Bergen - Norway - page 286

WALKING Only 10 minutes away from town by the funicular, several roads
and footpaths lead to Mount Fløien, an unspoiled wood and mountain terrace
with lakes and rivers. The Bergen Touring Club, Tverrgaten 4 ( & 55-33-58-
10 ), arranges walking tours farther afield and supplies information on huts and
mountain routes all over Norway. It also provides maps and advice on where to
hike. The office is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (until 6pm on Thurs).
7 Shopping
Shoppers who live outside Scandinavia and spend more than 310NOK ($44) in
a tax-free tourist shop can receive a refund up to 18.5% of the purchase price
when they leave Norway. See “Fast Facts: Norway,” in chapter 2, for details.
THE SHOPPING SCENE
Bargain hunters head to the Marketplace (Torget). Many local handicrafts from
the western fjord district, including rugs and handmade tablecloths, are dis-
played here. This is also one of the few places in Norway where bargaining is
welcomed. The market keeps no set hours, but is best visited between 8am and
noon. Take bus no. 1, 5, or 9.
HOURS Stores are generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (until
8pm Thurs and sometimes Fri), Saturday 9am to 4pm. Shopping centers out-
side the city are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm and Saturday from
9am to 6pm. Some food stores stay open until 8pm Monday to Friday and 6pm
on Saturday.
SHOPPING A TO Z
ART GALLERIES
Galleri Fisk About a decade ago, this well-lighted space was used for the exhi-
bition and sale of fish. Today gilled creatures, ice, and seaweed have been
replaced with artworks produced by students within Bergen's university system.
Hours are erratic, and since it's a basically underfunded venue for struggling
newcomers, there's no phone. Kong Oscarsgate 46. No phone (check www.khib.no/fisk).
Hordaland Art Center and Café An artistic focal point of the historic
neighborhood that contains it, this is a publicly funded art gallery that puts on
as many as 12 different art exhibitions each year. Originally completed in 1742,
it served as a school for the children of the local parish for many years. There's
a children's play area, and a cafe on-site where sandwiches and platters are avail-
able. Schedules are erratic, varying with each exhibition. Klosteret 17, Nordnes.
& 55-90-01-40. A 5-min. walk from Torgallmenningen.
FASHION
Kløverhuset Next to the Fish Market on the harbor, this four-story
shopping center has been Bergen's largest fashion store since 1923. Besides car-
rying the latest in modern design, it also offers bargains, such as moderately
priced and attractively designed knit sweaters, gloves, and Lapp jackets. The spe-
cial gift shop is open only in the summer. Strandgaten 13-15. & 55-31-37-90.
Viking Design Opposite the Flower Market, this shop has the most
unusual knitwear in Bergen—many of its designs have won prizes. In addition
to fashion, there is also a selection of quality pewter produced in Bergen, along
with a selection of intriguing Norwegian gifts and souvenirs. Items purchased
here can be shipped abroad directly from the store. Strandkaien 2A. & 55-31-05-20.