Lysøen, Ole Bull's fantastical summer island about 35 km south of Bergen, is one of the most eccentric historic houses in Norway. The violinist who was in his time compared to Paganini spent his summers here in a wooden villa that combines Norwegian folk motifs, Moorish ornament, and onion domes in an exuberant pastiche that should be ridiculous and is in fact charming.
The island is reached by a boat from Buena quay, itself a short drive or bus ride from Bergen. The house is preserved as Bull left it — sheet music and instruments still in the music room — and the island's trails through birch woods and along the rocky shore are delightful on a summer day. A perfect half-day excursion from Bergen.