Historically, Bergen has been an important trading center, and has many relics of its Hanseatic heydays. The city is a major cultural center in Norway, hosting many festivals and music events. The best time to visit is May, with the rest of summer coming close behind.
Places to see
Bergen's fish market has a long history, being the historical centre for fish trade. With locals changing their shopping habits towards supermarkets, the fish market today does not compare to what it once was. Held every day, this fish market doesn't just sell fresh and prepackaged fish but also other foods, and souvenirs for the tourists.
Bryggen - This small area used to be a Hansa dock, trading and processing area. Despite neglect and fires (Norwegian cities had a habit of burning down because everything is made of wood), a considerable number of buildings have survived and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you enter some of the alleyways between the storefronts you really get a feel of what Bergen must have been like in the middle ages. There is a museum on the history of Bergen and of Bryggen.
Fløibanen is a funicular which goes up Mount Fløien, one of the hills overlooking Bergen. From here, you get a great view of the city, and of the other surrounding mountains. You can also hike up Fløien; this will first take you through some housing, and but after a short while you will end up in the same park the cable car goes through.
Grieghuset - "Troldhaugen" - This is the house of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, who wrote the Peer Gynt suite and is Norway's national composer.
Fantoft Stavkirke - This is one of Norway's tradition stave churches - churches built in a distinctive style using the logs of trees as pillars, by the early Christians. While this one is neither the oldest, nor the most authentic one (it has been restored extensively), this one is close to a city centre.
Bergenshus Festning - This is the old fort of Bergen, which dates to the 13th century. Several kings of Norway are buried here, though the chapel has since been demolished. The fortress grounds also serve as a city park; you can hang out here and eat that fish you just bought at the nearby fishmarket - or just enjoy the sunshine and the view.
Ulriken - Though not the tallest mountain in Bergen, the 643 m high Ulriken is the most iconic mountain in the city. There is an aerial tramway, Ulriksbanen which transports people up to the top where there are good views over the city. Sadly, the service on Ulriksbanen has been somewhat erratic, and has been closed on some occasions.