Bergen is a metropolis and city in the county of Hordaland, Norway. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. In 1916 parts of the city center were destroyed by a ruinous fire, the last of numerous such fires during the city's history. During World War II, the city was subjugated on the first day of the German invasion on April 9,1940, after a brief fight between German ships and Norwegian coastal artillery. On April 20, 1944, during the German occupation, a Dutch cargo ship anchored off the Bergenhus fortress, loaded with over 120 tons of explosives, blew up, killing at least 150 people and destroying historic buildings. The city was also subject to some allied bombing raids, aiming at German naval installations in the harbor. Some of these led to civilian casualties numbering over 100. Bergen is also known as the gateway to the fjords of Norway.
A very popular tourist attraction is the fish market on the harbor. Where you will find the main shopping area around the main square Torgalmenningen. Several old quarters of white, wooden houses surround the center, notably Nordnes, Marken and Sandviken. Nygardshoyden is a attractive area with a large number of brick buildings from 1900.
If you go to Bergen you should not miss the ride up to Mount Floyen, where one is rewarded with a marvelous view over the city and the legendary seven mountains. Also visit the aquarium. It has seals, penguins and fish from the area. Or just stroll around in Bergen it will reveal areas with very differing architecture. Quaint wooden houses are abundant, and patched around central Bergen.