"You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book." (Dr. Seuss)…read more Oh the Places You'll Go in Bergen! Whether you're Going on a Bear Hunt, or looking to lose yourself in tales of adventure, look no further than Where the Sidewalk Ends. Literally, look no further, as the store graces the corner of Strandgaten and Torgallmenningen. Norli is one of Norway's largest bookstores with 88 locations across the country. The large Strandgaten Norli that we visited spanned two floors...and multiple stories. Though the store was extremely crowded, the organized layout and modern, minimalist décor helped the space feel less claustrophobic. Though it lacked the character of a smaller independent bookstore, the store was squeaky clean and held several surprises within, including a spiral staircase to the second floor. The staircase was a piece of art in itself, reminding me of an Ammonite fossil when viewed from the top downwards. Aside from the sea of books, many other goodies could be found from cards, notebooks, writing utensils, and calendars to stuffed animals, games, and backpacks. In a surprising plot twist, witty signs with phrases like, "We are more than brutal Vikings, you know! Or are we...," mounted several of the book tables, providing incriminating proof that Norwegians are capable of more humor than they dare admit. Someone alert the bookarazzi! Most of the second floor was dedicated to the Norli Junior book section, Where the Wild Things Are. An area was also designated to keep munchkins occupied, comprised of owl chairs, and a table of contents including paper, and writing utensils. I only purchased two books for my nephew from this store, Lille Frosk and Gravosaurer, a book about construction trucks with dinosaur features. Though I have no idea what any of the words mean, there are plenty that appear to be onomatopoeic. I'll just do my best to pronounce them with extra animation in Fauxrwegian. If you visit Bergen, take a page out of my book and stop in to find a souvenir for your favorite bookworm or bibliophile...even if they can't read in Norwegian. Someone will Love You Forever if you do! I give Norli Strandgaten a rating of 4.4/5 chapters of Harry Potter Og Fangen Fra Azkaban

The "House of Litterature" in Bergen contains so much more than the restaurant that it has so far…read morebeen reviewed for. The establishment opened January 2013 and is the "home" for writers in Bergen, as well as a stage for debates, readings, launches, kids' events etc. In addition it has a brasserie and a café on the first level. One Tuesday every month they are hosting the event "Ut med språket", focusing on linguistics and the history and meaning behind common and less common words in the Norwegian language. The show is lead by the TV personality Linda Eide, together with professor in Nordic languages, Gunnstein Akselberg. They also have various guests attending, in addition to an engaged audience. Last Tuesday that guest happened to be my sister, invited to present dialect words from our home town, in addition to discuss her work on her master thesis; looking into the use of "-ish" in the Norwegian language. The show is entertaining (in Norwegian) and is representing just one of the experiences you can get from visiting Litteraturhuset in Bergen.

I trust my nose and it led me over for a quick lunch. Definitely a must try if you are visiting…read moreBergen. Can try next time for dinner as well because of good food and atmosphere..

One of my favourite watering holes in Bergen. Apollon is a bar and record shop, and although I do…read morenot have a record player I absolutely love going here for the atmosphere/vibe and the great selection of Norwegian draft beers.

An astounding 20+ draft beer selection. Selections leaned also to the specialty micro brews with…read morespecial ingredients. My blueberry Russian Imperial stout +12% was a dream with muscles. 2 small outdoor table and chairs with bar seatings by the windows. Its small because its also a vinyl album store. It plays a wide range of music.