Bergen

Bergen is a city and municipality in Vestland county, Norway, situated on the west coast amid mountains and fjords. It is one of Norway's largest cities and serves as the administrative center of Vestland. Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a major hub for maritime industries, education, and tourism.

Founded in the 11th century, Bergen developed as a leading Hanseatic trading center. Its historic Bryggen waterfront, with preserved wooden buildings from the Hanseatic era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and emblem of the city.

Bergen lies in a sheltered harbor at the end of the Byfjorden, surrounded by mountains such as Fløyen and Ulriken. The city features a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers, and it is among the rainiest large cities in Europe.

The Port of Bergen is one of Norway's largest, with shipping, fish processing, and offshore industries. Bergen is home to the University of Bergen and the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and hosts cultural events such as the Bergen International Festival and performances by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Transport links include the Bergen Line railway to Oslo and Bergen Airport, Flesland. The city's historic harbor, Bryggen, and its surrounding fjords are central to its identity as a cultural and economic hub.