Attractive places in Norway

Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde

The Arboretum was founded in 1971, occupies an area of 125 acres, part of which is planted with a variety of foreign trees and shrubs. Arboretum Milde is the most beautiful place to visit when Rhododendron comes to flower in May / June and when the Rosarium is at it's best in July / August. The area is very attractive with hills, rocky gorges, a small lake and a shoreline of several Kilometers. Good possibilities for walking in wooded surroundings and swimming.

Haakon's Hall

The largest and most imposing building of the royal residency in the 13th-century.

Håkon's Hall has taken its name from its first builder, King Håkon Håkonsson, and was erected between 1247 and 1261. In the latter year it was in use as "The Stone Hall" at the wedding and coronation of King Magnus Lagabøte (the Lawmender), Håkon's son and co-ruler. The hall was the largest and most imposing building in the royal residence at "Holmen" (the holm), the political centre of the 13th-century Norwegian kingdom. It was obviously built for the great occasions in the history of the monarchy and the realm, but also for practical daily use.

From the late Middle Ages onwards, Norway was without a resident monarchy, and the original functions of the hall lapsed. At about 1520 it was used for storage purposes. It was allowed to stand roofless during part of the 17th century, but sometime around 1680 it was refitted as the storehouse of Bergenhus Castle. It was precisely this storage function which allowed it to survive under various roof-forms, until, about 1840, it was rediscovered for what it had originally been.

The hall was restored in 1880-95 and richly decorated in 1910-16. In 1944 a German ammunition ship exploded in the harbor just below. The Hall caught fire, and was so damaged that only the walls remained. The present internal equipment of the building is the result of the following restoration. The walls are standing much as they stood after the restoration of 1880-95, but the stonework has been relieved of plaster. The Hall is again in ceremonial use on important occasions, and is also used for concerts.

With its base of 37 x 16,4 m and its three floors, the Hall is the largest secular medieval building still standing in Norway. It was built of local stone, and the corners, window and door casings were of worked soapstone. Its closest parallels were probably contemporary Gothic stone halls in England.

The original main entrance was obviously through the upper doorway in the south gable end, leading into the great hall. Access to this entrance was apparently gained by way of external wooden galleries and staircases. Today a new, covered staircase, used as the royal entrance, leads up from the palace yard. The public entrance is through a side building and further up to a new opening in the east wall of the great hall. From this passage one may also descend to the two lower floors of the Hall, each divided into three rooms.

Mount Floyen and the Funicular (Floybanen)

Magnificent views over the surroundings islands. Numerous paths offer easy walks through beautiful woodland terrain.

If you're looking for one of the best view over the city you should include a trip on famous Funicular. It will take you from the city center to the top of the Mount Floyen. Then you'll be 320 meters above sea level (1050 ft). Check out the magnificent views over the surroundings islands. Numerous paths offer easy walks through beautiful woodland terrain with lakes and mountains. During the summer the restaurant on top of Mount Floyen is open daily. The kiosk and souvenir shop is open all year. The Funicular Lower Station is situated 150 meters from the Fish Market.

Situated in the center of Bergen, walking distance from the Fish Market. Departures on the hour and every half hour from early morning to 11 PM, from May to August till Midnight. Extra departures when necessary. This funicular railway is also known as 'Floibanen' and 'Fløibanen' and 'Fløybanen'.

The Barque Statsraad Lehmkuhl / Cruise

Norway's oldest and largest sailing wessel.

The Barque 'Statsraad Lehmkuhl' is from Bergen. It is a three masted Barque, launched in 1914. She is Norway's oldest and largest sailing wessel.

Facts about Statsraad Lehmkuhl;
Length of hull: 259 ft
Height of rig: 158 ft
Sail area: 2000 sq. meters
Keel depth: 18 ft
Crew: 125 (100 trainees)
BRT: 1701 tons.

Bergen was a host for The Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race in 1993 and 2001. Fullriggers, barques, briggs, schooners, ketches and cutters, ships with tall masts and bowspirits. Tremendous successes.

Sail Cruises
Imagine yourself, at the helm of the largest three-masted barque or helping to set more than 2000m2 of sail in less than one hour! You need no sailing experience beforehand; professional seamen will train you while you are aboard.

The «Statsraad Lehmkuhl» is not a passenger ship.
You come aboard as a trainee sailor, which means that you participate in the activities of the ship. You’ll be on duty alongside professional seamen – doing anything from being on watch or steering the ship, to working in the galley. The maritime traditions are kept active, especially the sail manoeuvres. For many people, going aloft up the rigging to furl or unfurl sails is one of the most exiting things on board. But this is absolutely voluntary. And there might be time for some shanty singing and a course in tying knots.