Norway at it finest, Bergen is the gateway to the fjords and one of the most historic cities in the country. Due to its strategic location by the coast, Bergen was Norway’s capital until 1314. Today large parts of the city are protected by UNESCO.

If you ask a person on the street, he’s likely to say that Bergen should still be the capital. Locals are known to be laud, sarcastic and extremely patriotic. But don’t worry. As long as you love their city, they’ll love you. The city centers around the old harbor and fish market area, and is by many referred to as the European San Francisco. Business still goes on here like it has done for hundreds of years. Try a smoked salmon sandwich, or a whale-burger if you’re feeling edgy.

The seven mountains surrounding the city make a great place to start your sightseeing. Take the funicular to the top for some great Kodak moments and stay for lunch, or bring a picnic. The hike across all seven mountains is a local strength-test and is highly recommended if you’re into that sort of thing. If not, you can still enjoy the view from a high-up restaurant with your camera in one hand and a cocktail in the other.

Bergen is a popular University town and has therefore got a young population and good parties going on most nights of the week. The clubs vary on the scale of class, but don’t expect to find cheap drinks. There are two prices, expensive, and very expensive, so think twice before offering to buy a round. Because of the prices, Norwegians are known to start the party at home.

Bergen is a rainy city. Actually, it is so famous for being rainy that if you come while it’s sunny, you might get disappointed. Don’t be. You’ll have to look hard to find any city in the world shining like Bergen does in the sun. Locals put on their hardly-ever-used summer gear, take time off from work and drop everything they should be doing just to sit outside. The bars fill up, the ice-cream sells out and the harbor gets crowded with private yachts. When asked about the weather in Bergen, the locals say that when God created Bergen He decided it was so beautiful He had to wash it everyday. They might be right.