| Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, is located | | | | worth your effort. |
| on the southwestern coast. With a population of | | | | There are many architectural styles to be gazed |
| about 252,000 as of January 2009, Bergen is one of | | | | upon in Bergen. Like most Scandinavian cities, Bergen |
| the leading centers for the offshore gas and oil | | | | had its share of fires, and each subsequent rebuild |
| industry. At the same time, Bergen is one of | | | | can be seen as its own unique style. For instance, the |
| Norway's most beautiful cities. Bergen is surrounded | | | | colorful houses that make up the picturesque |
| by seven mountains, and is built around the scenic | | | | quayside of Bryggen were built in 1702 after one of |
| Vagen Bay. | | | | these fires. After another fire in 1916, the central |
| Like its sister city Seattle in the USA, Bergen gets an | | | | shopping area around the main Torgallmenningen |
| extraordinary amount of rainfall. This is because the | | | | Square was rebuilt in functionalist and Art Nouveau |
| city is surrounded by mountains that cause moist | | | | styles. Then there is the 19th century neoclassical |
| North Atlantic air to rise. Subsequently, the rainy | | | | look of the Nygardshoyden area. Bergen was |
| summer season in Bergen is only to be outdone by | | | | occupied for virtually all of World War II, and much |
| the rainier season in winter. | | | | postwar building occurred. With all the mixed |
| Where there is rain, there is generally abundant flora, | | | | architectural styles however, the overall effect is |
| and the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde | | | | actually quite pleasing. |
| features the blooming of the rhododendrons in June, | | | | Along the harbor, you'll find a large open-air fish |
| as well as the rose bloom in July and August. | | | | market, where you can get many various items as |
| A cable car ride to the top of Mount Ulriken reveals a | | | | well as fish. From there you can walk to and explore |
| spectacular vista. There are many other scenic views | | | | the old city, with its medieval buildings and modern |
| and attractions to be explored in Bergen, and a stop | | | | day touch. |
| at the helpful tourist information center will be well | | | | |