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Burgen – the largest city and port in western Norway. It is located on the coast of the Bogue Bay. It spreads out in a valley around high (900 meters) hills and occupies practically the entire surface of the Bergen Peninsula, which is cut by a thick network of fjords. It is cool in summer, but in winter temperatures range around 0° and the sea does not freeze.
The founding father of Bergen is believed to be the King of Norway, King Olaf III. In 1070 he ordered that the city of Børgergin be built on the banks of the Bay of Wales. At the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries, the castle of Bergenhuis appeared. In the 13th century, the kings court and the countrys chief executive moved here officially. It was the capital of Norway in 1217-99. He lost his political influence, but increased his economic one. In 1360 the city joined the Hanseatic Community, and the port of Bergen was visited by the northern seas of Europe. Up to the 18th century, the Cook Islands governed the pace and rhythm of life at the countrys most important port. On two occasions (1702 and 1916), Bergen was destroyed by fire, but the city has always been revitalized.
Bergen – one of the countrys cultural centers. It is the birthplace of renowned cultural artist Eduard Grigg, visionary educator Lüdwig Hölber, and many famous singers, singers and musicians. Burgen is also considered one of the most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its distinctive architectural character.
The most famous attraction (in the World Heritage List) of Bergen is considered to be Brüggen, or the German Coast. It was created by the German merchants who opened their own companies and representations in Breguen. The many colorful buildings in Bruguain are now home to restaurants, shops, and artists studios. Also in one of them – the Bergen Museum, with exhibits of the citys Roman history.
Burgens Cathedral (1121) is remarkable for the fact that its wall holds the nucleus of the sea battle between England and the Netherlands in the Gulf of Wagene (1655). The popular «trolley holler ‐ the house-museum of the monumental Griggs, the medieval fortresses of Bergenhuis (12th century), Freerriksburg and Sverresbourg are also popular.
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- Air quality: 65 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 270,000 people
- GDP: $70,617 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 45 Mbps
- Best wireless: Telenor
- Tipping: In Norway, tipping is not cumpolsory. It is however usual for Norwegians to leave a tip in restaurants and bars if they are happy about the service. A 10-20% tip is expected if the customer is satisfied. For Norwegians it’s uncommon to tip taxi-drivers or cleaning staff at hotels.
- Apartment listings:
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Online electronics shop: Komplett
- Best hospital: Helse Bergen
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ryanair
- Best intl air carrier: SAS
- Monthly costs for expat: $2700
- Monthly costs for family: $6400
- Monthly costs for local: $1800
- Meal: $17
- Small Cola: $3
- Beer 1 Pint: $8.5
- Coffee: $5.5
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