mountains'  aside from being one of the rainiest city in Europe. It is also a place known for its historic and picturesque wharf where you can travel back in time walking along its cobbled streets.

[caption id="attachment_3134" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Typical view of a sunny summer in Bergen.[/caption]

I went to Bergen last summer after one of my travel (best) buddies invited me to visit his beautiful city. He told me (almost) everything about Bergen, trying to convince me that visiting Bergen is a great idea for my next adventure. Well, it was not a long persuasion, I said yes right a way, after the sentence "come to Bergen and I will take care of you" hahahaha.... I BOOKED A FLIGHT RIGHT AWAY!

After my trip I can now say that it was one of my best summer trips. Although this blog is not really a 'How To' blog, what I will be sharing are some points on why visiting Bergen on your next summer holiday is a good idea.

1. You'll experience one of the longest days in your life (not in a bad way).

[caption id="attachment_3159" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Sunset Bergen at 11pm.[/caption]

Day time on summer months in the north is one of the longest, not only in Europe but in the world. Yes, Norway is in the north, so Bergen is part of these places. During my stay there (July), the sun sets normally around 11pm and by 4am, you can already start to see the sunlit sky. That's 19 hours of sunny outdoors! Talk about adding hours to experience the city.

2. You'll have a view of the city in seven different angles

Surrounded by seven mountains, you'll have seven summits with seven different views of the city. During my trip, I have been to 4 of those summits and each one will give you a different perspective of Bergen.

[caption id="attachment_3158" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Sandviksfjellet (the first mountain I hiked in Norway). Mostly locals are trekking this mountain and very few tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3160" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Ulriken. You can ride a cable car to get to the summit (so if you are not the hiking type of person, this is the mountain for you). This a top destination for most tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3168" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Bergen view from Mount Floyen. Another tourist summit.[/caption]

3. You can hike in seven different paths

In relation to point number 2, being a city with seven summits, you'll also get seven different hiking paths. The seven mountain (and summit paths are) Lyderhorn, Damsgårdsfjellet, Løvstakken, Ulriken, Fløyen, Rundemannen, and Sandviksfjellet. In Ulriken, which is the highest summit, you'll have an option to ride a cable cart ---which we did haha.

[caption id="attachment_3141" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Our very first hike in Mount  Sandviksfjellet. Because it was my first Norwegian hike, and straight from the airport, I was so tired but upon seeing the view from the summit, I can say is it was worth all the effort![/caption]

I think if you are looking for a place to experience and appreciate the outdoors, Bergen is the perfect place for you. Did I mentioned that you can hike all these mountains for FREE?

[caption id="attachment_3126" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Our last trek, Mount Lyderhorn. I was a bit emotional knowing that this was my last view of the city after climbing its mountains almost everyday.[/caption]

4. You can visit one of Unesco's World Heritage Site

During the summer, you can join one of the historic walks around Bryggen, a UNESCO protected wharf. This place will take you back to the medieval Bergen with well preserved (and colorful) old wooden architecture and cobbled pathways. This is also Bergen's main tourist attraction within the the city's harbour. It is said to be the nerve of the city ever since and once was the hub of commerce, seafaring and crafts-manship.

From being a trading capital, Bryggen now houses a lot of artisan shops, restaurants and souvenir outlets but still preserving its history.

[caption id="attachment_3157" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very charming Bryggen![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3138" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Traveling Journal Project at Bergen's most famous attraction.[/caption]

I think I can stare at these houses for hours while I imagine how it was like during those early days.

5. You'll enjoy the daily fresh catch

Situated between the fjords and the seven mountains of Bergen is the famous fish market. A lot of Norwegians (and tourists) visit Bergen just to experience this picturesque and lively market. You can see an array of fresh catch from salmon to king crabs. The best will be dining al fresco with the harbour as your back drop while you enjoy the best summer weather.

[caption id="attachment_3133" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Afternoon scene in the fish market[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3131" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The very fresh catch! YUM YUM YUM[/caption]

6. You can swim in an open lake 

Experiencing the beauty of nature is one of the reasons why a lot of backpackers and travelers are falling in love with Norway, and the city of Bergen is not an exemption. When my friend told me that we'll go for a bath because we are meeting his friends, in my mind I translated it this way: 'It is time to take a shower because we are going out to see his friends', but in reality this is what he meant: 'We will be meeting my friends and we'll all go for a swim in the near by lake'. Too cool for school right?

[caption id="attachment_3149" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian friends acting like kids while enjoying the 'warm' water. Well, for them it was warm, but for me 24 degrees was still freezing cold, but as what they said, cold water is just like ripping the bandaid off from your hairy leg, do it in one quick motion, well, in my case, it was ONE QUICK DIVE![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3143" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Beautiful fjords of Bergen![/caption]

I think when God created Norway, He made sure that in every community there should be a designated lake where people can go fishing or if the summer weather will be at its peak, go for a dip. Summer is the best time (only logical time) to experience this in Bergen. As most of the other seasons, it is either too cold or rainy.

7. I C E C R E A M

I was surprised that a softie ice cream is a big hit (aside from expensive) in Scandinavia. I had to queue in Stockholm just to get a cone-ful softie. In Bergen me and my friends got a softie topped with sugary sprinkles in a manner that it was mandatory while we stroll along the town square. I can't blame them, it was perfect on a sunny afternoon. I guess no one wants an ice cream during winter and rainy season? (You think?)

[caption id="attachment_3135" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A softie with colorful sprinkles. We bought this in the town square (I cant remember how much but, I know it was expensive hahaha).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3148" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I think we had ice cream wherever we went This one was in Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

SUN + OUTOORS = ICE CREAM WORTHY MOMENT

8. You can party in the town center

Summer is the season in Norway where being indoor is a waste of time. This is the reason that if you'll choose to visit Bergen during the summer, there is huge probability that you will find yourself caught up in a party somewhere in the town center.

During my summer visit, I was lucky enough to witness the Annual Tall Ship Races. The town center and the whole harbour was transformed into a big celebration venue. Musical presentations, games, food stalls, theater acts and of course tall ships from different countries were everywhere.

[caption id="attachment_3129" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tall Ship Races 2014 parade of ships.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3128" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Concert along the town square (where the fish markets are)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3153" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Some actors along the town square[/caption]

9. You'll avoid rain in one of Europe's rainiest city

I think the real main reason why you should visit Bergen during the summer is to avoid the rain in the rainiest city in Europe! Bergen is a very beautiful city but you can't really enjoy it if it is raining or snowing right?

[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very sunny Bergen! Yheap we are on top of the mountain (this became our daily routine during this trip)[/caption]

My summer trip in Bergen was blessed with one of the warmest summer that they've had (according to my friends) and the whole time I was there, it didn't rain, not even a drizzle. Because of this, we really enjoyed everything Bergen can offer.

10. You'll meet friendly and awesome Norwegians in their best mood

Two of my travel best buddies are Norwegians and we all know that the weather can alter one's mood (this is applicable to all of us haha). So if you will meet Norwegians in the season that they like the most, you are doing yourself a great favor and for sure you are going to enjoy every moment that you are in the city. Hike along with them, swim by the lake, watch the sunset while holding a cold bottle of beer.

[caption id="attachment_3150" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian swimming buddies![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3152" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Yey for Norwegian friends. They are one of the sweetest![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3144" align="aligncenter" width="800"] .....also very mystical![/caption]

Rain = Gloomy = Moody Norwegians

Summer = Sun = Very Happy Norwegians

Bergen is one of those cities that instantly became very close to my heart. I fell in love with this city as fast as I fell in love with its people. Visit Bergen on your next summer trip and you'll find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities in this world.

[caption id="attachment_3156" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My Norwegian Best Buddies making this trip not only possible but also fun.  I love these two so much![/caption]

 

Tip: There is no guarantee that summer will be 100% rainless, better check the weather forecast when planning for a trip---again, this is Europe's rainiest city ^^ 

 

Additional references in planning your trip to Bergen

http://www.visitnorway.com/

http://www.visitbergen.com/