The Gateway to the Fjords - Destinations Article

By:Douglas Scott

The second largest city in Norway is Bergen. The city is divided into 8 boroughs Bergenhus, Arna, Laksevag, Ytrebygda, Asane, Arstrad, Fana and Fyllingsdalen. It is called The Gateway to the Fjords.

Bergen is the main base for the Royal Norwegian Navy at Haakonsvern and the international airport Flesland is the main heliport for the huge Norwegian North Sea gas and oil industry, from where thousands of off shore workers commute to their work places onboard the many oil and gas rigs and platforms. It is nowadays still a centre for oil exploration, shipping and fishing but it has grown as a centre for environmental and oceanographic research in Norway.

Bergen is a university town, and the thousands of students who live and study here all year round contribute to making the citys nightlife livelier than you might expect of a small town. Most night spots centre around Ole Bulls plass and the plaza at one end of Torgallmenningen. Just off the plaza you can find dozens of relaxing bars, lively pubs, dancing, live music, and trendy cafes.

There are several cobble stoned pedestrian shopping streets, including Gamle Strandgaten, Torgallmenningen, Hollendergaten, and Marken. Stores selling Norwegian handicrafts are concentrated along the Bryggen boardwalk. Near the cathedral, the tiny Skostredet has become popular with young shoppers. The small, independent speciality stores here sell everything from army surplus gear to tailored suits and designer trinkets.

It is the Norwegian version of the American enclosed shopping mall. Stores generally close early except for malls like Galleriet, Bystasjonen, Oasen and Lagunen. The opening hours therefore for most stores in the centre of town are Monday to Saturday and shops do not open on a Sunday.

The region to the north of Bergen, the fylke of Sogn og Fjordane, contains some of the most breathtaking natural views that this beautiful land can offer you.

Bergens Tourist Information Centre is in The Fresco Hall situated in Vagsallmenning Square opposite the Fish Market. The building itself is one of the citys art treasures. In these beautiful and spacious surroundings, information is available about what to do in Bergen and all of Fjord Norway.

Visitors should not miss the ride with the funicular up to Mount Floyen, where one is rewarded with a splendid view over the city and the fabled seven mountains. From here, it is also possible to hike in a huge area of spectacular and largely untouched scenery.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: Fjords

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Douglas Scott writes for The Cheap Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Villa Rental Site

Top Destinations Articles
1). Living In Siberia – Lenin's Revenge By : Nomad Rick In 1999, I moved to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory. Day 1 – Lenin’s Revenge Riding on a train for three plus days does weird things to your equilibrium. You tend to develop a natural compensation for the swaying. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t just snap back when you finally get on solid ground.
2). Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods By : Nomad Rick If you have every visited Barcelona, you know it is a place best experienced over a few months instead of a few days. Fortunately, the people of Barcelona know it as well. Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods Like a fine wine, drinking in Barcelona shouldn’t be rushed. Visit the city for two or three days and you will get only a small, rushed taste of the flavor of Barcelona.
3). Discover The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach California By : David G. Hallstrom, Sr. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near the waterfront in The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in the city of Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.
4). Christmas in Cusco, Peru By : Charlotte De Patre The celebration of Christmas in Cusco begins with the dressing-up of the city with coloured lights and garlands. These can be seen everywhere, from the balconies of the Monumental mountain to the streets around the main square, and donate the city with a warm festive ambiance. On December 24th, hundreds of artisans coming from Cusco and the surrounding towns lay their blankets on the sidewalks -a custom in traditional Andean fairs- and sell carved Nativity handicrafts.
5). Towns of south eastern Spain By : Robert Palmer Almunecar Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east. There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments.
6). Exceptional Vaction in St.Maarten By : SXM Specialist I just came back from a vacation in St. Maarten, the Caribbean and stayed in one of finest luxury vacation villas. It was located in the hills, with mid sized mountains and spectacular ocean views. Spacious, sunny terrace and shady veranda, which make outdoor living the most relaxing I have ever experienced yet. I had a view that will take your breath away, whether its the turquoise blue sea, a panoramic view from a hillside, or the twinkling lights at night.
7). Your Travel Destination Shall Be Cebu, Philippines By : Kim Hald That may be a presumptuous statement to make but after reading this article thoroughly, there’s a good chance that you’d agree to make that statement as well. But first, let’s get down to the basics. Cebu, as mentioned, is in the Philippines. Now, when you mention the Philippines, it’s either Manila or Boracay -- those are the first places to come to your mind.
8). European Cities - Top Five To Visit By : David Sharpe Paris Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe's best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country's north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs.
9). Siberia, Russia, Part 9 – Chita By : Nomad Rick After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the last stage of the seven-day trip to get there. Siberia As Seen From A Train In preparing for my trip, I had actually done some preparation. As a common man, I know most of you female readers will find this hard to believe, but I swear it was so.
10). Visit The Sand And Surf Of Watergate Bay By : Steven Cronin The coastal road from Newquay snaked its way eastwards atop the high, craggy cliffs sculpted by the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly the road dipped and wound steeply towards sea level. Cars were parked everywhere; almost all had surfboards strapped to their roofs. This was Watergate Bay. I turned into a car park and waited at the entrance. Just to my right a small, open camper van laid dormant.

New Destinations Articles
1). Visit One Of The Smaller Orlando Attractions By : Howard Farmer When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World. There is a good reason for this: Walt Disney started it all with the Magic Kingdom. With four theme parks, Disney is still the biggest draw, but there are many other Orlando attractions for your family to enjoy. Consider spending some of your trip enjoying the smaller attractions.
2). An African Safari Nightmare? By : Dean Caporella An African safari can be one of the most rewarding holidays you can have; wild animals, jungle, sweeping plains and just plain old adventure. But if you are not properly prepared then it could become your worst nightmare.
3). The Best Places to See Spectacular Fall Leaf Colors By : James Rice A few recommendations for the best places to see the autumn leaf change in the mountains of North Carolina.
4). Timeshares are a Booming Industry By : Gail Metcalf Timeshares were started in Europe over forty years ago and continue to be the best value for people who schedule vacations each year.
5). Some Of The Reasons You Should Consider Planning A Trip To Ireland By : Gregg Hall When vacation time rolls around, where will you next plan a trip? If it is a wide range of scenic opportunities to take advantage of, then you may want to consider checking out what Ireland has to offer.
6). Discover Amelia Island On A Florida Vacation By : Owen Walcher Amelia is a small island of about 18.2 square miles and has three distinct sections. First is the north end which is called Fernandina Beach. Then you have the middle section which is called Amelia Island and then the third section which is mostly Amelia Island Plantation.
7). Choices in Orlando Nightlife By : Howard Farmer Orlando is known for large theme parks, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. However, there are a lot of options for enjoying Orlando nightlife as well. Some are located on the grounds of the various parks and resorts, while others are located within the city.
8). A Witness of the Past: France and its Museums By : Julien Raynal The French have forever played a essential part in enhancing the culture of the world. France travel offers a chance to explore the affluent culture of France.
9). Top Rated Mexico Vacations By : John Savage Mexico is often referred to as a vacation hotspot, and for very good reasons.
10). Visiting A Winery - 5 Ways to Avoid Learning Anything By : Russ Beebe How to escape from yourself when you escape to the wine country.