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The European city with one of the world's most scenic train rides and Viking-themed bars

The European city with one of the world's most scenic train rides and Viking-themed bars

The Irish Sun30-05-2025
KNOWN as the 'Gateway to the Fjords', the Norwegian city of Bergen is the ideal starting point for exploring these natural wonders.
But stunning landscapes are just one of the many things Norway's second biggest city has to offer.
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The stunning waterfall at Flamsbana
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The picturesque Bryggen Harbour
With almost 1,000 years of history to discover, a picturesque harbour and a thriving cultural scene, it's a great spot for an active city break.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Surrounded by seven mountains and tucked between two fjords, breathtaking views wait around every corner in
There are dozens of hiking trails to suit all abilities taking you to remote woodlands or vantage points which offer panoramic views of the city.
For those wanting a more relaxed ride, a cable car can take you to the top of Mount Ulriken — the tallest in the area, at 2,110ft above sea level — in five minutes, while Mount Fløyen can be reached by funicular railway.
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As the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is also a hit with music lovers.
His former home at Troldhaugen is now a living museum, with a concert hall hosting regular classical performances.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
Absolutely. At the centre of
Now, if you take a stroll around the cobbled streets you will find an array of quirky gift shops, cafes and bars, as well as the vibrant Bryggen Nightclub.
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But the city still embraces its roots with its famous outdoor fish market, as well as an indoor site selling seafood, fish and vegetables all year round.
Don't tire your legs out until you've visited the KODE Art Museum showcasing the Nordic region's finest crafts.
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
The one-day Norway In A Nutshell tour is a must (£183pp, see
The carefully curated experience begins early, taking you straight from the city centre through more than 60 miles of wild mountain terrain on the Bergen Railway.
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Visit the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg
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You will change at Myrdal station to ride on the Flåm railway — one of the most scenic routes in the world, with views of deep ravines, tumbling waterfalls and green valleys from the carriage windows.
Then, the icing on the cake is hopping on board a relaxing two-hour electric fjord cruise — exploring the beautiful Nærøyfjord with its towering peaks, small hamlets and hanging valleys.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
At the top of Mount Ulriken is the Skyskraperen restaurant, which serves up traditional Nordic food surrounded by nature.
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Inspired by the changing weather, the reservations-only restaurant offers seasonal lunch and dinner menus showcasing local produce.
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Skyskraperen dishes are inspired by the elements
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A three-course lunch menu costs from £73pp featuring dishes like grilled trout and cauliflower or duo of beef with potato gnocchi.
Hungry hikers can also stop by the drop-in cafe for a more affordable light bite.
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Or for holidaymakers wanting a taste of the city's past, Bryggen Tracteursted offers a traditional Norwegian dining experience — including its famous stockfish — in one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden structures in the harbour district.
FANCY A DRINK?
Bergen is home to a mix of stylish, modern bars and old pubs.
But those wanting a more unique experience should be sure to grab a pint of locally brewed lager from Ægir at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.
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The Sun's Emily-Jane at the top of Mount Ulriken
Credit: Supplied
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The micro-brewery serves around 40 different beers and it also has a small distillery on site that produces its own aquavit, gin, vodka and mead.
The interior of the pub is inspired by Norse mythology, with a nine-metre high fireplace surrounded by dragons' heads and driftwood walls, while the outside is reminiscent of a stave church.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
For good value accommodation right in the centre of the city, look no further than the 3H Magic Hotel Korskirken.
Situated close to the harbour, you can stroll to Bryggen in just minutes.
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The funky rooms have a space-like look to them with curved furniture and pops of neon-yellow.
GO: Bergen
GETTING/STAYING THERE:
Three nights' B&B at the 3H Magic Hotel Korskirken is from £569pp including flights from Manchester on April 24.
Price includes 22kg baggage allowance.
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The huge TUI Turkey resort where kids are NEVER bored from chocolate parties and live shows to swim classes and discos
The huge TUI Turkey resort where kids are NEVER bored from chocolate parties and live shows to swim classes and discos

The Irish Sun

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  • The Irish Sun

The huge TUI Turkey resort where kids are NEVER bored from chocolate parties and live shows to swim classes and discos

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Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore
Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore

The Irish Sun

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  • The Irish Sun

Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore

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Win a seven-night cruise across Norway and the Netherlands with Ambassador
Win a seven-night cruise across Norway and the Netherlands with Ambassador

The Irish Sun

time04-08-2025

  • The Irish Sun

Win a seven-night cruise across Norway and the Netherlands with Ambassador

Scroll down to find out how to enter the Sun Travel Awards SAIL AWAY Win a seven-night cruise across Norway and the Netherlands with Ambassador 4 YOU could win an all-expenses cruise around Norway and the Netherlands with Ambassador cruises, as part of The Sun's Travel Awards 2025. The seven-night cruise sails includes three stops along the way while on the Ambience cruise ship. 4 You could win a seven-night cruise with Ambassador in this year's Sun Travel Awards Credit: Getty 4 The cruise will also stop in The Netherlands Credit: Supplied This includes the 12th century Norwegian city Stavanger, known for its famous cathedral as well as the village of Eidfjord between the famous fjords. A stop in the Netherlands includes the Dutch harbour town of Ijmuiden too. The prize is full board, so that means all of your breakfast, lunch afternoon tea and dinner on board the Ambience cruise are all included. Your room will be an Ocean View cabin, with amazing views after leaving the London cruise terminal. Passengers will get to join the Captain's cocktail party as well as the Captain's Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade. And for those days at sea, make the most of the onboard activities, including quizzes and games. There are even live music and plays in the evenings, as well as the Theatre@Sea. Guests onboard get full access to the spa, gym, pools and hot tubs as well as fitness classes. The prize also includes all port taxes, fees and charges as well as luggage porting. The lucky winner will depart London Tilbury on April 3, 2026, returning on April 10, 2026. How to enter To be in with a chance winning this trip or one of seven other incredible holidays to places like Mexico, the Caribbean and Greece, vote for your for your favourite travel companies and destinations in the form below. For the full list of prizes, see here. Pick at least one shortlisted entry in each category in this year's Sun Travel Awards. There are 11 categories in total. You have until the end of August 31, 2025, to vote. The winning companies will be presented with their Sun Travel Award at a special ceremony in autumn. Can't see the form? Click here. Please read our terms and conditions for full rules - including important info regarding dates and availability. Terms & Conditions Promotion closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Winner must book their Prize by November 30. Prize does not include flights, transfers to or from London Tillbury cruise port, onboard gratuities and service charges where a package has not been purchased (automatically billed to the onboard account), optional shore excursions, discretionary expenditure of a personal nature including hot and cold alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, wifi & communication, and any visa & health certificate charges that may apply. Ambassador Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any theme cruise activities/speakers/acts at short notice. Winner and their guest must have a valid passport (with six months validity remaining after the cruise return date) to participate in the Prize sailing. Winner and guest must travel on the same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations / inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Ambassador Cruise Line's terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd Full T&Cs apply - see here.

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