Social Programme

Welcome Reception and Ice Breaker

Date: Wednesday 21 September 2016

Time: 19:00-22:00

Location: Zachariasbryggen (Microbrewery in the 3rd floor).

Join us for an informal gathering before the conference begins - meet colleagues, old friends and new in a relaxed setting. Zachariasbryggen is a wharf in the heart of the main harbour.

Zachariasbryggen (© T. Kurz)

Conference Dinner on Mount Fløyen

Date: Thursday 22 September 2016

Time: 19:15-22:30

Location: Fløien Folkerestaurant

Mount Fløyen, 320m above Bergen harbour, offers an amazing view across the city of Bergen, as well as the surrounding mountains, fjords and islands. It is one of the best-known attractions in the region, one of the "seven mountains" around the city, and the gateway to kilometres of hiking, cycling and even cross-country skiing tracks. In addition, Fløyen boasts a unique restaurant, the Fløien Folkerestaurant. This will be the location for the VGC conference dinner, and we are looking forward to sharing good food and stunning vistas in what will be a location to experience.

We will take the Fløibanen funicular to the top (ticket included), or you can walk if you are feeling sporty (c. 40 minutes). The bottom station is in the heart of Bergen, 150 m from Fisketorget – the fish market – and Bryggen wharf, and it takes just ten minutes to walk from the conference hotel through the centre of Bergen.

   

Fløien Funicular (© Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS) and Panorama of Mount Fløien and Bergen (© Bergen Reiselivslag / Jan M. Lillebø)

Post Conference Group Activities

Don't need to travel back home immediately after the conference? We will suggest some activites to make your visit to Bergen even more unforgettable.

Hike on the Bergen City Mountains (Byfjellene)

Date: Saturday 24 September 2016

Time: 10:00

Duration: 2-3 hours

Start location: Fløibanen top station

One of the greatest things about city of Bergen is its proximity to nature. The protected hills and forests surround the city, squeezing it into valleys and onto the shorelines of the fjords. This closeness to the Norwegian landscape makes it well-used by the local population, with kilometres of walking paths within a stone's throw of the heart of the city. Hiking Byfjellene is a classic occupation for all ages, with routes for all fitness levels. Conference participants who are still in town on Saturday will have the chance to participate in a guided hiking tour around the main Fløyen area, where we will show some of the hidden yet accessible gems. Exact itinerary and duration will depend on the weather conditions and group, though stunning views of the city, secluded lakes and towering trees can be expected. This is likely to be announced at short notice, once we know the expected weather conditions. Full details will be announced during the conference.

The trails and paths we will use are not difficult, and will mainly be gravel tracks. Please ensure you have appropriate footwear and clothing (including waterproof) to match the weather and potentially changing conditions. The hike will start at the Fløibanen top station, 320m ASL (same location as the conference dinner, above).

If you are interested in joining this hike, please sign-up at the registration desk during the conference.