Bergen - a UNESCO Gem, Bergen, Norway (B)

Bergen, Norway’s second biggest city is a designated City of Gastronomy and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Bergen has been an important trading centre since it was founded in the eleventh century and was chosen as a base for the Hanseatic League. It was the capital of Norway in the thirteenth century and its largest city until the beginning of the nineteenth century. This beautiful city on the southwestern coast has been called the “city of seven mountains” and “the gateway to the fjords” – descriptive titles that reflect its stunning location. There is no better way to acquaint yourself with the splendour of Bergen than an early morning ascent to the top of Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen Funicular.

The Fløibanen Funicular began operating in 1918. Since the 1950s it has maintained the tradition of a red carriage, Rødhette (Little Red Riding Hood) and a blue carriage Blåmann (Blueman). It is one Bergen’s most popular attraction and the best time to take a ride on it to the top of Mount Fløyen is early morning. The ticket office and terminal are close to the fish market and Bryggen wharf. The views over Bergen riding up to the top of the mountain are stunning. A large viewing terrace at the top means every angle of the panorama below is visible. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).