Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.
Videos
The World of Edvard Munch
Join Karine on a journey into Oslo’s renowned Munch Museum, where you will enter the world and mind of master expressionist Edvard Munch, painter of The Scream and more than 40,000 pieces of art.
The Essence of Norway: Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg composed some of Norway’s most beautiful music, including the much-loved Peer Gynt. Visit his home, listen to his music and admire the natural beauty that inspired him.
The Distinctive Bunad, A Statement of Norwegian Pride
The traditional Norwegian bunad is one of the country’s most iconic expressions of cultural identity. Join Karine as she explores the history behind this unique attire.
Shrimp Peeling in Bergen
Join two shrimp-peeling experts as they demonstrate their different methods. Try both and see which technique works for you. Then savor your hard-earned meal with white bread and a glass of chilled white wine!
Norwegian National Romanticism
Trace Norway’s inspiring journey to full independence—a pursuit that gave rise to the Norwegian National Romanticism, a movement that came to define what it means to be Norwegian.
Norwegian Language Lesson
Learn a few useful Norwegian words and phrases with Rikke, your Viking tutor. Skål!
King Haakon of Norway’s Daring Escape in WWII
Follow the riveting story of King Haakon, who evaded the Nazis during their invasion of Norway, then continued to lead his people from the UK throughout the conflict.
Gjetost: Norwegian Goat Cheese
Meet some of Norway’s four-footed locals, and learn about this quintessential Norwegian brown goat cheese as Karine shares the story behind gjetost.
Friele: The Taste Norwegians Love
Go behind closed doors with Karine for an insider’s look at the process that brings Friele, Norwegians’ favorite coffee, to life and learn about the fascinating art of “cupping.”
Fish On! Norway
Majestic vistas and tranquil waters. Norway is home to some of the world’s best fishing and there are many ways to test your skill. Join Karine as she shares a few of the ways locals practice their craft.
Family Fish Farming
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at a most unusual profession: Norwegian aquaculture, once a small industry in the 1970s, is now one of its greatest exports. Join Karine for an introduction to this fascinating world.
Discover Bergen
So many treasures await in the colorful, historic port of Bergen, from the old harbor steeped in Hanseatic history to the home of Norway’s greatest musician, violin virtuoso Ole Bull.
Dale of Norway
Learn more about our Norwegian heritage and pride at the Dale knitwear factory. Meet the people behind the iconic Viking Dale knitted sweaters and find out what inspired this unique garment.
Composer & Violin Virtuoso Ole Bull
Hear the mesmerizing sounds of violin virtuoso Ole Bull. Join Karine to learn more about the life of an icon whose performances left audiences spellbound across the globe.
Aquavit: A Taste of Norway
Aquavit means “water of life” and is Norway’s national spirit. Join Karine to learn more about this old favorite and find out which vegetable is a key ingredient. Please note that while Femte I Andre, the establishment shown in the video, has since closed, there are many other bars and distilleries across Bergen where you can sample aquavit. You may also try our version of this spirit, Viking Aquavit, on board your Viking ship.
The Queen of Smørrebrød
Taste Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwich and perhaps try Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite variety. Watch as Copenhagen’s celebrity chef Ida Davidsen prepares these delicious treats.
