Bergen - Norway - page 288

QUILTS
Anne Kari's Quilt Shop Winter nights are long and dark in Bergen, and as
a means of fighting off the cold and loneliness, many residents divert themselves
with quilting and the perfection of quilting patterns. At this cramped and claus-
trophobic shop near the National Theater, you'll find all manner of quilting sup-
plies, any of which can keep you diverted for days or months at a time.
Teatergaten 25. & 55-23-24-40.
SHOPPING MALL
Galleriet This is the most important shopping complex in the Bergen area,
with 70 stores offering tax-free shopping. Close to the Fish Market, it displays a
wide array of merchandise and features summer sales and special exhibitions. It
has several fast-food establishments, too. Torgalmenningen 8. & 55-30-05-00.
SPORTSWEAR
G-Sport Gågaten This store has virtually everything you'd need for every
sport available within Norway. Inventory changes radically throughout the sea-
sons, with an emphasis on cycling and hiking in summer and downhill and
cross-country skiing in winter. There are special high-energy food supplies (1
tablespoon will give you the temporary strength of a gorilla), and high-tech out-
door gear whose high price tag reflects the newest trends in sportswear and
rough-weather gear. Strandgaten 59. & 55-23-22-22.
WROUGHT IRON
Smijern Kunst Iron-mongering has been practiced in Norway for thousands
of years. Here, the standards of the craft take form in fanciful wrought-iron
lamps, door hardware, light fixtures, candleholders, and household gift items.
Strandgaten 21. & 55-32-71-70.

8 Bergen After Dark
THE PERFORMING ARTS
Den National Scene September to June is the season for Norway's old-
est theater, founded in the mid-19th century. It stages classical Norwegian and
international drama, contemporary plays, and musical drama, as well as visiting
opera and ballet productions. Engen 1. &

55-54-97-00. Tickets 180NOK-280NOK

($26-$40). Bus: 2, 3, or 4.
Grieghallen The modern Grieg Hall, which opened in 1978, is
Bergen's monumental showcase for music, drama, and a host of other cultural
events. The stage is large enough for an entire grand opera production, and the
main foyer comfortably seats 1,500 guests for lunch or dinner. Snack bars pro-
vide drinks and light snacks throughout the performances. The upper floors
house the offices of the Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Bergen Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1765, performs here from
August to May, often on Thursday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 12:30pm. Its
repertoire consists of classical and contemporary music, as well as visiting opera
productions. International conductors and soloists perform periodically. Edvard
Griegs Plass 1. & 55-21-61-00. Tickets 100NOK-350NOK ($14-$50). Closed July. Bus: 2, 3, or 4.
SUMMER CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
Bergen Folklore The Bergen Folklore dancing troupe performs from June
to August on Tuesday at 9pm. The program, which lasts about an hour, consists
of traditional folk dances and music from rural Norway. Tickets are on sale at the