One of the main attractions I was eager to visit in Bergen was Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I’d previously talked about it on my blog, so when we finally booked our flights to Bergen, I made sure it was top of my list.
First, we checked into our hotel, the Basic Hotel in Bergen, and met up with Linn, a local blogger, for some drinks in the sunshine. We chatted about our plans for Bergen, and Linn gave us great tips on the best places to eat, the most stunning views, and where to enjoy a drink or two that evening. We also received our Bergen Cards, which are fantastic for exploring the city since they offer discounts at restaurants and bars and include entry to major attractions. I highly recommend getting one during your visit.
Bergen serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Sognefjord, known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Naeroyfjord. We had just a long weekend to explore, so my friends and I—Georgia, Chris, Lloyd, and I—quickly set off through the city and headed straight to Bryggen after our beers. The journey to the fjords from Bergen is incredible, so be sure to take the Flamsbana train to Flam if you visit.
Our hotel was conveniently located in the city center, so it only took a few minutes to reach Bryggen. Seeing it in person was thrilling after viewing pictures online so many times.
Why is Bryggen significant? It’s the old wharf of Bergen and a reminder of the town’s importance in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. Although several fires, the last one in 1955, devastated these wooden houses, they were traditionally rebuilt following ancient patterns. Now, 62 buildings remain, preserving this ancient urban structure.
After exploring Bryggen and snapping countless photos, we stopped for lunch, using our Guest of Honour cards to find the best deals. We discovered Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurant thanks to Tripadvisor. It wasn’t included on the Bergen Card list, but many good options are, so you’ll have plenty of choices. Enhjørningen is the oldest fish restaurant in Bergen and is conveniently located in Bryggen.
I started with asparagus and salmon, had the fish of the day for my main course (although I can’t recall what type of fish it was, I do remember it being delicious), and we ended with a group favorite, crème brûlée. Dining in Bergen is costly, like everything else in Norway, so the Bergen Card really helps make things more affordable. I can’t recommend it enough! We left Enhjørningen delighted with our excellent meal and especially happy with the cost, considering the potential expense without the card.
With satisfied appetites, we then made our way to a spot promising the best view in all of Bergen!
