Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, is located on the southwestern coast. With a population of about 252,000 as of January 2009, Bergen is one of the leading centers for the offshore gas and oil industry. At the same time, Bergen is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, and is built around the scenic Vagen Bay.
Like its sister city Seattle in the USA, Bergen gets an extraordinary amount of rainfall. This is because the city is surrounded by mountains that cause moist North Atlantic air to rise. Subsequently, the rainy summer season in Bergen is only to be outdone by the rainier season in winter.
Where there is rain, there is generally abundant flora, and the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde features the blooming of the rhododendrons in June, as well as the rose bloom in July and August.
A cable car ride to the top of Mount Ulriken reveals a spectacular vista. There are many other scenic views and attractions to be explored in Bergen, and a stop at the helpful tourist information center will be well worth your effort.
There are many architectural styles to be gazed upon in Bergen. Like most Scandinavian cities, Bergen had its share of fires, and each subsequent rebuild can be seen as its own unique style. For instance, the colorful houses that make up the picturesque quayside of Bryggen were built in 1702 after one of these fires. After another fire in 1916, the central shopping area around the main Torgallmenningen Square was rebuilt in functionalist and Art Nouveau styles. Then there is the 19th century neoclassical look of the Nygardshoyden area. Bergen was occupied for virtually all of World War II, and much postwar building occurred. With all the mixed architectural styles however, the overall effect is actually quite pleasing.
Along the harbor, you’ll find a large open-air fish market, where you can get many various items as well as fish. From there you can walk to and explore the old city, with its medieval buildings and modern day touch.
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Brainrotting: Episode 3 – West Canada, BMW F650 GS adventure motorcycle outdoor bike travel tour
