Norway's 'City Of Seven Mountains' Has Cute Homes And Scenic Views

On Norway's west coast sits a city that celebrates its past while maintaining its position as an international destination. Bergen, widely known as the "City of Seven Mountains," sits in the heart of fjord country, making it as scenic as it is cultural. As Norway's second largest city, Bergen has become a destination for tourists looking for art, history, culture, and incredibly scenic natural views.

Many of those views come from the mountains that surround Bergen and contribute to its nickname. Each of the seven peaks offer trails for hiking, and there are even some railway options for those looking for a more leisurely panoramic experience. The most accessible of the seven mountains is Mount Fløyen, which reaches an altitude of around 1,050 feet (320 meters). The tallest peak in the area is Mount Ulriken which sits at 2,110 feet (643 meters) above sea level. One of the more challenging hikes that is suited to experienced explorers is the Vidden Trail. This path stretches across a mountain plateau between the two aforementioned peaks, and can take nearly six hours to complete.

Norway's position in Europe's north makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. But the fjords around the Bergen area also offer an opportunity for scenic cruises and glacier hikes. In fact, Bergen and its surroundings are listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This includes Nærøyfjord, Norway's narrowest fjord.

One of the main attractions nestled within Bergen is its wharf. The historic area called Bryggen is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a host to more than 60 buildings, which are all different colors. While once the homes of foreign traders, most of the structures today hold local shops offering varied products ranging from fresh fish to handmade souvenirs. The wharf has received visitors as far back as 1360 and served as a trade destination for centuries. Despite suffering multiple fires, it's been reinvigorated and at its end rests the Bergenhus Fortress Museum.

The museum is within a depot building and is dedicated to Norway's resistance during World War II. To see what life was like in this part of Norway even further back in time, the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene – Museum Vest illustrates merchant life from the 13^th century. Both self-guided and guided tours are available, and the space can even be booked for private events. Medieval structures also dot the landscape in Bergen, including Håkon's Hall, built in the mid-1200s. There's also the Rosenkrantz Tower, which was built in the 1500s and is a historically important renaissance monument.

Bergen is certainly historic, but that doesn't mean it isn't forward-thinking. The city is home to more than 30,000 students from over 110 countries. This is thanks to the University of Bergen, an internationally recognized research school. Approximately half of the doctoral graduates of this university are from outside the country of Norway. No wonder Norway is among travel host Rick Steves' favorite places to visit in Europe.

Bergen is a city full of beauty, adventure, history, and a whole lot of rain. In fact, Bergen is first in Europe when it comes to rainfall and more than 200 days of each year bring at least a shower to the city. So, regardless of the season, rain gear is an essential part of trip preparation here. July is the hottest month in Bergen with average highs around 63 degrees Fahrenheit. October is typically the wettest month and the winters in Bergen are cold. Winter lows hover right around freezing and average highs don't get much higher than 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fortunately, traveling to Bergen and throughout the rest of Norway is easy, no matter the time of year. The country has what Rick Steves' protégé calls a "transport network that makes life easier and travel more rewarding." The city's light rail system connects directly to the city center and passage is included on the city's Bergen Card. Buses and taxis are also readily available from the Bergen Airport.

While it is an international airport, Bergen Airport Flesland does not offer flights across the Atlantic. For tourists coming from the Americas, its better to fly into Oslo (OSL), often considered Norway's main airport. From Oslo, domestic flights, trains, buses, and cars are available to get around the country and to Bergen. Bergen is also known as a popular cruise port, with multiple cruise lines offering shore excursions.