"City of rain and some nice benches " a Bergen Travel Page by diocletianvs

Of the three largest Norwegian towns I find Bergen the most attractive. Once one of the central ports of the Hanseatic league of merchants which dominated trade in Northern Europe in the Middle Ages, it was he largest city in Scandinavia, and also a capital of Norway in 12th and 13th centuries. The old Bryggen area consists of medieval merchants timber buildings and is enlisted on UNESCO list of World Heritage.

The city centre is located on a peninsula that is dramatically surrounded by seven mountains. Clouds coming from the Atlantic simply hit the mountains and pour its content to Bergen – so it rains in average 275 days a year. It rained during my stay in Bergen, so you’ll find “authentic”, “wet” photographs.

Bergen is investing a lot into renewal of public spaces, especially in central area that was recently closed to traffic. Small squares, streets and plazas are competing with richness of materials and quality of details. If you’re interested in urban design like me, be careful not to watch at the floor too much. Otherwise you’ll be bumping into lampposts and other obstacles on your way like me.

Since I was hosted by local people (who were the true opposite to the stereotype of “cold Norwegians"), you won’t find any tips on hotels or restaurants. (Try finding your own local hosts :)