Gateway to the fjords
Winter fairytale in
Bergen
Stroll through the charming alleyways, go skiing in the middle of the city and cruise the snow-capped fjords: the Norwegian city of Bergen is a magical winter wonderland.
Winter fairytale in Bergen
Winter fairytale in Bergen
Brimming with charm
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. Even if you have never been, you have probably seen the iconic images of colourful wooden houses. The city is a string of enchanting alleyways and narrow streets where you can wander for hours.
The birthplace of Bergen, Hanzekade Bryggen, is the city's hotspot. For many centuries the quay was an important trade hub in Norway. Even today the area is still home to many artisans. Bryggen is packed with small galleries, jewellery stores and pottery studios.
The wooden buildings were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
Cross-country skiing in the heart of the city
Fløyen mountain stands right in the middle of the city. A short ride in the Fløibanen cable car whisks you to the top of this popular mountain, from where you enjoy a sweeping view of wintery Bergen. It can snow quite heavily on the mountain, even when it doesn't snow in town. Locals flock here to go sledding, cross-country skiing or hiking. A beautiful piece of nature, right in the heart of the city.
Fjord Norway
Bergen is also known as the gateway to the fjords. The city is wedged between the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. The latter is Norway's longest and deepest fjord, located in the region Fjord Norway. This is the perfect starting place to admire this spectacular Norwegian natural phenomenon. The popular Disney movie Frozen already highlighted the magical beauty of the fjords in winter. One of the most dramatic fjords in the area is Naerøyfjord. Board a silent electric boat for a cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm and admire the wintertime landscape.
Close encounter with nature
The so-called Viking Season (from October to April) allows you to see and experience a whole other side of Norway that you wouldn’t see in summer. The Norwegian winter fosters a close encounter with nature. The conditions are harsher, but you will be rewarded with striking, natural scenery and the opportunity to experience winter at its best. If you like hiking, skiing, glacier hiking or cross-country skiing, then Fjord Norway is the perfect destination for you.
Riding the Flåmsbana
Instead of hiking, you can opt for a warmer alternative and ride the world-famous Flåmsbana. The railroad is only 20 km long and goes from Flåm, at sea level, to the mountain village of Myrdal, at 866 metres of elevation. This significant difference in altitude makes the Flåmsbana one of the steepest train rides in the world. The spectacular grade is matched by stunning views: the train chugs its way up the mountain along rugged rock faces with roaring waterfalls, deep river gorges and brightly coloured wooden houses set against snow-capped mountain peaks.
