Bergen

The City of the Seven Mountains, Bergen, is truly enchanting and pretty much the pride of Norway. It’s easily like a beautiful piece of poetry—you can look at it again and again and still not have enough. Despite the fact that it is not as big a city as Oslo, cultural institutions have adorned it like a Christmas tree, so much so that Bergen could give Rome and Paris a run for their money. After all, it celebrates artists and musicians in a way they would like to be recognised. The neighbourhoods are as peaceful as they are stunning, and the many pastel wooden houses add to the charm of Norway’s second most populous municipality. It is also a city that is deeply entrenched in history right from the 11th century Vikings to the World War. The sun rarely shines brightly but that in no way dampens the spirits of the many travellers continually flocking to this Norwegian gem.
The highlight of Bergen is the similarly named ‘Bryggen’, the old quay of the city and an illustration of the town’s eminence in the Hanseatic League’s commercial empire. It has therefore rightly been anointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the wooden structures have often been ravaged by fire, they have survived and continue to stand with all the grace in the world and add to the uniqueness of Bergen. Apart from exploring the many interesting sights in the city, right from cathedrals and museums to fish markets and authentic Norwegian restaurants, make sure you take a trip to Mount Floyen in order to feast your eyes on the most arresting views of Bergen, the sea, the mountains and the fjords. I remember carving my name on one of the wooden benches right on top. I was there and so was my heart.