Cheap Flights to Bergen

As Norway's second biggest but arguably most charming city, Bergen enjoys an enviable location on the western coast with excellent access to the fjords. The city is famous for being home to a UNESCO protected waterfront; a row of colourful wooden-built buildings that are a major aspect of its identity. However, getting out of the city you'll also discover the amazing fjords and mountains, where a range of activities are waiting to be experienced. By day, take a boat trip and by night, dine on delicious fresh seafood and enjoy a beer on the harbour. As well as having UNESCO status, the city was also European City of Culture in 2000, which was testament to its rolling calendar of cultural and arts events such as Bergen International Festival.

Things to do

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, which means there are plenty of things to do, see and experience whilst visiting. Having said that, the city's unique geographical position also makes it an ideal base to get out and explore the fjords.

• Dining out
  Start the day with a freshly baked cinnamon roll, a local specialty. For dinner there's one main thing on the menu and that's seafood. Leading dining choices include the fine Cornelius Seafood Restaurant, jettied on a small island so visitors can enjoy amazing views as they eat. Another excellent choice is the historic Fløien Folkerestaurant, which is located on a mountainside and , again, supplies spectacular views to diners.

• The historic harbour: Bryggen
  As the real fairy tale part of the city, the quayside of Bryggen is famous for its coloured wooden buildings. This is the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where pavements are still made of wood and tiny alleyways lead to the row of Hanseatic buildings on the waterfront. More about the city's history and the harbour area can be discovered at the Bryggen Museum.

• The Great Outdoors
  Despite being a sophisticated, elegant and cosmopolitan destination in its own right, many visitors come to explore the famed scenery that surrounds the city. From the harbour, there's no end of tour boats taking passengers on trips to the famous fjords, notably Nærøyfjorden and Geirangerfjord, the country's most spectacular UNESCO protected fjords. Other popular outdoor activities include Nordic walking, tobogganing and skiing in the mountainous areas surrounding the city.

Calendar of Events

There are more than 200 annual events and festivals in Bergen, with a strong emphasis on food, beer and music.

• Bergen International Festival. Held in late May/early June, this is the biggest music and performing arts festival in Northern Europe and occurs over two weeks every year in June.

• Bergenfest. For many locals this is the antithesis to the more classical nature of the International Festival, as it features many more modern and alternative musical acts. Held in mid-June and played out on the grounds of a medieval castle, this live music festival is gaining traction as one of the best in the region.

• Bergen Beer Festival. This annual celebration of beer in September is the largest in Norway. Over two days 45 breweries offer their tipples at the Bergenhus Fortress.