Bergen, Norway

Capital City

Expect rainy days, lots of them - over 200 annually. Bergen's population is just 95,889, yet the cost of living is steep with average incomes of 426,000 kroner for men and 238,000 for women. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city divided into eight boroughs each with their own local administrations. However, the temperate oceanic climate keeps winters mild, and the city is sheltered from North Sea winds by a ring of mountains. If you can tolerate the rain and red tape, Bergen offers natural beauty, a lively arts scene, and easy access to Norway's famous fjords.