The city of Bergen: Nature, Culture, Art, Design

The city was an important Hanseatic trading centre and has retained an international profile that dates back to the Middle Ages. The historical links with Europe are clearly visible in architecture, in shop front names, and may be heard in many words in the local dialect.

The Nature and Fjords
Bergen is the administrative and educational centre of Western Norway. In the tourist brochoure, it's tagged as "The Gateway to the Fjords". Some of the longest and most majestic fjords are within driving distance from Bergen. Also, there is numerous transport possibillities, such as the Flåm Railway, for easy visits right in to centre of Werstern Norway.

Read more about Tourist Attractions of Bergen and the West Coast:

Visit Bergen - Official Bergen Tourist Board Site

Cultural Life - Classic and Jazz
The city has a rich cultural life. The close connections of the composer Edvard Grieg with the city have contributed towards an active involvement in music, and the city has a symphony orchestra of high international standard. The Bergen International Music Festival ("Festspillene"), held each year at the end of May, with famous orchestras, ballet companies and theatre ensembles. Running paralell is an international Jazz Festival - Nattjazz (means Night Jazz) which has both local and internationally acclaimed performers over a 10 day period in May. Many students sign up as part-time workers during the festival to gain free access to concerts.

The theatre, Den Nationale Scene, where Henrik Ibsen was once director lies in the heart of the city. The city also has a wide variety of cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants, offering specialities from all over the world.

Bergen enjoys good communications and is easily reached by air, sea or rail.

Student account of being in Bergen
Read an interview with a former student of Bergen Academy of Art and Design.

Chung Wing Lai - From Hong Kong to Bergen