Bergen hosts the tall ships race

Norway’s second largest city of Bergen will be celebrating its maritime heritage as it plays host to the prestigious Tall Ships Race next month. Starting in Liverpool the ships will sail to Måløy also on Norway’s west coast and arrive in Bergen on Saturday August 9th. They will stay for four days before then making their way to Van Helder in Holland.

About 80 vessels have signed up to the race which is held throughout Europe every summer. The sailing ships are crewed by some 5,000-6,000 young people from more than 30 countries worldwide.

A programme of activities has been arranged for the time the ships are in port in Bergen, including an opening ceremony, crew parade, firework display and sporting activities for the ships’ crew.

Bergen will also focus on giving the crews an opportunity to become more familiar with shanty and sea-song tradition. A special contest will take place for them on the main stage at the harbour on Monday August 11th.

The last time the city hosted the Tall Ships Race was in 2001, when it won an award for the best host port.

Getting to Bergen couldn’t be easier. Fly direct from London Stansted with fares starting at just £56 one way including tax – see Norwegian.no.

For more information about the Tall Ships Race go to Tallshipsracesbergen.no.

Further information about the city can be found at visitbergen.com and more information about holidaying in Norway is available at visitnorway.co.uk.