Norway's Second-Largest City Is An Underrated Gem With World-Class Art Surrounded By Fjords

Norway inspires the nature lover in us all with its wild, rugged landscapes and cultural depth born from its dramatic environment. Nearly two-thirds of the country is covered in mountains, so it's a perfect mountain escape that's sculpted by the ancient glaciers into a network of over 1,000 fjords – narrow waterways flanked by steep cliffs, a term derived from the Norwegian word for "crossing point." This untamed beauty, from its cascading waterfalls to its ethereal shimmer of the northern lights, boasts some of the best of the nation's natural beauty. Yet, the country's brilliance extends beyond its scenery. The intense natural surroundings have nurtured a thriving arts scene, producing luminaries like composers Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull, alongside painters and playwrights whose introspective works resonate globally. Amid this blend of nature and creativity lies Bergen, Norway's second largest city. Tucked on the Southwestern Coast, Bergen dazzles with its fjord-framed vistas and a vibrant artistic pulse, offering a perfect harmony of wilderness and culture. 

Situated far from Oslo, the capital in the east, Bergen is roughly a seven-hour drive across Norway's mountainous landscape. Travelers can fly into Bergen Airport, which serves domestic and international flights, or opt for the scenic seven-hour train from Oslo — perhaps one of the world's most breathtaking train journeys, with the viewing shifting each season. The best time to visit Norway depends on your desires. Summer hums with festivals, warm weather, and long days ideal for exploration. Spring blooms with cherry blossoms, and fall glows with autumnal hues. Winter transforms into a snowy paradise, complete with Christmas markets and a chance to catch the Northern Lights. Wherever and whenever you choose to go, Bergen promises an unforgettable fusion of nature and art. 

Bergen pulses with creativity, its streets and buildings brimming with artistic treasures. The city boasts over two dozen museums, galleries bursting with contemporary and historical works, and a vibrant street art that adds color to its cobblestone lanes. Among the standouts is the KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes, a collection of four central art spaces and three composer residencies, including Troldhaugen – once home to Edvard Grieg, Norway's most celebrated composer. Grieg's lyrical, folk-inspired compositions echo through this museum, which also hosts concerts by Norwegian and International musicians. Another native, Ole Bull, a virtuoso violinist, left his mark with passionate, Romantic-era works. Modern talents like DJs Alan Walker and Kygo, pioneers of electronic sounds, further showcase the city's musical evolution and creativity. For visual arts, the Bergen Museum, founded in 1825, and the Bergen Visual Arts Museum, established in 1887, offer a deep dive into Norway's creativity and history. 

A crown jewel of Bergen's cultural landscape is Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic harbor district, with its rows of brightly painted wooden buildings — some vivid oranges, yellows, and whites — dates back to the 14th century, when Bergen thrived as a key trading hub. Its narrow, weathered structures stand as a testament to the city's past, combining history with artistic charm. 

Bergen's nickname as "The Heart of the Fjords" is no exaggeration. Just beyond the city, nature unfurls in jaw-dropping splendor, offering some of the best fjord adventures in Norway. The Hardangerfjord region, about a 90-minute drive away, ranks among Norway's most iconic fjord areas. Here, Trolltunga — a stunning rock formation with a name that means "the troll's tongue" in English – juts out over a glacial valley, providing panoramic views of the Ringedalsvannet lake and the distant Folgefonna glacier. Hiking this 17-mile trail, typically tackled from June through August, rewards intrepid travelers with a sense of standing atop the world. Winter hikes reveal a snow-cloaked marvel, equally as enchanting and rewarding.

The Folgefonna glacier, within its namesake national park just east of Bergen, is another natural powerhouse. As Norway's third-largest mainland glacier, it towers at 5,452 feet, with ice up to 1,476 feet thick. Summer hikes and winter skiing at the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort let visitors experience its magnificence up close year-round. Nearby, Voringsfossen, Norway's most famous waterfall, plunges nearly 600 feet from the Hardangervidda plateau. Summer unveils its full power while winter covers it in ice, visible from a scenic bridge platform from above or from the valley below. Framed by seven mountains and laced with parks and natural wonders, Bergen weaves nature into its urban magic and is an irresistible bucket-list item for the adventurous and art-inspired.