Kjetil Smørås is the director of five centrally located hotels and several restaurants in Bergen. Here are his top five favourite places in the city.
The Smørås family has been managing hotels in Bergen for more than 100 years. As hotel director, the most important thing for Kjetil is to provide guests with good and authentic experiences in his hometown, for both visitors from far and wide and locals.
Kjetil is therefore very knowledgeable when it comes to the city's culture, nature, and culinary experiences.
Here are Kjetil Smørås's top five favourite places in Bergen:
1. Kode – impressive museums for everyone
Kode is located in the centre of Bergen and consists of four art museums and three homes of composers outside the city centre. It's Scandinavia's largest museum of art, design and music. When Kjetil wants to relax, he especially likes to visit the Edvard Munch exhibition, which consists of 100 works on paper and 50 paintings.
Address: Rasmus Meyers allé 7 (Edvard Munch exhibition)
Kjetil Smørås at Kode in central Bergen.
2. Grieghallen – for the very best cultural experiences
The historic concert hall from 1978 is named after Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Make sure to check its programme to experience everything from ballet and dance performances to concerts.
Address: Edvard Griegs plass 1
3. Vågen harbour – delicious seafood in historic surroundings
"When you're in Bergen, you have to experience its proximity to the sea. Take a stroll along the harbour, Vågen, eat fresh seafood, and look at the historic buildings, browse the Fish Market, and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere," says Kjetil.
This is also where you'll find Bryggen, the medieval wharf which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Address: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen
Frescohallen was named the world's best in the historic buildings category at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards.
In the Frescohallen, you have both lunch ...
... dinner and maybe a drink in the evening.
4. Frescohallen – a historic restaurant with a great atmosphere and wonderful wine
"I must also mention our own place, Frescohallen. This eatery is world-class, it's an unparalleled restaurant that is part of the city's history. In addition, it's located right by the Fish Market," says Kjetil.
Frescohallen is located at Bergen Børs Hotel and is a place where local ingredients feature prominently on the menu. The restaurant has gained international recognition for its impressive venue with frescoes painted by the Norwegian painter and graphic artist Axel Revold. This is the place to go for bubbly, jazz, a unique atmosphere, and good food!
Address: Vågsallmenningen 1
The view from Ulriken is absolutely fantastic.
5. Mount Ulriken – stunning views of the fjords and mountains
"The mountains make Bergen truly unique. I really recommend Ulriken, with its brand new Ulriksbanen cable car," says Kjetil.
Ulriken is the highest of the mountains surrounding Bergen. Head to the top to enjoy impressive views of the city and the surrounding mountains and fjords.
Address: Haukelandsbakken 40
Have a wonderful trip to Bergen's mountains, restaurants, and cultural experiences!
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