Bergen – the land of tranquil promise

Rarely has any journey treated me with such eloquent words as when I arrived in Bergen – the second-largest city in Norway, the top-ranked Nordic country in the World Happiness Report of 2017. It was moments immersed in a land of peace, untouched wilderness, with breathtaking scenery…

Traveling to Bergen – the land of tranquil promise

'Berg' – the origin of Bergen, a familiar appellation among the ancient Nordic tribes, meaning 'mountain' or 'rocky cliff'. And those towering cliffs on either side, sandwiched between a sheet of still water, with deep depths, paint a remarkable picture of Norway, known locally as fjords. These are the narrow inlets, formed by glacial erosion as ice melts. There are up to 1,190 fjords across Norway.

And once fjords are mentioned, travelers must surely think of Bergen, as this is the gateway to exploring the pristine beauty of the famous fjords in Norway.

Ships depart from Zachariasbryggen pier in the heart of Bergen, leaving behind the World Heritage Site, the seaport ensemble with its ancient houses sporting pointed gables resembling the armor of Viking warriors embarking on voyages from the Nordic region to the world.

As the cityscape fades away, a magical scene unfolds before our eyes, with the lush greenery of pine forests clinging to the towering cliffs. The emerald waters of Osterfjorden Fjord, calm and unruffled, reflect the mesmerizing beauty of nature, leaving the travelers on that tour boat stunned and amazed, as they had never seen such splendid beauty before.

The journey through the natural landscapes of Osterfjorden Fjord continues uninterrupted for nearly 30 kilometers, delving deep into the territory of Hordaland province. Along the way, the ship hugs the mountainside where waterfalls provide travelers with cool refreshing streams trickling down from melting ice to quench their thirst. The source of pure water, safe for direct consumption, is indeed a luxury compared to some wandering journeys back home.

The boat proceeds to Vikanes, Mostraumen – where the imposing cliffs form a narrow inlet, then reaches the end point of the fjords at Modalen, where a few houses of the local residents seem secluded from the civilized world. The guide reveals that the owners of these houses are all newly wealthy elites. And a charming little house, nestled beside the mountain slopes, gives a feeling of living right at the gateway to paradise, where land, sky, humans, and nature harmonize as one.

After a day of wandering and sightseeing, travelers return to reality as the boat docks at Zachariasbryggen. A venerable Bergen opens up, a city founded by King Olav Kyrre in 1070, once the capital of Norway and gradually becoming the most important commercial center in Norway thanks to its seaport.

Rows of warehouses for goods storage, houses for sailors emerge at Bryggen seaport since 1360 – when the Hanseatic League, a commercial confederation of European cities, established its headquarters at Bryggen. The serene beauty of Bryggen port has survived three major fires (in 1702, 1855, 1916), and even the bomb raids of World War II.

One might think that Bergen no longer retains its rustic beauty, but thanks to explorations and oil exploitation in the 1970s, Bergen has revived. The old warehouse district has been restored, renovated, preserved, and transformed into museums, restaurants, souvenir shops, and recognized as a World Heritage Site (since 1979).

Adjacent to the harbor, another ideal attraction for both tourists and locals alike is the daily fish market. While it no longer bears the heavy trading responsibilities of the port with fish as the main commodity as it did over 800 years ago, it still holds a special allure. Strolling through the market provides an opportunity to meet the locals, discover a myriad of rare fish caught fresh that day.

The fish market at Bryggen also doubles as a culinary space, with most products being prepared from fish, eels, shrimp, and unique seafood such as whale and snow crabs. Common delicacies here include grilled salmon with olive oil, fried trout, grilled snow crab, smoked sea eel... all tantalizing and unforgettable treats synonymous with Bergen.

The beauty of Bergen is hailed as a 'promised land' for those who cherish a tranquil lifestyle, a place to live slowly, reveling in the magnificent values of nature, the historical significance of the ancient city, and the warmth of its friendly people. Every year, countless tourists flock to Bergen, drawn by its charm, antiquity, and pristine allure, contributing significantly to Norway being crowned the happiest country in the world in 2017.

Norway and Some 'Medals'

* Happiest country in the world: Norway ranked first, Denmark second, Iceland third

* Human Development Index: Norway ranked first, Australia second, Switzerland third

* Border Bliss: Iceland takes the top spot, followed by Finland in second place, and Norway in third

(According to the World Happiness Report 2017)

By Thiên An/ Saigon Entrepreneur

***

References: Mytour Travel Handbook