Bergen

Bergen sits between seven mountains and the sea, a compact city where wooden houses from the 18th century lean against each other along narrow cobblestone streets. Bryggen, the row of coloured Hanseatic merchant buildings on the harbour, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first thing you'll see from the ship. The Fish Market at the harbour sells smoked salmon, king crab legs, and local brown cheese. It rains here roughly 240 days a year, so bring a jacket. The Fløibanen funicular takes seven minutes up Mount Fløyen and gives you a wide view of the city, the harbour, and the surrounding fjords. Troldhaugen, the lakeside home of composer Edvard Grieg, is a 20-minute bus ride from the centre and hosts summer concerts. In town, Torggaten is the main shopping street for wool sweaters, local knitwear, and Scandinavian design. Most things are within walking distance from the cruise terminal. Norway is expensive, so expect to pay around 200 NOK for a beer.