Nøstet District

Bergen is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. The folks from Ålesund might have something to say about that, but aside from them, most people would agree! To truly feel this place’s magic, you need to stroll through its neighbourhoods, where colourful wooden houses line the winding streets. You’re now in the southern part of the Nøstet district, an ideal spot to wander along cobbled lanes and soak up the charm of traditional Bergen architecture. You won’t see many brick houses around here. Brick doesn’t hold up well in Norway’s climate, and it’s expensive to insure. Most Norwegian homes are made of wooden panels that keep the structure light, flexible, and easier to heat. They tend to be small and cosy, with compact rooms that retain heat well and sloped roofs to shed the snow. The windows are also small to minimise heat loss, and you’ll see a chimney or wood-burning stove at the heart of nearly every home. You may have noticed that every house has an outdoor light. This is required by law to help cope with the long, dark winter days, when night can fall as early as 3pm. With all that in mind, it’s no wonder Norwegians put so much care into their interiors, making them warm, bright, and beautifully welcoming places to come home to.