The Old Bergen Museum in Norway is a magical place to come if you live in a busy hectic city. It is tucked away on the coast and sprawls up the mountain that forms the side of the Bergen North Sea Fjord.

This is a very well-constructed open air museum where the designers have paid particular attention to detail. I love the cut out heart shapes on the outside toilets to give ventilation as well as light.

You feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and stepped back in time to a more simpler lifestyle. If you are visiting Gamle Bergen with children, as well as bringing bread to feed the geese and ducks, pack towels and bathing costumes so they can paddle in the sea on the small beach.

The old school house is fun to show your children what conditions at school used to be like. If the building is open you can look through old text books. Other buildings include a dentist, Bakers, Barbers, photographers and a watchmakers.

Try to take the official guided tour as the staff open more of the houses. The rich Victorian merchants house has been decorated in the fashion of the 1870s. It has large heavy curtains, potted plants and soft padded furniture.

Do not just stick to walking around the main cobbled streets. This is your time to be nosey. Explore the side alleyways and back gardens. No one is going to tell you off.

You are allowed and encouraged to do so. Notice that all the buildings, although constructed of wood, are built on big stone foundations to help stop the wood rotting and getting damp. Do not wear high heeled shoes to visit Gamle Bergen open air museum. You will break your ankle or loose a heel because of the cobbled streets.

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